Foreign Demand for Greek Golden Visa Soars Amid Real Estate Boom
The Greek Golden Visa program has long been one of the most attractive residency-by-investment options in Europe, but recent policy changes and rising property values have led to an unprecedented surge in foreign buyers securing Greek real estate.
As Spain exits the Golden Visa market and Portugal shifts focus away from real estate investments, Greece has emerged as the top destination for global investors seeking European residency through property investment.
In 2024 alone, Greece received over 9,200 Golden Visa applications, a record-breaking number that reflects the growing demand from non-EU investors. This surge has also caused a significant uptick in real estate transactions, particularly in Athens, Thessaloniki, and the Greek islands.
Why Are More Foreign Investors Choosing Greece?
Several factors are driving the increase in Golden Visa-related real estate purchases in Greece:
✔ Affordable Entry Requirements: Greece’s Golden Visa program previously required a €250,000 property investment, making it one of the lowest-priced residency programs in Europe. However, investment thresholds have now increased to €500,000 in high-demand areas such as Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini, prompting investors to act quickly before further price hikes.
✔ Visa-Free Schengen Travel: Investors who obtain a Greek Golden Visa gain freedom of movement across the Schengen Zone, making Greece an attractive entry point into Europe.
✔ Stable Real Estate Market: Despite global economic fluctuations, Greek property values continue to rise, offering strong returns for investors who secure real estate now.
✔ Spain and Portugal’s Shifting Policies: With Spain terminating its Golden Visa program by April 2025 and Portugal focusing on alternative investment routes, Greece remains one of the last major European countries offering residency through real estate.
✔ No Residency Requirement: Investors are not required to live in Greece to maintain their residency permit, making the program ideal for those seeking a Plan B without relocation commitments.
Greece’s Real Estate Boom: Where Are Investors Buying?
Foreign investors are primarily targeting high-value properties in key Greek locations, including:
📌 Athens: The capital remains the most popular destination for Golden Visa investments, particularly in Kolonaki, Glyfada, and Kifisia.
📌 Thessaloniki: Greece’s second-largest city is becoming a hotspot for investors looking for affordable property options with strong rental yields.
📌 Greek Islands: Destinations such as Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete continue to attract luxury property investors seeking both residency and high rental income from tourism.
📌 Up-and-Coming Areas: Smaller cities and emerging real estate markets like Patras and Volos are seeing increased interest as investors seek lower-priced alternatives.
Yusuf Boz’s Perspective: Why Greece is the Best Option for Investors in 2025
Investment migration expert Yusuf Boz sees Greece’s real estate-driven Golden Visa program as the leading option in Europe:
“With Spain exiting the market and Portugal tightening regulations, Greece is now the clear winner for real estate investors seeking EU residency. The demand we are seeing is only the beginning, and prices will continue to rise.”
Boz also warns that investors should act fast before further policy changes or price increases take effect:
“Greece has already raised the minimum investment threshold in high-demand areas. It’s likely that future regulations will tighten even further, so securing real estate now is crucial for those who want to take advantage of the current system.”
With Golden Visa programs evolving across Europe, Greece stands out as one of the last opportunities for real estate-based residency in the Schengen Zone.
Will Greece Follow Spain in Ending the Golden Visa?
While Greece remains committed to its Golden Visa program, experts suggest that rising application numbers and housing market pressures could eventually lead to further restrictions or even a phase-out similar to Spain’s decision.
•More price hikes are expected, particularly in high-demand regions.
• Application processing times may increase as demand surges.
• Future policies could shift focus to business and job-creation investments, following Portugal’s model.
For now, the Greek Golden Visa remains one of the most accessible European residency programs, but its long-term future remains uncertain.
Final Thoughts: Why Investors Should Act Now
With Spain’s withdrawal from the Golden Visa market, Greece is now Europe’s leading real estate residency program. However, as demand increases, so do property prices and investment requirements.
✔ Current investors can still secure a Golden Visa with a €250,000 property purchase in select areas.
✔ Future price hikes are expected, making early investment the smartest move.
✔ Visa-free European residency remains a powerful incentive for global investors.
