Family members in European residence by investment routes
Which family members can join a residence by investment permit in Cyprus, Greece, Malta and Portugal in 2026: spouses, children, parents and grandparents.
For many investors, the decisive question is not the minimum investment but who can be included. A programme that covers the investor’s parents or adult children can save a family a separate application, or the need to choose a second country altogether. The four EU programmes we follow treat family members in noticeably different ways.
The headline figures for each programme are compared in our overview of European residence by investment programmes. This article looks only at family scope, using the official criteria and legislation as of October 2026.
Key takeaways
- All four programmes include a spouse and minor children.
- Greece includes children up to 21, Portugal dependent students up to 25 and Malta dependent unmarried children up to 28.
- Greece, Malta and Portugal can include parents, while Cyprus does not list them as dependants.
- Malta alone extends to grandparents, against an additional contribution.
- Adding family members may raise income tests, fees or the investment itself.
A comparison of family scope
| Family member | Cyprus | Greece | Malta | Portugal |
|---|
|—|—|—|—|—|
| Spouse or partner | Yes | Yes | Yes, including civil unions | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Children | Under 18 | Under 21 | Under 18, or unmarried and dependent up to 28 | Up to 17, or dependent students up to 25 |
| Parents | Not listed | Parents of both spouses | Dependent, not in full-time work | Dependent parents |
| Grandparents | No | No | Dependent, not in full-time work | No |
Cyprus
Under the Cyprus criteria for Regulation 6(2), the permit covers the spouse and children under 18. Unmarried children aged 18 to 25 who are financially dependent and studying at a university abroad can apply separately, with the parents showing an extra €10,000 of annual income for each of them. Adult children who are not dependent can be included if the investment is multiplied, for example €600,000 for one adult child, and each adult child meets the income test in their own right. Each additional family member also raises the income threshold, by €15,000 for a spouse and €10,000 for each minor child.
The full Cyprus rules are in our guide to Cyprus permanent residency by investment.
Greece
The Greek golden visa extends to the spouse or registered partner, children under 21 and the parents of both the investor and the spouse. Each receives their own permit, linked to the investor’s, and the permits are renewed together while the investment is held. What happens when a child passes 21 should be discussed with a Greek lawyer well in advance.
If you are planning for parents or older children, our Greece residency page explains how we prepare family applications.
Malta
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme has the broadest definition of dependants. Subsidiary Legislation 217.26 includes the spouse, children under 18, unmarried children up to 28 who are principally dependent on the applicant, adult children with a certified disability, and parents or grandparents of the applicant or spouse who are not in full-time employment and are principally dependent. An additional contribution is payable for dependent adult children, parents and grandparents. The main applicant must provide an affidavit confirming support for each dependant over 18, other than the spouse. Eligibility is explained in our article on Malta MPRP eligibility.
Portugal
Portugal handles family members through family reunification, which can be requested at the same time as the investor’s ARI application but depends on the investor’s permit being granted. AIMA lists the spouse, children up to 17, dependent unmarried children aged 18 to 25 who are studying, dependent parents of the investor or the spouse, and minor siblings under the investor’s legal guardianship. Renewal for the whole family is covered in our guide to Portugal golden visa renewal.
Practical points for families
Evidence of relationship is required in every programme, usually through apostilled and translated birth and marriage certificates. Where a child’s parents are separated, the consent of the other parent or a court order on custody is normally needed. Dependency for adult children and parents must be shown with documents, such as proof of financial support, enrolment at a school or university, or evidence that a parent is not in full-time work.
Timing also matters. A child who reaches the age limit during the process may lose eligibility, so files for older children should be prepared early. Health insurance is required for each family member in most programmes, and criminal record certificates are generally needed for adult family members, and in Malta for everyone over 14.
If you would like to talk through how these rules might apply to your own circumstances, our team would be glad to help. You can call +357 979 42 388 or write to us through our contact page.
Frequently asked questions
Which programme is best for multi-generational families?
Malta, which can include dependent parents and grandparents, followed by Greece, which includes the parents of both spouses.
Can my adult son join my Cyprus permit?
Only if he is a dependent student up to 25 applying separately, or if the investment is increased and he meets the income test himself.
Do family members need separate health insurance?
Generally yes. Each family member must be covered, either by private insurance or, where applicable, by the national health system.
Sources
- Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection, Cyprus, Immigration permits for investors, as of October 2026.
- Ministry of Migration and Asylum, Greece, Golden Visa, as of October 2026.
- Laws of Malta, Subsidiary Legislation 217.26, as amended by L.N. 146 of 2025.
- AIMA, Portugal, Residence permit for investment, Article 90-A, as of October 2026.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal, tax or investment advice. Figures are stated as of 2026 and may change; confirm current requirements with the relevant authority and an independent adviser before acting. AT Express is a private consultancy and is not affiliated with any government or official programme.
Featured image: “Family in a plaza from above (Unsplash)” by Gabriel Garcia Marengo gabrielgm, via Wikimedia Commons, CC0 (public domain dedication).
Please note. This article is for general information only and reflects our understanding at the date of publication. Programme rules, thresholds and fees are set by each government and can change at short notice. It is not legal, tax or financial advice; please check the current position with us or the relevant authority before acting.
By the AT Express editorial team · Published 30 October 2026 · Updated 31 October 2026
