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Greece Golden Visa versus Monaco Residence

These two could not be more different. Greece offers a structured golden visa tied to property. Monaco has no investment programme as such, but residence built on banking and a home in the Principality. Here is how they compare.

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Reference
Official authorityMinistry of Migration and Asylum (Greece)
ProgrammeGreece Golden Visa
Information current as ofJune 2026
Official source →

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.

Written by Fredrik Filipsson and reviewed by Morten Andersen of the Passports for Kings editorial team. Last reviewed 10 June 2026.

At a glance

Greece runs a defined golden visa. You make a qualifying property investment, meet the rules, and receive a renewable residence permit through the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.

Monaco has no golden visa or set investment threshold in law. Residence is granted by the Government of Monaco through its Residents Section once you show accommodation in Monaco, sufficient funds, usually evidenced by a bank reference, and a clean record.

Cost

The Greek cost is the property itself, set at 400,000 euro or 800,000 euro depending on the area, with a 250,000 euro tier only for specific conversion or restoration projects, plus fees and taxes. These figures are set by Greek law, so confirm them with the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.

Monaco has no programme fee or fixed investment. The real cost is living there. You need a Monaco address, which is among the most expensive property markets in the world, and a bank relationship that typically expects a substantial deposit, often cited at around 500,000 euro or more. These are private requirements, not a published price.

Timeline

Greece issues the golden visa once the investment and checks are complete. Times move with demand, so confirm the current expectation before planning.

Monaco residence is commonly granted within a few months of a complete file, subject to background checks. The card is renewed and, over years of continuous residence, can progress to longer term cards.

Passport reach

Greece is a European Union and Schengen member, so its residence sits inside the European framework and can, after years of lawful residence and meeting the rules, lead toward citizenship.

Monaco is not in the European Union, though it sits within the Schengen travel area in practice through its arrangement with France. Monegasque citizenship is famously hard to obtain and is not a goal most residents can realistically plan for.

Who each suits

Greece suits investors who want a clear, rules based European Union residence linked to a property asset and who do not need to relocate full time.

Monaco suits the genuinely wealthy who will actually live in the Principality and value its tax treatment and lifestyle, rather than those seeking a defined investment route or an eventual passport.

ItemGreece Golden VisaMonaco Residence
TypeInvestment residence programmeResidence by means and accommodation, no set investment route
Indicative entryProperty at 400,000 or 800,000 euro by area, 250,000 euro for set projectsNo legal minimum, banks commonly ask for a substantial deposit, often cited around 500,000 euro
AuthorityMinistry of Migration and AsylumGovernment of Monaco, Residents Section
Living thereLight minimum stay, confirm current daysMust rent or buy a home in Monaco and live there
Tax noteResident taxation applies, confirm your positionMonaco does not levy personal income tax on most residents, confirm your case

Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Ministry of Migration and Asylum (Greece) publishes the binding detail. Verify before you act.

Common questions

Does Monaco have a golden visa?

Not in the formal sense. There is no set investment threshold in law. Residence is based on showing a home in Monaco, sufficient means, usually a bank reference, and a clean record, through the Government Residents Section.

Do I have to live in the country?

Greece applies a light stay rule for the golden visa, while Monaco residence requires you to genuinely live in the Principality and keep it as your main home. Confirm current rules with each authority.

Can either lead to citizenship?

Greek residence can lead toward citizenship after years of lawful residence and meeting the rules. Monaco citizenship is very rarely granted and should not be assumed.

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.

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