Greece offers a property led Golden Visa with revised price tiers, while Italy offers an Investor Visa built around business and bond routes. Both grant European residence rather than a passport.
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's Golden Visa is overseen by the Ministry of Migration and Asylum. It is mainly a real estate route. Since 1 September 2024 the property thresholds are 800,000 euros in prime areas such as Athens, Thessaloniki and certain islands, and 400,000 euros in other areas, with a minimum property size and limited special cases at 250,000 euros for uses such as converting commercial buildings to housing or restoring listed buildings.
Italy's Investor Visa is overseen by the committee for the Investor Visa for Italy, under the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy. It is built around four routes: 250,000 euros into an innovative startup, 500,000 euros into an Italian company, 1,000,000 euros as a philanthropic donation, or 2,000,000 euros in Italian government bonds.
Greece's entry cost depends on where you buy, from 250,000 euros in narrow special cases up to 800,000 euros in prime areas, plus transfer taxes and fees. Italy's entry cost depends on the route, from 250,000 euros for an innovative startup up to 2,000,000 euros for government bonds, with the investment held for the required period. Confirm every figure with the official authority before acting.
Greece grants a renewable residence permit and does not require you to live in the country, with citizenship a separate step after several years of residence. Italy issues a two year residence permit that is renewable, with no minimum stay, and its committee assessment is often quick. Treat any timeframe as indicative and confirm it with the official authority.
Greece and Italy are both European Union member states, so eventual citizenship in either would carry strong travel access and EU rights. These programmes grant residence, not a passport. Citizenship is a later step with its own residence and other conditions.
Greece tends to suit applicants who want a property asset and a straightforward residence permit with no stay requirement. Italy tends to suit applicants who prefer a business, donation or bond route rather than buying property, and who value a fast committee decision.
| Item | Greece Golden Visa | Italy Investor Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Main routes | Real estate, with some financial options | Startup, company, donation or government bonds |
| Indicative minimum | 250,000 to 800,000 euros by area | 250,000 to 2,000,000 euros by route |
| Holding period | Hold qualifying property | Hold the investment for the required term |
| Stay requirement | None to keep the permit | None to renew the permit |
| Official authority | Ministry of Migration and Asylum | Investor Visa for Italy committee |
| Outcome | Renewable EU residence | Renewable EU residence |
Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum publishes the binding detail. Verify before you act.
Only in limited special cases. Since 1 September 2024 the general thresholds are 800,000 euros in prime areas and 400,000 euros elsewhere. Confirm the current rule with the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.
No. The Investor Visa has no minimum stay to renew, but living patterns can matter for any future citizenship. Confirm with the official authority.
Both grant residence, and citizenship is a separate later step with its own conditions. Greece and Italy are both EU member states. Confirm timelines with the relevant authority.
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.
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