Golden Visas Portugal and Greece Thrive as Spain Exits the Market
As Spain officially shuts down its Golden Visa program, the investment migration landscape is shifting rapidly in Europe. With Portugal and Greece now leading the way, wealthy investors are turning to these countries as the top destinations for residency-by-investment in 2025.
The closure of Spain’s Golden Visa program, effective April 2025, has redirected investment interest toward Portugal and Greece, where both countries have recently streamlined their application processes and increased foreign investor incentives.
With demand surging, experts predict that investment thresholds in Portugal and Greece could rise soon, making now the best time for investors to take advantage of these programs.
Why Are Investors Choosing Golden Visas Portugal and Greece?
Both Portugal and Greece have become the most attractive residency-by-investment programs in Europe, offering a combination of affordable entry requirements, fast processing times, and access to the Schengen Zone.
Portugal’s Golden Visa: A Stronger Business & Innovation Focus
Portugal’s Golden Visa program has undergone major changes, shifting its focus away from real estate and towards business, venture capital, and innovation investments.
📌 No more real estate investment option – Instead, applicants must invest at least €500,000 in venture capital funds, job creation, or research projects.
📌 Processing speeds have improved – Delays that plagued Portugal’s immigration system have been resolved, with application approvals now taking 4-6 months.
📌 Path to EU citizenship in just 5 years – Portugal remains one of the fastest routes to European citizenship, allowing investors and their families to obtain a Portuguese passport after five years of residency.
With Portugal’s strong economy, stable property market, and thriving tech sector, investors see long-term value in securing a residency permit through business and startup investments.
Greece’s Golden Visa: The Fastest & Most Accessible Option in Europe
Greece, on the other hand, continues to attract foreign investors primarily through real estate purchases. The Greece Golden Visa is now considered the most accessible program for those looking for a Schengen residency with a relatively low investment threshold.
📌 Investment starts at just €250,000, though prime locations like Athens and Mykonos require €500,000.
📌 Residency approvals in as little as 2-3 months, making it the fastest Golden Visa program in Europe.
📌 No physical stay requirement, allowing investors to maintain residency without relocating permanently.
📌 Visa-free travel across the Schengen Zone, making it ideal for international business travelers and families.
With record-breaking application numbers in 2024, Greek authorities are expected to increase the minimum investment threshold soon, making 2025 a critical year for investors to act before further restrictions take effect.
Spain’s Golden Visa Closure: How It Reshapes the Market
Spain’s decision to end its Golden Visa program by April 2025 marks a major turning point in European investment migration. The move comes as Spanish authorities cite concerns over rising property prices and housing shortages, leading them to phase out the program that previously attracted thousands of investors.
As a result, investment demand is shifting away from Spain and into neighboring markets like Portugal, Greece, and even lesser-known options like Latvia and Malta. Experts predict that Greece and Portugal will see a significant surge in applications throughout 2025, pushing policymakers in these countries to reassess their minimum investment requirements.
For now, investors still have time to secure a Golden Visa in Greece and Portugal at the current entry levels, but this window may close soon as demand continues to rise.
Investment Migration Expert Yusuf Boz on the Future of Golden Visas in 2025
Investment migration specialist Yusuf Boz sees 2025 as a defining year for Golden Visa programs, particularly in Portugal and Greece.
“With Spain closing its doors, investors are rushing to Portugal and Greece. The demand we are seeing now suggests that both countries could raise their investment thresholds soon. If you’re considering a Golden Visa, now is the time to act before the requirements become more expensive.”
Boz also highlights the strategic advantages of Portugal and Greece over Spain:
“Portugal’s shift towards business and innovation investments is making it a hub for high-net-worth individuals looking to build long-term economic ties in Europe. Meanwhile, Greece’s fast and straightforward real estate-based residency option is unmatched in the current market.”
Boz urges investors to move quickly to secure residency before inevitable policy changes take effect.
Should You Apply for Golden Visas Portugal and Greece Now?
With Spain no longer an option, Portugal and Greece have solidified themselves as the best Golden Visa destinations in Europe.
✔ Portugal’s investment migration program offers one of the fastest paths to EU citizenship.
✔ Greece remains the most accessible real estate-based Golden Visa program with fast approvals.
✔ Investment thresholds in both countries are likely to increase soon, making early applications critical.
For those looking to secure European residency through investment, 2025 is the year to act before further policy changes occur.
