Explore Portugal and Greece Golden Visa programs to secure EU residency. Compare investments, taxes, citizenship, and lifestyle with the latest details. For comprehensive information on Portugal, see our complete Portugal Golden Visa guide.
Portugal and Greece Golden Visa programs attract thousands annually, offering visa-free travel across 27 Schengen countries, Mediterranean lifestyles, and citizenship pathways. They differ in investment options and requirements. Compare them to other Golden Visa programs worldwide to find your best match.
Since phasing out real estate in 2023, Portugal emphasizes funds and job creation. Greece focuses on affordable properties. This guide compares costs, benefits, and more, updated for 2025.
Investment: €500,000 (funds/business) or €250,000 (cultural)
Citizenship: 5 years, A2 Portuguese
Stay: 7 days/year 1, 14 days/2 years
Options: Funds, business (10 jobs), cultural
Taxes: NHR (10% pension, 10 years)*
Investment: €250,000–€500,000 (real estate), €400,000 (other)
Citizenship: 7 years, B1 Greek
Stay: None required
Options: Real estate, funds, bonds
Taxes: Non-Dom (€100,000 flat, 15 years)
*NHR closed to new applicants in 2024; existing holders retain benefits.
Greece's real estate market grew ~4% in 2024 (Bank of Greece), while Portugal diversifies with funds and business ventures. For detailed statistics on approval rates and investment trends, check Portugal Golden Visa statistics.
| Investment Type | Portugal | Greece | Risk | ROI (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate | Not available | €250,000–€500,000 | Medium | 3–5% |
| Investment Funds | €500,000 | €400,000 | Medium | 3–6% |
| Business | €500,000 or 10 jobs | €400,000 | High | Variable |
| Bonds/Deposits | Not available | €400,000 | Low | 1–2% |
| Cultural | €250,000–€500,000 | Not available | Low | Social impact |
| Holding Period | 5 years | 5 years | - | - |
ROI estimates based on 2024 market trends (Savills). Greece suits property investors; Portugal offers managed funds.
Portugal's NHR is closed to new applicants (2024), but Greece's Non-Dom welcomes new tax residents.
| Feature | Portugal (NHR)* | Greece (Non-Dom) |
|---|---|---|
| Regime | Non-Habitual Resident | Non-Dom |
| Duration | 10 years | 15 years |
| Foreign Income | Exempt if taxed abroad | €100,000 flat tax |
| Pension | 10% flat rate | Included in flat tax |
| Professional | 20% select professions | Progressive or flat |
| Capital Gains | 28% (non-residents) | 15% (residents) |
| Wealth Tax | None | None |
| Inheritance | None for family | 1–10% with exemptions |
*NHR for existing holders only. Non-Dom requires no prior Greek tax residency (PwC 2024).
Greece offers faster approvals; Portugal's backlog improved in 2024 but may delay. For expert guidance through Portugal's process, consider hiring a specialized Golden Visa lawyer.
| Feature | Portugal | Greece |
|---|---|---|
| Processing | 6–12 months | 1–4 months |
| Submission | AIMA portal | Consulate or Greece |
| Validity | 2 years | 5 years |
| Renewal | Every 2 years | Every 5 years |
| Documents | Passport, criminal record, proof of funds | Passport, criminal record, property deed |
Both programs support family residency, education, and healthcare.
| Feature | Portugal | Greece |
|---|---|---|
| Members | Spouse, children (18+ students), parents | Spouse, children (under 24, dependent students), parents |
| Education | Public schools, universities | Public, international schools (e.g., ACS Athens) |
| Healthcare | SNS (top-ranked) | ESY, private options |
| Cost | No extra investment | No extra investment |
Portugal offers a shorter timeline; Greece requires deeper integration.
| Feature | Portugal | Greece |
|---|---|---|
| Timeline | 5 years | 7 years |
| Language | A2 Portuguese | B1 Greek |
| Dual Citizenship | Allowed | Not allowed |
| Passport | 6th, 190 countries (Henley 2024) | 8th, 188 countries |
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