Greece’s Golden Visa program continues to attract strong interest from foreign investors, with buyers from Israel, Turkey and Iran increasingly dominating the real estate market.
In recent years, demand from the Middle East has surged, driven largely by ongoing geopolitical instability. Conflicts in Gaza and broader tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel have prompted many high-net-worth individuals to seek stability and residency within the European Union.
Israelis lead early wave of investment
Israeli investors were among the first to actively take advantage of Greece’s Golden Visa scheme, contributing to a sharp rise in residence permits issued in 2025.
The process of acquiring property and securing residency typically takes around 18 months, meaning the recent spike reflects decisions made well before current regional tensions escalated.
Israeli buyers have been particularly active in central Athens, where they are purchasing and renovating residential buildings, further strengthening their footprint in the Greek property market.
Iranian investors among top applicants
Iran has emerged as one of the leading countries in Golden Visa applications, alongside China, Turkey, Israel and the United States.
For Iranian investors, the program offers a valuable pathway to residency in Europe, enabling visa-free movement within the Schengen area while providing greater security for their families.
So far, Iranian nationals have received 851 residence permits, accounting for approximately 4% of the total.
Turkish demand rises amid instability
Interest from Turkish investors continues to grow rapidly, with political and economic uncertainty in Turkey pushing wealthy citizens to diversify assets abroad.
To date, 3,421 residence permits have been issued to Turkish nationals, representing around 16% of all Golden Visas granted in Greece.
Market analysts note that Greece’s proximity and cultural familiarity make it a particularly attractive destination for Turkish buyers.
Golden Visa program figures
According to official data as of January 2026, a total of 81,561 valid residence permits have been issued under the Golden Visa program.
Of these, 28,589 relate directly to main investors, while the remainder have been granted to family members.
In January 2026 alone, 520 new applications were submitted — including 398 new permits and 122 renewals — marking a 61% decrease compared to January 2025.
Continued interest from US and UK investors
Beyond the Middle East, investors from the United States and the United Kingdom also maintain a steady presence in the Greek market.
US nationals have received 587 permits (approximately 2.7%), while British investors account for 807 permits, or around 3.8% of the total.
Greece remains a top EU destination
Experts say that despite fluctuations in monthly applications, geopolitical uncertainty continues to fuel demand for residency-by-investment programs across Europe.
Greece remains one of the most attractive options due to its relatively affordable entry threshold, lifestyle appeal and stable economic environment.
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