Portugal and Greece are often compared. Since Portugal’s 2023 reform, they have become quite different propositions.
Portugal: a fund investment
Real estate no longer qualifies in Portugal (Law 56/2023). MGC works on the regulated investment fund route (€500,000); Portugal’s ARI also has other, non-property routes. The stay requirement is 7 days in the first year and 14 days in each following two-year period. Under Organic Law 1/2026, in force since 19 May 2026, citizenship generally requires 10 years of legal residence (7 for EU and CPLP nationals); applications already pending follow the previous law.
Greece: real estate, priced by region
Greece is a real estate programme: €800,000 in Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini and islands with more than 3,100 residents, or €400,000 elsewhere. There is no minimum stay, and short-term rental of a Golden Visa property is prohibited.
How to choose
- Prefer a tangible asset you can use? Greece may fit.
- Prefer a regulated financial investment? Portugal may fit.
- Want parents included? Greece can include the parents of both spouses; Portugal includes dependent parents.
Sources
- AIMA (Portugal) — Residence Permit for Investment (ARI), routes, stay and family
- Decreto Regulamentar 84/2007, art. 65.º-C — minimum stay (Diário da República)
- Organic Law 1/2026 — Nationality Law amendment (Diário da República)
- Ministry of Justice (Portugal) — new nationality rules in force 19 May 2026
- Greek Government housing portal — €800,000 / €400,000 thresholds
- Greek Government housing portal — short-term rental ban
- Enterprise Greece — residence permits for real estate owners (family members, no minimum stay)
This article is general information, not legal, tax or investment advice. Programme rules change; confirm current requirements with the relevant specialists. Disclaimer.
