Portugal in the race for the Golden Visa loses to Greece

A recently published report shows that Greece is ahead of Portugal in terms of Citizenship by Investment program: Greece has issued almost twice as many passports for the entire existence of the program.

Launched in 2014, the Golden Visa program in Greece, already in 2015 caught up with Portugal in the number of issued passports. Greece issued the largest number of Golden Visas in 2019: 6044, and in 2020 the trend will only grow.

Greece has already collected billions from Golden Visa programs in Europe. By the end of 2019, Greece had already received 3.6 billion euros (e.g. Portugal 4.4 billion). At such a pace, Greece has every chance of overtaking Portugal next year.

What makes Greece attractive to investors?

Lower real estate investment on the Golden Visa, as well as reduced VAT and a five-year permanent residence card. The Chinese have already invested more than 1 billion euros in Greece. In general, the Chinese can be called the largest investors. Portugal has already received a Chinese investment of 2.4 billion euros in the Golden Visa.

Click here and learn more about the Golden Visa program in Greece.

As for real estate prices, in Greece an investor will pay 1,825 euros (Athens) per square meter in the city center, while in Portugal, Lisbon, 4,210 euros will have to be paid per square meter.

More information about citizenship programs for investments here.