Applications for “golden visas” in Greece in the first quarter of 2025: who is applying and in what quantity

According to the Greek Ministry of Migration, 2,913 new applications were registered under the Greek Golden Visa program in the first quarter of 2025, an increase of almost 50% over the same period in 2024.

Applications for a residence permit through investments in the first quarter of 2025:

The majority of applicants (81%) who are waiting for a golden visa to be issued or extended have applied in Attica. Thrace is in second place (7%), and another 12% of applications relate to the Peloponnese, Thessaly, Crete, the Aegean Islands and Epirus.

Who gets “golden visas” more often?

As of March 2025, Chinese investors are leading the way due to their interest in the European market. As in the previous year, they leave half of the applications among all foreigners. They are followed by Turkey (10.8%) and Lebanon (4.9%). The statistics include those who have already received both initial and extended visas.

How Russians participate in the program

Since 2022, Russian citizens cannot apply for a “golden visa” directly. The program is closed, and a second citizenship is required to participate (for example, Vanuatu, Turkey, Egypt or Kyrgyzstan).

However, it is allowed to extend a residence permit with a Russian passport, which explains the high proportion of Russians among renewal applications (425 out of 637).

Why are applications increasing in 2025

Greece’s “golden visa” retains competitive advantages:

• low entry threshold (from 250 thousand euros);
• long-term residence permit for 5 years;
• no requirements for residence in the country;
• tax benefits for wealthy individuals and property owners;
• the possibility of including the family in the application.

This makes the program more attractive than its counterparts in Spain (already closed) or Portugal and Hungary (starting from 250 thousand euros, but without the option of real estate).

The Greek program will continue to be popular due to the cancellation of a similar “golden visa” in Spain, as well as growing interest from investors from the United States. As of March 2025, the number of initial applications received by US residents for “golden visas” has already reached 445, which is 14% more than in December 2024.

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