The Portuguese Golden Visa offers not just EU residency for investors but also life-changing family relocation opportunities. For many applicants, the ultimate goal is not simply an additional passport option but moving their spouse, children, and parents into a country known for safety, stability, and quality of life.
If you’re planning to relocate your family to Portugal through the Golden Visa in 2025, it’s important to approach the move strategically — considering everything from schools and housing to healthcare, taxation, and cultural integration.
This guide provides a comprehensive step-by-step plan for relocating your family under the Portuguese Golden Visa program.
Step 1: Secure Residency for the Whole Family
The Golden Visa allows you to include your family in one application. Qualifying dependents include:
- Your spouse or legal partner.
- Children under 18.
- Dependent adult children in full-time education (typically up to 26).
- Dependent parents of either spouse.
All family members receive residence cards with the same rights as the principal applicant — including healthcare, education, and eventual EU citizenship eligibility.
Step 2: Choose the Right City or Region
Portugal offers very different lifestyles depending on where your family settles:
- Lisbon & Cascais: Best for international schools, thriving expat communities, and global connectivity.
- Porto: Affordable, authentic culture with great healthcare and education systems.
- Algarve: Sun-drenched coastal lifestyle, ideal for retirees and families wanting outdoor living.
- Coimbra: Best for families prioritizing education (home to Portugal’s top university).
- Braga or Évora: Affordable, family-friendly cities offering lower living costs and cultural richness.
Step 3: Find Family-Friendly Housing
Housing choices will depend on family size, budget, and location.
- Apartments in Lisbon/Porto: €1,500–€2,500/month for family-sized homes.
- Villas in Algarve/Cascais: €2,000–€3,500/month for properties with pools and gardens.
- Smaller City Homes: €800–€1,200/month for spacious family apartments.
Tip: Many families opt for furnished rentals during the first year before buying property (though note: real estate is no longer a qualifying Golden Visa investment).
Golden Visa families can access the full range of Portuguese education:
Step 4: Enroll Children in Education
- Public Schools: Free and available to residents. Classes are in Portuguese, which fosters integration but may require extra language support.
- Private Schools: Annual fees €4,000–€8,000.
- International Schools: Offering English, French, and IB curriculums. Tuition ranges €7,000–€15,000/year.
Popular international schools include:
- Carlucci American International School (Lisbon).
- St. Julian’s School (Cascais).
- Oporto British School (Porto).
Step 5: Set Up Healthcare for the Family
Golden Visa holders access both public and private healthcare.
- Enroll in Portugal’s SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde) to access low-cost public care.
- Supplement with private health insurance for faster access and English-speaking professionals.
- Costs: €500–€1,000/year per family member for good private plans.
Step 6: Plan Tax Residency & Wealth Strategy
You are not automatically tax resident as a Golden Visa holder. You become a tax resident if:
- Spending more than 183 days/year in Portugal, or
- Maintaining a permanent home.
If relocating full-time, apply for the Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) regime, which provides:
- Flat 10% tax on pensions.
- Exemptions or reduced taxation on foreign income (dividends, royalties).
- Lasts for 10 years.
Family financial planning should align with residency rules to avoid surprises.
Step 7: Prepare for Language and Integration
Although English is widely spoken, particularly in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, learning Portuguese makes integration smoother.
- Adults seeking citizenship after 5 years must complete an A2-level Portuguese exam.
- Many families enroll children in public schools early to accelerate language acquisition.
- Expat communities can ease the transition while the family learns.
Step 8: Build a Family Lifestyle in Portugal
Portugal consistently ranks high for safety, lifestyle, and family comfort:
- Safety: One of the top 10 safest countries globally.
- Climate: Long summers and mild winters.
- Outdoor Activities: Beaches, surfing, sailing, hiking, and golf.
- Culture: Historic towns, festivals, and rich heritage for children to experience.
Example Relocation Plan
Family of Four Moving in 2025
- Residence: Secured Golden Visa for all family members.
- Settlement Location: Cascais (near Lisbon with international schools).
- Housing: 3-bedroom home, €2,200/month.
- Education: Two children enrolled at St. Julian’s (€12,000/year each).
- Healthcare: Private insurance package (€3,000/year for family).
- Integration: Parents learning Portuguese at community school, children attending Portuguese classes at school.
Conclusion
Relocating your family under Portugal’s Golden Visa is a structured yet highly rewarding process. From inclusive residency rights to access to education, healthcare, and a tranquil lifestyle, the program provides stability today and EU citizenship opportunities in just five years.
Whether you choose a cosmopolitan city, cultural hub, or peaceful coastal town, Portugal offers world-class family living with affordability and long-term security.
Next Step
Planning to relocate your family with a Golden Visa? Our relocation experts assist with school enrollment, housing, healthcare setup, and immigration compliance so your move is seamless. Contact us today to plan your family’s future in Portugal.