Greece’s 2025 Golden Visa: Higher Investment Thresholds & New Rules
The Greece Golden Visa program has long stood out as one of the most attractive residency by investment schemes in Europe. Offering a straightforward pathway to EU residency, the program has drawn high-net-worth individuals seeking not only lifestyle benefits in Greece but also visa-free access across the Schengen Zone.
In 2025, the Greek government has introduced important updates aimed at tightening eligibility and redirecting investment flows. These adjustments affect both the minimum investment amounts and the regional structure of the golden visa program. Here’s a concise guide to what’s changed—and what investors should consider.
Updated Investment Thresholds by Region
One of the most notable Greece Golden Visa 2025 changes is the introduction of tiered investment thresholds based on location. While the program previously required a €250,000 minimum investment in real estate, high-demand areas now fall under a new rule.
Our team offers straightforward guidance on Greece Golden Visa —no strings attached.
As of 2025, the updated minimum investment amounts are:
* €500,000 for prime urban and tourist zones including Athens, Thessaloniki, Santorini, and Mykonos
* €250,000 remains applicable for all other regions of Greece
This reform is designed to curb speculative buying in already overheated property markets while stimulating economic development in under-invested areas.
For investors seeking value and long-term capital appreciation, this presents new investment opportunities in Greece’s secondary cities, inland towns, and emerging coastal regions.
Eligible Property Types and Program Requirements
To qualify for the Greece Golden Visa, investors must purchase real estate that meets the updated thresholds. Eligible property types include:
* Residential real estate
* Commercial property
* Tourist accommodations (including long-term leases of at least 10 years)
However, some critical program requirements remain in place:
* The property must be purchased outright—mortgages from Greek banks are not permitted
* Investors must hold the property for a minimum of five years
* The Golden Visa does not lead directly to citizenship, but long-term residency may create a pathway to Greek citizenship after seven years of legal residence
This means careful due diligence is essential—not just on the property itself, but also on long-term residency planning, tax implications, and Golden Visa renewal protocols.
Who Can Apply and Family Inclusion Rules
The Greek Golden Visa program remains open to non-EU nationals who meet the financial criteria and pass standard background checks. The main applicant must demonstrate a clean criminal record and must make the qualifying real estate purchase through a legally documented transaction.
The program is family-friendly, allowing applicants to include:
* A spouse or registered partner
* Children under 21, extended to 24 if enrolled in full-time education
* Parents of both the main applicant and spouse
All qualifying family members receive the same residence permit, which allows them to live in Greece and travel freely within the Schengen Zone—with no obligation to reside permanently in Greece.
A More Strategic Path to Greek Residency in 2025
The Greece Golden Visa 2025 reforms reflect the government's efforts to maintain the integrity of the program while encouraging more balanced regional investment. While the increased investment threshold in popular areas may deter speculative buyers, it also opens up opportunities in lesser-known but promising markets across the country.
For serious investors looking to secure residency through the Golden Visa, now is the time to act:
* Identify eligible real estate in regions of strategic growth
* Prepare for enhanced documentation and compliance reviews
* Work with a reputable legal advisor to ensure all Golden Visa application requirements are met
If you’re considering investing in Greece’s real estate market to gain EU residency, early preparation is key. The landscape is changing—align with the new rules to make your Golden Visa investment a success.
