For many hoping to immigrate to Greece through the Golden Visa program, whether their entire family can obtain residency permits is a crucial factor in deciding whether to apply. Fortunately, Greece’s Golden Visa program allows the main applicant to apply with eligible family members, enabling the family to jointly enjoy residency rights, live in Greece, and even travel within the Schengen Area. However, this is not “automatically applicable to all relatives,” but rather has clearly defined legal definitions of “family members” and “eligibility conditions.” Understanding these conditions is crucial for assessing whether it is appropriate to apply with a spouse, children, or parents, and how to prepare the necessary documents. This article will guide you through understanding who qualifies as a “family member,” the conditions they must meet, and the application process and restrictions. Who qualifies as a “family member”?   – Spouse or Registered Partner – The main applicant’s legally married spouse, or a partner who has legally signed a cohabitation agreement (civilunion/cohabitation agreement) in Greece, can also be considered a family member.   – Children – The main applicant’s or their spouse’s/partner’s unmarried children can apply for residency permits as family members. Generally, this applies to children who are unmarried and under the maximum age limit.   – Parents / Both Parents (Immediate Ascending Relatives) – In most cases, the principal applicant’s own parents, as well as the parents of their spouse/partner, can also be included in the category of dependents.   – Independent Application vs. Subsequent Addition – It is not necessarily required that all dependents apply at the same time as the principal applicant. Dependents can apply for their own residence permits separately after the principal applicant has obtained their visa.   Therefore, “dependents” has a broad scope: not only spouses and minors/children, but may also…

In recent years, with the rise in international investment immigration demand, Greece has made significant adjustments to its “Golden Visa” policy (i.e., obtaining residency through investment). In particular, starting in 2024, the government has categorized the minimum investment amount for obtaining a visa through real estate by region, significantly raising the investment standards for properties in popular areas. Understanding these latest requirements is crucial for investors intending to apply for residency through this program. This article will outline the main requirements and applicable conditions to help you clarify the current “entry fee.” Why are the requirements categorized?   The Greek government aims to balance the real estate market, curb excessively rapid price increases in popular areas, and encourage capital inflows into less populated or less developed regions. The updated system sets different investment thresholds based on multiple dimensions: “geographical location + property type + purpose.” For applicants, this means that “obtaining a Golden Visa through real estate purchase” is no longer a “one-size-fits-all” option, but rather requires meeting different thresholds depending on the location and type of property you intend to purchase, thus affecting investment costs and expected returns. New Thresholds: Three Tiers High-End Popular Areas — €800,000 Threshold This tier has the highest threshold for high-demand, relatively expensive, and popular cities and islands—such as the capital city and tourist islands. The specific requirement is the purchase of a single property with a minimum area of ​​120 square meters. ([INC Capital][2]) Applicable areas include the capital region (e.g., Athens and its surrounding areas), as well as some islands or cities with high population and tourism demand, and highly sought after by overseas buyers. ([La Vida Golden Visas][3]) Regular Areas — €400,000 Threshold For those in less popular areas, specifically those in Greece with lower population and tourism pressure, the threshold…

The global real estate market is undergoing complex and profound changes, with significant divergence in housing price trends across different countries and regions. This divergence is the result of a complex interplay of factors, including economic fundamentals, demographic structure, policy adjustments, and international capital flows. Understanding these core drivers is crucial for seizing overseas real estate investment opportunities. The US real estate market is exhibiting characteristics of “high-level consolidation” between 2024 and 2025. Although mortgage rates have remained above 6% for an extended period, significantly suppressing housing demand, the high-end residential market in core cities remains resilient. For example, in New York City, sales of ultra-luxury apartments in Manhattan (priced over $20 million) reached a new high since 2019, and listing prices in areas like Central Park South have increased by nearly 90% year-on-year due to land scarcity. This stark contrast stems from the risk aversion needs of high-net-worth individuals and intergenerational wealth transfer—trillions of dollars in assets transferred from the baby boomer generation to the millennial generation have directly driven up asset prices in prime locations. Meanwhile, emerging areas like Brooklyn and Queens have become growth engines due to their cost-effectiveness. East Flushing, driven by new commercial complexes and excellent school districts, saw its median home price surge by 51% in a year, reflecting young families’ dual pursuit of quality living and convenient commuting. The logic behind rising house prices in Australia and Japan stems more from supply-demand imbalances and monetary factors. Australia has seen house prices rise for 18 consecutive months, with cities like Perth and Adelaide experiencing increases exceeding 14% over two years. The fundamental reason is the surge in housing demand driven by a surge in immigration. In 2023, the country’s net immigration exceeded 400,000, while the housing supply gap reached 2.1 million units, leading to…

Driven by globalization, studying abroad has become a crucial pathway for many students to broaden their horizons and enhance their competitiveness. However, the high cost of studying abroad often deters many families. In this context, student loans and sound financial planning become key to overcoming financial difficulties. These core issues are frequently the focus at various study abroad expos, offering attendees one-stop solutions. Student loans, as a dedicated educational funding tool, offer families flexible financial supplementation options. For example, institutions like MPOWER offer unsecured student loan products covering undergraduate and graduate studies, with loan amounts dynamically adjusted based on tuition shortfalls, reaching up to $100,000. This loan model breaks through the limitations of traditional mortgage loans, making it particularly suitable for families with insufficient assets but strong repayment capabilities. It’s important to note that loan applications must fully disclose the source of funds, including personal savings, scholarships, and sponsorships, to ensure accurate assessment of actual needs and prevent over-borrowing. For instance, if a student has already received partial scholarships or family savings, the lending institution will reduce the loan amount accordingly, ensuring precise and efficient use of funds. The depth and breadth of financial planning directly impact the sustainability of the study abroad experience. At study abroad expos, professional consultants often emphasize the principle of “budgeting in advance”: using the “Cost of Attendance” tool on the school’s official website, students can calculate fixed expenses such as tuition, accommodation, and insurance in advance, and create a dynamic budget based on the cost of living data of the target country. For example, in the United States, the average annual tuition for private universities is approximately $30,000 to $60,000, while living expenses can range from $15,000 to $30,000 per year depending on the region. A reasonable plan requires reserving 10%-15% as emergency funds…

Driven by globalization, immigration and property investment have become important options for many people planning their future lives. Immigration expos, as a core platform bringing together global real estate resources and immigration services, not only provide exhibitors with opportunities to access international projects but also serve as an efficient venue for acquiring key information and establishing industry connections. However, faced with a dazzling array of booths and a dense flow of information within the exhibition hall, how to efficiently navigate the expo and accurately capture core resources becomes crucial to the success of participation. This article systematically outlines strategies for navigating immigration expos, from pre-exhibition preparation and on-site execution to follow-up, helping exhibitors achieve the dual goals of information acquisition and resource conversion. Adequate preparation before attending the expo is the foundation for efficient participation. First, it’s essential to clarify your core objectives: are you looking for investment immigration projects in a specific country, focusing on supporting resources such as education and healthcare, or hoping to connect with immigration lawyers and tax experts? Once your objectives are clear, you can obtain the exhibitor directory, booth layout, and event schedule in advance through the expo’s official website or mini-program. For example, one immigration expo brought together over 200 real estate projects from more than 30 countries worldwide, covering residential, commercial, and land investment properties. Pre-screening booths that match your goals can prevent aimless wandering at the expo. Prepare two lists of materials: one for personal information, including passport copies, proof of assets, and other basic documents; the other for a list of questions, such as “project investment return cycle,” “immigration residency requirements,” and “tax planning solutions,” to ensure you can get straight to the point when communicating with exhibitors. Additionally, it’s recommended to print your personal WeChat QR code on a…

When discussing European investment immigration, many people’s first reaction is: “Do I actually have to move there? Is there a residency requirement?”Behind these questions are two core concerns: 1. Will it affect my career, family, and company operations in my home country? 2. Will the high residency requirements prevent me from maintaining my status?Especially for Chinese and Asian investors, the common model is “person in China, status in Europe”—hoping for global asset allocation, children’s education, and tax planning, but not intending to reside there immediately.However, policies vary greatly from country to country: some have almost no residency requirements, some only require a symbolic visit; and a few countries have strict requirements, even requiring long-term residency to maintain status or apply for permanent residency/passport. Therefore, residency requirements not only determine whether you can successfully maintain your status, but also whether you can actually obtain permanent residency or a passport in the future.   Which countries almost don’t require residency? Which do? How much residency? Are there any hidden rules? Which type of person should choose which system? -Do I need to reside there? See National Policies -Minimal Residency Requirement (“0% Residency”)   This type of policy is best suited for the “status + asset planning” model, where applicants don’t intend to relocate but simply want a legal residency pathway.   Typical characteristics: No mandatory residency; Only one visit per year or maintaining basic investment is required; Easy visa renewal, not time-sensitive. Common programs: Portugal’s fund-based visas, Greece’s Golden Visa (real estate/funds), Maalta permanent residency, Cyprus residency, Italy’s investor visa, etc.   As long as investments are maintained, health insurance is purchased, and there is no criminal record, visa renewal is stable.   Requires Symbolic Visits (Low-Intensity Residency) Only one or two visits per year, or stays of a few days to…

In the ever-changing global investment immigration environment in recent years, regulations on “investment for residency” or “investment for citizenship” have become increasingly stringent in Europe, North America, and Asia, particularly regarding the real estate route. For investors from China and broader Asia, the motivations for obtaining overseas citizenship are often very clear—future planning, family education, diversified asset allocation, tax arrangements, and global mobility. However, in practice, the three most common investment pathways—property purchase, fund investment, and bank deposits/certificates of deposit—are confusing due to policy changes, differences in returns, risk structures, and approval logic. Property purchase seems the most straightforward, but it is no longer the mainstream channel in most countries; the fund route is on the rise, but compliance reviews are more stringent; bank deposits/certificates of deposit are low-cost and low-risk, but the application threshold and the value of the citizenship are often limited. Different methods not only determine the amount of investment and risk but also affect whether tax residency requirements can be met, children’s education planning, and the potential timeline for citizenship.   Therefore, when choosing an investment channel, the key for Chinese/Asian investors is not “which is the most popular,” but rather the investment attributes, residency pathway, risk tolerance, timeline, stability in the face of regulatory changes, and whether it matches the actual needs of the family. The following analysis will examine the characteristics of three methods—property purchase, funds, and deposits—and finally provide overall advice suitable for Asian investors.   Property Purchase: Visible, but with Rising Barriers   For many Chinese and Asian investors, “overseas property purchase” is the most familiar and intuitive investment method—it provides tangible assets, controllable value, rental potential, and the possibility of appreciation. However, property purchase is undergoing significant changes in investment immigration policies, primarily in three aspects:   First, regulations are tightening….

In recent years, the “Golden Visa” system (obtaining residency or citizenship through investment in real estate, donations, or investment funds) has been popular in many European countries, attracting a large number of wealthy non-EU investors. However, with rising housing prices, increasing housing pressure, and growing concerns about money laundering, tax evasion, and security risks, more and more European countries are tightening or canceling these programs. This article aims to review recent changes in major countries, analyze trends, and explore the underlying driving forces and potential impacts. Which countries are tightening or canceling them?   Spain: Complete cancellation of Golden Visas   Spain officially terminated its “Golden Visa/residency by investment” system on April 3, 2025. Since its introduction in 2013, this system has attracted a large number of foreign investors, primarily through real estate investments of at least €500,000 in exchange for residency permits. The Spanish government stated that the main reason for canceling the program was that the system exacerbated rising house prices, impacting the housing affordability of local residents.   Portugal: Cancellation of Real Estate Investment Option, Only Limited Alternative Pathways   Portugal removed the option of obtaining residency through real estate investment in 2023. The existing Golden Visa program was restructured, allowing applications only through investment funds, job creation, scientific research, or cultural heritage. In other words, the previously most popular “buy a house, get a visa” pathway is no longer applicable—reflecting the Portuguese government’s policy adjustments to alleviate the real estate market bubble and housing pressure.   Greece: Significantly Increased Investment Threshold, Substantial Tightening   While Greece has not yet completely canceled its Golden Visa program, it has made strict adjustments to the real estate investment pathway. From August 2024, the minimum investment threshold for popular areas (such as the capital and tourist hotspots) will increase from…

Driven by globalization, immigration has become a significant choice for many seeking new career opportunities and realizing their life’s value. Immigration expos, serving as a crucial bridge between immigrant dreams and reality, not only gather immigration policies and lifestyle information from around the world but also provide new immigrants with valuable resources and inspiration for career planning, helping them embark on a new chapter in their careers abroad. The primary task in post-immigration career planning is clarifying one’s career direction. Immigration expos bring together experts and practitioners from various industries and fields, offering not only cutting-edge industry trends but also profound insights into future career directions. New immigrants can participate in various industry forums and career lectures, engaging in face-to-face exchanges with industry elites to understand the market demands, skill requirements, and development prospects of their target industries. For example, with the increasing global emphasis on sustainable development, industries such as green energy and environmental technology are experiencing unprecedented development opportunities. New immigrants who can keenly grasp this trend and, combined with their professional background, choose these sunrise industries as their career path will undoubtedly lay a solid foundation for future career development. Skills enhancement and certification are key aspects of post-immigration career planning. Different countries have varying requirements for professional skills, and new immigrants need to enhance their competitiveness by participating in professional training and obtaining international certifications. At the immigration expo, numerous training and certification institutions showcased their services, offering one-stop skills enhancement services for new immigrants. From programming languages ​​and data analysis to project management and marketing, a wide variety of courses were available to meet the diverse learning needs of new immigrants. Meanwhile, international certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional) and CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) not only enhance the professional resumes of new immigrants but…

Amidst the ongoing global wave of immigration, new immigrants are increasingly focused on welfare benefits as they integrate into their new environments. Immigration expos, serving as crucial platforms connecting new immigrants with the welfare policies of various countries, not only provide a comprehensive overview of welfare benefits but also become key support for planning their immigrant lives and achieving their immigration status transition. Healthcare is one of the most pressing welfare concerns for new immigrants. In many countries, new immigrants who meet certain conditions can enjoy free or low-cost healthcare services. For example, in Finland, all legal immigrants, including work visa and entrepreneur visa holders, are entitled to medical services at public hospitals. Medical insurance covers most medical expenses, and the drug subsidy policy is particularly generous; once annual drug purchases exceed a certain amount, the remaining costs are waived, and patients with serious illnesses only need to pay a small fee. Canada also prioritizes healthcare, with the government investing heavily in healthcare benefits annually. Except for dental and ophthalmology services, residents do not pay for doctor’s visits, lab tests, hospitalization, or surgery. Most prescription drugs are provided free of charge to seniors over 65 and those receiving social welfare, providing a solid safety net for the health of new immigrants. Educational benefits are also a significant factor attracting new immigrants. Many countries offer high-quality educational resources for their children, from kindergarten to university. Finland has a free education system, with students exempt from tuition and textbook fees, receiving a free lunch daily, and university students receiving substantial monthly government subsidies. Low-interest student loans are also available. Canada provides 12 years of free education from first grade to high school graduation, covering regular classes and a wide variety of after-school activities. There are also childcare subsidies for low-income families, easing…

In the global education landscape, the United States continues to attract students from around the world with its top-tier academic resources and multicultural environment. However, tuition fees, as a key decision-making factor, remain a focal point for families. In 2025, the total cost of studying in the US for one year is significantly affected by the level of education, type of school, major, and location, generally ranging from 300,000 to 1,000,000 RMB. Behind this figure lies the dynamic combination of two core expenditures: tuition and living expenses. Study abroad expos provide students with a window into precisely breaking down the cost structure. Tuition fees are the core variable in study abroad costs, with differences stemming from the scarcity of educational resources and professional barriers. Public universities, due to government subsidies, have relatively affordable tuition, averaging around 150,000 to 300,000 RMB per year for undergraduate programs, but out-of-state students pay higher fees. Private universities, with their small class sizes and top-tier faculty, generally charge between 350,000 and 500,000 RMB per year, with some top institutions like Harvard and Stanford charging over 600,000 RMB per year for business or STEM programs. The choice of major also affects expenses. High-barrier fields like medicine and law have costs 30% to 50% higher than humanities majors due to the increased cost of laboratory equipment and faculty. Meanwhile, popular majors like computer science and finance are seeing rising tuition fees due to strong market demand. For example, the annual tuition for a Master’s program in Computer Science at UC Berkeley is approximately 280,000 RMB, while the MBA program at Harvard Business School costs as much as 560,000 RMB. Living expenses are deeply tied to geographical location. In megacities like New York and San Francisco, annual living expenses can reach 180,000 to 220,000 RMB, with accommodation accounting…

Driven by globalization, studying abroad has become a crucial pathway for many students to broaden their horizons and enhance their personal development. Study abroad fairs, serving as a bridge connecting students with overseas educational resources, not only gather admissions information from top universities worldwide but also provide a valuable opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad. For every student harboring a dream of studying abroad, a comprehensive understanding of the pros and cons is key to making an informed decision. The most direct benefit of studying abroad is undoubtedly broadening horizons and increasing knowledge. When students step into a foreign land, they will personally experience the collision and integration of different cultures, and encounter vastly different lifestyles and ways of thinking. This cross-cultural exchange not only allows students to gain a deeper understanding of the world but also cultivates their global perspective and inclusive mindset. At study abroad fairs, students can interact face-to-face with admissions officers from around the world, learn about the educational characteristics and cultural charm of different countries, and prepare thoroughly for their future study abroad experience. Improved language skills are also a significant advantage of studying abroad. In an all-English or all-foreign-language teaching environment, students are forced to step out of their comfort zones and use the foreign language for daily communication and academic discussions. This immersive language learning often yields twice the results with half the effort. Many students, after returning from studying abroad, not only have made rapid progress in their foreign language proficiency but also possess cross-cultural communication skills, laying a solid foundation for their future career development. At study abroad fairs, many overseas institutions offer language tests and consultation sessions to help students assess their language levels and develop reasonable improvement plans. However, studying abroad…