The top nationalities submitting the largest number of golden visa applications in Greece in October this year are the following ones:
- China – 6,521 (51.8 per cent of the total)
- Türkiye – 1,115 (8.9 per cent)
- Lebanon – 717 (5.7 per cent)
- United Kingdom – 511 (4.1 per cent)
- Iran 509 (4 per cent)
In terms of renewals and issuances of golden visas, Chinese nationals were also at the top of the list.
According to the figures from the Ministry, in October 2024, the number of renewals and issuances also increased significantly or 61 per cent, compared to the figures from the same period last year.
In October 2024, authorities in Greece registered a total of 4,283 renewals and issuances, compared to 2,659 registered in October 2023.
- China – 2,327 (54 per cent of the total)
- Russia – 426 (9.9 per cent)
- Türkiye – 394 (9.2 per cent)
- Iran – 167 (3.9 per cent)
- Egypt – 166 (3.9 per cent)
Significant Increase in New Pending Applications
The figures from the Ministry of Immigration of Greece reveal that in the first ten months of this year, there was a sharp increase in the number of new pending applications for golden visas.
Based on the statistics from the Ministry, last year, the number of new pending requests stood at 4,772, but in the first ten months of this year, the number of new pending applications was 5,890.
The figures from the Ministry reveal that the total number of pending initial issuance applications is 10,989 and 2,953 renewal applications.
Low Minimum Investment Requirement for Golden Visa Program
The Golden Visa Program of Greece permits the acquisition of residency for non-EU nationals, provided they meet some needed conditions and make a financial contribution to the Hellenic Republic.
Among the most sought-after options of this scheme is the real estate investment one, which offers residency in exchange for an investment worth €250,000 or more.
However, due to the housing crisis in Greece, the country’s authorities decided to increase the minimum amount required for golden visa applications, which in the most famous parts of the country reaches €800,000.
Yet, according to a report from Skai Greece, the minimum amount required for real estate investments in Greece of €250,000 continues to be low and competitive with other European countries that offer such programs.
Therefore, in spite of the increase in the minimum amount required for Golden Visa investments remains high, and Greece continues to be among the top European countries when it comes to obtaining residency through programs of this kind.
