Greece Golden Visa applications drop following new investment rules

Interest in Greece’s ‘Golden Visa’ program has declined significantly following the implementation of stricter investment thresholds and regulations. In the first half of 2026, 2,551 new residency applications were submitted, representing a 44% decrease compared to the 4,553 applications received during the same period last year.

While new applications have dropped, the number of permits issued rose by 21% to 4,919, largely due to the processing of backlog applications from 2024 and 2025. Currently, there are 32,702 active residency permits issued through the program, excluding family members.

The decline in interest follows policy changes introduced in 2024. The minimum investment threshold was increased to €400,000 in most areas and up to €800,000 in high-demand locations such as Attica, Thessaloniki, and major tourist islands. A lower €250,000 threshold remains available only for specific cases, such as the repurposing of former industrial buildings or the renovation of historic structures. Additionally, new rules require residential properties to be at least 120 square meters and prohibit using Golden Visa properties for short-term rentals, a measure intended to protect local housing availability.

Chinese nationals hold the largest share of existing permits, accounting for 47.7% (11,921 permits), followed by Turkish citizens (4,543) and Lebanese citizens (1,145).