Greek Property Set for Double-Digit Growth in 2025: Why It’s the Top Golden Visa Investment Option

The Greece golden visa is gaining momentum among investors from the UAE and other Gulf states. With updated investment thresholds and strong returns on Greek real estate, the country now offers one of the most attractive residence-by-investment paths in the European Union.

Anna Semenyuk, Citizenship by Investment Programs Advisor at Immigrant Invest, explains how the 2025 changes benefit Gulf-based investors and why Greek property is a smart move in today’s global market.

What is the Greece Golden Visa?

The Greece Golden Visa is a five-year renewable residence permit for non-EU nationals who invest in the Greek economy. Most investors choose to purchase residential or commercial property, though alternative routes such as government bonds or capital investments are also available.

The visa allows holders and their families to live in Greece if they wish — but this is not mandatory. Even without relocating, they enjoy visa-free access to all Schengen states and a clear path to EU citizenship after seven years of residency.

The Greece Golden Visa flexibility and efficiency have made it one of the most popular residence options in Europe, especially for international investors seeking diversification, mobility, and a secure Plan B.

Greece Golden Visa for investors from Dubai and the UAE

For residents of the UAE, the Greece Golden Visa offers several practical advantages. First, the logistics are simple: direct flights connect major Gulf cities with Athens, Thessaloniki, and Heraklion. Second, the residence card is issued without a physical presence requirement, so investors do not need to leave their base in the UAE or adjust their lifestyle to meet eligibility conditions.

Greek property is also a powerful asset. Investors can enter the market with a competitive budget, enjoy steady rental income, and capitalise on long-term appreciation. Many clients from the Gulf region buy homes on the Athens Riviera or in tourist destinations like Crete — ideal both for personal use and holiday rentals.

Key benefits of the Greece residence by investment

The Greece offers a combination of lifestyle, financial, and strategic benefits:

1. Fast-track residence in the European Union with a five-year permit.
2. Visa-free travel to 29 countries in the Schengen Area.
3. No obligation to reside in Greece.
4. The right to include family members: spouse, children under 21, and dependent parents.
5. Investment in high-potential real estate with rental income opportunities.
6. Access to healthcare, education, and business infrastructure in Greece.
7. Possibility to apply for EU citizenship after seven years of residency.
8. Legal certainty under Greek and EU law.

Investment options and minimum requirements

The most common route is by real estate. As of 2025, Greece has introduced a tiered system based on location.

The minimum investment of €250,000 applies to properties requiring renovation in all parts of the country.

In central and southern Athens, Thessaloniki city centre, Mykonos, and Santorini, the minimum is €800,000.

In less popular regions, the threshold for properties was set at €400,000.

Other qualifying options include:

• 10-year leases for hotel or tourist properties;
• investment of at least €400,000 in Greek bonds or shares of local companies;
• €400,000 deposit in a Greek bank account.
  

All investments must be fully completed before the application is submitted. Immigrant Invest helps clients identify qualifying assets and ensures that all documents are prepared in line with Greek regulations.

Greece Golden Visa properties

The Greek property market offers strong fundamentals and increasing demand from both local residents and tourists. Investors from the Gulf often favour:

• Athens Riviera — for luxury apartments and high-end rentals;
• Crete and Rhodes — for family villas near beaches;
• Thessaloniki — a growing cultural and economic centre;
• Peloponnese — for quiet retreats and historical surroundings.

These areas offer properties eligible under the €400,000 and €800,000 threshold, depending on location. Many investors focus on property for investment that can generate income through long-term leasing.

Professional support is key: Immigrant Invest provides access to vetted real estate portfolios and manages the Due Diligence and legal process on the client’s behalf.

Eligibility criteria

To qualify, the main applicant must:

1. Be over 18 years old and a non-EU/EEA citizen.
2. Hold a clean criminal record.
3. Have legal income and proof of investment funds.
4. Hold valid health insurance for Greece or the EU.
5. Make a qualifying investment before applying.

There are no requirements for language skills, education level, or management experience. The Greek focuses on financial contribution and legal compliance.

Who can be included in the application?

The Greece Golden Visa allows for generous family inclusion. The following individuals may be added under a single application:

• The investor’s spouse or registered partner.
• Children under 21 years old.
• Dependent parents of both the investor and the spouse.

Each family member receives a separate residence permit with the same validity and renewal conditions. Children over 21 must apply separately or wait for family reunification rights once the main applicant obtains permanent residency or citizenship.

Step-by-step application process

The process takes six months on average and includes the following steps:

1. Select the investment route — most often, a property purchase.
2. Visit Greece or grant power of attorney to handle transactions remotely.
3. Open a Greek bank account and obtain a tax number.
4. Finalise the investment — sign the purchase agreement and register ownership.
5. Submit the visa application through a local law firm or Immigrant Invest’s legal team.
6. Provide biometric data — either in Greece or via appointment.
7. Receive residence cards — typically issued within 60 days of approval.

All documents must be officially translated into Greek and legalised. Immigrant Invest handles these steps to ensure a smooth experience for clients abroad.

Required documentation

Applicants must submit:

1. Valid passports.
2. Property ownership certificate and proof of payment.
3. Health insurance valid in the EU.
4. Birth and marriage certificates (for family members).
5. Police clearance certificate.
6. Tax identification number and proof of legal income.

Each document must meet Greek legal standards. Translations and certifications are mandatory and should be managed by experienced advisors.

Path to permanent residency and citizenship

While the Golden Visa is a renewable temporary residence permit, it can lead to Greek citizenship after seven years of continuous residence.

Applicants must demonstrate:

1. Real residence in Greece — living full-time for most of the year.
2. Integration into Greek society and culture.
3. Knowledge of the Greek language and constitution.

If approved, they receive a Greek passport and full rights as EU citizens. This status allows them to live and work in any EU member state and pass citizenship to future generations.

Comparing Greece with other EU investment routes

Compared to similar EU residence-by-investment, Greece offers several distinct advantages:

• the lowest entry threshold in Europe, starting at €250,000;
• no stay requirement, unlike Portugal which requires 7 days per year;
• a clear path to citizenship;
• a relatively quick processing time and straightforward documentation.

While Portugal also offers a strong Golden Visa, Greece remains the most flexible option for investors who want minimal relocation obligations but long-term EU benefits.

Conclusion

The Greece Golden Visa is a strategic choice for Gulf investors in 2025. With revised rules that reflect market demand, Greece now balances affordability, mobility, and the security of EU residency. Whether you seek travel freedom, real estate income, or a reliable Plan B, Greece delivers a comprehensive solution.