Greece Golden Visa vs Portugal Golden Visa – Full Comparison 2025

The Greece and Portugal Golden Visa programs remain two of Europe’s most attractive residency by investment options in 2025. 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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Greece Golden Visa

Greece offers the fastest and most affordable entry point at €250,000, with no stay requirements. Portugal, meanwhile, is widely regarded as the strongest pathway to EU citizenship, though it requires a higher investment of €500,000 and a minimum annual stay. This comparison explains all major differences so you can make an informed decision.

Quick Comparison Snapshot

Minimum Investment

€250,000

€500,000 (funds only)

Investment Types

Real estate, business

Funds, cultural projects

Processing Time

6+ months

12+ months

Residency Requirement

None

7 days per year

Path to Citizenship

7 years (with residence)

5 years

Work Rights

No

Yes

Family Inclusion

Spouse, children, parents

Minimum Investment Requirements

Greece Golden Visa 🇬🇷

€250,000 real estate investment

€500,000 in selected premium zones

Business and fund investment routes

Portugal Golden Visa 🇵🇹

€500,000 in qualifying investment funds

€250,000 in approved cultural projects

Real estate option discontinued in 2023

Processing Time

Greece 🇬🇷

Fast approval: about 6 months

Streamlined process, minimal documentation

Suitable for families seeking quick relocation or Plan B

Portugal 🇵🇹

12+'months, sometimes longer due to AIMA backlog

More complex eligibility and due diligence

Popular among long-term EU citizenship applicants

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 🇵🇹

NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) was discontinued but replaced with new targeted tax incentives

Stronger taxation frameworks for full relocation

Beneficial for individuals planning to live in Portugal long term

Residency Requirements

Greece 🇬🇷

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

0 days per year required

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

7–10 years

Physical Stay

Required for citizenship

7 days/year count toward 5 years

Language Exam

Greek A2

Portuguese A2

Passport Strength

180+ visa-free

185+ visa-free

EU Mobility

Full EU 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.

However, the Golden Visa does not grant access to: UK, USA (ESTA), Canada (eTA), Australia

Portugal Golden Visa 🇵🇹

Golden Visa holders have the same Schengen rights as Greece.

But after obtaining a Portuguese passport, they gain: Visa-free UK access, USA ESTA, Canada eTA, Australia eVisitor, Full EU freedom of movement

Family Inclusion

Both programs include: spouse, children (Greece: under 21; Portugal: up to 26 if studying), parents of both spouses. Portugal is more flexible for older dependent children.

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

✔ Available under D7/D2 visas, but not under Golden Visa

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Pros & Cons

Greece – Pros

Lowest investment threshold (€250k)

Fastest processing

No residency requirement

Real estate allowed

Portugal – Pros

High global passport ranking

Investment fund route viewed as “clean” and low-risk

Very stable legal environment

Greece – Cons

Citizenship requires actual residence

Fewer tax benefits compared to Portugal

Portugal – Cons

Higher cost (€500k+)

Longer processing times

Residency requirement

No real estate option

Which Program Is Better for You?

Fast EU residency

✔️ Yes

❌ No

Lowest investment

✔️ Yes

❌ No

Strongest EU passport

✔️ Yes

❌ No

Family relocation

✔️ Yes

Tax optimisation

✔️ Flat Tax

✔️ Incentives

No-residency option

✔️ Yes

❌ No

Passive investment

✔️ Yes

✔️ (Funds)

Real Estate in Greece for Obtaining Residency

Furnished Apartments with Pool in Neo Irakleio

from €260 ,000

Handover: Q1 2027

Athens, Neo Irakleio | 1BR | 37-44 m²

Fully Furnished Apartments in Tavros

from €250,000

Handover: Q1 2028

Athens | 1-2BR | 48-71 m²

Stylish Apartments with Spacious Terraces

from €282,000

Handover: Q2 2026

Kallithea, Greece | 1 BR | 41-83 m²

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FAQ – Greece vs Portugal Golden Visa

Greece (€250,000). Portugal starts at €500,000.