For Chinese investors looking for a new avenue to expand their opportunities and secure a stable future, Greece is quickly emerging as a popular destination. The Greece Golden Visa has become one of the most sought-after residency-by-investment programs globally, particularly after the discontinuation of the real estate option in Portugal. For many, this investment not only serves as a "Plan B" but also as a key to a new chapter, filled with opportunities, prosperity, and safety.
Following the end of Portugal’s Golden Visa real estate option, the Greece Golden Visa has now emerged as the leader among residency by investment (RBI) programs in Europe. In 2024, it has attracted significant attention, particularly from Chinese investors who value the stability and transparency it provides, alongside the unparalleled access it grants to the European market.
The Greece Golden Visa currently offers the lowest real estate investment threshold compared to similar RBI programs in other European countries—€250,000 is all it takes to qualify. This affordability combined with the potential for high returns makes Greece’s offering unmatched. Cities like Athens, and Thessaloniki, and scenic locations throughout the Aegean islands have seen a significant increase in applications, including a growing influx of Chinese buyers, who now represent the main nationality on the program.
Real estate investments in Greece are not just about securing residency—they are also about financial growth. The property market in Greece is thriving, driven by the booming tourism sector and increasing demand for high-quality residences. In popular locations such as Athens and the Greek islands such as Crete, property values have consistently appreciated, creating opportunities for investors to profit from both long-term appreciation and rental income.
The flexibility of investment options is another reason why Greece’s Golden Visa real estate program leads in Europe. Investors can choose from a variety of properties, including developments, residential homes, commercial buildings, and even hotel investments, allowing them to tailor their investments to match their financial goals. With Greece's booming tourism industry, properties intended for short-term rentals can generate substantial revenue, making the program not only a path to residency but also a profitable financial decision.
It is a fact that Greece has emerged as a highly attractive destination for investors from China, especially due to the Golden Visa. As the program offers permanent residency through real estate investment, the country has seen a significant surge in interest from Chinese nationals, who in 2024 account for 64.4% of all pending investor applications. The Attica region, which includes Athens, dominates the applications with over 10,800 active cases. This central role of Attica highlights its appeal as a thriving hub for investors looking for both a stable market and promising growth opportunities.
Greece Golden Visa Countries & Numbers
The Golden Visa program has issued 6,700 residence permits in the past year alone, of which 4,830 were new applications and 1,870 renewals. The majority of applications focus on real estate investments in urban properties, with Athens serving as the main focal point. Renewals, which constitute about 20% of current pending applications, underscore a strong commitment from existing investors to retain their foothold in Greece.
Top 10 nationalities with renewals of permanent residence permits for investors, as represented by the data of August 2024
The Greek RBI, offering a straightforward path to permanent residency, has proven to be an enticing proposition for investors from China, Türkiye, and Lebanon, the top 3 countries with most applications. For the Chinese specifically, Greece is more than a financial opportunity—it is a gateway to a secure and prosperous future.
For Chinese investors seeking a way to diversify their assets and establish a safe future abroad, the Greece Golden Visa program is an attractive choice. In recent years, Greece has strengthened diplomatic and economic ties with China, creating familiarity and trustworthiness for potential investors.
China and Greece have forged strong relations through a range of collaborative projects, spanning from infrastructure development to cultural exchanges. A key example in logistics is China’s acquisition of the Port of Piraeus. Once a symbol of Greek maritime strength, the port—now owned by China's COSCO Shipping company—has become the largest passenger port in Europe and ranks among the top 3 in the world.
But why is the Greece Golden Visa attracting so many Chinese? The answer is simple: compared to other RBI programs, the Greek stands out as one of the most affordable and straightforward options in Europe. By investing in real estate—a sector that continues to appreciate—Chinese investors can obtain Greek residency and enjoy the benefits of living or traveling visa free throughout the Schengen Area. This makes the Greece Golden Visa an appealing opportunity for those interested in asset diversification, travel freedom, and the security of European residency.
