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The Strongest, Most Established and Most Secure Property-Based Residency Route in the
European Union
As of 2025, the European residency-by-investment map has changed dramatically. Countries that once offered fast-track residency through property purchases such as Portugal, Spain, Ireland, Cyprus and Latvia have closed, suspended or removed their real estate Golden Visa pathways. In this new landscape, Greece has emerged as the most stable, transparent, and straightforward real-estate residency program in the entire EU. While a few countries still operate alternative residency schemes, Greece stands out as Europe’s flagship property-based investment residency route with a long track record, a clear legal framework and consistently high investor confidence.
1. Greece Still Offers Direct Permanent Residency Through Real Estate Investment
Greece remains one of the rare EU countries where investors can still obtain renewable 5-year permanent residency by purchasing qualifying real estate.
Updated Investment Thresholds
€800,000 – Prime / High-Demand Areas
Applies to:- Central Athens & Attica
- South/North Athens
- Thessaloniki
- Popular islands (Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, etc.)
- Select high-demand island municipalities
- One residential property,
- Minimum 120 m² (in most prime areas)
€400,000 – Most Remaining Regions
Applies to:- Majority of mainland Greece
- Regional cities and suburban areas
- Single residential unit
- Around 120 m² (varies by zone)
€250,000 – Special Categories Only
Still available but ONLY for:- Conversion of commercial properties into residential
- Restoration of listed / protected historic buildings
2. Other EU Real Estate Programs Have Closed or Removed Property Options
❌ Portugal
- Real estate Golden Visa permanently removed in 2023.
- Only fund investments and non-property categories remain.
❌ Spain
- Ended their real estate-based Golden Visa by 2025.
- Real estate is no longer a route to residency.
❌ Ireland
- Immigrant Investor Programme terminated in 2023.
- No investment residency route now available.
❌ Cyprus
- Citizenship-by-investment ended.
- Real estate investment no longer provides EU residency in a Golden Visa format.
❌ Latvia
- Closed its residency-by-real estate route earlier; not available anymore.
Malta – Exists but NOT comparable
- Citizenship-by-investment has ended due to EU legal action.
- A residency program still exists (MPRP), but it:
- does not grant PR solely from buying property,
- requires government contributions + fees + property purchase or lease,
- is smaller in scale and administratively different,
- does not work like a classic Golden Visa.
3. No Physical Stay Requirement — True Flexibility
Greece’s Golden Visa offers maximum freedom:
✔ No residency days required
✔ No language tests
✔ No integration obligations
✔ No mandatory relocation
✔ Maintain global lifestyle while keeping Greek residency
This is one of the most flexible residency frameworks in Europe.4. Schengen Mobility & Full Family Coverage
Greek residency provides:- Visa-free travel across the Schengen Zone
- The right to live in Greece
- Access to education, healthcare and long-term residence benefits
- Inclusion of:
- Spouse
- Children up to 21 (extendable to 24 if dependent)
- Parents of both spouses
5. Real Estate Investment with Tangible Long-Term Value
Greece’s real estate market continues to grow due to:- Strong tourism-driven demand
- Revitalization of Athens neighborhoods
- Digital nomad inflows
- Increasing international investment
- Infrastructure & redevelopment projects
- A physical asset
- Rental income potential
- Capital appreciation
- Long-term wealth preservation
- Price resilience in high-demand zones
6. Long-Term EU Integration Options (If Desired)
Golden Visa holders can pursue additional options:- Long-Term EU Resident Status after 5 years (if living in Greece)
- Ability to apply for Greek citizenship after 7 years of actual residence

1. Greece Still Offers Direct Permanent Residency Through Real Estate Investment
3. No Physical Stay Requirement — True Flexibility
Why Greece Stands Out in 2025?
