Golden Visa Malta: the doubts that favor Greece
The recent ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), which forced Malta to close its citizenship by investment program, known as Malta Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN), has generated uncertainty in the field of international mobility. Although this decision does not directly affect the Malta Golden Visa program, the confusion between citizenship and residency has caused concern among investors. In this new scenario, the Greek Golden Visa is positioned as a safe, accessible, and growing option within the European landscape.
The impact of the decision on Malta
In April 2025, the CJEU declared Malta's citizenship by investment program illegal, ruling that it did not guarantee a genuine link between the applicant and the country. As a result, Malta was forced to close the program.
Although its residence by investment scheme – Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP) – remains in place, it faces more severe scrutiny and has lost appeal compared to other, more stable options.
This situation has generated a migration of interest towards other European countries. In this scenario, Greece has stood out as one of the most sought-after destinations.
Golden Visa Greece: an attractive option
According to data from the firm AstonsAccording to a company specializing in international mobility, demand for the Golden Visa for Greece increased significantly following the ruling on Malta. Global searches for the Greek program grew considerably, far surpassing those for other destinations such as Cyprus.
This increase reflects confidence in the stability of the Greek scheme, which is also presented as a more accessible and transparent way to obtain residency in the European Union.
Accessible requirements and competitive advantages
One of the main attractions of the Greek program is its low investment threshold. In regions designated as having lower demand, applicants can obtain residency with a real estate investment of as little as €250.000.
In high-demand areas such as Athens or the islands, the required investment amounts to 800.000 euros. In intermediate areas, it is around 400.000 euros.
Furthermore, the conversion of commercial properties to residential use is permitted in prime locations. This allows access to the lowest threshold even in high-demand areas, increasing flexibility for investors.
Tax benefits and quality of life
The Golden Visa Greece stands out not only for its accessible investment structure. It also offers tax advantages for expatriates, access to the Schengen Area, quality medical services, and a welcoming environment for international families.
These benefits make Greece an attractive destination both for those seeking a strategic residence in Europe and for those interested in settling there long-term.
A booming real estate market
The dynamism of the Greek real estate market reinforces the program's appeal, according to a local media report. Greek Travel PagesRegions such as Piraeus (+27,8%), Kavala (+20,9%) and Chios (+20,6%) have shown solid growth in property prices over the past year.
This makes the investment an opportunity not only to obtain residency, but also to generate a return on investment.
AIM Global, experts in Golden Visa
2025 has been a year of changes in the world of global mobility: Spain ended its citizenship by investment program, and Italy radically changed its rules on naturalization by jus sanguinis.
Although the Golden Visa Greece is currently still accessible, future reforms may limit its availability or raise the requirements.
Therefore, at AIM Global we recommend that interested parties act in advance, taking advantage of the current conditions as soon as possible.
Schedule now a meeting with usWe help you find investment options that match your profile, and we guide you through the entire residency application process.
