Our Presence

Portugal Golden Visa vs Greece Golden Visa in 2025: Which Program Is Right for You?

In 2025, the European Golden Visa market continues to evolve. Greece’s Golden Visa is rapidly attracting international investors and expatriates, while Portugal’s program remains a leading residency-by-investment option.

Portugal remains the leader based on market trends and industry surveys. However, recent legal changes and evolving citizenship timelines have prompted investors to compare Portugal and Greece more closely.

This guide compares the Portugal and Greece Golden Visa programs in 2025, focusing on cost of living, lifestyle, investment thresholds, residency and citizenship timelines, and overall popularity.

Portugal Golden Visa Remains a Top Choice in 2025

Investor interest in Portugal’s Golden Visa remains strong, despite regulatory challenges and processing delays.

According to the 2025 Investment Migration Executive Survey, nearly 25% of immigration firms rank Portugal as their clients’ preferred Golden Visa program. In comparison, Greece accounts for about 8% of all Golden Visa sales.

Industry experts predict Portugal will remain the top-selling Golden Visa program in 2026, provided nationality law debates are resolved transparently and fairly for investors.

Changes to Portugal’s Nationality Law: What Investors Need to Know

A proposed amendment to Portugal’s nationality law may increase the citizenship eligibility period from five to ten years of residency. This is a significant development for the Portugal Golden Visa in 2025.

A group of Golden Visa holders has filed a lawsuit against the Portuguese government, arguing that retroactive rule changes violate agreements made when their investments were approved. Attorneys emphasize that investors seek fair transitional arrangements and legal certainty, rather than special treatment.

Currently, there is a backlog of approximately 20,000 Golden Visa applications. Applicants are awaiting appointments with Portugal’s Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA), and the government has paused changes to nationality laws pending a constitutional review.

This situation highlights the importance of expert advice and thorough risk assessment for both new and experienced investors when choosing a residency-by-investment program.

Greece Golden Visa: A Rising Alternative in Europe

Greece has emerged as a strong alternative for Golden Visa applicants as Portugal addresses legal uncertainties.

Greece offers:

A Mediterranean lifestyle, island living, and affordable healthcare;
No minimum stay requirement to retain residency; and
Citizenship eligibility after seven years of residence.

According to International Living’s 2026 Global Retirement Index, Greece ranked first globally for retirement, surpassing Portugal, which placed fourth.

Experts in global diversification now consider Greece more than a substitute. For many investors, especially those seeking flexibility and real estate opportunities, it represents a strategic upgrade.

Investment Requirements: Portugal vs Greece Golden Visa

Portugal Golden Visa Investment

Minimum investment: €500,000
Eligible routes include regulated investment funds
Requires only 7 days of physical presence per year
Grants residency and visa-free travel across 29 Schengen countries

Greece Golden Visa Investment

Property investment starting at €250,000 (for renovation projects or low-demand areas)
Premium areas such as Mykonos, Santorini, and Athens may require investments up to €800,000
No stay requirement to maintain residency
Family members included under one investment

Both programs provide access to Europe’s Schengen Zone, but differ significantly in investment thresholds and long-term residency planning.

Residential Appeal of Portugal and Greece for Global Citizens

Portugal

Portugal has long been favored by expatriates for its:

Accessible private healthcare;
Stable economy, recognized by The Economist as Economy of the Year 2025;
Favorable tax policies for foreign residents; and
D7 and digital nomad visa options in addition to the Golden Visa.

The number of foreign residents in Portugal has nearly tripled since 2019, reaching 1.6 million, or about 15% of the population.

Greece

Greece offers over 8,000 miles of coastline, hundreds of islands, more than 300 sunny days per year, affordable real estate in many areas, and high-quality private healthcare.

Greece is becoming one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for retirees and lifestyle-focused investors.

How Much Does It Really Cost to Live in Portugal, Greece, or the U.S.?

Below is a comparison of the cost of living in Portugal, Greece, and the United States.

Portugal and Greece remain significantly more affordable than the United States.

Average monthly cost of living (not including rent):

Portugal: ~$592 for a single person
Greece: ~$832 for a single person
United States: ~$1,166 for a single person

Rental costs in Portugal and Greece are 40 to 50 percent lower than U.S. averages, making both destinations attractive for long-term relocation and retirement planning.

Final Thoughts: Portugal vs Greece: Which Golden Visa Is Better in 2025?

As of 2025:

The Portugal Golden Visa remains the most established and widely recognized program.
The Greece Golden Visa is gaining momentum due to its flexibility, lower entry costs, and lifestyle benefits.

The right choice depends on:

Your citizenship timeline goals
Investment budget
Residency flexibility
Long-term family planning

With evolving regulations and increasing investor demand, expert guidance is essential

European Golden Visa Expertise You Can Trust

At Trenity Consultants, we offer transparent, compliant, and strategic Golden Visa solutions tailored to your goals. Whether you are considering Portugal, Greece, or other European residency programs, our immigration experts guide you at every step, ensuring security and ethical standards.

Book a consultation today with the top European immigration consultants in Abu Dhabi, UAE, to determine the best Golden Visa option for you and your family.