Chinese Investors Eye Greece Golden Visa

Greece Golden Visa Real Estate Option Leads the RBI Programs in Europe

Following the end of Portugal’s Golden Visa real estate option, the Greece Golden Visa has now emerged as the leader among residency by investment (RBI) programs in Europe. In 2024, it has attracted significant attention, particularly from Chinese investors who value the stability and transparency it provides, alongside the unparalleled access it grants to the European market.

The Greece Golden Visa currently offers the lowest real estate investment threshold compared to similar RBI programs in other European countries—€250,000 is all it takes to qualify. This affordability combined with the potential for high returns makes Greece’s offering unmatched. Cities like Athens, and Thessaloniki, and scenic locations throughout the Aegean islands have seen a significant increase in applications, including a growing influx of Chinese buyers, who now represent the main nationality on the program.

Real estate investments in Greece are not just about securing residency—they are also about financial growth. The property market in Greece is thriving, driven by the booming tourism sector and increasing demand for high-quality residences. In popular locations such as Athens and the Greek islands such as Crete, property values have consistently appreciated, creating opportunities for investors to profit from both long-term appreciation and rental income.

The flexibility of investment options is another reason why Greece’s Golden Visa real estate program leads in Europe. Investors can choose from a variety of properties, including developments, residential homes, commercial buildings, and even hotel investments, allowing them to tailor their investments to match their financial goals. With Greece's booming tourism industry, properties intended for short-term rentals can generate substantial revenue, making the program not only a path to residency but also a profitable financial decision.

Chinese Investors Represents More Than Half of All Greece Golden Visa Applications

It is a fact that Greece has emerged as a highly attractive destination for investors from China, especially due to the Golden Visa. As the program offers permanent residency through real estate investment, the country has seen a significant surge in interest from Chinese nationals, who in 2024 account for 64.4% of all pending investor applications. The Attica region, which includes Athens, dominates the applications with over 10,800 active cases. This central role of Attica highlights its appeal as a thriving hub for investors looking for both a stable market and promising growth opportunities.

The Golden Visa program has issued 6,700 residence permits in the past year alone, of which 4,830 were new applications and 1,870 renewals. The majority of applications focus on real estate investments in urban properties, with Athens serving as the main focal point. Renewals, which constitute about 20% of current pending applications, underscore a strong commitment from existing investors to retain their foothold in Greece.

The Greek RBI, offering a straightforward path to permanent residency, has proven to be an enticing proposition for investors from China, Türkiye, and Lebanon, the top 3 countries with most applications. For the Chinese specifically, Greece is more than a financial opportunity—it is a gateway to a secure and prosperous future.

But Why Greece is the Perfect "Plan B" for Chinese Investors?

For Chinese investors seeking a way to diversify their assets and establish a safe future abroad, the Greece Golden Visa program is an attractive choice. In recent years, Greece has strengthened diplomatic and economic ties with China, creating familiarity and trustworthiness for potential investors.

China and Greece have forged strong relations through a range of collaborative projects, spanning from infrastructure development to cultural exchanges. A key example in logistics is China’s acquisition of the Port of Piraeus. Once a symbol of Greek maritime strength, the port—now owned by China's COSCO Shipping company—has become the largest passenger port in Europe and ranks among the top 3 in the world.

But why is the Greece Golden Visa attracting so many Chinese? The answer is simple: compared to other RBI programs, the Greek stands out as one of the most affordable and straightforward options in Europe. By investing in real estate—a sector that continues to appreciate—Chinese investors can obtain Greek residency and enjoy the benefits of living or traveling visa free throughout the Schengen Area. This makes the Greece Golden Visa an appealing opportunity for those interested in asset diversification, travel freedom, and the security of European residency.

Benefits of the Greece Golden Visa for Chinese Citizens

The Greece Golden Visa program offers many benefits that make it particularly attractive for Chinese investors. Here is why it remains a top choice:

• Residency for the Whole Family: One of the standout features of the Greece Golden Visa is that it covers the applicant’s entire family. This includes spouses, children up to the age of 21, and even the parents of both the applicant and their spouse.
  
  
• Visa-Free Travel Across the Schengen Area: With a Greek residency permit, investors and families can travel visa-free to 29 countries within the Schengen Area. For Chinese investors who want freedom of movement across Europe—whether for business, education, or leisure—this is an unparalleled benefit.

• Attractive Real Estate Market: Greece’s real estate market has been booming; from properties in bustling Athens to serene seaside homes along the Aegean Coast, there is something for every taste and preference. With Greece’s long-standing history as a beloved tourist destination, short-term rental properties also present a lucrative income option for investors.

• Affordability: Compared to other European RBI programs, the minimum investment requirement of €250,000 is one of the most affordable in the EU. This provides an accessible entry point for investors while ensuring a valuable return on investment through property ownership in an appreciating market.

• Pathway to Permanent Residency or Citizenship: After maintaining residency for seven years, investors can apply for Greek citizenship, offering the possibility of a European passport.

Requirements and Process for Chinese Investors

The requirements for Chinese Investors to obtain the Greece Golden Visa are relatively straightforward, especially compared to similar RBI programs. Here is a breakdown of what is needed and how Chinese investors can navigate the process:

• Minimum Investment: To qualify for the Golden Visa, investors need to purchase real estate in Greece worth a minimum of €250,000. Since the increase in the eligible price in August 2024, this investment needs to be placed in a property that has or is going under renovation.

• Residency in Greece Not Required: Unlike some residency programs, the Greece Golden Visa does not require investors to reside in Greece. This is particularly appealing to Chinese investors who want the benefits of European residency without needing to relocate. Investors are only required to visit Greece once to complete the purchase and handle administrative tasks.

Greece Golden Visa Application Process

• Property Selection: Find a suitable property that matches your investment goals—whether it is for personal use, rental income, or long-term value growth.

• Legal Assistance: We recommend partnering with legal experts who specialize in guiding Chinese investors through the Golden Visa process.

• Property Purchase and Application: Once the property is secured, the next step is submitting your Golden Visa application, which includes all necessary legal documents, proof of purchase, and background checks. Investment Visa has the best professionals to help you with this application.

• Receive Residency Permit: Upon approval, you and your family will receive your Greek residency permits, granting you the freedom to travel in the Schengen Area, as well as to live and study in the Greek territory.
  
  

Our team of experts specializes in helping Chinese investors navigate the intricacies of the Greece Golden Visa process, ensuring all requirements are met and that the process is smooth and straightforward.

Greece—A Promising Future for Chinese Investors

Greece is more than just a place for vacation; it is a country with a promising future for investors seeking stability, growth, and lifestyle upgrades. The Greece Golden Visa offers Chinese citizens the ability to diversify their assets, obtain a foothold in Europe, and secure their family's future—all through a relatively straightforward investment process.

As the most appealing Golden Visa real estate program in Europe, Greece’s offering is unmatched in terms of value, lifestyle, and opportunity. The minimal investment threshold is accessible, the lifestyle is exceptional, and the growth potential is promising. Now is the time for Chinese investors to take advantage of what Greece has to offer.

Are you ready to explore how the Greece Golden Visa can secure your future? Our team of experts is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to begin your journey toward a brighter tomorrow.