Over the past decade, Greece has evolved into a prime destination for strategic global investment. The Golden Visa program, initially popular among real estate investors seeking lifestyle benefits, now increasingly attracts those pursuing financial instruments to establish their European presence.
Startup Investments: A New Frontier from 2025
Starting from December 2024, the Golden Visa program has embraced the growing Greek startup ecosystem by enabling residency eligibility through investments in startups registered with Elevate Greece, the official national registry for innovative companies. This change aligns the program with Greece’s broader economic development strategy, fostering international investment in local innovation.
The new legislation requires a minimum investment of €250,000 into the share capital or bond issuance of startups listed in the Elevate Greece registry.
To qualify for the Golden Visa via startup investment, investors must ensure that their equity participation does not exceed 33% of the company’s share capital or voting rights. Additionally, the invested startup must create at least two new jobs within the first year and maintain those jobs for a minimum of five years, thereby guaranteeing sustained economic impact.
Since the beginning of 2025, there has been a notable surge in inquiries from Greek startup founders seeking to connect with potential international investors via the Golden Visa scheme. Concurrently, prospective investors in our network have expressed heightened interest in exploring equity opportunities in these startups, reflecting a maturing ecosystem and increasing confidence in Greece’s innovation potential.
Financial Investment Options:
Under the revised legal framework (article 99 l. 5038/2023 Gov. Gazette 81/01.04.2023), non-EU nationals may obtain a residence permit in Greece by investing in various financial products, carefully regulated and supervised to ensure legal compliance and financial soundness.
- Purchase of Units in a Mutual Fund – €350,000
Eligibility may be achieved by investing at least €350,000 in a mutual fund that is established in Greece or abroad, provided the fund is exclusively focused on Greek-listed shares, corporate bonds or Greek government bonds. This pathway offers diversified access to Greek financial instruments through a regulated collective investment vehicle. (Currently eligible for Golden Visa: Alpha funds and Eurofunds) - Fixed-Term Deposit of at least €500,000
Investors may choose to place a fixed-term deposit of €500,000 or more in a Greek credit institution for at least one year, with a standing renewal order in place. This pathway is particularly attractive to individuals seeking a low-risk and straightforward route to residency, without the need for active asset management. - Purchase of Greek Government Bonds (€500,000 minimum)
An increasingly popular option involves the acquisition of Greek Government bonds, with a minimum investment of €500,000 and a residual maturity of at least three years. These are held through a Greek credit institution acting as custodian, offering a combination of sovereign credit security and reliable returns. - Purchase of Units or Shares in an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) – €350,000
Applicants may also qualify by investing a minimum of €350,000 in an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) established in Greece or another EU Member State, provided that the fund invests exclusively in Greece and maintains assets of at least €3 million. This option offers professionally managed exposure to the Greek market and is suited to investors who value diversification and passive participation. - Capital Contribution to a Real Estate Investment Company (REIC) – €500,000
The Golden Visa program also permits a minimum investment of €500,000 in a Real Estate Investment Company (REIC) that is solely focused on investing within Greek territory. This vehicle provides a regulated and indirect exposure to the Greek real estate sector. - Purchase of Shares, Corporate Bonds or Greek Government Bonds – €800,000
For more sophisticated investors, the program allows participation through the acquisition of shares, corporate bonds, or government bonds that are traded on regulated markets or multilateral trading facilities in Greece, with a minimum investment of €800,000. This route provides access to potentially higher yields while simultaneously supporting the domestic capital market. - Capital Contribution to a Greek regulated Company – €500,000
Investors have the option to make a capital contribution of no less than €500,000 to a company registered and operating in Greece (excluding portfolio and real estate investment companies), for the purpose of acquiring shares in a capital increase or bonds issued for trading on the Greek capital markets. This route supports local enterprise while offering direct equity involvement. - Capital Contribution to a Venture Capital Company (VCC) or Mutual Fund of Business Holdings (MFBH) – €500,000
Finally, investors may choose to contribute capital amounting to at least €500,000 to a Venture Capital Company (VCC), a Mutual Fund of Business Holdings (MFBH), or similar alternative investment institutions, provided they invest exclusively in companies headquartered or established in Greece. This option is ideal for those seeking to support Greek innovation and entrepreneurship through private equity channels.
The evolving landscape of the Greek Golden Visa program offers a rich palette of investment opportunities. Whether through traditional real estate, diverse financial instruments, or dynamic startup companies, investors can tailor their strategies to match risk preferences, desired involvement levels, and long-term goals.
