Greek Golden Visa

Greece attracts global families with its cost-effective living, quality healthcare, and diverse international education options. Athens ranks 97th among 227 cities globally for living costs, significantly below Hong Kong or Shanghai. Daily essentials are affordable (e.g., milk ~€1/liter, fruit ~€1/kg). Average monthly household expenses are approximately €500. Public transport is efficient (€1.20 ticket valid for 70 minutes with transfers).

Healthcare ranks 14th globally (WHO), accounting for 8.4% of GDP. Life expectancy is 82.8 years. Permanent residents access free public healthcare; private care reimburses ~80% via insurance. Leading institutions include Athens General Hospital and Metropolitan Hospital.

Education features 9-year compulsory + 12-year free public education. International schools (e.g., American Community Schools Athens, St. Catherine's British School) cost €6,000-13,000 annually - approximately 60% of comparable Chinese institutions. Comprehensive curricula (IB, A-level) enable direct entry to global universities, with institutions like the University of Athens offering dual-degree programs with Yale and Columbia.

Greece's "commercial-to-residential" policy aims to revitalize urban commercial assets by converting non-residential properties to residences, driving market diversification. Compared to new developments, conversions typically feature shorter timelines and lower costs, enabling faster returns. The policy also stimulates foreign investment and urban renewal.

For investors, key advantages include: 1) Maintaining the €250,000 Golden Visa threshold with no location restrictions, enabling access to prime areas; 2) Faster ROI due to shorter renovation cycles; 3) Strong rental potential in established commercial zones; 4) Full freehold ownership without resale limitations; 5) Visa-free Schengen access (29 countries) and EU benefits.

Greece's Golden Visa stands out as Europe's only program offering residency through pure real estate investment starting at €250,000 - significantly below Portugal (€500k+) or Spain (€500k). It maintains Europe's only 100% approval rate with efficient processing and policy stability.

Family inclusivity is exceptional: Spouses, children under 21, and both parents qualify under one investment. Minors may serve as primary applicants, enabling multi-generational immigration.

Globally, the Henley Global Residence Program Index ranks Greece joint #2 worldwide (tied with Austria). Other authorities rank it #1 alongside Portugal, affirming its leadership in accessibility and value.

I. Geography

Situated in Southeast Europe's Balkan Peninsula, Greece spans 131,957 km² featuring mainland Greece, the Peloponnese peninsula, and over 3,000 islands. Its coastline extends approximately 14,000 km - among the Mediterranean's longest.

Mountains cover over 80% of the territory. Mount Olympus (2,918m) is Greece's highest peak. Major ranges include Pindus and Rhodope, with plains in Thessaly, Macedonia, and Thrace.

II. Climate

Greece features a Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

Southern Islands: Mild winters (6°C-13°C), warm summers (23°C-33°C)

North/Inland: Continental influences bring colder winters with snow

Annual sunshine exceeds 2,000 hours. Rainfall concentrates in winter months.

III. Culture

As Western civilization's birthplace, Greece profoundly influenced philosophy, art, and democracy. Its culture evolved through Classical, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods, creating a unique synthesis.

UNESCO sites include the Acropolis and Delphi. Traditional music (Rembetiko), cuisine (olive oil, feta), and Orthodox traditions define contemporary Greek life.

IV. Society

Population: ~10.5 million. Over 98% ethnic Greek. Official language: Greek. State religion: Greek Orthodoxy.

Society faces demographic aging. Athens (population ~3.7 million) serves as the political, economic, and cultural center. Cultural celebrations include National Day (March 25) and Easter.

V. Tourism & Sustainability

Tourism contributes ~18% to GDP, supporting over 900,000 jobs. Full recovery is projected for 2025 with revenue exceeding €21.7 billion and over 33 million visitors.

Greece promotes year-round tourism diversification while prioritizing ecological protection, water management, and sustainable development.