Greece has launched a new Startup Golden Visa program for investors willing to invest in innovative companies. Find out how this scheme works, what are the requirements for an investor, how much you need to invest, and what obligations you need to fulfill to extend your residence permit

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Greece is taking a major step towards foreign investors – the country has launched a completely new form of residence permit, related not to real estate, but to the sphere of innovation. It is about Startup Golden Visa – a program that allows you to obtain a residence permit through investments in Greek startups at the early stages of development.

This innovation is a turning point for the migration policy of the country, which for years attracted investors mainly through the real estate market. Now Greece is opening a new channel for those who want to enter the European business ecosystem.

Read about the details and requirements of the new Startup Golden Visa of Greece in this article.

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What is Startup Golden Visa in Greece?

The program launched in November 2025 and provides for obtaining an annual residence permit with the possibility of further renewal every two years - subject to meeting investment and operational requirements.

The startup in which the investor invests must be officially registered on the Elevate Greece platform, which guarantees that the company meets innovation standards and is supported by the state.

The minimum investment amount is €250,000, which makes the program one of the most affordable such initiatives in the EU.

Important! Among the most common applicants/recipients of the classic version of the Greece Golden Visa - through real estate or investment in real estate/capital - are citizens of China, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

Key terms and conditions for an investor planning to obtain a Startup Golden Visa in Greece

1. Minimum investment amount

€250,000 in a startup registered with Elevate Greece. Funds can be directed to the authorized capital or shares of the company

2. Ownership limit

The investor cannot control more than 33% of the company, which means that the goal of the program is not to transfer control, but to attract capital.

3. Legal entity rules

Investments can be made through: a Greek company that is 100% owned by the investor, a foreign company with no more than three shareholders, each with a share of at least 33%. All funds must come from abroad.

4. No right to work

The Startup Golden Visa does not allow you to work in Greece - only to reside and invest.

Startup Golden Visa Greece Residence Permit Extension Conditions

The residence permit is issued for one year and can be renewed every two years. To extend it, you must:

1. Maintain the investment for at least 5 years

If the investor sells shares, he must reinvest the funds in another startup or other eligible investment within 2 months.

2. Must create jobs

At least 2 new jobs during the first year. They must be maintained for the next 5 years. Failure to comply with the requirement = refusal to renew the permit.

3. Fines for violations

The investor and the company can receive a fine of up to €50,000 if the conditions of the program are not met.

4. Residence in Greece is not mandatory

Periods of absence from the country do not affect the right to renewal.

Why did Greece change its approach to “golden visas”?

After years of popularity of the classic Golden Visa (through real estate), the Greek market began to overheat. Housing prices rose sharply, while a significant part of the investment did not stimulate the development of the real sector.

Startup Golden Visa is an attempt by the government to:

- Redistribute the investment flow from real estate to innovation.

- Support local startups and technology clusters.

- Turn Greece into a competitive entry point for global investors.

- Stimulate job creation.

At the same time, the entry threshold of €250,000 allows attracting investors with a medium budget, and not only large funds.

What does an investor who applies for Startup Golden Visa Greece get?

- Legal residence in the EU (without the requirement to reside in the country).

- Access to the Greek startup ecosystem.

- The opportunity to diversify the portfolio through innovation.

- Clear rules and a transparent renewal procedure.

However, it is important to remember that this is not a passive instrument. The investor is responsible for fulfilling the conditions, including job creation.

The Greek Startup Golden Visa is a modern model for attracting investment that combines migration privileges with support for the innovative economy.

The program will be interesting for entrepreneurs, business angels and investors who want to obtain a European residence permit, while supporting the real economy, and not just the real estate market.

Planning to obtain a residence permit in Greece? To avoid mistakes and understand all the requirements, order the Immigration Guide from Visit World for Greece.

It contains: the procedure for obtaining a residence permit, investor requirements, a list of documents, official data from state bodies and recommendations for obtaining a residence permit.

The guide will help you prepare for the application, understand the nuances of investment immigration and correctly plan your path to legal residence in Europe.

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Reminder! Japan plans to update the requirements for the business manager visa, strengthening the criteria for foreign entrepreneurs. We have already told you what rules remain in force, what will change, how to prepare for the renewal of the permit and why the government introduced these reforms.

Photo – Freepik

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Greece;

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Travel insurance for foreigners in Greece;

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