In an era of rising costs for studying abroad, the strategy of obtaining immigration status first and then pursuing education—allowing children to benefit from tuition waivers and gain easier admission to prestigious schools—has become a new choice for many. Especially as various European countries have extended an olive branch to overseas investors by launching new real estate investment immigration policies with simple requirements and rapid application processes, Chinese investors now have more pathways and options to access high-quality European educational resources.
Cyprus: €300,000 Real Estate Investment Immigration
For Chinese investors with sufficient assets and no criminal record, purchasing property worth over €300,000 in Cyprus grants automatic permanent residency, with no need for renewal. Once the primary applicant successfully obtains a green card, they may bring their spouse and children under the age of 18 to immigrate to Cyprus together.
Cyprus has a sound educational system with up to 12 years of free education. Schools are divided into public and private; public schools offer free compulsory education, while private schools offer compulsory education at a lower cost. Cyprus possesses internationalized higher education and compulsory primary and secondary education, with 25 English-language schools granting internationally recognized degrees. The universities are highly internationalized, with many local institutions partnering with British and American schools to implement a 2+2 academic system, allowing students to receive British or American degrees upon graduation.
Portugal: €500,000 Real Estate Investment Immigration
The Portuguese Golden Residence Permit Program stipulates that the primary applicant can purchase property worth no less than €500,000 to achieve a true "one application, three generations benefit, whole family immigration" (including the primary applicant, spouse, minor children, and the parents of both the applicant and spouse). After 5 years, one can exchange for permanent residency, and after 6 years, one can apply for citizenship.
Portuguese higher education institutions are divided into public and private, with equivalent degrees awarded and qualifications recognized throughout Europe. Portugal is within the framework of the unified European Union higher education system, synchronized with other Western European countries, allowing students to apply to any Portuguese university.
Greece: €250,000 Real Estate Investment Immigration
In April 2013, the Greek Parliament passed a new investment immigration bill stating: Non-EU citizens who purchase property worth €250,000 or more within Greece can apply for a five-year residence visa. Lower investment thresholds, no residency requirements, benefits for children's education, freedom of travel across 26 European Schengen countries, and being a world-class vacation paradise give the Greek investment immigration program distinct advantages.
In the Greek education system, students can primarily receive British or American education through branch campuses established by British and American universities in Greece. They use English as the language of instruction and adopt British and American educational systems and curricula, with most students being children of foreigners living in Greece or Greeks who wish to receive a British or American education.
Spain: €500,000 Real Estate Investment Immigration
Against the backdrop of Europe opening its doors, Spain has also launched an immigration policy linked to property purchases, stipulating that an investment of at least €500,000 in real estate—which can be one or multiple properties, and any type of property including residential, commercial, industrial, or warehouse—grants the whole family a Spanish residence permit, including the couple and children under 18.
Spain has a well-developed higher education system, including over 100 universities, more than 300 higher vocational colleges, and numerous renowned research centers. Most importantly, the education funding for Spanish national universities is covered by the state, and children of applicants who have obtained residency status can enjoy the same free, high-quality education as local students.