Golden Visa Demand Declines in Greece in April 2025 Despite Strong 2024 Growth

The number of Golden Visa applications submitted in Greece fell significantly in April 2025, with only 564 new residency requests filed under the Hellenic Republic’s Golden Visa Program. This marks a sharp decline compared to the 790 applications submitted in April 2024, according to data from the Ministry of Migration.

The drop in demand follows changes announced in September 2022, when Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis confirmed an increase in the minimum investment threshold required for Golden Visa applicants—a move that has had a long-term impact on application trends.

Greece’s Golden Visa Program: Overview and 2024 Performance

Greece’s Golden Visa scheme grants residency permits to non-EU nationals who make substantial financial investments in the country, typically in real estate. It remains one of the most attractive options in Europe for global investors seeking EU residency.

Despite the recent monthly decline, the overall interest in the program remained strong in 2024. According to IMI Daily, a total of 9,289 Golden Visa applications were submitted in 2024—representing a 10% increase compared to 2023. From 2018 to 2024, the program recorded a 25% overall growth.

China Leads in Golden Visa Approvals

The Ministry of Immigration Policy and Asylum reported that Chinese nationals remained the top beneficiaries of the Greek Golden Visa Program, receiving 6,398 permits in total.

Other top nationalities receiving Golden Visas in 2024 included:

• Türkiye: 1,367 approvals
• Lebanon: 775 approvals
• Iran: 556 approvals

Program Reforms in 2025 & Market Reactions

As part of its 2025 economic and investment agenda, Greece introduced a new set of reforms to the Golden Visa Program, including a higher minimum investment threshold and a startup-based residency option outlined in the Draft Budgetary Plan for 2025.

However, these changes have not come without criticism. Dimitris Biniaris, President of the Federation of Real Estate Brokers of Greece, warned that the reforms caused market distortions due to a surge in applications ahead of the rule changes.

“Due to the series of changes, there was a surge in permit applications, leading to market distortions and unintended consequences,” Biniaris noted.

Despite short-term fluctuations, Greece’s Golden Visa Program remains one of Europe’s most popular investor visa schemes, offering long-term residency options and access to the Schengen Area.