Immigrant Invest Helps to Choose the Right Option
Greece introduces a startup-focused Golden Visa. From January 1st, 2025, investors can obtain residence permits by contributing €250,000 to a startup registered in the National Register of Startups (Elevate Greece) and creating at least two jobs.
Portugal considers a Solidarity Golden Visa. The proposed option under the existing program would require a €250,000 investment in social projects, such as infrastructure.
Immigrant Invest expert Zlata Erlach explains both options and other opportunities to obtain EU residency by investment.
What to know about Portugal and Greece Golden Visas
Portugal and Greece offer Golden Visas, granting residence permits to investors who contribute to their economies. A minimum investment of €250,000 is required in both countries.
Portugal. Until the Solidarity Golden Visa becomes a reality, five investment options are available:
– purchase of investment fund unit — €500,000+;
– supporting art and restoring cultural heritage — €250,000+:
– investment in research activities — €500,000+:
– business investment with the creation of at least 5 jobs — €500,000+:
– opening a company and creating at least 10 jobs — no minimum investment requirement.
Greece. Unlike Portugal, the Greece Golden Visa prioritises real estate. Options include purchasing property for at least €250,000, as well as 10-year lease or timeshare of tourist accommodation, or acquiring real estate via inheritance or gift for €400,000 or more.
Other Greece Golden Visa investment options include:
– purchase of shares in mutual or alternative investment funds — €350,000+;
– opening a fixed-term deposit — €500,000+;
– purchase of government bonds — €500,000+;
– capital investment in Greek companies — €500,000+;
– purchase of corporate and government bonds listed for trading — €800,000+.
Starting January 1st, 2025, investors can contribute €250,000 to startups registered in Elevate Greece. The new business must create at least two jobs.
The process of obtaining the Golden Visa
The procedures for obtaining Golden Visas in Portugal and Greece are similar, but timelines differ. Portugal requires at least 12 months, while Greece issues residence permits in at least 4 months.
Key steps include:
1) Obtaining a tax number.
2) Gathering documents.
3) Undergoing Due Diligence.
4) Fulfilling investment requirements.
5) Submitting biometrics.
6) Collecting residence permits.
In Portugal, investors must also open a local bank account and transfer funds through it, a step not required in Greece.
Immigrant Invest offers full support, ensuring compliance and assistance throughout the process.
The benefits of Portugal and Greece Golden Visas
Common. Investors can include family members such as spouses, same-sex partners, children, and parents.
Golden Visa holders enjoy visa-free travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, access to EU healthcare, and enrollment in European universities.
After several years, they can apply for a passport, gaining full EU rights. Both countries allow dual citizenship.
Different. Some of the most prominent differences include:
– path to citizenship — Portugal requires 5 years; in Greece, it takes 7 years;
– residency for citizenship — Portugal mandates 7 days annually; Greece requires 183+ days;
– business operations — allowed in Portugal; not allowed in Greece;
– tax regimes — Greece offers a €100,000 flat annual tax on global income; Portugal does not.
Which country to choose
The Portugal Golden Visa suits investors seeking a fast pathway to EU citizenship with minimal relocation requirements. It is ideal for those planning to open a company in Portugal and expand into the EU market.
The Greece Golden Visa is perfect for investors wanting to purchase real estate for residence or as a holiday home. It also appeals to business professionals, offering a flat €100,000 annual tax on global income for those establishing tax residency.
How Immigrant Invest can help
Immigrant Invest experts carefully analyse each case and provide comprehensive guidance on Golden Visas, Due Diligence, residency terms, and investment options.
To choose the best option between Portugal and Greece Golden Visas, book an appointment with Immigrant Invest expert Zlata Erlach:
– Vienna, Austria
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