Greece Golden Visa vs Other EU Golden Visa Programmes | Astons

Q: Disadvantages of the Greek programme?

You can’t work in Greece. The investment must be preserved. In tourist regions, the entry threshold has risen to €800,000.

The Greek Golden Visa stands out among European residency-by-investment programmes for its simplicity, relatively low entry cost, and flexibility. Compared to countries such as Portugal, Cyprus, and Malta, Greece offers one of the lowest investment thresholds (from €250,000), fast processing times (as little as 2–4 months), and no requirement to live in the country to maintain residency.

While all programmes provide access to the Schengen Area and a path to citizenship, Greece is particularly attractive to investors seeking a straightforward, cost-effective route to EU residency without the need to relocate.

Overview of European Golden Visa Programmes

European Golden Visa programmes allow investors to obtain residency rights in exchange for qualifying investments, typically in real estate, funds, or businesses. While each country offers different benefits, they generally include Schengen access, family eligibility, and a pathway to citizenship.

Key Benefits of European Programmes

Freedom of movement in the Schengen area
Family eligibility (spouse, children, parents)
Tax benefits
Alternative countries for opening a business
Opportunity to obtain citizenship in 5-10 years (depending on the country)
Access to European healthcare and education

Investment Threshold

Country	Investment threshold	Additional information
Greece	From €250,000 in converted properties From €400,000 in most Greek regions From €800,000 in other properties in popular regions	There are also options for investing in the tourism business, investment fund shares, government bonds, and stocks.
Portugal	From €500,000 in cultural projects, funds and business projects
Cyprus	From €300,000 in real estate, a share in a company, and investment funds
Italy	From €250,000 in startups From €500,000 in companies From €1,000,000 charitable contribution From €2,000,000 in government bonds
Malta	From €130,000 for rent and contributions From €375,000 for real estate purchase + proof of assets
Monaco	From €1,000,000 on average (property rental / purchase + proof of funds)
Hungary	From €250,000 to government funds or a donation to a university of €1,000,000 or more

Greek Golden Visa: Key Features and Benefits

The Greek Golden visa offers a straightforward route to a 5-year renewable residence permit with no physical stay requirements.

Key Features

The residence permit is issued for 5 years, with the possibility of unlimited extension while maintaining the investment.
Investments in real estate only, no non-refundable contributions.
For the whole family: the application can include the spouse, partner, children under 21, the investor’s parents and/or spouse without additional investment.
There is no requirement to live permanently in the country.
The application review period is from 3 months.

Path to Citizenship

After 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency.
After 7 years of residence, you can apply for citizenship.
To obtain citizenship, knowledge of the Greek language is required.

Tax incentives

Possibility to pay a fixed annual tax on worldwide income of €100,000 regardless of the amount of earnings (Non-Dom regime).

Life and Travel

A residence permit allows you to live in Greece and move freely around the 29 countries of the Schengen area without a visa (up to 90 days every 6 months).
There is no residency requirement to maintain a residence permit.
You can make money by renting out real estate.
Access to quality medicine and education.

Comparing the Greek Golden Visa with Other European Programmes

Country	Minimum investment	Investment type	Requirements for residence	Time limit for citizenship	Processing time
Greece	€250,000	Real estate / funds	No	7 years	From 3 months
Portugal	€500,000	Funds / business projects	14 days every 2 years	5 years	From 1 year
Cyprus	€300,000	Real estate / company shares / investment funds	One visit every 2 years	8 years	From 6 months
Hungary	€250,000	Government funds / university donation	No	8 years	From 4 months
Monaco	€1,000,000	Bank deposit / real estate	No	10 years	2-6 months
Malta	€182,000	Real estate purchase / rental + donation	No	7 years	From 6 months
Italy	€500,000	Company shares, donation, bonds	No	10 years	From 3 months

Who is the Greek Programme Suitable For?

For passive investors, not planning to relocate.
For families with adult children (under 21 years old).
For those looking for inexpensive real estate (except for tourist regions) and consider property as a long-term asset.

Conclusion: Is the Greek Golden Visa the Best Option?

Greece is the best option for passive investors who do not plan to move. You can benefit from a low entry threshold and fast processing time.

Advantages of the Greek Programme

One of the most affordable in Europe.
Safe environment, high standard of living.
Dynamic real estate market: capital growth of over 10% per year, yield from 4-5%.
Access to financial services: the right to open bank accounts in Europe and use financial services.
Fast processing: from 3 months.
No non-refundable fees – real estate investments only.

Final Considerations for Turkish Citizens

For low-cost EU access & Schengen travel — Greece is ideal
For EU citizenship in 5 years — Portugal is best
For investment flexibility with longer citizenship timeline — Italy or Hungary
For lifetime residency with minimal stay — Cyprus or Malta
For GCC lifestyle and tax benefits — UAE
For maximum prestige and exclusivity — Monaco

Tips before applying:

Consult a qualified advisor for tax and legal implications
Research local real estate markets and fund performance
Plan around family needs — education, healthcare, work options

Whether you’re looking to invest in Europe or the UAE, Astons provides full assistance with securing a Golden visa— with legal support and residency application. With over 30 years of experience and a global presence — including offices in Athens, Istanbul, Dubai, London, and beyond — we ensure a smooth and fully compliant process.

Astons has been recognised as a leading real estate and immigration advisory firm, helping thousands of investors and families achieve global mobility, asset protection, and second residency or citizenship.

FAQ

What is the Greek Golden Visa?

This is a residency programme for investment in real estate (from €250,000) or other assets. It gives the right to live in Greece and travel in the Schengen area.