According to statistics from the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum, the number of new applications for the Golden Visa halved year-on-year in Q1 2026.
Priscila Carvalho, Investment Migration Expert at Immigrant Invest, explains what is really behind the investor ‘outflow.’
Consequences of the 2024 Greece Golden Visa reform
The high figure recorded in 2025 is mainly linked to the end of the transition period for investors who rushed to complete real estate deals under the old rules.
In 2024, Greece raised the minimum investment threshold in popular regions from €250,000 to €400,000—800,000. At the same time, investors could still obtain status under the previous conditions until the end of August 2025.
Statistics from the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum reflect this year-on-year difference: in 2026, the number of new applications fell by 57.5%[1] Statistics — Greece Golden Visa, Ministry of Migration and Asylum.
The total volume of foreign investment in the Greek real estate market also naturally decreased by 25.2%, or €2.05 billion.
2,886 new residence permits were approved in Q1 2026 — 27.6% more than in the same period last year.
The migration authority also completed processing residence permit applications accumulated since 2025. Another 10,032 cases are awaiting review.
Who most often obtained Greek residence by investment, and under what option?
Most Golden Visa holders are citizens of China, Turkey, and Lebanon. Chinese investors account for 48.4% of all residence permits issued. In Q1 2026, Greece issued:
- 6,772 residence permits to Chinese citizens;
- 1,635 — to Turkish citizens;
- 812 — to Lebanese citizens;
- 608 — to British citizens;
- 589 — to Iranian citizens.
Applicants most often choose real estate in renovation projects: offices, warehouses, and other commercial premises are converted into apartments. Later, such properties can be sold or rented out long-term.
How to become a Greek resident
Greece grants residence by investment in real estate starting at €250,000. The minimum threshold depends on the type of property and the region. Other investment options include purchasing fund units and making a bank deposit.
The main benefits of Greek residence by investment are:
- visa-free travel across the Schengen Area;
- right to live in Greece without mandatory permanent residence in the country;
- opportunity to rent out property long-term;
- prospect of obtaining permanent residence and Greek citizenship.
Together with the investor, the status can also be obtained by their spouse, children under 21, and parents. The procedure takes at least 4 months.
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