9/10/2026
Greece may be preparing another major change to its Golden Visa programme. Under a proposal currently being considered, foreign investors could be allowed to divide their investment among several properties instead of purchasing a single qualifying property.
The potential new model would come with an important condition: the properties would have to be used for long-term rentals rather than short-term tourist accommodation. The idea is to make the Golden Visa programme serve two purposes — attracting foreign capital while also helping increase the supply of housing available to long-term tenants.
The final details have not yet been announced. Key issues still under discussion include the minimum investment amount, the number of properties investors could purchase and how long the homes would be required to remain on the long-term rental market.
The proposal comes as Greece’s Golden Visa programme continues to expand. By the end of June 2026, the number of active investor residence permits had reached 32,702, representing a 48.6% increase compared with June 2025. During the first half of 2026, 4,919 new permits were issued.
At the same time, new applications have slowed. Initial Golden Visa applications fell by 44% year-on-year, largely following the increase in investment thresholds. However, the high number of permits issued reflects the processing of a substantial backlog created before the new rules came into effect.
Chinese investors remain the largest group in the programme, holding almost half of all initial permits. Turkish investors are in second place and have shown particularly strong growth, followed by investors from Lebanon, Iran, the UK and Israel.
The possible reform is part of a wider government strategy aimed at addressing Greece’s housing challenges. Alongside changes to the Golden Visa programme, authorities are also considering new measures to improve access to affordable mortgage financing for young people and families.
If implemented, the new Golden Visa model could open the door to a different type of property investment strategy in Greece — one focused not only on residency rights and capital investment, but also on creating additional housing for the long-term rental market.
Source: https://www.protothema.gr/economy/article/1873091/allages-stin-golden-visa-pano-apo-ena-akinito-gia-kathe-ependuti-kai-oi-pithanes-luseis-gia-to-stegastiko-provlima/?fbclid=IwdGRleAUHhoJwZG9mBWZkaWQWUNwUzs7gDf9y5w2J_qQDaAPZpQwoo2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR5gL5AKvp0ZQS0UZWysbBxZOEEdnUTqz9DFgv2W7U_koFeG25ECN8UGJmbt7Q_aem_mUUzDUHaNBVd8_3246qoqw