Golden Visa Applications in Greece Drop Nearly 47% in January–July 2025

After peaking in 2024, Golden Visa applications slowed in the first seven months of 2025, affecting both first-time requests and renewals, according to the latest data from the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum.

Data shows that Golden Visa requests dropped by 46.7 percent in January-July 2025, falling to 5,011 from 9,399 in 2024. Of these, 757 were approved, while 4,249 remain pending. Meanwhile, renewal applications declined by 83.4 percent in 2025, down to 668 from 4,022 the previous year.

January 2025 saw the highest number of applications, with 1,095 first-time requests and 234 renewals. In July, 511 first-time applications were submitted, compared to 714 in the same month of 2024, marking a year-on-year decline of 28.4 percent.

Chinese investors drive interest in Greece’s real estate

As of last month, Chinese nationals continued to lead in Golden Visa holders, with 3,741 renewals — a 62.7 percent increase. First-time applications from Chinese investors also rose by 47.4 percent, reaching 8,179.

Turkish nationals ranked second, recording a 14.2 percent rise in new issuances and an 8 percent increase in renewals. Russia, Iran, and Egypt complete the top five.

Applications also increased among investors from the UK and the US. British applications rose by 4.1 percent to 704, while those from American nationals grew by 3.0 percent to 518.

Attica leads in demand

Attica recorded the highest demand, with 3,079 requests for areas within the region, followed by Macedonia and Thrace with 527.

Other regions included in the list are the Peloponnese, Western Greece, the Ionian Islands, Thessaly, Central Greece, Crete, the Aegean Islands, Epirus, and Western Macedonia.

Critics link the Golden Visa scheme to rising housing costs, while business groups argue it drives investment, revives unused properties, and supports economic growth. The debate underscores the need for balanced policies that safeguard housing affordability while sustaining the benefits of foreign capital inflows.