Golden Visa Program Now Open to Foreign Investors in Greek Startups

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced a new legal framework for the Golden Visa scheme, expanding its scope beyond real estate to include Greek businesses, aimed at attracting more foreign investors.

During his speech at the Thessaloniki International Fair on September 7, 2024, the Prime Minister stated that the residence permit will now be granted to individuals investing 250,000 euros in Greek startups, in a bid to boost investment interest.

“An individual can obtain a Golden Visa by investing 250,000 euros, not in real estate, but in a startup business,” said Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

“This initiative complements our broader strategy to support entrepreneurship,” he added.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during his briefing at the TIF. Photo source: Prime Minister press office

Earlier this year, the Greek government raised the Golden Visa threshold for real estate purchases to 800,000 euros across Attica, Thessaloniki, and the Aegean islands with a population of at least 3,100. This move aimed to tackle Greece’s growing housing crisis and the surge in rental prices.

Additionally, the government banned the lease of purchased properties through the golden visa scheme as Airbnbs.

“We rightly increased the thresholds for obtaining it through real estate purchases in high-demand areas,” the Prime Minister added.

The new Golden Visa regulations are part of the government’s broader strategy, addressing Greek tourism, the housing market, short-term rentals, cruises, and other key economic sectors.