In looking at European residency by investment, two names always top the list: Portugal and Greece. Both nations have well-known “Golden Visa” programs under which non-EU citizens can become eligible for residency permits by investing in specified amounts. But which program is best for you?
In this comprehensive overview, we will compare Portugal’s and Greece’s Golden Visa programs by describing their advantages, investment threshold, application procedure, and the main differences so that you know how to go about making the right choice.
What Is a Golden Visa?
A Golden Visa is a residence permit granted to someone who invests in the economy of a nation—usually in real property, companies, or investment funds. It’s an entrance to visa-free travel in the Schengen Zone, European long-term residency, and, in certain cases, the ability to obtain citizenship.
Why Europe for Residency by Investment?
Europe has to offer:
- Political and economic stability
- World-class quality of life
- World-class healthcare and education
- Smooth travels throughout the Schengen zone
- A route to permanent residence and citizenship
Portugal and Greece are both known for having easy and well-established programs. Let’s see how they stack up.
Investment Options
Portugal Golden Visa Investment Options
Portugal’s Golden Visa Program is versatile, providing several routes:
- Real Estate:
- €500,000 in any property
- €350,000 in properties more than 30 years old or in urban renewal zones
- €280,000 in low-density areas
- Investment Fund:
- €500,000 into an eligible Portuguese investment fund
- Research or Cultural Donation:
- €250,000 in cultural preservation or R&D
- Job Creation:
- Begin a business that will create 10+ jobs
Note: Residential real estate investment is restricted to interior areas and barred from Lisbon and Porto.
Greece Golden Visa Investment Options
Greece’s Golden Visa Program focuses on real estate:
- Real Estate:
- €250,000 minimum in the majority of areas
- €500,000 in high-demand areas such as Athens, Mykonos, Santorini
- Alternative Options (less popular):
- Investment in shares, bonds, or bank deposits over €400,000
- Hotel or tourist accommodation lease agreements
Note: Greece recently raised the threshold in high-demand areas.
Residency Requirements
Portugal
- Minimum 7 days per year stay requirement
- Keep the investment for a minimum of 5 years
- Permanent residency or citizenship eligible after 5 years
- Dual citizenship permitted
Greece
- No physical stay needed to retain residency
- Keep real estate ownership
- Eligibility for citizenship after 7 years of residence, which means living in Greece full-time
- Dual citizenship permitted
Family Reunification
Both programs enable you to include close relatives:
- Spouse or partner
- Children under 18 (or dependent students under 24 in Portugal)
- Dependent parents of the principal applicant or spouse
In both nations, family members get residency rights and access to healthcare and education.
Application Process: Step-by-Step
Portugal Golden Visa Application
- Choose investment route
- Open Portuguese bank account
- Make investment and prepare documents
- Submit pre-application through ARI portal
- Biometrics appointment in Portugal
- Approval and residence permit issuance
Processing time: 6–8 months
More about Portugal immigration options
Greece Golden Visa Application
- Select qualifying property
- Secure property with down payment
- Open Greek bank account
- Complete property purchase
- Apply and submit biometric data
- Residency permit issued
Processing time: 2–4 months
Learn Greek Golden Visa details
Pros and Cons of Each Program
✅ Portugal Golden Visa Pros
- Low residence requirement
- Several types of investment
- Accelerated route to citizenship (5 years)
- Robust investment fund opportunities
- Visa-free travel to 188+ countries (with citizenship)
❌ Cons
- Property investment regulations now exclude large cities
- Higher investment fund or property entry cost in urban centers
✅ Pros of Greece Golden Visa
- Lowest property requirement (€250,000)
- No physical presence necessity
- Fast processing time (2–4 months)
- Access to Greek education and health services
❌ Cons
- No clear route to citizenship unless full-time residency
- Restricted diversification possibilities for investments
Who Should Opt for Portugal?
The Portugal Golden Visa is best suited for:
- Investors wishing to acquire EU citizenship
- Those seeking diversification in their investments
- Families intending to move or spend time in Europe
- Applicants prioritizing lower residency obligation
Who Should Opt for Greece?
The Greece Golden Visa could be more suitable for:
- Investors who seek affordable European residency
- Individuals not wanting to move immediately
- Real estate investor-oriented investors
- Individuals seeking fast approval of residency
Last Thoughts: Portugal vs Greece Golden Visa
Portugal and Greece provide great residency-by-investment opportunities, both of which have some distinct benefits. If you seek citizenship and the ability to switch investments, Portugal’s program could be your best bet. If you like the idea of a lower-priced, real estate-oriented route with no requirement to stay, Greece’s is the winner for ease and speed.
Ultimately, your choice should reflect:
- Your investment approach
- Family and lifestyle aspirations
- Long-term goals for residency or citizenship
Take the Next Step Toward European Residency
Ready to see your options with professional advice? Contact Primentimmigration
✅ Talk to a Golden Visa advisor today
✅ Consider all worldwide residency by investment schemes
✅ Verify eligibility and compare schemes in one place
Your journey to European residency begins with the proper information—take the leap today.