Greece Has Issued Over 6,500 Golden Visas to Chinese Nationals as of February 2025

As of February 2025, Greece has granted a total of 6,520 Golden Visas to Chinese nationals, reaffirming their position as the leading beneficiaries of the country’s residency-by-investment program, according to the Ministry of Migration.

Key Beneficiaries and Rising Demand

After Chinese investors, the top recipients of Greek Golden Visas are:
- Turkey – 1,471 permits
- Lebanon – 798 permits
- United Kingdom – 595 permits

Rising interest is also noted from investors in Iran, the United States, and Israel.

These investors are often drawn to Greece for reasons such as political stability, lifestyle advantages, EU access, and favorable tax treatment for non-domiciled residents.

Real Estate Still the Preferred Route

The most popular investment pathway remains real estate, particularly high-end properties in:
- The Athenian Riviera (Glyfada, Voula, Vouliagmeni)
- Central neighborhoods like Kolonaki and Plaka
- Northern suburbs such as Kifisia, Ekali, Marousi
- Popular islands — Crete, Corfu, Rhodes, Paros
- The Peloponnese is emerging as a luxury second-home destination

According to To Vima, investors favor seaside villas, properties with historical character, and homes meeting energy efficiency standards.

Rule Changes and Application Deadlines

Greece made several key changes to its Golden Visa scheme in 2024:
- The minimum investment threshold rose from €250,000 to €800,000 in premium zones such as central Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini.
- Other regions maintain the €250,000 threshold, encouraging interest beyond urban centers.
- New restrictions have been introduced on short-term rentals and use of investment properties.

However, authorities extended the application deadline for those who signed preliminary agreements before the change. These investors have until February 28, 2025 to finalize their transactions under the old rules.

Economic Impact

In 2024 alone, the Golden Visa program attracted 9,289 applications, resulting in €2.32 billion worth of real estate investment. The scheme remains one of Europe’s most successful residency-by-investment programs.