Greece Golden Visa Sees Record Growth Among UAE Nationals in 2025

Key Takeaways

• Greece Golden Visa approvals rose 15% with over 14,800 visas granted by April 2025.
• New 2024 three-zone system adjusts real estate investment minimums from €250,000 to €800,000.
• Program covers families, benefits 28,000 members, and tops 2025 Global Residence Program Index.

The Greece Golden Visa program has become a leading choice for non-EU nationals, especially UAE nationals, who seek EU residency for lifestyle, family security, and travel flexibility. This analytical report examines the program’s recent growth, policy changes, and its impact on both investors and Greek authorities. The analysis draws on the latest data, expert commentary, and official resources to provide a clear, unbiased overview for prospective applicants and stakeholders.

Purpose and Scope

This report aims to:

• Explain the recent surge in Greece Golden Visa applications among UAE nationals
• Detail the 2024 policy changes and their implications
• Present key data and trends in program uptake
• Compare the Greece Golden Visa to similar EU residency programs
• Discuss practical steps, limitations, and future outlook for applicants
• Offer evidence-based conclusions for investors, families, and policymakers

Methodology

The analysis uses:

• Official government data on visa grants and family beneficiaries
• Expert commentary from global immigration consultants and program analysts
• Comparative indices such as the 2025 Global Residence Program Index
• Recent policy documents outlining investment thresholds and eligibility
• Stakeholder perspectives from UAE investors, Greek authorities, and immigration experts

All information is sourced from official releases, reputable immigration consultancies, and recognized comparative studies. Where possible, direct links to official government resources are provided for further reference.

Key Findings

• Record Growth: The Greece Golden Visa program saw a 15% increase in approvals over the past year, with more than 14,800 initial grants by April 2025.
• Family Impact: Nearly 28,000 family members have benefited, highlighting the program’s appeal to multigenerational households, especially among UAE nationals.
• Policy Update: In August 2024, Greece introduced a three-zone investment system, adjusting minimum real estate investment thresholds to reflect local market conditions.
• Competitive Edge: The program remains one of the most affordable and flexible EU residency options, with no strict physical presence requirement.
• Expert Endorsement: Greece’s Golden Visa topped the 2025 Global Residence Program Index, confirming its status as a leading residency-by-investment scheme.

Data Presentation and Trends

Surge in UAE Nationals Seeking EU Residency

Recent data shows a 15% year-on-year increase in Greece Golden Visa grants, with UAE nationals making up a significant share of new applicants. By April 2025, over 14,800 initial visas had been issued, extending residency benefits to almost 28,000 family members. This growth reflects the strong demand for EU residency among UAE nationals, who value the program’s family-friendly features and the security it offers.

Key drivers for UAE nationals include:

• Access to EU residency for the entire family, including parents and children
• Enhanced global mobility with visa-free travel across the Schengen Area
• Long-term security and lifestyle benefits in a stable EU country

Visual Data Overview

• Initial Golden Visa Grants (April 2025): 14,800+
• Family Members Benefiting: 28,000
• Annual Growth Rate: 15%
• Top Applicant Nationalities: UAE nationals among the leading groups

Policy Changes: The Three-Zone Investment System

In August 2024, Greece introduced a three-zone system for real estate investments under the Golden Visa program. This change aims to balance investment inflows with local housing needs and market realities.

Zone Breakdown:

• Zone A: Minimum investment of €800,000 in prime locations (Athens, Thessaloniki, major islands)
• Zone B: Minimum investment of €400,000 in regional areas
• Zone C: Minimum investment of €250,000 for specific conversion projects

Transitional Provision: Investors who made a 10% payment by August 31, 2024, have until February 28, 2025, to finalize contracts under the previous, lower thresholds.

Comparative Analysis: Greece Golden Visa vs. Other EU Residency Programs

Greece’s Golden Visa stands out for its:

• Lower investment thresholds compared to countries like Portugal and Spain
• No minimum stay requirement, allowing flexibility for global investors
• Fast processing times and clear eligibility criteria
• Family inclusiveness, covering spouses, children, and dependent parents

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these factors make the Greece Golden Visa especially attractive for UAE nationals who often seek to secure EU residency for extended family members.

Expert Perspectives

Astons (global immigration consultants) highlight the program’s affordability and flexibility, noting that it is particularly well-suited for families who do not wish to relocate immediately but want the option for future EU residency.

Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, stresses the importance of comparing residency programs. He points out that Greece’s Golden Visa leads the 2025 Global Residence Program Index, reflecting its strong combination of cost, benefits, and family coverage.

Practical Steps for Applicants

To apply for the Greece Golden Visa, UAE nationals and other non-EU citizens must:

1. Meet Eligibility Criteria
   • Be a non-EU/EEA citizen
   • Be at least 18 years old
   • Hold a clean criminal record
   • Have valid medical insurance
2. Choose an Investment Option
   • Real estate (with new zone-based thresholds)
   • Capital transfers
   • Government bonds
   • Bank deposits
   • Shares or alternative investment funds
3. Submit Application
   • Provide proof of investment
   • Undergo background checks
   • Submit all required documents
4. Maintain Residency
   • The visa is valid for five years and is renewable if the investment is maintained
   • After seven years, applicants may apply for permanent residency and citizenship, provided they meet language and residency requirements

For the latest official requirements and forms, applicants should visit the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum website.

Family Benefits and Multigenerational Appeal

The Greece Golden Visa is especially popular among UAE nationals because it allows the main applicant to include:

• Spouse
• Children under 21
• Dependent parents of both the applicant and spouse

This broad coverage supports the family-oriented culture of many UAE expats, making the program a practical choice for those seeking to secure EU residency for multiple generations.

Economic Impact for Greece

From the Greek government’s perspective, the Golden Visa program:

• Stimulates real estate investment across the country
• Drives economic growth in both urban and regional areas
• Supports local development through targeted investment in conversion projects (Zone C)

The three-zone system aims to balance the benefits of foreign investment with the need to protect local housing markets, especially in high-demand areas.

Comparisons, Trends, and Patterns

Investment Thresholds: Greece vs. Other EU Programs

• Greece Golden Visa: €250,000–€800,000 (depending on zone)
• Portugal Golden Visa: Minimum €500,000 (real estate), with higher thresholds for prime locations
• Spain Golden Visa: Minimum €500,000 (real estate)

Greece’s lower entry point, especially in Zone C, makes it one of the most accessible EU residency programs for investors.

Application Volume and Demographics

• UAE nationals are among the fastest-growing applicant groups, reflecting a broader trend of Middle Eastern investors seeking EU residency.
• Family applications account for a large share of total grants, underlining the program’s multigenerational appeal.

Policy Evolution

• The introduction of the three-zone system in 2024 signals Greece’s commitment to adapting its residency-by-investment scheme to changing market conditions.
• Transitional provisions ensure fairness for investors who began the process before the new rules took effect.

Evidence-Based Conclusions

• The Greece Golden Visa remains a top choice for UAE nationals seeking EU residency, thanks to its affordability, flexibility, and family-friendly policies.
• Recent policy changes have not dampened demand; instead, they have helped align the program with local market needs and government objectives.
• The program’s multigenerational coverage is a key factor driving its popularity among UAE expats, who often prioritize family security and future planning.
• Greece’s leading position in the 2025 Global Residence Program Index confirms its status as a model for effective residency-by-investment schemes.

Limitations and Considerations

• Investment Risk: Real estate values can fluctuate, and investors should seek professional advice before committing funds.
• Policy Changes: Future adjustments to thresholds or eligibility criteria may affect new applicants.
• Residency and Citizenship: While the Golden Visa offers a path to permanent residency and citizenship, applicants must meet language and physical presence requirements for naturalization.
• Processing Times: Although generally fast, application processing can be delayed by incomplete documentation or high demand.

Practical Guidance and Next Steps

For UAE nationals and other prospective investors:

• Consult with licensed immigration advisors to understand the latest requirements and investment options.
• Review official government resources for up-to-date information on the Greece Golden Visa program.
• Plan investments carefully, considering both immediate residency benefits and long-term family needs.
• Monitor policy updates to ensure eligibility and take advantage of transitional provisions where available.

For more detailed information, applicants can visit the official Greek government Golden Visa page, which provides authoritative guidance on eligibility, investment options, and application procedures.

Final Thoughts

The Greece Golden Visa program continues to set the standard for EU residency-by-investment schemes. Its combination of affordable investment thresholds, family inclusiveness, and flexible residency requirements makes it especially attractive to UAE nationals and other non-EU investors. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the program’s recent growth and policy updates reflect both strong demand and a commitment to balancing economic benefits with local needs.

Prospective applicants should stay informed about ongoing policy changes and seek professional advice to make the most of this opportunity. With careful planning, the Greece Golden Visa can provide a secure, flexible pathway to EU residency and a better future for families seeking stability and global mobility.

Learn Today

Golden Visa → A residency-by-investment permit allowing non-EU citizens to live in Greece through property investment.
Three-Zone Investment System → New 2024 policy dividing Greece into zones with different minimum real estate investment thresholds.
Residency-by-Investment → A program granting residency rights in exchange for qualifying financial investments in a country.
Schengen Area → A group of European countries allowing visa-free travel with one visa or residency permit.
Global Residence Program Index → Annual ranking measuring competitiveness of residency-by-investment programs worldwide.

This Article in a Nutshell

The Greece Golden Visa program attracts UAE nationals seeking affordable EU residency and family security. 2024’s new three-zone investment system balances market needs. It offers flexibility with no minimum stay, benefits multi-generation families, and ranks top globally for residency-by-investment schemes, ensuring strong appeal and growth through April 2025.
— By VisaVerge.com