Greece and Portugal Golden Visa programs face new rules and legal challenges

Greece has tightened its Golden Visa scheme after Law 5100/2024 took effect in August 2024. Minimum investment thresholds rose to €800,000 in high‑demand areas such as Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos and Santorini, and to €400,000 elsewhere, with a €250,000 carve‑out for specific property conversions. Short‑term rentals on platforms like Airbnb are now prohibited for visa‑linked properties, with violations fined €50,000. The alternative fund route remains at €350,000 and continues to require investment in listed Greek securities under Hellenic Capital Market Commission supervision.

In Portugal, more than 1,200 foreign residents, many holding Golden Visas, have lodged a formal complaint with the Ombudsman over recent changes to the Nationality Law. The signatories argue that the revised criteria increase the years required to obtain citizenship and undermine the rights and expectations of applicants. Legal representatives are preparing further action, claiming the new rules jeopardise thousands of investors who rely on the programme for residency and mobility.