Greece has launched a brand-new €250,000 startup investment route for its Golden Visa program in 2026, alongside its tiered real estate options starting from €250K. Here's the complete updated breakdown.
Greece's Golden Visa program — one of Europe's most popular residency-by-investment routes — has introduced a significant new pathway for 2026: a €250,000 startup investment option. Combined with the tiered real estate investment structure introduced in late 2024, the program now offers more entry points than ever before, making it one of the most flexible Golden Visa programs in the EU.
New for 2026: Startup Investment Pathway (€250,000)
Investors can now obtain Greek residency by investing a minimum of €250,000 in a startup company registered in Greece's National Startup Registry (Elevate Greece). Key conditions:
- Minimum investment: €250,000
- At least 2 full-time jobs must be created within the first year and maintained throughout the 5-year permit
- Investor must hold no more than 33% equity or voting rights in the company
- No requirement to purchase real estate
- Eligible for the same 5-year renewable residency permit as property investors
Real Estate Investment Tiers (Updated)
The real estate routes are structured in four tiers based on location and property type:
- €800,000 — High-demand zones: Athens (Attica region), Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and islands with more than 3,100 residents. Minimum property size: 120 m²
- €400,000 — All other regions of Greece, including smaller islands and rural areas. Minimum property size: 120 m²
- €250,000 — Conversion of commercial properties to residential use, available anywhere in Greece
- €250,000 — Restoration of heritage-listed or culturally significant buildings (full restoration required)
Alternative Investment Options
Beyond real estate and startups, investors can also qualify through:
- €500,000 in Greek government bonds (minimum 3-year term)
- €500,000 bank deposit in a Greek credit institution
- €800,000 in corporate bonds of Greek companies
- €350,000 in mutual funds or real estate investment funds focused on Greek assets
- €250,000–€500,000 in the tourism sector via 10-year hotel lease agreements
Key Benefits of the Greece Golden Visa
- 5-year renewable residency permit — renewable indefinitely as long as the investment is maintained
- No minimum stay requirement — you do not need to live in Greece to keep the permit
- Visa-free travel across all 26 Schengen Area countries
- Entire immediate family covered at no extra investment: spouse/partner, children under 21 (extendable to 24), and parents of both applicant and spouse
- Same-sex partners recognized since February 2024
- Access to Greek public healthcare and education system
- Path to citizenship after 7 years of actual residency (183 days/year, Greek language B1, cultural knowledge test)
- Processing time: approximately 6–9 months from submission
Is the Greece Golden Visa Right for You?
The Greece Golden Visa is particularly compelling for clients seeking European residency without a relocation requirement. The startup pathway is a new option for investors who prefer business investment over property. The €250,000 tier (conversion/heritage) offers the lowest entry point of any EU Golden Visa program. ITC iLand advises clients on Greek and European residency pathways as part of our global program portfolio. Book a free consultation to assess which tier best matches your investment goals.
