In a major development for British citizens seeking European residency, Greece has unveiled a significantly more affordable pathway within its Golden Visa programme. This strategic move comes as a welcome alternative for those priced out by previous property investment requirements, offering a fresh route to EU freedom of movement.
A Budget-Friendly Alternative Emerges
Following Brexit, the Greek Golden Visa quickly became one of the most popular options for Britons wanting to reclaim residential rights across Europe. However, in late 2024, Greece substantially increased the minimum property investment threshold to €800,000 in desirable locations including Athens, Thessaloniki, and the country's picturesque islands.
This change effectively excluded many potential applicants who were unwilling or unable to commit such substantial capital to real estate. The new startup-focused alternative, launched this month, dramatically reduces the financial barrier to entry, setting the investment requirement at just €250,000.
How the New Startup Visa Works
Similar to the property-focused version, this innovative visa provides a five-year residence permit that enables holders to move freely across the Schengen Zone for 90 days within any 180-day period without requiring additional visas. The permit requires renewal every two years throughout this period, provided all programme criteria continue to be met.
After maintaining lawful residency for seven years, and upon fulfilling language and integration requirements, investors become eligible to apply for Greek citizenship and obtain a full EU passport. A particularly attractive feature for British applicants is that permanent residence in Greece isn't mandatory to retain the visa, making it ideal for those wanting European access while maintaining their UK base.
Specific Investment Requirements
To qualify under this revised scheme, investors must direct their capital into specific types of businesses. The investment must be made into a startup company registered with Elevate Greece, the country's national startup registry, with several important conditions attached.
The investor cannot hold more than 33 per cent of the company's capital or voting rights. Additionally, the startup must create at least two new positions within its first year of operation and maintain these positions for a minimum of five years. Eligible sectors include technology, defence, finance, and specialised real estate services.
Strategic Shift in Investment Focus
The Greek Government is deliberately using these new regulations to redirect the Golden Visa scheme away from pure property investment, which has faced criticism for inflating housing prices and making properties unaffordable for local residents. Instead, the focus has shifted toward productive investments that stimulate economic growth and generate sustainable employment opportunities.
This policy change follows significant disruption in the European residency market when Spain officially abolished its Golden Visa scheme in April 2025. The Spanish government cited that over 94 per cent of their visas were linked to property investment, which they argued had transformed housing into a speculative business rather than a fundamental right, pricing residents out of major cities like Barcelona.
The Greek alternative now represents the most economical Golden Visa option available in Europe for those reluctant to commit nearly €1 million to property investment, offering British citizens a renewed opportunity to secure European residency through business investment rather than real estate acquisition.
