Greece Launches Startup Golden Visa. A new investment residency model

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In late 2025, Greece officially introduced a new version of its Golden Visa program, marking the first major expansion beyond real estate investment. The updated scheme allows non-EU investors to obtain a five-year residence permit by investing in Greek start-ups, positioning the country as a more entrepreneur-friendly destination for global talent and capital.

The program was introduced under Law 5187/2024 and incorporated into Greece’s fiscal planning submitted to the European Commission. It became operational in November 2025.

Investment thresholds and business criteria

Under the new framework, applicants must invest a minimum of €250,000 in a start-up listed on the national Elevate Greece registry. Eligible companies operate across sectors such as tourism, fintech, real estate technology, defense and digital services. Investors are restricted to a maximum ownership or voting share of 33%, reinforcing the program’s focus on active business development rather than asset accumulation.

A key requirement is job creation. Each funded start-up must generate at least two new jobs within its first year after the investment and maintain those positions for a minimum of five years, directly linking residency rights to local economic impact.

Validity, renewal and citizenship prospects

The residence permit is initially issued for one year and can be renewed every two years, up to a total of five years, provided the program conditions continue to be met. Investors who extend their legal stay through other residency pathways may eventually apply for Greek citizenship after seven years of continuous and lawful residence.

Migration advisors note that while the legal framework is in place, uptake remains limited in early 2026 as the program continues to mature.

Reducing reliance on real estate visas

The startup-focused Golden Visa reflects Greece’s response to growing criticism of real estate-based residency programs across Europe. EU institutions have repeatedly raised concerns about security risks, transparency and housing market distortions linked to property-driven schemes.

In Greece, the traditional Golden Visa program has been associated with rising property prices in Athens and popular island destinations. Redirecting investment toward start-ups is intended to mitigate these effects while supporting innovation and job creation.

Part of a broader investment strategy

The launch of the start-up option does not replace Greece’s real estate Golden Visa, which remains available under revised investment thresholds. Instead, it adds a second pillar to the country’s residency-by-investment framework, offering investors greater choice and flexibility.

Similar models have recently emerged in countries such as New Zealand and Malaysia, where investor visas are increasingly tied to business activity and employment rather than passive capital deployment.

As International Investment experts report, Greece’s new startup Golden Visa signals a structural shift toward more sustainable investment migration. By prioritizing entrepreneurship and job creation, the program has the potential to strengthen economic resilience while addressing long-standing concerns around housing pressure linked to traditional Golden Visa schemes.