Huge win for Brits as Greece announces major update to its Golden Visa program | World | News
In a huge win for Brits looking to escape the UK for sunnier climates, a more affordable entry point into EU residency has been restored. Following Brexit, the Greek Golden Visa became one of the most popular routes for Brits to regain freedom of movement and residency rights in Europe. However, in late 2024, Greece raised the minimum real estate investment threshold in popular areas like Athens, Thessaloniki and its beautiful islands to €800,000 (£698,000), leaving many priced out.
However, in a major update this month, the southern European nation has introduced a new option within its popular Golden Visa framework, setting the investment threshold at €250,000 (£218,000), making it the most affordable route currently available for those unwilling to commit nearly €1 million to property.
Like the property-based visa, this grants a five-year residency permit, allowing Brits to travel freely throughout the Schengen Area for 90 out of 180 days without a visa. Renewals are required every other year during that period, provided the program’s conditions continue to be met.
After seven years of legal residency, and as long as you meet language and integration requirements, investors can apply for Greek citizenship, which provides a full EU passport.
A major plus for Brits is that you do not need to live in Greece to maintain the visa, making it ideal for those who want a gateway to Europe while remaining based in the UK.
However, to qualify for the visa under this update, investors must meet specific requirements. The investment must be made into a startup company registered with Elevate Greece, the national startup registry.
The investor cannot own more than 33% of the company’s capital or voting rights. The startup, including those in tech, defence, finance and specialised real estate services, must also create at least two new jobs within the first year and maintain them for at least five years.
The Greek Government is using this update to pivot the Golden Visa program away from pure real estate, which has been blamed for driving up housing costs for locals, and towards productive investments that stimulate the economy and create jobs.
This comes after a wave of British and international investors were left stranded when Spain officially scrapped its Golden Visa program in April 2025. Among the reasons for the program’s end was that over 94% of Spanish Golden Visas were tied to property. The Government argued this turned housing into a “speculative business” rather than a right, driving locals out of major cities like Barcelona.
