Greece, on the other hand, has positioned itself as one of Europe’s most affordable entry points for investors seeking access to the Schengen Area. Since its launch in 2013, the Greek Golden Visa program has drawn thousands of applicants, particularly from China, the Middle East, and Russia. The main requirement is a real estate investment of at least €250,000, although in some regions this threshold has recently been raised due to housing market pressures. Successful applicants receive a five-year residency permit, which can be renewed as long as the investment is maintained. While the visa does not directly provide citizenship, long-term residents may eventually apply for naturalization. The program has been especially attractive because it allows visa-free travel across most of Europe while also enabling investors to enjoy Greece’s lifestyle, climate, and relatively low cost of living compared to other EU states.
