Portugal VS GREECE Golden Visa
What is the difference between the Portugal and Greece Golden Visas?
Both the Portugal and Greece Golden Visa programs present unique opportunities for global investors who wish to diversify their portfolios and establish residency in some of Europe's most dynamic and culturally rich countries. These programs are tailored for non-EU citizens seeking to invest in Europe, offering a pathway to residency by investment.
Portugal Golden Visa:
The Portugal Golden Visa program is designed for non-EU citizens who wish to invest in Portuguese investment funds. By doing so, investors contribute to the nation’s economic growth while securing a promising future for themselves and their families. Some key benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa include:
- Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area
- Pathway to permanent residency and citizenship
- Access to quality healthcare and education
- Flexible investment options
Greece Golden Visa:
The Greece Golden Visa program allows non-EU nationals to obtain a five-year residency permit through a qualifying real estate investment. This permit can be renewed indefinitely as long as the investment is maintained. Benefits of Greek residency include:
- High standard of living
- Access to top-tier education and healthcare
- Opportunities for retirement, remote work, or enjoying the Mediterranean lifestyle
Both Golden Visas offer the chance to relocate to a Mediterranean country with a mild climate, excellent cuisine, a low cost of living, flat tax rates, and diverse investment opportunities in hospitality.
This article aims to help you determine which program—Portugal or Greece—best fits your individual needs and long-term goals.
OVERVIEW OF THE GREECE AND PORTUGAL GOLDEN VISA
Similar advantages:
- Pathway to European residency
- Visa free travel across the Schengen area
- Attractive tax incentives
- High quality of life in both Greece and Portugal
- Low cost of living
- Attractive investment opportunities
- Family inclusion: extends the visa benefits to your entire family, including your spouse, children and parents
about Mercan Group
We have assisted over 50,000 immigrants to Canada from various origins and recruited more than 20,000 foreign workers to Canada, the USA, the Middle East, Malaysia, and the Caribbean. Additionally, we have raised over $2 billion in foreign investment for immigration programs in Canada, Portugal, Greece and the USA.
Comparison Chart: PORTUGAL VS GREECE Golden Visa
|
Requirements |
Portugal |
Greece |
|
Investment amount required |
€500 000
|
Starting at €250 000 |
|
Return on Investment |
2% annual return |
3% annual return |
|
Exit Strategy |
Guaranteed Buyback for original amount starts 6 years after you take ownership of the shares. |
Clients can sell their units for any appreciation in capital of the property. |
|
Family inclusion |
Extends the visa benefits to your entire family, including your spouse, children and parents. There is no age limit for children but if they are 18+, they must show proof of being single, studying full time.
|
Extends the visa benefits to your entire family, including your spouse, parents, and children under 21. |
|
Language requirement |
A language test is not required for the golden visa |
A language test is not required for the golden visa |
|
Educational requirement |
The golden visa does notrequire you to have any education |
The golden visa does notrequire you to have any education |
|
Stay in the country |
7 days per year to maintain residency |
No minimum stay required to maintain residency |
|
Business experience |
No business experience is needed to qualify for the golden visa |
No business experience is needed to qualify for the golden visa |
|
Valid medical insurance |
Medical insurance is not required for the golden visa application |
Medical insurance is required for the golden visa application |
|
Citizenship Path |
Becoming a citizen is possible after 5 years if you stay in Portugal for at least 7 days per year.
|
Becoming a citizen is possible if you reside in Greece for at least 183 days per year for 7 consecutive years.
|
|
Processing time |
About 18-24 months |
About 10-12 months |
|
Visa Validity |
The first residence permit is valid for 2 years and can be renewed every 2 years. |
The residence permit is valid for 5 years and renewable every 5 years indefinitely |
Investment Project
Portugal:
Mercan Private Equity Fund I (MPEF I) invests in companies in the hospitality sector, and its activity qualifies as an investment in venture capital. The Fund will hold majority stakes in three companies operating in Portugal's hospitality and tourism sector and each having a project Mercan has developed.
- Project 1: Ponte do Vau beach resort Portimão- Phase 3 (Hard Rock resort)
- Project 2: Alvor beach resort (Hilton resort)
- Project 3: Bridgeview Gaia hotel (Accor hotel)
Greece:
The property “Keranis Residences” is a conversion from commercial to furnished residential apartments. It is a mixed-use building that includes commercial and retail amenities, recreational activities and administrative spaces. The building is 408 units, 29 900 square meters and 6 floors that includes one bedroom, 2-bedroom, studio and twin apartments.
The Greece golden visa is an exclusive agreement that ensures secure and attractive returns for investors, along with long-term potential for capital appreciation, through specialized management of the building.
Residency Path
Portugal: Stay in Portugal for at least 7 days during the first year and 14 days in subsequent two-year periods for 5 years.
Greece: No minimum stay required.
Citizenship path
Greece: Becoming a citizen is possible if you reside in Greece for at least 183 days per year for 7 consecutive years. You must also do a Greek language as well as a culture test.
Portugal: Becoming a citizen is possible after 5 years if you stay in Portugal for at least 7 days per year. You must pass a Portuguese language certificate or the equivalency in courses.
Tax regimes
Portugal: No Tax on worldwide income nor on the investment returns unless you became a tax resident.
Greece: Greece offers attractive tax incentives for non-domiciled residents helping you optimize your tax strategy.
Processing Time
Greece: About 10-12 months.
Portugal: Portugal’s processing time can take a bit more time than Greece, about 24 months.
Visa Validity:
Greece: The residence permit is valid for 5 years and is renewable every 5 years indefinitely as long as investors maintain their investment.
Portugal: The first residence permit is valid for 2 years and can be renewed every 2 years.
Which is better Greece or Portugal golden visa?
In conclusion, when considering Golden Visa programs, it is essential to choose carefully. Both the Greece Golden Visa and the Portugal Golden Visa offer attractive benefits such as visa-free travel within Europe, a relatively low cost of living, the possibility of permanent residency, and even a pathway to citizenship. However, each program has its own unique features, requirements, and processes.
Both options allow for different types of investments in different projects—catering to various investor preferences and budgets. Despite these similarities, the details of eligibility, minimum investment amounts, processing times, and residency obligations differ between the two countries.
When deciding between the Greece and Portugal Golden Visas, carefully evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each. Consider your personal and financial goals, as well as your long-term plans regarding residency or citizenship in Europe. Being well-informed will help you select the program that best fits your needs.
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