The Greek Golden Visa program has emerged as one of the most attractive “residen-cy by investment” schemes in Europe, offering significant benefits to non-EU indi-viduals seeking a foothold within the European Union. One of the advantages of the Greek Golden Visa is its affordability compared to other EU programs. While many European countries set high minimum investment thresholds, Greece offers one of the lowest entry points, particularly for real estate investment. The Golden Visa pro-gram in Greece offers residency to non-EU individuals through real estate invest-ment, with thresholds varying by location and property type. In Attica (the region where the capital, Athens, is located), Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and islands with over 3,100 residents, the minimum investment is €800,000 for a single property of at least 120 square meters. In the rest of the country, the requirement is reduced to €400,000, under the same size condition. Exceptions apply to specific categories. A commercial property converted into a residence qualifies with a minimum invest-ment of €250,000, regardless of location or size, provided the change of use is com-pleted before application. Similarly, a listed heritage building may qualify with an investment of €250,000, on the condition that the investor completes its full restora-tion. In addition, Greece allows investors to apply for permanent residence or citi-zenship after meeting certain long-term residency and integration requirements, making the program a potential gateway to full participation in the European Union. Finally, the Golden Visa contributes to the strategic lifestyle benefits of living in Greece. The country combines a rich cultural heritage, favorable climate, and rela-tively low cost of living compared to other EU states. For many investors, the pro-gram not only offers financial and mobility advantages but also the possibility of en-joying Greece’s high quality of life. In fact, many Chinese nationals have been living happily in Greece over the past 20 years, in many cities.
