Following the European Union’s recent court ruling that forced Malta to close its longstanding Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, global investor attention appears to be redirecting toward more sustainable and accessible European residency options—chief among them, Greece. According to newly released search trend data from international investment consultancy Astons, interest in Greece’s Golden Visa surged in April 2025, reaching a Google Trends score of 33.75. Though it still trails Portugal’s Golden Visa (67.25), Greece is now outpacing Cyprus (15.25), signaling a notable shift in investor sentiment.
The data, which tracks average monthly global search interest for Golden Visa-related terms from January 2024 through April 2025, shows that Greece’s program is gaining traction—particularly in the wake of growing scrutiny and regulatory shifts across the EU. As one of the more affordable and straightforward residency-by-investment pathways in the bloc, Greece is increasingly viewed as a viable alternative for international investors seeking EU access without the political baggage that now surrounds citizenship-based offerings.
Greece’s Golden Visa: A Cost-Effective Path to Europe
One of the key advantages driving this uptick in demand is the accessibility of Greece’s program. While other European nations have imposed steep investment thresholds, Greece still offers entry-level investment at 250,000 euros—provided it falls under specific use cases, such as the conversion of commercial properties into residential units.
The structure of the program has evolved, adopting a tiered pricing model:
- Tier A: 800,000 euros minimum in high-demand areas like central Athens, Mykonos, or Santorini.
- Tier B: 400,000 euros in less saturated, though still desirable, locations.
- Tier C: 250,000 euros for the conversion of commercial real estate to residential use.
This layered approach allows investors to choose based on their risk appetite, desired location, and budget—something few other EU programs offer. In practice, this has led to developers strategically reworking commercial assets into qualifying residential projects, especially in premium areas where demand remains high.
Greece Golden Visa Market Fundamentals Support Investor Confidence
A closer look at regional property trends reveals another layer of appeal. According to the same report, several Greek real estate markets have experienced double-digit price growth over the past year. Piraeus in the Attica region leads the charge with an impressive 27.8% year-on-year increase, followed closely by Kavala (+20.9%) and Chios (+20.6%).
These figures underscore not just a strong return potential for real estate investors but also the economic viability of the Golden Visa pathway. For many, the possibility of property appreciation layered on top of a residency benefit makes Greece a uniquely attractive proposition.
For firms like Apex Capital Partners, which specialize in guiding global investors through residency and citizenship solutions, this market shift is a clear signal. As CBI programs decline in political favor, streamlined and strategic residency routes like the Greece Golden Visa are emerging as the new cornerstone of investment migration.
Greece Golden Visa Lifestyle and Legal Advantages
Beyond pure numbers, Greece’s appeal is rooted in more than affordability and ROI. Residency in Greece grants access to the Schengen Area, allowing visa-free travel across 27 European countries. The country also offers a relatively relaxed physical presence requirement—residents are not obligated to live in Greece full time to maintain their status.
For investors prioritizing lifestyle, Greece delivers. From a world-renowned food and culture scene to excellent private healthcare and an expanding international school network, the country checks many of the boxes global families look for. A welcoming expat community and coastal living options only enhance the overall package.
The Greek government has also introduced favorable tax incentives for new residents, including a 15-year tax regime that caps global income tax liabilities under certain conditions—an especially appealing structure for retirees, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs.
A Narrowing Window for Greece’s Golden Visa
While the Greek Golden Visa remains open for business, the broader trend across Europe suggests that the window of opportunity may be narrowing. The EU has made its position clear: citizenship-for-sale schemes are under increasing scrutiny. Malta’s forced shutdown is not an isolated event, but part of a larger crackdown aimed at increasing transparency, tightening due diligence, and limiting the scope of investment migration offerings.
Residency programs, while still tolerated, are increasingly being reviewed for their impact on local housing markets and regional development plans. As such, flexibility and accessibility—key features of the Greek program—may not remain indefinitely.
Astons’ analysis, coupled with surging online interest, suggests that savvy investors are beginning to act now, capitalizing on the relative openness of Greece’s offering before regulatory winds shift further. The firm’s analysts advise that those considering European relocation or diversification of citizenship should prioritize speed and preparedness to ensure eligibility under current terms.
Broader Implications for the Investment Migration Industry
This renewed focus on Greece is not just a reflection of its intrinsic benefits. It signals a broader realignment within the global investment migration space. With traditional CBI strongholds like Malta stepping back, the focus is moving toward well-regulated, residence-based pathways—particularly those with strong ties to real estate and regional development.
Programs that balance investor appeal with regulatory compliance are becoming the gold standard. Firms operating in this space—especially those with a track record of navigating complex political and legal landscapes—are well positioned to advise on these shifts and provide the strategic foresight that today’s investors require.
As countries recalibrate their policies in response to EU pressure, the ability to stay ahead of regulatory change, and to understand the evolving balance between access, flexibility, and security, becomes a premium offering. Greece’s Golden Visa sits at the center of that evolution: established enough to provide stability, yet flexible enough to accommodate the modern investor’s needs.
Why Greece May Be the Last Open Door to the EU
As the sun sets on Malta’s citizenship program, Greece is stepping into the spotlight—not just as a stopgap, but as a compelling, long-term solution for those looking to secure European residency. With rising property values, favorable tax frameworks, and manageable entry points, Greece’s Golden Visa is no longer just an alternative; for many, it’s becoming the new gold standard.
For those considering a move into the European market, now is the time to act. Firms like Apex Capital Partners continue to monitor these developments closely, helping clients seize opportunities while they remain viable. As investor migration adapts to the new European reality, Greece appears ready to lead the next chapter.
