How to Invest in a Golden Visa in 2025? Real estate investment EUR 250,000 in Greece.
The turmoil, pandemic of 2020 and Brexit significantly altered the political landscape for many people living in China, Hong Kong and the US.
Obtaining an European or a Caribbean ‘golden visa’ is one of the most popular methods for wealthy people to escape unfavourable political shifts.
Golden visas allow investors from foreign countries to obtain a residence permit which usually enables families to travel together when they invest in real estate or the local economy in 27 member states in Europe. Having one of these visas allows the holders to travel throughout Europe as they wish.
While the exact prices vary between countries, most nations seek investments in real estate or other parts of the country’s infrastructure or economy.
However, there is some uncertainty about the future of these wealth-based golden visas. European nations are considering implementing more restrictions or banning these visas outright.
Portugal also made major changes to its golden visa by removing real estate investment options. As wealthy foreign investors purchased local real estate, the cost of living increased dramatically. Many Portuguese felt this was unfair, and the golden visa program was changed, focusing now on investment funds or donations.
Ireland cancelled its golden visa program in 2023, while other nations, such as Spain, are planning to put an end to theirs. Congress of Spain has approved a bill to cancel its golden visa program, set to take effect in January 2025.
With a golden visa, investors can travel through several European nations for around €250,000 and up. In particular, real estate investment program in Greece is most successful and still available in 2025 with record high 9,289 applications in Greece Golden Visa in 2024. Since sanitary crisis the process of Golden Visa programmes is implemented with remote application without presence of investor.
Overall, golden visa programs in Europe are becoming politically unpopular in their native countries, spurring nations to cancel or seriously limit investment opportunities.
Are Golden Visas Ending or Extending?
Golden Visas highlight a decline in Europe, but it doesn’t necessarily mean things are ending. In fact, some golden visas are extending. They’re being adjusted and taking new directions in different countries. As programs are always changing. It is uncertain about what investment options will be available in the future, so it makes sense to take the golden visa opportunity while you are able to invest.
Greece – the government is planning to expand their golden visa program with a new startup investment option.
Portugal, where plans are also afoot to launch a new Solidarity Golden Visa that provides residency to those who invest in social projects.
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Key advantages of the Greece Golden Visa Program
Visa-free travel within Europe’s Schengen Area
No requirement to reside in Greece
Unlimited expiry date of residence permit
Opportunity to rent out the investment property
Residence applicable to the whole family (married spouse, children under 21 years old, and parents of the main applicant and spouse)
Eligibility to apply for citizenship after seven years of residence
Ability to hold shares and receive income from the dividends of a company registered in Greece (but not to be employed in Greece)
Requirements of the Greece Golden Visa Program
The Greece Golden Visa Program is a residence by investment program launched in 2013 that enables non-EU nationals and their family members to obtain permanent residence permits in Greece. The residence permits may be renewed every five years.
The program’s qualifying options are:
Real estate investment in one of the following investment zones:
EUR 250,000: Specialized real estate investment allocated towards the conversion of commercial properties into residential use or the restoration of listed buildings, regardless of location or size
EUR 400,000: For the purchase of properties in Greece, the investment must be made in a single property with a minimum size of 120 sqm
EUR 800,000: For the purchase of properties in Athens, Thessaloniki, and islands with more than 3,100 inhabitants
Alternatively, select one of the following qualifying options:
A 10-year time-sharing or lease agreement for hotel accommodation or furnished tourist residences with a value of at least EUR 400,000 or EUR 800,000, depending on the threshold zone A fixed-term deposit of at least EUR 500,000 with a Greek credit institution A capital contribution of at least EUR 500,000 in a public limited real estate investment company that invests exclusively in Greece, increasing its share capital; or in a closed-end investment company or mutual fund; or in a Greek-based company for share capital increase or bonds issued for trading on regulated Greek markets or multilateral trading facilities
Purchase of Greek government bonds worth at least EUR 500,000 with a remaining maturity of at least three years, through a Greek credit institution
Purchase of shares, corporate bonds, or Greek government bonds traded on regulated Greek markets or multilateral trading facilities, with an acquisition value of at least EUR 800,000
Purchase of shares or stocks with an acquisition value of at least EUR 350,000 in a mutual fund exclusively investing in shares, corporate bonds, or Greek government bonds traded on regulated markets or multilateral trading facilities in Greece, or in an alternative investment fund established in Greece or another EU member state, solely dedicated to investing in Greece
Greece residence by investment program frequently asked questions
What are the investment options available for the Greece Golden Visa Program? Investment options include real estate purchases, capital investments in Greek businesses, and contributions to government bonds.
What are the benefits of obtaining Greek residence through investment? Benefits include the right to live and study in Greece, visa-free travel within Europe’s Schengen Area, and access to a rich cultural heritage.
What is the minimum investment required for the Greece Golden Visa Program? The minimum investment starts at EUR 250,000 for specialized real estate projects.
How long does it take to process an application for the Greece Golden Visa Program? The minimum investment starting at EUR 250,000 for specialized real estate projects takes 3 months to apply-obtain residence card of 5 years : Processing times for residence by investment applications may vary.
Can family members be included in the Greece residence by investment application? Yes, the main applicant can include their spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents in the application.
What are the residence requirements for the Greece Golden Visa Program? There are no specific residence requirements, but a suitable investment needs to be maintained to renew the residence permit.
What documents are required for the Greece Golden Visa Program application? Required documents include a valid passport, proof of investment, health insurance, a clean criminal record, and other supporting documents.
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