Greece Golden Visa record applications hit new peak in 2024: 9,289 submissions

Greece Golden Visa record applications reach a new milestone in 2024

The Greece Golden Visa record applications rose to 9,289 in 2024, marking a 10% increase from 2023’s 8,477 submissions  . This growth is particularly impressive considering pandemic-related dips in 2020–21. In 2021 only around 2,000 applications were filed, highlighting how demand has more than quadrupled in just three years .

This latest figure confirms Greece’s rising prominence among residency-by-investment destinations, driven by affordability, EU access, and Mediterranean appeal.

Behind the Greece Golden Visa record applications: strong year-over-year growth

The steady increase in Greece Golden Visa record applications reflects favorable investment conditions and renewed global interest. Compared to roughly 4,000 submissions in 2019 and 1,993 in 2021, 2024 marks a peak in investor confidence  .

Despite rising minimum investment thresholds (now €250k to €800k depending on region), demand remains robust. Many investors remain unfazed by higher costs, seeking both EU residency and capital growth in Athens Riviera, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Paros, and the Peloponnese

These Greece Golden Visa record applications correlate with significant property investment—approximately €2.32 billion in 2024, and €4.5 billion across 2023–24  .

Golden Visa purchases account for over 10.7% of all real estate transactions in that period , underlining the program’s economic impact on the housing market.

Greece Golden Visa record applications: backlog issues emerge

However, rising demand brings administrative challenges. Only 17% of applications were processed in 2024, leaving a growing backlog of 49,301 pending cases, up 76% since December 2023  .

Notte Global CEO Yusuf Boz notes: “A record year is excellent news—but bureaucratic delays can discourage investors. Greece must accelerate approvals to maintain momentum and investor trust.”

Greece Golden Visa record applications: demographic shifts and investor profile

Investor sources remain diverse. Chinese nationals lead with approximately 6,520 visa holders, followed by Turkish investors (1,471 permits), then Lebanese, British, American, Iranian, and Israeli applicants  .

Boz highlights: “Greece Golden Visa record applications show shifting origin patterns. While Chinese applicants dominate historically, the share of Turkish and American investors is growing—signaling Greece’s appeal as a global investment hub.”

How record applications are shaping Greek real estate

With record applications, investor preferences become clearer. Boz explains: “Properties in Athens Riviera, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, and Peloponnese are top picks. Coastal luxury and heritage homes are especially popular.”

Data confirms that in December 2024 alone, 1,137 applications were submitted—an astonishing figure compared to October 2020’s 1,485 total in a full, pandemic-impacted year  .

Greece Golden Visa record applications vs. other EU blue-chip programs

As Spain ended its Golden Visa and Portugal eliminated BEV real estate, demand shifted to Greece. Boz comments: “With Spain out and Portugal tightening, Greece Golden Visa record applications became a magnet for investors seeking affordability, flexibility, and EU access.”

Future outlook: addressing backlog and diversifying investments

Greek policymakers are preparing reforms. Plans include extending Golden Visa eligibility to startup investment and commercial projects—not just real estate  .

Boz adds: “Adjusting criteria and expanding qualifying investments will reduce concentration risk—and help clear backlog by opening wider investor channels.”

Investors’ perspective: the strategic implications of record applications

For prospective applicants, Greece Golden Visa record applications offer both optimism and urgency. Boz explains: “This peak moment means buyers can secure prime properties—but slower processing could delay permit issuance. Early applicants will benefit most.”

Greece Golden Visa record applications signal robust long-term prospects

The record-breaking Greece Golden Visa record applications in 2024 reflect Greece’s growing reputation among high-net-worth individuals seeking EU residency. Supported by a buoyant property market, strategic investor interest from diverse regions, and upcoming program enhancements, Greece is well-positioned to maintain leadership.

Notte Global and Yusuf Boz stand ready to guide investors—ensuring they act at the right time, choose the best assets, and navigate legal paths efficiently.