Can I include my children, parents, or in-Laws in the Portugal Golden Visa? What families need to know in 2025

When legacy-minded families explore the Portugal Golden Visa, one of the first questions that arises isn’t about funds or real estate—it’s about family.

Can I include my adult children? My elderly parents? My spouse’s parents?

The short answer is: yes—if you meet the legal and dependence criteria. But the longer, strategic answer is far more nuanced—and that’s where experience makes all the difference.

Children Over 18: not always excluded

Many high-net-worth families assume that once a child turns 18, they’re no longer eligible for inclusion. That’s not quite true in Portugal.

Under current rules, children over 18 can be included in your Golden Visa application if they are:

• Unmarried

• Financially dependent on you

• Enrolled in full-time education

  
  

In practice, this typically applies to university students still living at home or abroad. However, it’s not enough to simply state they’re dependent—you must provide evidence: tuition receipts, bank records, and proof of cohabitation or ongoing financial support.

Also note that children must maintain this status and tick all 3 boxes at application stage, at each renewal and at citizenship application stage.

And yes, documentation must be thorough. Portuguese authorities expect a clear paper trail.

Including Parents and In-Laws: Know the Criteria

Portugal is one of the more flexible EU countries when it comes to extended family inclusion—particularly for aging parents or in-laws.

You may include parents or in-laws if:

• They are over 65 (no dependence required), or

• They are financially dependent on you (regardless of age)

  
  

This opens the door to including elderly relatives who may live with you, rely on you for support, or are unable to sustain themselves independently. Again, proof is everything. Income statements, healthcare dependencies, and bank statements will be reviewed carefully.

In-laws can also be included (it is of course up to you to share this with them!)  As long as they meet the same criteria, they can be included in your application just like your own parents.

Key Distinctions vs Other Countries

Portugal is more inclusive than some of its EU peers:

• Malta Permanent Residency Program allows adult children below age 29 (if unmarried and largely financially dependent).

• Italy Investor Visa includes children up to 18 and dependent parents over age 65

• Greece Golden Visa allows children up to 21, with possible extensions for students up to 24; parents of both the applicant and spouse can be included with no age limit  or dependence required.

  
  

Each of these programs has subtle distinctions that matter, especially for global families with members scattered across jurisdictions. That’s why a one-size-fits-all migration firm won’t cut it.

What to Expect in 2025 and Beyond

Portugal’s Golden Visa regime continues to evolve. While real estate as a qualifying asset has been removed, fund-based options remain. But family inclusion rules have not tightened—yet.

If your goal is to secure long-term EU access for your family—not just yourself—2025 presents a window of opportunity. Governments are responding to political pressure and EU harmonization efforts. Eligibility rules could change with little notice.

We advise clients not to assume next year’s rules will mirror today’s. Strategic families act before programs are restricted.

Final Thought: Your Family, Your Legacy

Mobility isn’t just about you—it’s about the people who rely on you. A second residency should offer more than a visa stamp; it should future-proof your family’s freedom, wealth, and choices.

At Ilana Insider, we don’t just process applications—we build bespoke, compliant strategies that support multigenerational mobility.

Ready to map your family’s path to global freedom? Request a private consultation.