Golden Visa in Greece: How Much Faster Can You Get It Now?
After years of waiting times stretching up to 18 months, the program is now moving at record speed — with some applications approved in under 30 days. For investors considering real estate in Greece, this is a major shift: the Golden Visa has never been easier to obtain.
Just this summer, Greece reduced its Golden Visa backlog by nearly 3,000 cases in a single month — the biggest drop on record. Applicants’ files are now moving faster than ever. Authorities are approving more cases than they receive, steadily cutting through the backlog.
From 18 months to weeks
Until recently, applicants faced long delays, often waiting more than a year for approval.
In 2025, things look very different. Authorities have already processed 42% of last year’s cases and 15% of this year’s submissions. Some investors even received their Golden Visa in less than 30 days — a milestone unthinkable just a year ago.
If you are considering applying, the timing couldn’t be better. With the backlog shrinking and monthly approvals consistently above 700, new applications are moving smoothly.
As Sandy Antonokaki, Sales Expert at Renty, explains: “For our clients this means far less uncertainty — their applications no longer sit idle for months, but move steadily through the system. In fact, ten June applications were approved within the same month of filing, and two July cases cleared in under 30 days. While these are still isolated cases, the trend toward shorter timelines is clear.”
January applicants are already 26% processed, February at 22%, and March at 17%. The message is clear: Greece is working through the queue, and new files stand a strong chance of being processed faster than before.”
Who is applying for a Greek Golden Visa?
Far from slowing down, the Golden Visa program is proving its resilience. Demand remains strong — over 8,000 applications expected in 2025 — but Greece’s reforms ensure that approvals are keeping pace.
The Golden Visa program continues to attract a diverse investor base. China remains the leading source country, accounting for nearly half of all active visa holders. But the fastest growth now comes from Turkey: Turkish nationals added more than 1,500 new Golden Visas in the past year — a 158% increase — and 338 in July alone.
Applicant ranking:
🇨🇳 China: 8,179 visa holders, representing 47% of the total.
🇹🇷 Turkey: 2,499 visa holders, with a +158% increase over the past year and +15.6% growth in July alone.
This surge underlines the program’s ongoing appeal for investors seeking security and mobility in Europe.
Where do investors in Greece buy property?
Location matters — and the data makes it clear where demand is strongest. Attica, which includes Athens, remains the top destination for Golden Visa real estate investments, with around 11,500 pending applications.
Other active regions include Central and Eastern Macedonia, Thrace, the Peloponnese, Western Greece, and the Ionian Islands.
With processing times improving, demand remaining strong, and Athens leading the way as the prime investment region, now is the time to act. Explore Renty’s projects designed specifically for Golden Visa applicants — fully furnished, strategically located, and ready to deliver both residency and strong rental potential.
