EU Golden Visas in 2025: Portugal vs. Greece for GCC Investors
- varishamazhar9
- Jun 28
- 1 min read
Portugal and Greece continue to dominate Europe’s citizenship-by-investment market—both offering prized Schengen access, long-term investment potential, and tailored benefits for Gulf investors.
Portugal’s Revamped Scheme
The Golden Visa now emphasizes fund investments and business projects, dropping real estate-only paths
However, a backlog of over 50,000 applications means delays that may stretch into 2030
Greece’s Golden Visa Edge
Entry-level investment starts at €250,000 in real estate, led the 2025 global ranking.
No minimum stay required—a flexible option for GCC-based investors,
Greece is seeing policy tightening: some regions now require €800,000 investments
GCC Investor Comparison
Feature | Portugal | Greece |
Investment | €500k+ in funds, jobs, research | €250k+ real estate (higher in some zones) |
Residency required | Moderate (fund-linked) | None required on-site |
Family inclusion | Immediate family | Covers parents and children under 21 |
Citizenship timeline | 5–7 years | 7 years + language/culture exam |
Approval speed | Slow (50k backlog) | Faster (2–3 months processing) |
Both are powerful options, but the right fit depends on your objectives: quick residency vs. strategic citizenship.
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