Amidst the global immigration boom, welfare benefits have become a core consideration for many families when choosing an immigration destination. From healthcare and education resources to pension systems and social welfare, the policy designs of different countries directly determine the quality of life after immigration. Based on multi-dimensional data and real-world examples, Greece, Portugal, Canada, Australia, and Japan have become popular choices in the global immigration market due to their comprehensive and high-quality welfare systems.
Greece’s welfare system is renowned for its “high cost-effectiveness.” Its real estate investment immigration policy allows applicants to obtain permanent residency for three generations of their family by investing €250,000 in real estate. This policy not only has a low threshold but also extensive welfare coverage: the main applicant, their spouse, children under 21, and both parents can enjoy top-tier EU medical resources, including free emergency care, surgery, and chronic disease management. Even more attractive is that tuition fees at Greek international schools are only half that of similar schools in the UK and the US, and graduates can directly apply to prestigious universities in Europe and America, providing “double insurance” for children’s education. Furthermore, the Greek real estate market has performed strongly in recent years, with property prices in popular areas rising by 15% annually and rental yields remaining stable at over 5%, achieving dual appreciation of “residency + assets.”
Portugal’s welfare advantages lie in its “long-term security.” Its Golden Visa program grants residency through a €500,000 investment or a €350,000 cultural heritage restoration investment, requiring only 7 days of residency in the first year, and maintaining residency through a cumulative 14 days every two years thereafter. Portugal boasts one of the highest public healthcare subsidies in Europe, with premiums only one-third of those in Nordic countries, and has been ranked among the top three globally for healthcare satisfaction for five consecutive years. For retirement immigrants, Portugal’s mild climate and low cost of living (approximately RMB 120,000 per family per year) further enhance their quality of life.
Canada is renowned for its “universal welfare,” with its healthcare system covering all citizens, permanent residents, and legal work permit holders. Hospitalization costs for food and medication are free, alleviating the financial burden on residents. In education, Canada offers 12 years of free public education, university tuition fees are significantly lower than in the United States, and immigrant children enjoy tuition discounts (60% lower than international students). Furthermore, Canada has a comprehensive pension system, providing stable retirement security for eligible applicants.
Australia’s welfare system is characterized by its “comprehensive and balanced” approach. Australia’s Medicare system provides free or heavily subsidized public healthcare services to permanent residents. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) covers exorbitantly priced cancer drugs, reducing patients’ annual out-of-pocket expenses to as low as AU$30. In education, Australia boasts seven QS World University Rankings top 100 universities, and its 12 years of free public education saves over AU$20,000 annually. For highly skilled workers, Australia offers both employer-sponsored and skilled migration pathways, with salaries among the highest globally, averaging over AU$80,000 per year for full-time employees.
Japan’s welfare system is known for its “refined services.” Its universal health insurance covers all medicines and equipment, and its separation of prescribing and dispensing avoids the problem of expensive drugs. For children aged 0-6, the government provides up to 80% reimbursement for medical expenses; adults aged 6-70 receive 70% reimbursement; and those over 75 receive up to 90% reimbursement. Furthermore, Japan’s educational resources are balanced, public schools have strong teaching staff, and international schools offer excellent value for money, with tuition fees only one-third of similar schools in the UK and US.
For families seeking a comprehensive understanding of immigration policies across different countries, attending immigration expos is an efficient way to obtain firsthand information. For example, the upcoming Shanghai Immigration Expo will bring together global immigration service agencies, legal advisors, and real estate companies, offering policy interpretations, case studies, and one-on-one consultations. Through such expos, immigrants can not only compare welfare policies of different countries but also customize immigration plans based on their individual needs, providing strong support for their family’s future planning.
