For many African families, education remains the cornerstone of opportunity for the next generations, offering a bridge to better careers, global exposure, and generational progress. Increasingly, parents are looking beyond borders, seeking access to world-class schools and universities abroad.
This momentum has only fed into the global appetite for elite international education. In hubs like Dubai and Singapore, enrolment in British and American-curriculum schools is surging, prompting schools to expand capacity. Parallel trends are seen in Europe and the UK, where traditional institutions like Eton, Oxford, and Cambridge remain magnets for international students.
However, for families holding passports with limited mobility, this path can be challenging. Visa restrictions, complex application procedures, and uncertain residence rights often stand between talented students and the institutions that could shape their futures. African students in particular have continuously faced barriers when pursuing higher education abroad, as universities give preference to students with European residency or citizenship and many families that opt for short-term visa options face uncertainty for their future of their children following the completion of their studies. These realities have led to a growing interest in Residency and Citizenship by Investment (RCBI) programs as a means of securing both educational access and long-term stability.
Unlocking Opportunity with RCBI
The demand for these programmes among High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) in Africa is undeniable. Recent data reveals that Nigerian investors are leading Africa’s participation in global investment migration, representing over 60% of African applications for international residency and citizenship programs worldwide, with education among the primary drivers. The 2024 Wealth Report also noted a 28% spike in South Africa inquiries for investor-migration programmes, with Portugal and Malta topping request lists.
The robust momentum comes as no surprise given that, according to the Opportunity Index 2025, more than two-thirds of global income disparity is determined by the country in which a person is born and works, underscoring how citizenship remains one of the strongest predictors of economic mobility and life outcomes. The index quantifies this through an “opportunity score,” measuring each country’s potential for income generation, career growth, safety, and quality of life on a scale of 0–100.
For example, a Nigerian family with a modest 21% opportunity score could elevate their prospects to 79% by gaining residence through Singapore’s Global Investor Program, one of the world’s highest-ranked pathways for global mobility and economic advantage. Investment migration programs across other regions demonstrate similarly transformative impacts. The UAE’s Golden Visa offers opportunities with advantages of 67%, underscoring its strong socio-economic environment. Meanwhile, Malta’s Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment provides South African families with a dramatic leap in economic mobility, from 16 out of 100 to 92, thanks to access to top-tier employment, healthcare, and education systems.
By granting families legal residency and citizenship through qualifying investments, these programs provide more than entry to elite education—they ensure security, mobility, and continuity, empowering the next generation to learn, grow, and thrive without borders.
Key European RBI Programs for Education
Across Europe, several Residency by Investment (RBI) programs have emerged as strategic pathways for families seeking both world-class education and long-term stability. These programs allow investors to secure legal residency, and eventually citizenship, in exchange for qualifying investments.
Portugal remains one of the most popular destinations for African and global investors. The country’s Golden Visa offers visa-free travel across the Schengen Zone and extends full residency rights to family members, including children, giving them direct access to some of Europe’s most respected universities and unrestricted travel within Europe. Applicants can qualify through a minimum capital transfer of €200,000, with a processing time of 8 to 10 months, and become eligible for citizenship after five years.
Greece also offers a cost-effective route via tangible investment to European residency, granting visa-free access within the Schengen Zone and entry to both public and private education systems. Investors can obtain the Greek Golden Visa within three to six months through a minimum €250,000 real estate investment. Residency rights extend to spouses, children under 21, and even parents or in-laws, making it an ideal choice for families looking to secure continuity for future generations.
Malta combines residency benefits with a pathway to citizenship, highly valued for its strong educational and professional ties across the EU. The process typically takes four to six months and requires either a real estate purchase of €375,000 or annual rent of €14,000, alongside a non-refundable contribution (€37,000) and a charitable donation (€2,000). Malta’s program provides visa-free access to 29 Schengen countries and extends eligibility to spouses, children up to 18, and parents over 55.
Hungary has reintroduced its Golden Visa program, offering residency in just four months through a €250,000 investment in real estate funds or a qualifying donation. Residency extends to spouses, children up to 18, and parents over 65, with provisions for financially dependent children up to 26 and younger parents. Holders enjoy visa-free travel to 33 European countries, making it a flexible solution for families seeking access to the continent’s educational and business opportunities.
Italy offers a fast-track residency option with processing times of two to three months. Through an investment of at least €250,000 in a start-up or Italian joint-stock company, families gain access to Europe’s 29 Schengen countries and can apply for citizenship after ten years. The program covers spouses, minor children, and financially dependent parents, offering long-term educational and lifestyle benefits.
Finally, Latvia offers the most affordable European Golden Visa, granting residency in just three months. Applicants can invest €50,000 in a local business with fewer than 50 employees, or €250,000 in real estate, plus government fees. The program includes spouses and dependent children under one application. As an EU and Schengen member, Latvia provides visa-free access across Europe, along with an excellent quality of life, low living costs, and accessible education for international students.
Together, these European programs not only open doors to prestigious universities and elite schools but also provide families with mobility, security, and peace of mind. For African investors in particular, RBI programs offer a foundation for stability, opportunity, and generational advancement.
Long-Term Value for Families
Investing in RCBI is a critical step in future-proofing a family’s opportunities. Residency and the eventual citizenship that it offers ensure that the children not only access global opportunities but also continue to cultivate and maintain them following their academic completion. It is an investment for not only the current generation, but for those to come. Reach out to us today to explore the best options for you and your family.
