Key Changes: Faster Processing, More Options
According to RISVAS & ASSOCIATES, a law firm operating in the program since 2013, processing times in Athens have experienced "significant acceleration" following ongoing coordination with competent authorities. This represents welcome progress after years of extended waiting periods.
Law 5275/2026, effective February 6, 2026, introduced automatic case distribution to immigration offices with the smallest pending caseloads, reducing accumulated waiting times created by high demand pressure. This approach is straightforward but effective: instead of allowing applications to concentrate in one location, the system automatically redistributes cases to balance workload.
New Track: €250,000 Startup Investment
Greece's Golden Visa program now offers diversified investment tiers ranging from €250,000 commercial conversion projects to €800,000 in prime real estate zones. This new startup pathway opens options for those seeking to invest in business ventures rather than real estate.
Specifically, investors can choose from:
- €250,000 for commercial-to-residential conversion projects or restoration of protected buildings
- €250,000 for the new startup investment track
- €400,000 for real estate outside the capital region
- €800,000 for prime areas (Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini)
Important Caveat: Not Everything Is Moving Faster
However, it should be noted that as of late May 2026, Greece still had 33,051 pending applications awaiting decisions, down 2,618 from 35,669 applications at the end of March—a 7.3% reduction over two months. This figure demonstrates that while improvements have been made, backlogs remain substantial.
Additionally, the timeframe from application submission to biometrics appointment currently runs approximately 12 months, with applicants submitting in late 2025 scheduled for biometric appointments in the fourth quarter of 2026. Card issuance remains the slower phase and has not yet caught up with the volume of appointments being processed. In other words: faster does not mean fast. The total timeline from application submission to receiving a residence card still takes nearly two years.
Why This Matters for International Investors
Greece is among the few remaining golden visa programs in Europe following closures in other countries. Eight European nations still offered golden visas in 2026, each with different investment thresholds, residency requirements, and citizenship timelines. Greece offers lower investment minimums compared to some alternatives and does not mandate physical residency.
However, the new startup track warrants careful consideration. It is not a passive real estate investment—you must demonstrate that your business is genuine and capable of generating employment. This is more complex than purchasing a residential property.