If you’re considering a Greece Golden Visa or simply looking to diversify your portfolio of passports, it is essential to understand the latest updates to Greece’s popular investment program. Recently, the Greek government made significant changes to this successful scheme, especially concerning real estate investments for residency.
Investors considering the Greece Golden Visa program should be aware of the minimum investment amount, which has increased to €400,000 as of September. This recent change is crucial for potential investors who are interested in applying for a Golden Visa in Greece. This applies to less popular areas in Greece. However, for those targeting prime areas such as Thessaloniki, Attica, or other high-demand locations, the required investment doubles to €800,000.
This minimum threshold applies to a single unit property—meaning multiple properties whose total value adds up to these amounts no longer qualify for the Golden Visa.
This change reflects the growing popularity of the Greece Golden Visa program, offering not just residency but also access to a strategic location within the EU. However, it's essential to keep up with these shifts to ensure there are no surprises when budgeting for this opportunity.
While the new requirements might seem daunting, particularly for those who were considering the program as a "Plan B," there are still two valuable loopholes that investors can use to their advantage and maintain the previous minimum of €250,000.
Although the government has yet to issue a detailed circular outlining the full timelines and specifics for these options, these strategies present a great way to navigate the recent changes to the Greece Golden Visa program and make informed decisions for your future.
So, is the Greek Golden Visa still worth the investment? The answer largely depends on your personal goals and financial capacity.
While the increase in investment thresholds may seem daunting—particularly in key areas like Athens and Thessaloniki, where the requirement has doubled to €800,000—the program still offers significant benefits. These include flexibility in living arrangements (with no minimum stay requirement), access to Greece’s vibrant real estate market, and the opportunity to reside in a stunning European country with beautiful landscapes, rich history, and cultural appeal.
It's essential for savvy investors to be aware of the new restrictions introduced by recent changes to the Golden Visa program, such as:
If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional real estate investments, Greece also offers pathways like a €350,000 investment in shares or bonds of a mutual fund established in Greece, providing flexibility depending on your preferences. Read more about the different types of Investment Visas here.
Ultimately, the Greek Golden Visa remains a solid investment for those looking to gain EU residency, either for lifestyle, family relocation, or as a strategic investment in a recovering and dynamic real estate market. It’s worth considering carefully in light of the recent changes and the alternatives available, but for the right investor, it remains an appealing opportunity.
Despite the limitations, the Greek Golden Visa program continues to stand out as a smart choice for investors, and here are the reasons why:
While property investments in major cities have seen an increase in minimum thresholds, Greece's real estate market remains comparatively affordable when weighed against other European capitals. In addition, the potential for long-term capital appreciation, particularly as Greece’s economy continues to stabilize and grow, makes it an appealing choice for property investors.
Despite the new regulations and limitations on short-term rentals or higher price thresholds in some regions, the Greek Golden Visa remains one of the most flexible, accessible, and rewarding residency programs in Europe. Whether you're looking for mobility, family security, or smart property investment, it continues to be a highly attractive option for forward-thinking investors.
If you're still weighing your options, don't hesitate to explore how the Greek Golden Visa can fit into your global strategy in a complimentary 30-minute consultation call.