10/31/2026
Thanos Plevris, Greece’s Minister of Migration and Asylum, has issued a firm warning to investors attempting to circumvent the requirements of the Golden Visa programme. Speaking at Prodexpo 2026, held at the Athens Conservatoire, he addressed both arrangements designed to artificially reduce the effective purchase price of a property and practices intended to bypass the ban on short-term rentals.
The minister stressed that residence permits associated with such cases will be revoked. He explained that the government does not want the programme to be used to obtain residency through agreements under which part of the purchase price is effectively returned to the buyer, for example through a pre-arranged rental agreement. He also clarified that permits will be revoked where the Golden Visa programme is advertised as being available for an investment below the applicable €250,000 threshold, regardless of how the effective cost is reduced.
A similarly strict approach will apply to attempts to circumvent the short-term rental ban through subletting arrangements. According to Mr Plevris, Golden Visas will be revoked where properties are used for short-term accommodation through intermediary rental agreements, in breach of the restrictions governing the programme.
Commenting on the role of the Golden Visa scheme, the minister emphasised that it should be viewed neither as an entirely positive policy instrument nor as the primary cause of Greece’s housing crisis. Instead, he described it as a tool for attracting investment, whose implementation should reflect the country’s changing economic and housing needs.
The programme was initially designed to stimulate construction activity at a time when the sector was facing significant challenges. However, the current pressures on the housing market have shifted policy priorities. Mr Plevris also rejected the argument that abolishing the Golden Visa programme would automatically increase the supply of available housing.
Particular emphasis was placed on the restriction of short-term rentals for properties acquired through the programme. As he explained, the key issue is not simply who owns a property, but how it is used, with long-term occupancy being a central objective.
The minister also outlined the type of investment Greece aims to attract: investors willing to renovate or convert spaces that are currently unsuitable for residential use, thereby increasing the country’s available housing stock. Once converted, these properties could either be used by the investors themselves or offered for long-term rental.
Finally, Mr Plevris argued that incentives should be introduced to encourage investment beyond central Athens, towards areas with greater potential for development. Regarding investors’ nationalities, Chinese nationals continue to account for the largest share of participants in the Golden Visa programme, followed by Turkish nationals, while Israeli and British investors also rank among the leading groups.
Source: https://www.capital.gr/politiki/4023748/th-pleuris-tha-afairountai-golden-visa-gia-eikonikes-ekptoseis-kai-parabiasi-tis-apagoreusis-braxuxronias-misthosis/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwdGRleAU9usZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mBWZkaWQWUQXlQOanHt3QQAhKffl4j8Nh1L4Hi3NydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR51K1yu4-FrGaPIHa_2y_j_Z0JFnFsiLagCjGnf8ExOfOmAdszFbQWBSaEY4w_aem_9TOKgCNo1VOCycIoBAdfwQ#Echobox=1792065584