Portugal vs. Greece: A Complete Comparison of Permanent Residency Programs

For anyone wishing to settle down in Europe, permanent residency through investment is available in Portugal and Greece. Their requirements are similar, but both of them offer slightly different features that suit different priorities or needs.

Here’s a side by side look at each program to help you decide which one might be the best fit for your long-term goals.

Why Choose Portugal’s Permanent Residence Program?

Due to the ease of obtaining citizenship and its flexibility, the Portugal permanent residence program, also known as the Golden Visa, has attracted thousands of investors. With investment opportunities and minimal residence obligations, it’s among the most popular schemes in Europe.

Key Features of the Portugal Permanent Residence Program:

Investment Options: Portugal offers a variety of investment routes, including:

• Real Estate: A minimum investment of €500,000, or €400,000 in designated low-density areas.
• Capital Transfer: Requires a transfer of €1.5 million into a Portuguese bank.
• Job Creation: Investment of €500,000 in a business that creates at least 10 jobs.

Research or Cultural Support: Contributions starting at €250,000 for scientific research or cultural initiatives.

Residency Flexibility: One of Portugal’s most appealing aspects is its minimal residency requirement. Investors need to spend only 7 days per year in the country to maintain permanent residency.

Path to Citizenship: After maintaining Portugal permanent residence for five years, investors are eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship without needing full-time residency in the country.

Tax Benefits: The Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) program offers favorable tax conditions on foreign income, making it attractive for new residents looking to optimize their tax liabilities. 

Why Choose Greece’s Permanent Residency by Investment Program?

The Greece permanent residency by investment program, or Greek Golden Visa, is well-known for its affordability and straightforward process. Greece provides one of the most accessible European residency options with a lower minimum investment than Portugal.

Key Features of the Greece Permanent Residency Program:

•  Lower Investment Requirement: Greece offers residency with a minimum investment of €250,000 in real estate, making it one of the lowest entry points for European residency.
• Simple and Quick Process: The Greek Golden Visa program is praised for its efficient processing times. After making the investment, applicants typically receive their permanent residency permit within a few months.
• No Residency Requirement: Investors aren’t required to live in Greece to maintain their permanent residency, offering unmatched flexibility for those who prefer minimal obligations.
• Family Inclusion: Greece’s Golden Visa program covers not only spouses and children but also parents, making it a comprehensive solution for families.

Comparing Portugal and Greece Residency Programs

• Minimum Investment: Portugal’s minimum investment for real estate is €500,000 (or €400,000 in low-density areas), while Greece requires only €250,000, making it more affordable.
• Path to Citizenship: Portugal’s Golden Visa allows you to apply for citizenship after five years of permanent residency. Greece, however, does not offer a direct route to citizenship through its Golden Visa program.
• Physical Presence Requirement: Portugal requires a minimal stay of 7 days per year, while Greece does not require any physical presence to retain residency.
• Family Inclusion: Portugal’s program allows you to include your spouse and dependent children, while Greece’s Golden Visa extends to spouses, children, and parents.
• Processing Time: Portugal’s process takes around 3–6 months, while Greece has a quicker timeline, with residency permits usually issued within 1–2 months.
• Tax Benefits: Portugal’s NHR program offers tax advantages for new residents, while Greece’s program does not provide additional tax benefits.

Which Residency Program Suits You Best?

• Portugal is ideal if you’re looking for a pathway to citizenship and potential tax benefits. The program’s flexibility, paired with the NHR tax scheme, makes it highly attractive for investors who have a long-term vision in Europe.
• Greece suits those who seek an affordable, low-maintenance residency option in Europe. With its lower investment requirement and no residency obligations, Greece’s program provides a cost-effective and flexible route to European residency.

How FRR Immigration Can Guide You

At FRR Immigration, we appreciate the specific advantages and demands of the Greece residency by investment program and the Portugal permanent residence program. Given the experience of our team, you would receive end-to-end enlisting service best suited to your level of demand.

When selecting the appropriate investment option and going through the application process, we make sure that all operations are clear and smooth. Whether you are interested in the citizenship option of Portugal or the residency option of Greece, FRR Immigration will bring you an easy-to-handle process. Contact us today so together we can find the most suitable residency option for you and your family.