Both give a foothold in the Mediterranean, but they work differently. Greece issues a renewable residence permit with tiered investment thresholds. Cyprus grants permanent residence from a set investment level.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
Greece grants a renewable residence permit to investors. The headline route is property, now priced in tiers, with certain other qualifying options. The permit allows you to live in Greece, with citizenship possible only much later through naturalisation.
Cyprus grants permanent residence, which does not expire in the same way as a temporary permit, from a set property or other qualifying investment plus a proven annual income. It is residence, not citizenship.
Greece property thresholds are 800,000 euro in high demand areas such as Athens, Thessaloniki and popular islands, and 400,000 euro in other areas. Specific routes, such as converting commercial property to residential or restoring listed buildings, and a startup option, can sit lower. Confirm the figure for your case with the ministry.
Cyprus requires a qualifying investment from 300,000 euro in new property, company shares or funds, plus evidence of a secure annual income. Confirm the current income level and fees with the Civil Registry and Migration Department.
Greece processing can take several months and varies with demand, so confirm current times with the ministry.
Cyprus advertises a relatively quick route to permanent residence, often a number of months, but confirm current processing times with the department.
Both are residence routes, not passports. A passport would come only later, through naturalisation, with its own residence, language and other conditions in each country.
Residents of either can travel within the Schengen area under the usual short stay rules. Check current rules before you travel.
Greece suits a buyer who wants a renewable EU residence with a property anchor and is comfortable with the tiered pricing by location.
Cyprus suits someone who values permanent residence status and a relatively fast, stable process, and who can show the required ongoing income.
| Item | Greece Golden Visa | Cyprus Permanent Residence |
|---|---|---|
| Outcome | Renewable residence permit | Permanent residence |
| Headline investment | Property 800,000 euro high demand or 400,000 euro other; some lower routes | From 300,000 euro in property, shares or funds |
| Income test | Confirm with the ministry | Proven annual income required; confirm the level |
| Path to citizenship | Later, via naturalisation | Later, via naturalisation |
| Official authority | Ministry of Migration and Asylum | Civil Registry and Migration Department |
Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Greece: Ministry of Migration and Asylum. Cyprus: Civil Registry and Migration Department publishes the binding detail. Verify before you act.
No. Both are residence routes. Citizenship would come only later through naturalisation, with its own conditions. Confirm the rules with each official authority.
Beyond the 800,000 and 400,000 euro property tiers, certain routes such as commercial to residential conversion, restoration of listed buildings or a startup option can sit lower. Confirm eligibility and the figure with the ministry.
It is granted as permanent status rather than a short permit, but conditions and document renewals apply. Confirm the current terms with the Civil Registry and Migration Department.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
The rules for this route changed recently. Confirm the current position with current guidance before you act.
We introduce you to vetted, independent advisors, in confidence and at no obligation. Your topic is noted for you below.
Independent and paid by the people we help, never by a government and never by a firm.
One short email when a programme rule changes, with the official source named so you can verify it. No hype, unsubscribe anytime.
Related programmes and comparisons, each dated and sourced to the official authority.