Which is More Advantageous?: Greece vs. Spain Golden Visa

Jackson Anderson

Golden Visa

The Greek Golden Visa Program, launched in 2013, offers non-EU citizens Greek residency through investments, with the minimum requirement recently raised to €500,000 in some areas. It provides a five-year residence permit, family inclusion, and visa-free Schengen travel. Similarly, the Spanish Golden Visa Program allows non-EU nationals to live, study, and work in Spain, with the possibility of permanent residency after five years and citizenship after ten. Both visa options in Greece and Spain offer valuable pathways for those looking to live in Europe.

A Compare of Two Programs

We’ll review each program’s key components, such as the investment options, residence benefits, and routes to citizenship. This comparison will make it easier for you to understand the distinct benefits and possibilities that each nation provides to investors looking to migrate to Europe, whether Greece’s ancient appeal or Spain’s rich cultural legacy draws them.

Acquire EU Residency Permit with Greece Golden Visa


The Greece Golden Visa Program offers a five-year residency visa in exchange for an affordable real estate investment. You can live in Greece and travel visa-free throughout the Schengen area with this visa. The program requires a minimum investment of €250,000.

A Plan B Route through Spain Golden Visa Program


By making a qualified investment in Spain, non-EU citizens can apply for residency under the Spain Golden Visa Program. The most popular choice is to invest €500,000 in real estate; alternative options include money transfers or company growth initiatives. With the option of permanent residency after five years and citizenship after ten years, if certain requirements are completed, the visa permits holders to live, work, and study in Spain. The program is an appealing choice for people and families looking to start over in Europe since it offers the extra benefit of visa-free travel inside the Schengen region.

What are the Investment Opportunities?

Which Golden Visa scheme suits you the most? You may start your European journey by learning about the specifics of Greece’s and Spain’s Golden Visa schemes. Before making a choice, find out who qualifies, what the investment criteria are, and all the other pertinent details. Now, let’s get going!

Affordable Investment Amount with the Greece Golden Visa

Real Estate Investment in Greece Golden Visa

The minimum investment required varies from €250,000 outside important towns to €500,000 inside Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini. Investing in several homes or a single high-value property is a possibility.

Lease Agreement in Greece Golden Visa

A ten-year lease for a hotel room or furnished vacation home, with a €250,000 minimum rent amount paid in one installment over the course of the 10 years. A minimum of €400,000 in Greek government bonds and real estate are among the other investments. Greek venture capital and private equity firms, as well as investment business shares or bonds.

Spain Golden Visa Offers a Variety of Investment Choices

Real estate investment

Invest a minimum of €500,000 in commercial or residential properties, which can also be rented out. Any investment exceeding the minimum amount may be financed through a mortgage or combined with other investors.

Business Development

With a minimum investment of €1 million, it seeks to strengthen the Spanish economy by creating employment, having an effect on society, and advancing scientific or technological innovation.

Capital Transfer

Make a minimum investment of €1 million in Spanish bank deposits, company shares, or Treasury Bonds, all of which are known for their competitive returns and solid financial stability.

Is it Possible to Acquire EU Citizenship Through These Programs?

While it is possible to apply for citizenship through both programs, which one are you going to choose? In Greece, citizenship can be applied for after seven years of residency and tax payment. But applying for EU citizenship in this way can be difficult, and there isn’t much information out there about the procedure. In a similar vein, although it offers residency by investment, the Spain Golden Visa Program does not offer a direct route to citizenship. If you fulfill specific qualifications, you can be eligible for citizenship after 10 years of residence in Spain with a Golden Visa.

Which Would You Pick—Spain or Greece?

The Greece Golden Visa program allows entry with a relatively low investment of €250,000 in real estate,allowing visa-free travel within the Schengen area and providing a complex path to citizenship after seven years.

The Spain Golden Visa offers a wider range of options, including real estate and business development, with a minimum investment of €500,000. In addition to significant economic and social advantages, it provides residency and the potential for citizenship after ten years.

Carefully weigh the pros and cons of each program to determine your ideal European residence. Ultimately, you can select the program that best aligns with your needs and goals.

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