Interest in the Greece Golden Visa program has surged dramatically, with applications reaching a record high of 9,289 in 2024, according to recent data. This represents a 10% increase compared to nearly 8,500 applications submitted in 2023 and reflects a growing trend among global investors seeking residency through Greece.
Zlata Erlach, an expert at Immigrant Invest, highlighted the steady growth of the program, noting that applications have risen year-on-year, except for a pandemic-related dip. To put this in perspective, only about 4,000 applications were received in 2019.
However, processing times have not kept pace with demand. In 2024, Greek authorities managed to process just 17% of the applications, leaving a backlog of 49,301 pending cases—an increase of 76% from the previous year.
Real estate investment remains the most popular pathway under the Golden Visa program. Properties acquired through this scheme accounted for approximately 10% of all Greek real estate transactions in 2023 and 2024, totaling €41.2 billion in sales. Investors spent roughly €4.5 billion on Greek properties during this period. Prime locations include the Athenian Riviera, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, and Paros, with the Peloponnese seeing growing interest. Purchases often involve seaside villas, luxury homes, and historic residences.
Chinese nationals continue to dominate the program, having secured 6,520 Golden Visas to date. Turkish investors follow with 1,471 permits, then Lebanese (798), and UK citizens (595). Demand also comes from American, Iranian, and Israeli investors. Political and economic instability in various regions worldwide is driving many high-net-worth individuals to seek residency abroad as a safeguard and to diversify their family’s future options.
Looking ahead, the Greece Golden Visa remains one of the most attractive residency-by-investment options in Europe, especially as other countries tighten or close their programs. Spain has ended its Golden Visa, and Portugal has eliminated its real estate investment route, shifting investor focus toward Greece.
Greece’s EU membership, relative political stability, and Mediterranean lifestyle continue to enhance its appeal. Greek authorities plan to improve processing efficiency and diversify investment criteria to attract more effective business ventures beyond real estate.
To qualify for the Golden Visa, investors must make a minimum investment of €250,000, primarily through property purchases. The program features a tiered pricing structure:
€250,000+ for properties requiring renovation or conversion;
€400,000+ for standard residential properties outside high-demand urban areas;
€800,000+ for properties in high-demand areas such as Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and larger islands.
Other qualifying investments include shares in mutual funds (€350,000+), long-term leases of tourist accommodations (€400,000+), capital investments in Greek companies (€500,000+), government bonds (€500,000+), and more.
Applicants must be over 18, have no criminal record or pending prosecutions, and prove that investment funds come from legal sources.
Immigrant Invest supports clients worldwide through the entire Golden Visa process, including legal assistance with residence permit renewals and eventual Greek citizenship applications.
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