The Greece vs Portugal Golden Visa are residency by investment programs that allow non-European investors the opportunity to secure their future in a European Union country.
The two countries share many other similarities, including sunny, Mediterranean-influenced weather with mild winters and warm winters, lower costs of living when in comparison to the rest of Western Europe, and rich, savoury gastronomies. Because of this, it merits comparison between both the Golden Visa programmes.
The best part about both initiatives is that they lead, respectively, to Greek and Portuguese citizenship with the Golden Visa.
Portugal Golden Visa vs Greece Golden Visa: A Quick Side-by-Side Comparison
Portugal Golden Visa
- Minimum Investment Amount: €500,000 in Private Equity or Venture Capital Funds
- Other options: Cultural projects, scientific research donations
- Family Inclusion: Yes - you can include your spouse, dependent children, parents and siblings
- Residency timeline: about 18 Months
- Path to Citizenship: Yes, in 5 Years
Greece Golden Visa
- Minimum Investment Amount: €250,000 in certain Real Estate projects
- Other options: Greek government bonds
- Family Inclusion: Yes – you can include your spouse, dependent children and parents
- Residency timeline: about 3-6 Months
- Path to Citizenship: Yes, in 7 Years
| Decision Point | Portugal Golden Visa | Greece Golden Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Investment Amount | €500,000 in Private Equity or Venture Capital Funds | €250,000 in certain Real Estate projects |
| Other Options | Cultural projects, scientific research donations | Greek government bonds |
| Family Inclusion | Yes – spouse, dependent children, parents and siblings | Yes – spouse, dependent children and parents |
| Residency Timeline | About 18 Months | About 3–6 Months |
| Path to Citizenship | Yes, in 5 Years | Yes, in 7 Years |
Portugal vs Greece Golden Visa: The Benefits and Advantages
Overall, both programmes reveal virtually the same benefits for anyone seeking to establish themselves in the European Union.
Residency in an EU Country
Both programs let you live and study in their respective country. However, one key difference is that you are not allowed to work in Greece under their Golden Visa program, while you can in Portugal.
Visa-free travel in the Schengen Zone
With EU residency status, you don’t have to apply for a visa every time you want to visit another country in the Schengen Zone. However, you’re still bound by the 90/180-day rule, and the only way to get rid of this restriction is by becoming a Citizen.
Read more:
Staying in Schengen Zone: the 90/180-Day Rule Explained
Family Inclusion
Both programs allow for family inclusion, usually at no extra cost for the main family members – namely spouse and dependent children. By including them in the application, you’re extending them the same residency rights, as well as the opportunity to apply for citizenship.
Read more:
Investment Visa | Best Golden Visa for Families
Path to EU Citizenship & Passport
Applying for either program will let you become eligible to apply for Citizenship. The difference between both pertain to requirements and time that it takes to become eligible to apply – but ultimately lead to the same benefit: having an EU passport.
Read more:
What are the benefits of having an EU Passport?
Potential Capital Gain
With either the Portugal or the Greece Golden Visa, there’s the potential of getting a return on the investment beyond getting either residency or citizenship. Though it can never be guaranteed, investment funds for the Portugal Golden Visa, if managed well and market conditions are favourable, may net a return.
Portugal vs Greece Golden Visa: Path to Citizenship & Requirements
You can get either Greek or Portuguese citizenship with a Golden Visa investment.
The major difference between both programs is that to qualify for Greek citizenship, you need to actively be living full-time in Greece, even if the Golden Visa doesn’t actively require you to be in the country at all.
By the time you’ve made your third Golden Visa renewal, you’ll be eligible to apply for citizenship, but you’ll have to effectively show you know and master the Greek language, as well as demonstrate proof of integration in Greek society.
This can be countered with the ability to request Permanent Residency, but you’ll be barring yourself from obtaining the Greek passport.
With the Portugal Golden Visa, it’s considerably easier to get Citizenship. Not only does it take much less time to become eligible much, only 5 years, its requirements are also considerably more accessible, seeing as you only have to show basic knowledge of the Portuguese language by doing a simple exam.
Portugal vs Greece Golden Visa: Processing Times, Approval & Renewals
The processing time for an application seems to be only real advantage the Greece Golden Visa has over the Portugal Golden Visa.
In 2025, the Greek government renewed its commitment to the program, effectively slashing down its backlog considerably, and keeping on track for the 6th year in a row.
Read more:
Investment Visa | How to Apply for a Golden Visa
Currently, the estimated waiting time for the approval in Portugal is around 18 months. However, AIMA has made it clear it wishes to resolve its pending backlog of Golden Visa applications in 2025.
When it comes to renewals, both programs work similarly.
The Greece Golden Visa issues a 5-year residency visa, which is eligible for renewal for as long as you maintain the investment.
The same applies to the Portugal Golden Visa, except it’s issued with a validity period of 2 years, which must be renewed twice before you're able to apply for Citizenship.
Read more:
AIMA's 2025 Goal: Resolve All Pending Golden Visa Processes
Portugal vs Greece Golden Visa: Investment Options Explained
Despite being heavily associated with real estate, the Greece Golden Visa does have other investment options. Due to their nature, involving treasury bonds from the government, and other funds, they’re not the most popular choice, leaving real estate as the only viable and desirable option.
In 2025, the Greece Golden Visa has a tiered system for real estate Golden Visa investments. The minimum amount to invest depends on the property’s location and features.
- €250,000: This option involves converting commercial properties for residential use, or breathing new life into derelict, abandoned properties through renovations.
- €400,000: In regions of the country with fewer than 3,100 inhabitants. This option is limited, as most areas are excluded. The €400,000 minimum investment threshold applies to all other Greek regions and islands not mentioned in the €800,000 option.
- €800,000: You can buy an already existing property for €800,000 and qualify for the Greece Golden Visa. This minimum threshold applies to the Attica region, which includes the capital Athens, the nearby port city of Piraeus, the Thessaloniki region, the islands of Santorini and Mykonos, and any other with over 3,100 inhabitants – like Crete.
Portugal, on the other hand, has a similar situation. Though it has other options involving donations to cultural projects and scientific research, as well as company creation, they don’t capture general interest as well the €500,000 investment in private equity or funds – especially since it is only option with any real potential of netting a return on investment.
Portugal vs Greece Golden Visa: Wealth & Tax Planning
Neither program has any direct influence or impact on your tax residency status, as you don’t become a tax resident just because you hold residency status, which is important especially if you don’t plan on declaring foreign income in either Portugal or Greece.
Bear in mind that you would have to pay taxes on local income regardless.
It’s always worthwhile to consider special tax regimes if you’re truly undecided between what Golden Visa to choose.
Currently, Portugal has the NHR 2.0 regime, which lets you enjoy a fixed 20% tax rate on locally generated income if you qualify for it.
Greece has its own set of tax incentives, especially for Golden Visa holders, including the possibility of paying a flat rate €100,000 per year, with additional amounts per family member.
Read more:
Investment Visa | Greece Golden Visa Tax Incentives for Foreigners
Portugal vs Greece Golden Visa: Cost Comparison
The costs involving a Golden Visa investment go beyond the initial minimum amount. There is no way real of knowing the final cost unless you do a proper, thorough and comprehensive simulation, as it will always depend on a variety of factors.
These include but are not limited to government fees and associated taxes.
The Greece Golden Visa may seem the more affordable option, especially since it only requires half of the Portugal Golden Visa minimum amount. However, it is worth to bear in mind that €250,000 is the minimum, and not all properties will qualify, as they must meet certain criteria.
Furthermore, there are other fees to consider. For instance, property taxes and stamp duty. Purchasing real estate triggers a 3% to 5% transfer tax; not to mention a notary and registry fees, as well as annual insurance and other fees related to common areas. You should also consider agent commissions as well as future capital gains taxes, and maintenance costs.
On the other hand, the Portugal Golden Visa does require a higher entry amount than the Greece Golden Visa. However, since you’ve invested capital in an intangible asset, there’s no stamp duty, no transfer taxes, or any condominium charges. Ongoing fund management fees are considered into the net asset value and disclosed upfront.
Portugal Golden Visa vs Greece Golden Visa: Why Portugal Is the Superior Choice
Ultimately, if you’re truly undecided between Portugal and Greece, you should know that Portugal proves to be the better choice.
As of 2025, the path to citizenship is shorter, taking only 5 years, in contrast with Greece’s 7-year timeline.
Portugal’s Golden Visa lets you work in the country, enabling you to launch your own business or startup if you wish, while Greek law restricts your work ability to property management.
If you plan on relocating permanently, and if you’re eligible for the NHR 2.0, the combination with the easiest path to EU citizenship makes Portugal the most appetising choice.
Plus, if you’re set on Portugal, Portugal Homes can help facilitate the entire process, getting you both visa + residency status as well as a property in Portugal.
However, if you’re leaning more towards Greece, our affiliate brand, Investment Visa, will prove an invaluable partner in building your brighter future.
Why Choose Portugal Homes & the Harland & Poston Group
When you choose Portugal Homes, you're not just choosing a real estate & residency by investment company - you’re choosing a team that’s invested in your success from day one.
Backed by the Harland & Poston Group, we bring years of experience, in-depth market knowledge, and a hands-on approach to every step of your relocation or investment journey.
With over €500 million in global transactions, €180 million in owned assets, and 100% approval on visa and residency applications, we know what it takes to deliver results.
From securing your NIF and opening your bank account to crafting your business plan or investment strategy, we keep it all in-house - no handoffs, no third parties. Just a dedicated team you can trust, on your side from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the difference between the Portugal and Greece Golden Visa?
Both are residency by investment programs that offer non-EU nationals a pathway to live, travel, and eventually gain citizenship in a European Union country. The key differences lie in the type of investment required, the time to citizenship, and whether you're allowed to work in the country.
How much do I need to invest for the Golden Visa in Portugal vs Greece?
Portugal Golden Visa: Minimum €500,000 in approved private equity or venture capital funds.
Greece Golden Visa: Minimum €250,000 in qualifying real estate (with limitations based on location and property type).
Can I include my family in either Golden Visa application?
Yes. Both programmes allow for family reunification, typically including your spouse, dependent children, and parents. Portugal also allows inclusion of dependent siblings.
Do both programmes lead to European citizenship?
Yes, both programmes lead to citizenship:
Portugal: After 5 years of residency with minimal stay requirements.
Greece: After 7 years of full-time residence and integration requirements.
Is one of the programmes faster to approve than the other?
Yes. The Greece Golden Visa has a shorter processing time, averaging 3 to 6 months, while the Portugal Golden Visa currently takes around 18 months to process, though improvements are expected in 2025.
Can I work in Portugal or Greece with a Golden Visa?
Portugal: Yes, you’re allowed to work, open a business, or invest further.
Greece: No, employment is restricted. You may only manage property you own.
Which programme has fewer stay requirements?
The Portugal Golden Visa has lower physical presence requirements, just 7 days in the first year, and 14 days every two years. Greece has no stay requirement for residency, but requires full-time residence if you're aiming for citizenship.
What are the main investment options for each Golden Visa?
Portugal: Private equity or venture capital funds (€500,000), donations to culture or science.
Greece: Real estate (from €250,000), government bonds, less commonly used fund options.
Are there differences in the path to permanent residency and renewals?
Both programmes allow renewals:
Portugal: Residency permit valid for 2 years, renewable twice before citizenship.
Greece: Residency valid for 5 years, renewable indefinitely if investment is maintained.
Which programme offers better tax benefits?
Portugal offers NHR 2.0, which includes a 20% flat tax for qualifying professionals.
Greece offers a €100,000 flat tax per year for foreign income, with optional family add-ons. Both require separate tax residency procedures.
Does the Portugal Golden Visa offer better returns on investment?
While no investment guarantees profit, Portugal’s fund route is designed for potential capital appreciation with lower upfront taxes (no stamp duty, no transfer taxes). Greece’s real estate route may incur additional costs like property tax, maintenance, and agent fees.
Is the Greece Golden Visa really cheaper?
Not always. While the base investment is lower (€250,000), qualifying properties are limited and often priced higher in key locations. Portugal’s fund-based model may appear more expensive but offers transparent fees and lower ongoing costs.
Which Golden Visa is better if I plan to move permanently?
Portugal is generally more attractive if you plan to live, work, or open a business. It offers more flexibility, tax advantages, and a faster route to citizenship.
Who should I speak to about applying for either Golden Visa?
If you’re considering Portugal, Portugal Homes can help you every step of the way from securing your property and processing your visa to providing aftercare support.
For Greece, our sister company Investment Visa specialises in managing your application and investment journey seamlessly.
