Greece vs Italy Investor Visa
Italy and Greece both offer premier Mediterranean lifestyles, rich cultural heritage, and exceptional cuisine. However, their investment visa frameworks are fundamentally different, catering to distinct types of capital deployment and investor profiles.
Programme rules change. Verify current requirements before investing. Information updated September 2026.
| Attribute | Greece | Italy |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Investment | From €250,000 (Commercial to Resi conversion) or €400,000 (Standard) to €800,000 | From €250,000 (innovative startup) to €2,000,000 (government bonds) |
| Investment Type | Real estate purchase, conversion, or commercial investment | Government bonds, company equity, innovative startups, philanthropic donations |
| Residence Permit | 5-year renewable permit | 2-year initial, renewable for 3 years |
| Family Inclusion | Spouse, children up to 21 (renewable to 24), dependent parents | Spouse, minor children, dependent parents |
| Physical Presence | 0 days — no physical presence required to maintain residence | Must not be absent for more than 365 consecutive days |
| Property Eligibility | Multiple properties permitted on €250K/€400K, Single property on €800K | No direct property investment route — property can support but not qualify alone |
| Tax Considerations | Non-Dom regime available. Only Greek-source income taxed if not non-dom. | Flat tax of €100,000/year on foreign income (non-dom regime) |
| Citizenship Pathway | Eligible after 7 years of actual residence and language proficiency | Eligible after 10 years of legal residence |
| Schengen Position | Schengen member — 90/180-day travel in Schengen Area | Schengen member — 90/180-day travel in Schengen Area |
| Lifestyle | Mediterranean climate, rich history, exceptional islands, vibrant culture | Renowned cultural heritage, diverse regions, Mediterranean lifestyle |
Strategic Analysis
The most critical distinction is that Italy does not offer a real estate investment route for its Golden Visa (La Dolce Vita visa). Instead, Italy focuses on corporate investments, government bonds, and philanthropic donations. Greece remains heavily focused on real estate acquisition.
Investors seeking to acquire a holiday home or a European base to secure residency will find Greece's programme directly aligned with their goals. Those looking to invest in Italian enterprises or government debt will look toward Italy.
Taxation Frameworks
Both countries have introduced attractive tax regimes to draw high-net-worth individuals. Italy's renowned "flat tax" regime allows new residents to pay a fixed €100,000 per year on all foreign-sourced income, regardless of the amount. Greece has implemented a similar non-domicile regime, offering a flat tax of €100,000 per year for 15 years on global income.
However, it is important to note that participating in these tax regimes typically requires shifting tax residency, which involves spending a significant portion of the year in the respective country.
Physical Presence Rules
Greece has no physical presence requirement to renew the Golden Visa. Italy's Investor Visa requires the holder not to be absent from Italy for more than 365 consecutive days to maintain the permit.
Which programme fits your objectives?
Your choice will largely be dictated by your preferred asset class. If you seek tangible real estate, Greece provides the clear pathway. If you prefer financial instruments or corporate investments and plan to spend significant time in the country, Italy may align better.
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