Novak Djokovic to Obtain Greek Residency Through Investment Visa

Serbian tennis icon Novak Djokovic is expected to relocate to Athens, Greece, by September 2025, along with his wife Jelena, son Stefan, and daughter Tara, according to a report from Proto Thema. The move will be facilitated through Greece’s popular Golden Visa Program, which grants residency to non-EU nationals who invest in the country.

Djokovic’s decision to make Greece his new home comes after years of expressing admiration for the country and its people. In a recent meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Djokovic further fueled speculation about his upcoming relocation. His ties to Greece date back to 2009, when he received unexpected support from Greek and Cypriot fans during an Australian Open match against Marcos Baghdatis.

“I’ve never experienced anything like this. Rival fans chanting my name together. But we’re Orthodox brothers,” Djokovic once said, referring to the moment.

His affection for Greece has grown over the years, especially during matches against Greek tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas. After defeating Tsitsipas in the 2023 Australian Open final, Djokovic addressed young athletes in both countries:

“We are two relatively small countries without a strong tennis tradition. But to the kids watching, keep dreaming. It doesn’t matter where you come from.”

The 38-year-old champion is reportedly leaving his €10.75 million mansion in Marbella, Spain, to settle in Greece. According to Protothema.gr, the move is partially motivated by his strained relationship with the Serbian government. In 2023, Djokovic publicly supported student protests against Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, further distancing himself from political affairs in his home country.

Greece’s Golden Visa Program in High Demand

Djokovic is joining a growing number of high-net-worth individuals who have chosen Greece as their destination under the Golden Visa scheme. In 2024 alone, over 9,289 Golden Visa applications were submitted, marking a 10% increase from the previous year, according to data from IMI Daily. Between 2018 and 2024, the program recorded a remarkable 25% annual growth rate.

Greece’s Golden Visa Program allows foreign investors to obtain residency by purchasing real estate worth at least €250,000. The program is particularly attractive to global investors seeking EU mobility, lifestyle benefits, and long-term residency in the Schengen Area.