2024 Investment Changes in the Greece Golden Visa Programme

On September 1st, 2024, the Greek government raised the minimum investment required for the coveted Golden Visa programme. The real estate investment amount now ranges from €250,000 to €800,000 in high-demand zones like Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos. These are major shifts in the investment programme, but there are still smart ways to qualify under the new rules.

At Melbourne Capital Group, we understand how these changes affect real investors looking to secure a "Plan B" for their family. We're here to help you qualify for the Greek Golden Visa Programme, navigate the updated requirements, and secure your path to a residence permit or even a Greek citizenship.

What is the Greece Golden Visa programme?

The Greece Golden Visa programme was launched in 2013 to provide a pathway for non-EU nationals to gain a permanent residence permit through investment, offering several routes including purchasing property in Greece, government bonds, and business investments. It is the easiest European programme offering immediate permanent residency. Real estate remains the preferred option, promising potential returns of 3-5% annually. The programme is attractive for its flexibility and the opportunity for immediate rental income from the acquired Greek real estate. The visa can be acquired under 90 days and is renewable every 5 years, if the property investment is retained.

Benefits of the Greek Golden Visa

This space has grown tenfold in the last decade, now estimated at over $20 billion globally. While you'll still find ultra-high-net-worth families in the mix, today's applicants are just as likely to be senior professionals, expatriates, or even retirees looking to secure their families' future in Europe.

Visa holders will be able to enjoy these benefits:

Doubles as a Schengen Visa and Provides Access to the EU

Besides being able to live in Greece, the Golden Visa in Greece grants you the freedom to travel within the Schengen Zone, encompassing 26 European countries.

Investment by Purchasing Real Estate

Greece offers a range of real estate options, from historic city apartments to luxurious beachfront villas. Investing in real estate in Greece means tapping into the dynamic Greek real estate market while owning a piece of its vibrant culture and stunning landscape. With a minimum investment amount starting from €250,000, it's an accessible pathway to European residency.

Application for the Golden Visa is a Fast and Efficient Process

The application process for the Greek Golden Visa is streamlined and efficient. Once golden visa applicants have made the qualifying investment and submitted the required documents for Greece residency, they can typically get the Golden Visa within 90 days.

No Stay in Greece Required

Unlike many other residency programmes, this one does not require you to live in Greece to maintain your residency status. This makes it the ultimate plan B for globally mobile families, mixed-nationality couples, and business owners requiring EU access.

Pathway to Citizenship in Greece

While the Golden Visa grants residency, it also sets you on a potential path to apply for Greek citizenship. This will unlock the benefits of a second passport and full European Union citizenship rights.

Why More Families are Applying for the Greek Golden Visa Now

This is a powerful tool, especially when used strategically as part of a broader lifestyle of wealth plan. Here are some of the motivations behind it:

Geopolitical Stability

Many expats from South Africa, India or the Middle East want the assurance that their children can live in safe, stable jurisdictions if needed. Especially for mixed-nationality families, when one partner's passport doesn't offer the same freedoms, the Golden Visa Card provides a common place for the whole family.

Study in Greece

Residency or citizenship can unlock access to top-tier schools and universities in Europe, or the US, often with lower international fees.

What does the Update on the Greek Golden Visa Mean for Investors in 2025?

The Greek Minister of Finance has announced significant changes to the Golden Visa Programme, introducing a dual-zone system for property in Greece.

In 2025, there are two distinct investment tiers, based on geographic zones, each affecting the minimum investment requirements for applicants to qualify for the golden visa.

Tier 1: €800,000

This tier applies to real estate investments in prime locations, including Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and other islands with populations exceeding 3,100.

Tier 2: €400,000

This tier encompasses all other regions of Greece, establishing a more accessible entry point of €400,000. The goal here is to stimulate investment across a broader range of areas, thereby expanding the programme’s economic benefits.

What is the €250,000 Golden Visa in Greece?

This tier is only available if you're investing in converting commercial properties into residential use, provided the conversion is completed before the application. You can also restore listed buildings, with the condition that the restoration is completed before application submission.

Interested in Exploring the Greece Golden Visa Programme?

Compared to the more well-known Portugal Golden Visa, the programmes have highly differing investment paths. As of 2025, Portugal no longer allows real estate purchases as qualifying investments. Instead, applicants must now invest €500,000 into qualifying private equity or venture capital funds, cultural contributions, or job creation. In contrast, the Greece Golden Visa is more appealing to those who prefer the security of tangible real estate.

Click here to download the current Greek Citizenship Factsheet.

What you Will Find in our Greece Golden Visa Factsheet:

• What is the Greece Golden Visa.

• Greece Golden Visa benefits.

• Eligibility criteria for the Greece Golden Visa programme.

• Investment options of the Greece Golden Visa.

• Greece Golden Visa programme steps and timeline.

Act now to secure your future Greek Citizenship

At Melbourne Capital Group, our dedicated Residency & Citizenship by Investment division is here to assist you every step of the way. Our professional yet approachable team will help you navigate the complexities of the application process and identify qualifying properties that meet your investment criteria.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to secure Greek residency under the current investment conditions. Contact us today at info@melbournecapitalgroup.com to start your journey.

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