Greece Golden Visa vs Portugal Golden Visa – Full Comparison 2026

The Greece and Portugal Golden Visa programs remain two of Europe’s most attractive residency by investment options in 2026. While both provide long-term EU residency, visa-free travel across the Schengen Area, and the ability to include the entire family, they differ significantly in cost, processing time, and the route to citizenship.

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Which Option is Right for You?

Greece offers a more accessible Golden Visa, with qualifying property investments starting from €250,000 and no minimum stay requirement. In Portugal, the main income-generating route requires a €500,000 fund investment, while the €250,000 option is a non-refundable donation. For investors seeking both EU residency and an income-producing asset, Greece offers a stronger value proposition.

Quick Comparison Snapshot

Minimum Investment

€250,000

Investment Types

Real estate, business

Funds, cultural projects

Processing Time

6+ months

18+ months

Residency Requirement

None

7 days per year

Work Rights

No

Yes

Family Inclusion

Spouse, children, parents

Minimum Investment Requirements

Greece Golden Visa 🇬🇷

€250,000 real estate investment
€350,000 shares or stocks purchase
€500,000 bank deposit / government bonds

Portugal Golden Visa 🇵🇹

€500,000 in qualifying investment funds

€250,000 in approved cultural projects

Real estate option discontinued in 2023

Application Process and Timeline

Greece 🇬🇷

Approval from 4 months
Straightforward application process
No minimum stay requirement

Portugal 🇵🇹

18+'months, sometimes longer due to AIMA backlog

Additional compliance requirements
Minimum stay of 7 days per year

Tax Benefits

Greece 🇬🇷

Optional Flat Tax Program: €100,000 per year on worldwide income

No tax on foreign income for non-domiciled residents

Attractive for HNWI relocation

Portugal 🇵🇹

New IFICI+ regime introduced following the closure of NHR
Tax incentives for scientific research and innovation activities
Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances

Residency Requirements

Greece 🇬🇷

One of Greece’s strongest advantages is the lack of physical stay requirements.

0 days per year required

Renewable residency permit valid for 5 years

Full flexibility for investors who do not want to relocate

Portugal 🇵🇹

Portugal requires 7 days per year of physical stay.

These days count toward the 7-10 year residency requirement for citizenship.

This program is ideal for those who are open to spending time in Portugal or planning eventual relocation.

Path to Citizenship

Minimum Eligibility

7 years of legal residence

10 years of legal residence for most applicants; 7 years for EU and CPLP citizens

Physical Stay

Required

Language Exam

Greek A2

Portuguese A2

Passport Strength

180+ visa-free countries

EU Mobility

Full EU rights after citizenship

Not sure which program to choose — Greece or Portugal?

Request a free consultation. Astons will evaluate your goals and recommend the optimal residency or citizenship strategy.

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Travel & Mobility Benefits

Greece Golden Visa 🇬🇷

Golden Visa holders enjoy visa-free travel to all 29 Schengen countries, including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Austria, and more.

Portugal Golden Visa 🇵🇹

Portuguese Golden visa holders have the same visa-free Schengen access as Greek residents.

Family Inclusion

Both programs include: spouse, children (Greece: under 21; Portugal: up to 26 if studying), parents of both spouses

Real Estate Options

Greece 🇬🇷

✔ Real estate investment available

✔ Wide range of residential and commercial options

✔ Ideal for investors wanting tangible assets

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Portugal 🇵🇹

❌ Real estate option closed in 2023

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Pros & Cons

Greece – Pros

Lowest investment threshold in the EU
Fast processing times
No minimum stay requirement
Real estate investment allowed
Potential income from long-term rentals

Portugal – Pros

Fund investment route available
Stable legal framework
Return on investment available

Greece – Cons

Short-term rentals are prohibited under the Golden visa program
Tax benefits require becoming a Greek tax resident

Portugal – Cons

Higher ROI-focused investment threshold from €500,000
Longer processing times
Minimum stay requirement of 7 days per year
Real estate no longer qualifies for the Golden Visa

Which Program Is Better for You?

Approval timeline

From 4 months

From 18 months

Lowest investment

✔️ Yes

❌ No

Family relocation

✔️ Yes

Tax optimisation

€100,000 fixed tax on foreign income

Incentives for select professionals

No-residency option

✔️ Yes

Minimum stay 7 days per year

Passive investment

✔️ Yes

Real Estate in Greece for Obtaining Residency

Information regarding project availability, pricing, specifications, and completion dates is subject to change. We encourage prospective investors to confirm all details with our experts before proceeding.

Boutique residences near the metro

from €265 ,000

Handover: Q1 2027 | ID GC680

Athens | 1BR - 2BR | 42-64 m²

Stylish residences on the Athenian Riviera

from €259,000

Handover: Q4 2027 | ID GC682

Saloniki | 1BR | 42-47 m²

Luxurious furnished units near the beach

from €290,000

Handover: Q3 2028 | ID GC689

Athens | 2BR | 59-98 m²

Free Consultation

Exclusive apartments in a boutique complex

from €250 ,000

Ready to move in | ID GC653

Athens | 1BR | 25-30 m²

Furnished Apartments with Pool in Neo Irakleio

from €260,000

Handover: Q1 2027 | ID GC531

Athens | 1BR | 37-40 m²

Free Consultation

Furnished apartments in a prestigious area

from €255,000

Handover: Q3 2028 | ID GC664

Athens | 1BR | 37-78 m²

Free Consultation

FAQ – Greece vs Portugal Golden Visa

Greece is cheaper. The Greek Golden Visa starts from €250,000 through qualifying real estate, while Portugal’s ROI-focused investment route starts from €500,000.