Greece’s Golden Visa program continues to be one of Europe’s most attractive residency-by-investment schemes — and in 2025, new data reveals which nationalities are leading the charge when it comes to Golden Visa property buyers. As property markets shift across the EU and geopolitical factors influence investment decisions, these five countries have emerged as the top contributors to Greece’s booming Golden Visa market.
With favorable tax rules, visa-free travel across Schengen countries, and rising property values, Greece remains a magnet for international investors. Let’s take a closer look at who’s buying and what’s driving their decisions.
1. China: A Longstanding Leader in Greece’s Golden Visa Program
Chinese investors continue to dominate the landscape, holding the top position with more than 6,000 permits issued as of early 2025. For many affluent Chinese families, the Greek Golden Visa offers an affordable gateway to Europe, allowing them to secure residency while diversifying their assets into European real estate.
Greece’s strategic location, quality of life, and relatively low minimum investment requirements (starting from €250,000 in some areas) have made it a highly attractive destination for Chinese nationals. The trend also reflects China’s tightening domestic policies, pushing wealthy individuals to look abroad.
2. Turkish Nationals: Growing Interest Amid Regional Uncertainty
Turkey ranks second on the list, with over 1,300 Golden Visa applications in 2024 alone. This sharp rise reflects both political and economic instability in Turkey, prompting affluent Turks to seek a stable and secure lifestyle in a neighboring country. Greece’s proximity, cultural familiarity, and simplified visa access for Turkish tourists have further enhanced interest.
Turkish investors are not only looking for a second home but are also exploring long-term migration options, especially for their families and children’s education. Popular investment locations include Athens, Thessaloniki, and the islands close to Turkey such as Lesbos and Chios.
3. Lebanon: A Surge in Interest Driven by Instability at Home
Lebanese nationals have significantly increased their participation in Greece’s Golden Visa program in recent years. Economic collapse, political uncertainty, and social unrest in Lebanon have pushed many to seek European residency. Greece, with its efficient program and accessible real estate options, presents an appealing option for Lebanese investors.
The majority of Lebanese applicants prefer Athens and Glyfada, where established Lebanese communities and business opportunities already exist.
4. Iran: Strategic Investments in the Face of Sanctions
Despite sanctions and political complications, Iranian investors remain active in Greece’s Golden Visa scene. While international financial restrictions pose challenges, many Iranians are leveraging dual citizenship or international networks to invest in Greek property.
The Golden Visa provides Iranians with not just a residency permit, but also a sense of security and freedom that is otherwise hard to access in their home country. Their focus tends to be on smaller, more affordable units in Athens’ real estate market.
5. Russia: Continuing Demand Despite Global Headwinds
Russian demand for Greek Golden Visas has shown resilience even amid heightened scrutiny and geopolitical tension. With travel and investment options limited elsewhere in Europe due to sanctions, Greece remains a viable choice for Russian nationals seeking mobility and real estate investment.
Greece’s decision not to fully suspend Golden Visa access for Russians has kept the door open — though at a slower pace. Many Russians focus on luxury properties in the southern suburbs of Athens or the Aegean coast, combining lifestyle aspirations with investment logic.
Why Greece’s Golden Visa Program Remains Appealing
Even as other countries such as Spain shut down their Golden Visa schemes and Portugal introduces tighter regulations, Greece continues to strengthen its position. The program offers:
•Affordable entry thresholds, especially outside urban centers
• Fast-track residency approval
•Schengen zone access for travel across 27 European countries
• Path to permanent residency and citizenship
•Attractive real estate returns, especially in major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki
While recent policy changes have increased the minimum investment in some areas to €800,000, opportunities starting from €250,000 still exist in other regions — allowing investors flexibility based on budget and location preference.
Yusuf Boz: “Greece Is Now the Go-To Destination After Spain’s Exit”
Yusuf Boz, international investment advisor and founder of NotteGlobal, explains:
“Following Spain’s official closure of its Golden Visa program, we’ve seen a clear shift in demand toward Greece. Investors, especially from Turkey and the Middle East, see Greece not just as a beautiful country, but as a stable investment opportunity. We’re advising clients to act now before further changes raise thresholds or limit access.”
What’s Next for Golden Visa Property Buyers?
Greece is expected to maintain its Golden Visa program throughout 2025, but experts anticipate further regulation, especially regarding property pricing and local housing needs. There is growing pressure within the EU to ensure these programs balance foreign investment with domestic affordability.
As such, prospective Golden Visa property buyers should move quickly to secure deals under current rules.
Whether you’re from China, Turkey, Lebanon, Iran, or Russia, the Greek Golden Visa continues to offer a unique opportunity to invest in real estate and gain access to Europe. But with global interest rising and regulations evolving, the time to act is now.
If you’re considering Greece’s Golden Visa program, our advisors at NotteGlobal are ready to guide you through the process — from choosing the right property to securing your residency permit.
