Greece has long been a top destination for investors seeking European residency through its Golden Visa program, particularly through real estate investments. Now, Greece is offering a fresh and innovative approach to securing residency: set to launch in January 2025, non-EU investors can obtain residency by investing €250,000 in Greek start-ups. This expansion, announced by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the Thessaloniki International Fair on September 7, provides a new route for investors looking to capitalize on Greece’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.
This option allows investors to obtain residency through passive investments, without the need to actively manage the business or reside in Greece. This makes Greece particularly appealing to investors who want residency without the time-intensive commitment of managing a start-up directly. With no minimum stay requirement, high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) can secure European residency while continuing their current lifestyle anywhere in the world.
When it comes to active investments, Greece has offered a residence permit since 2014 (currently with a minimum of €500,000) through the establishment and operation of a business that contributes positively to the national economy.
Fueling Greece’s Start-up Ecosystem
The new start-up investment option is more than just a residency pathway—it’s also an opportunity to contribute to Greece’s vibrant innovation scene.
By fostering investments in innovation, Greece is positioning itself as a growing hub for entrepreneurs with groundbreaking ideas, leveraging recent government initiatives to strengthen its start-up ecosystem. According to the latest developments, investors are expected to channel their capital into start-ups registered under Elevate Greece, once final confirmation is received. Currently, this national start-up registry features 867 cutting-edge companies across sectors such as technology, sustainability, and life sciences.
Elevate Greece was established to promote innovation and support start-ups by providing them with essential resources and exposure. Through this €250,000 investment, which can be spread across multiple start-ups, international investors can back high-potential businesses while securing European residency.
How the €250,000 Start-up Investment Option Works
This innovative addition to the Golden Visa program shall offer investors a unique opportunity to obtain residency through passive capital support. Instead of being required to actively manage their investments, the focus is on supporting the entrepreneurial landscape in Greece by injecting much-needed capital into high-growth sectors.
One important detail still under discussion is whether domestic venture capital funds (VCs) will also be included in the investment options, which would further broaden the scope for foreign investors. If this option is approved, it could open the door to even more flexible investment opportunities for those seeking residency through Greece’s Golden Visa.
Key Start-up and Investor Visa Programs in the EU
While Greece’s passive investment option through start-ups is an exciting new addition, it already offers active investment options with a minimum of €500,000, similar to several other EU countries that have both start-up and investor visa programs aimed at hands-on entrepreneurs or those looking to invest in innovative businesses. Below is an overview of some key programs across Europe:
Portugal – Start-up Visa & Golden Visa: Portugal’s Start-up Visa provides a pathway to residency for entrepreneurs who establish a business contributing to job creation and innovation, with no minimum financial threshold. For investors, Portugal’s Golden Visa allows residency through passive investments with a minimum of €500,000 in venture capital funds that support start-ups. Both options lead to permanent residency after five years.
France – French Tech Visa & Investor Visa: France’s French Tech Visa is designed for tech entrepreneurs, investors, and employees. Entrepreneurs must partner with a French incubator or accelerator. For investors, France offers the Investor Visa (Talent Passport – Business Investor), which requires a minimum investment of €300,000 in a French company, including start-ups. This investment leads to a four-year residence permit, with the possibility of permanent residency thereafter.
Italy – Italian Start-up Visa & Investor Visa: The Italian Start-up Visa requires non-EU applicants to secure a minimum of €50,000 from equity or venture capital to start an innovative business. Applicants are initially granted a one-year visa, which can be extended. Alternatively, Italy offers an Investor Visa, requiring a €250,000 investment in start-ups. The Investor Visa is initially valid for two years and can be renewed. Both pathways lead to a residence permit with the possibility of permanent residency after five years.
Netherlands – Dutch Start-up Visa & Investor Visa: The Dutch Start-up Visa allows non-EU entrepreneurs to reside in the Netherlands for one year to develop an innovative business with the help of an approved facilitator. The visa can be extended and can lead to permanent residency after five years. For investors, the Dutch Investor Visa requires a €1.25 million investment in a Dutch company or venture capital fund that supports innovative businesses. This investor visa provides an initial residence permit for three years, which can be renewed and can lead to permanent residency after five years.
Denmark – Start-up Denmark Visa: Denmark’s visa requires an innovative business idea that creates jobs. The program provides residency for up to two years, extendable by three-year increments. Denmark does not have a dedicated Investor Visa, but investors can obtain residency if they are actively involved in the development of a business.
Estonia – Start-up Visa: The Estonian Start-up Visa allows founders to establish an innovative business in Estonia. The visa is initially valid for 18 months, with the option to extend. Estonia does not have a dedicated Investor Visa, but investors can support start-ups and apply for residency through other business investment channels.
Lithuania – Start-up Visa: Lithuania’s Start-up Visa is available for non-EU entrepreneurs aiming to create an innovative business. The visa offers an initial residence permit of two years and can be renewed for an additional three years. No specific minimum capital requirement is needed, but the business must demonstrate growth potential. Lithuania does not have a dedicated Investor Visa, but key investors can reside in the country through the Start-up Visa if they are actively involved in the business.
Finland – Start-up Entrepreneur Residence Permit: Finland’s Start-up Entrepreneur Residence Permit is available for teams of two or more founders with a business idea that promises rapid growth. Applicants must be approved by Business Finland. The permit is valid for two years, with the possibility of extension for up to four years and the path to permanent residency. Finland does not offer a specific Investor Visa, but investors can apply for residency if they own a Finnish company or invest in a scalable and growth-focused business.
Capitalize on Greece’s Start-up Boom: A Prime Investment Opportunity
Greece’s new €250,000 start-up investment option will offer a unique chance for investors to obtain European residency while supporting the country’s thriving innovation ecosystem. Whether you are drawn to the thriving start-up scene or more traditional real estate investments, Greece’s Golden Visa program provides one of the most flexible and accessible pathways to residency in Europe, particularly for high-net-worth individuals.
By integrating a focus on innovation and growth, this new start-up investment path strengthens Greece’s position in the residency-by-investment market. Investors not only benefit from potential financial returns, but they will also play an instrumental role in driving the country’s start-up landscape forward.
As Greece finalizes the details of this new start-up investment option, our team will keep you updated on all developments and guide you through the process, ensuring you are prepared to take advantage of this exclusive opportunity when it becomes available.
