What is the Greece Golden Visa?
The Greece Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program that grants a 5-year renewable residence, allowing non-EU citizens to obtain Greek residency by investing in real estate or other renovating projects in Greece. Through investment, you can get EU residency, which also includes your family and spouses, allowing visa-free travel into Schengen zones.
What is the Portugal Golden Visa?
The Portugal Golden Visa is a renewable residency-by-investment program that offers non-EU citizens a renewable residency permit, with minimal stay requirements, and a path to citizenship in 5 years, with a renewal period of every 2 years.
Minimum Investment Requirements
Greece: Investment Options by Property Value Tier
- €250,000 “Conversion Tier”: In this, the investors purchase and convert a commercial property into residential use, or restore a listed building, anywhere in Greece, with no minimum size requirement.
- €400,000 “Zone B”: Acquire a single residential property in rural areas, smaller cities, or less populated islands with a minimum size requirement of 120 m².
- €800,000 “Zone A”: Invest in a single residential property located in high-demand locations, especially Athens, Thessaloniki, or islands with a population of more than 3100.
Portugal: Diverse Investment Route Options
- For the Portugal Golden Visa, a minimum donation of €250,000 must be made to support cultural or heritage preservation in Portugal.
- €500,000 must be invested in a qualifying Portuguese Fund, specifically, a private equity or venture capital fund, which is ideal for investors looking for potential returns.
- A €500,000 investment in the Portuguese company that creates at least five local jobs.
Real Estate Options & Restrictions
For the Greece Golden Visa
The Greece Golden Visa comes with a clear set of restrictions to ensure that foreign capital supports sustainable housing and responsible development. For this, the investors are required to purchase a single qualifying project, where they cannot combine smaller units to meet the investment threshold. For properties falling under the €400,000 or €800,000 categories, the asset must be at least 120 square meters in size. Moreover, the use of the property is strictly restricted; it must be used solely for residential purposes.
For the Portugal Golden Visa
The Golden Visa no longer accepts property investments, which include the direct effect of real estate purchases, rehabilitation projects, and real estate-linked funds. The move was part of “Mais Habitação which means “ More Housing,” a law aimed at cooling Portugal’s overheated housing market.
The program is not ending; it has been restructured against channel funds and into venture capital, scientific research, and job creation: cultural projects and new solidarity visas for affordable housing and migrant accommodation.
Residency & Citizenship Timeline
The Greece Golden Visa requires a 5-year residency permit upon investment, with no minimum stay requirements. These permit renewals are required every 5 years. As long as the investment is maintained. Whereas EB-5 covers spouses and children under 21 as green card holders, granting them work, study, and travel rights immediately upon visa approval.
Greece’s Path to Permanent Residence & Citizenship
- The initial application procedure for the Golden Visa and the biometrics process takes approximately 40 to 60 days.
- After initial approval, the biometric data and documents need to be submitted within 6 months.
- Applicants must also pass the Greek Language proficiency and cultural assessment required for citizenship, and demonstrate knowledge of Greek culture and history, and citizenship principles.
- The applicant can apply for Greek citizenship after 7 years of legal residency in Greece, provided they meet certain requirements.
Portugal Path to Permanent Residence & Citizenship
- Portugal’s Golden Visa grants a 2-year initial residency, which is renewable once every 2 years.
- For the two-year renewable period, the applicant must stay for 7 days in Portugal during the first year and 14 days after the following two-year renewal period.
- After 5 Years, the applicant can apply for Permanent residency and citizenship, provided they maintain the investment and meet the investment requirements.
Lifestyle Flexibility & Stay Benefits
- For Greece Golden Visa, with no minimum stay requirement, you can maintain residency by simply visiting Greece once every five years, making the program ideal for those who wish to keep their main residence elsewhere. This visa is issued for five years at a time it can be renewed provided your investment remains maintained.
- Such Golden visa holders and their families gain access to public healthcare and education, alongside opportunities for long-term rental income from their investments.
Whereas, in Portugal, the Golden Visa combines remarkable flexibility and living benefits, from minimal stay requirements and Schengen access to healthcare, education, and a clear route to citizenship, while allowing investors to maintain their primary base outside of Portugal.
Which Visa Plan Aligns With Your Goals?
Choose the Greece Golden Visa for a low cost, fast processing, and real estate-focused flexibility, or opt for the Portugal Golden Visa if you want full living rights, a pathway to EU citizenship in 5 years, and minimal residency obligations, even with a higher investment and longer wait times.
Conclusion
Greece stands out for its affordability and speed, with real estate investments starting at €250,000, fast processing, no stay requirement, and flexible renewable options. It’s ideal for investors focused on property ownership and residency without relocating. Portugal offers a 5-year path with the highest investment of over €500,000, along with longer processing times. However, the minimum stay requirement and family inclusion make it appealing for those planning a long-term move.
Important Note: The information provided in this blog reflects the current rules and regulations in place for both the Greece and Portugal Golden Visa programs. Please note that Portugal is currently considering a proposal to increase the citizenship eligibility period from 5 to 10 years. This change has not yet been implemented and is still under legislative review.
About Acquest Advisors
Acquest Advisors is a trusted immigration consultant agency specializing in Business Immigration and Residency/Citizenship by Investment programs across the U.S., Europe, and the UAE.
We offer comprehensive, end-to-end support, assisting clients with source of funds planning and investment selection, whether in projects, property, or business, as well as documentation, business plan preparation, and foreign remittance. Our dedicated team ensures a smooth and hassle-free immigration journey.
How Acquest Advisors Can Help You?
At Acquest, we offer end-to-end support to families and individuals for the Greece or Portugal Golden Visa, guiding you through every step of the process with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re investing in Greek or Portuguese funds, our team helps you select the options based on your goals and budget, ensuring all legal, financial requirements are met.