Golden Visa in Portugal vs Greece: EU Residency Guide

Deciding between the Portugal and Greece Golden Visa programs is a key step for high-net-worth individuals and families seeking EU residency.

This guide compares both options, providing clear insights to help you choose the best path for long-term residency and citizenship in Europe.

Why Opt for an EU Golden Visa in 2025?

With global uncertainties on the rise, many investors are looking to secure European residency and citizenship. Portugal stands as the 7th safest country worldwide, drawing families who value stability. Geopolitical tensions and economic shifts push the need for a backup plan that offers mobility and security for future generations.

EU residency via Golden Visa programs brings valuable benefits. You gain visa-free travel across the 26 Schengen countries, access to top-tier healthcare and education, and a potential route to full EU citizenship. These programs offer geographic diversity and peace of mind in an unpredictable world.

For those balancing capital preservation with residency goals, picking between Portugal and Greece means weighing investment safety, flexibility, and long-term value.

Start your journey to EU residency and citizenship with a Portugal Golden Visa. VIDA Capital offers tailored support for asset-backed investments in Portugal’s thriving hospitality sector.

Portugal vs. Greece Golden Visa: A 2025 Comparison

Portugal and Greece both provide solid paths to EU residency, yet their structures, rules, and outcomes vary. Grasping these differences helps align your investment with financial and lifestyle goals.

Essential Factors for High-Net-Worth Investors

Investors should prioritize specific aspects when comparing Golden Visa programs. Focus on investment security, residency obligations, family inclusion, overall costs, application processes, and the route to EU citizenship. These elements shape the decision between Portugal and Greece.

Comparison Table: Portugal vs. Greece Golden Visa

The core contrast lies in investment type and flexibility. Portugal mandates €500,000 in regulated funds without property links, while Greece focuses on direct property ownership with location-based costs.

Portugal Golden Visa: Secure Fund Investments

Portugal’s Golden Visa program updated its rules in October 2023, removing some investment options. Now, a €500,000 investment in CMVM-regulated funds is the main route. These funds require a five-year hold, with 60% invested in Portugal-based firms, excluding certain sectors.

This focus on funds opens doors to professionally managed strategies. VIDA Capital assists investors by connecting them to the VIDA Fund, targeting undervalued hospitality businesses in Portugal. This asset-backed option offers security, with experts handling business growth and operations.

Investing in funds brings clear benefits, including portfolio management by professionals, diversified assets, less administrative hassle, and exposure to Portugal’s tourism growth. Portugal’s Golden Visa has drawn nearly €9 billion in investments, showing strong trust in its economy.

With only 14 days of stay required every two years, Portugal suits investors wanting a backup plan without moving. This setup lets families keep their current routines while gaining European residency and future citizenship options.

Begin your path to EU residency and citizenship with a Portugal Golden Visa. VIDA Capital provides expert guidance for asset-backed investments in Portugal’s hospitality industry.

Greece Golden Visa: Focus on Property Ownership

Greece’s Golden Visa centers on buying property as the main route to EU residency. Costs start at €400,000 for properties in less central areas and rise to €800,000 in prime spots like Attica or Santorini. This appeals to those who value owning tangible assets.

Properties in Greece can serve as investments, vacation spots, or rental income sources. However, costs are often higher than Portugal’s fund minimum, depending on location.

Owning property carries risks. Even with hired management, investors face market changes, maintenance costs, taxes, and other expenses. Unlike managed funds, this option may demand ongoing focus and local market knowledge to protect value.

Greece requires no minimum stay for initial residency, offering flexibility for infrequent visitors. Citizenship after seven years of legal residency involves some integration steps, though consistent presence isn’t mandatory.

Application Steps and Long-Term Planning

How to Apply: Understanding the Process

Both Portugal and Greece follow similar application steps for their Golden Visa programs. These include partnering up with a law firm, gathering documents, completing the investment, submitting the application, providing biometric data, and receiving the residency card. Portugal requires non-EU applicants over 18 with clean criminal records, and Greece has matching criteria.

Portugal’s process generally takes 12 to 18 months from submission to card issuance. Challenges often stem from coordinating fund investments and legal paperwork. Having a lawyer by your side is vital to handle regulatory rules, fund choices, and application details effectively.

Greece’s timeline depends on property selection and local processes. Once a property is chosen, transactions can progress, but thorough checks on legal titles and taxes are critical to avoid issues.

Total Costs: Looking Beyond the Initial Investment

Full financial planning means accounting for all expenses beyond the base investment. In Portugal, expect government fees of about €6,797 per family member for the initial application, legal costs between €16,000 and €20,000, and fund fees of around 1% of the investment. The investment must stay in place for at least five years to keep eligibility.

In Greece, additional costs include government fees, legal charges, property transaction fees like taxes, and ongoing maintenance or management expenses. These can add up, especially in prime locations with higher investment thresholds.

Consider renewal fees, compliance costs, and future citizenship expenses in your long-term budget. Portugal requires renewals every two years, while Greece ties costs to sustained property ownership.

Maintaining Status: Renewals and Obligations

Portugal requires renewals every two years for the first five, showing continued fund investment, minimal stays of 14 days per two-year period, updated criminal records, and refreshed biometrics. As the approval card issuance usually takes a year, you will most likely only need a single renewal instead of two in the 5-year period.

Greece focuses on keeping property ownership and legal residency status. No minimum stay applies initially, but citizenship seekers must show legal residency and some integration over time.

Portugal’s low presence requirement suits those maintaining a global lifestyle while holding EU residency. Greece offers early flexibility but may demand more engagement for citizenship.

Path to EU Citizenship: A Key Long-Term Goal

Citizenship timelines differ notably. Portugal’s recent October 2025 law extends the requirement to 10 years of residency for new applicants. Yet, with just 14 days needed every two years, this path remains highly flexible compared to other EU options.

Greece sets a 7-year legal residency period for citizenship, with requirements for integration and language skills, though full-time presence isn’t required. The shorter duration may attract some, despite the added steps.

Portugal stands out as one of the few European countries granting a citizenship route without needing relocation. Compared to Spain’s 10-year residency with full-time living and tax obligations, or Greece’s 7-year requirement with similar conditions, Portugal’s flexibility is a major draw for long-term planning.

Which Program Suits Your Goals?

Best for Capital Security and Low Risk

If protecting your capital is a priority, Portugal’s fund investments are a strong choice. Asset-backed options like the VIDA Fund offer diversification and expert management. Funds must allocate 60% within Portugal, supporting local growth while maintaining oversight.

VIDA Capital focuses on clarity and security. The VIDA Fund targets undervalued hospitality assets, tapping into Portugal’s tourism boom while reducing direct management burdens through professional handling.

Best for Global Mobility and Flexibility

Portugal’s Golden Visa fits investors who want mobility without changing their lifestyle. Requiring just 14 days every two years, it lets families stay rooted elsewhere while securing European residency. Portugal’s ranking as the 7th safest country globally adds appeal for a stable backup plan.

This suits business leaders and investors with worldwide commitments who still want European options for their families. Portugal accommodates global schedules while delivering residency benefits.

Best for Direct Property Ownership

If owning property appeals, Greece’s program aligns better. It offers the chance to hold assets in scenic Mediterranean locations while gaining EU residency, ideal for those wanting personal physical investments.

Keep in mind, property ownership involves market risks and potential ongoing effort, even with management help. Assess if you’re ready to navigate international property challenges before choosing this path.

Launch your EU residency and citizenship journey with a Portugal Golden Visa. VIDA Capital guides you through asset-backed investments in Portugal’s hospitality sector.

Why Choose VIDA Capital for Portugal’s Golden Visa?

VIDA Capital stands out with deep expertise in Portugal’s Golden Visa and hospitality investments. We support investors through every step, linking them to secure opportunities via the VIDA Fund.

The VIDA Fund acquires and revamps undervalued hospitality businesses, capitalizing on Portugal’s tourism surge. With 31 million visitors and €27 billion in revenue in 2024, this sector offers strong potential for Golden Visa investors.

Our approach rests on four pillars: asset-backed security, personalized service, full transparency, and detailed Golden Visa support. The VIDA Fund meets strict Portuguese regulatory standards through audits, ensuring robust management and investor confidence.

With over €4 billion in managed assets, 100+ private equity deals, and 1,000+ global investors, our team brings proven skills in investment selection and hospitality growth. The VIDA Fund I raised over €20 million from 50+ investors, leading to 100+ successful Golden Visa submissions.

We aim to give hospitality assets a “second life” through strategic upgrades. This sustainable focus aligns with Portugal’s responsible tourism goals while delivering value through improved operations.

Recognition from outlets like Bloomberg, El Economista, and Público highlights VIDA Capital’s trusted role in wealth protection and European citizenship support, reflecting our commitment to high standards and client success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Investment Differences Between Portugal and Greece?

Portugal requires €500,000 in CMVM-regulated funds, held for five years with 60% invested locally, focusing on managed diversification. Greece emphasizes property ownership, with costs from €400,000 in outer areas to €800,000 in central zones. Portugal offers expert management, while Greece provides direct asset control and potential personal use.

Which Program Offers a Simpler Citizenship Route?

Greece has a shorter 7-year timeline for citizenship compared to Portugal’s 10-year requirement since October 2025. However, Greece expects integration and language skills, without mandating constant presence. Portugal’s path, needing only 14 days every two years, provides greater ease for those avoiding relocation. For long-term citizenship without lifestyle shifts, Portugal often feels more practical.

Can Family Members Join in Both Programs?

Both Portugal and Greece allow family inclusion, covering spouses, dependent children, and certain relatives. Portugal includes parents or in-laws who are financially dependent or over 65 years of age, with children needing to be financially dependent as well. Greece offers similar coverage. Extra fees apply per family member, and all must pass background checks with proper documents. Benefits last through residency and citizenship stages.

Is Living in Portugal or Greece Required to Keep Residency?

Portugal asks for just 14 days every two years, perfect for maintaining your current base while holding EU residency. This also grants visa-free Schengen travel and the right to live or work in Portugal. Greece sets no minimum stay for initial residency, offering full flexibility early on, though citizenship requires legal residency and integration over time.

Why Choose Portugal’s Funds Over Greece’s Properties?

Portugal’s funds provide professional management, reducing personal oversight, with diversified, asset-backed security under CMVM rules. The VIDA Fund targets hospitality growth, leveraging Portugal’s tourism rise. Greece’s properties offer direct ownership but expose you to market risks and potential ongoing tasks, even with help. Funds also ease exit options compared to international property holdings.

Conclusion: Secure Your European Future with Portugal’s Golden Visa

Comparing Portugal and Greece Golden Visa programs highlights differences in investment style, lifestyle needs, and long-term benefits. Portugal’s focus on managed funds, low residency demands, and adaptable citizenship path appeals to investors avoiding major life changes.

Portugal’s shift to fund investments shows a dedication to drawing serious capital while boosting local growth. CMVM oversight ensures accountability and alignment with national economic aims.

For those valuing capital safety, global movement, and future EU citizenship, Portugal’s program holds clear strengths. Its minimal stay requirement, rare in Europe, lets families retain their routines while gaining residency and eventual citizenship rights.

VIDA Capital simplifies this journey with specialized advice. Our focus on asset-backed investments via the VIDA Fund connects investors to Portugal’s hospitality growth, backed by professional management.

Choosing between Portugal and Greece depends on your investment preferences, flexibility needs, and citizenship goals. For maximum ease, managed investments, and a citizenship path without relocation, Portugal’s Golden Visa stands out in Europe’s current landscape.

Take the first step to EU residency and citizenship with a Portugal Golden Visa. VIDA Capital offers expert support for asset-backed investments in Portugal’s hospitality sector.