UAE investors eyeing residency in EU: Why Greece Golden Visas are surging

Dubai: The Greece Golden Visa program is making waves, and UAE-based investors are taking notice.

New data from global immigration experts Astons reveals a sharp rise in Golden Visa grants, with total initial grants jumping 15% just in the past year — pushing the total beyond 14,800 by April 2025.

But it’s not just the main investors who benefit. Thanks to family inclusions, these grants actually extend residency to nearly 28,000 additional family members. That means UAE expats looking for EU residency options can secure a lifestyle upgrade not only for themselves but their entire family.

The Greek Golden Visa offers one of the most affordable and straightforward pathways to EU residency for foreign investors, starting with a real estate investment as low as €250,000 — significantly lower than other EU countries.

And now, with new rules that set tiered property prices by location (up to €800,000 in hotspots like Mykonos and Santorini), investors get flexibility and access to some of Europe’s most desirable real estate markets.

Investment options beyond property include capital transfers, government bonds, bank deposits, shares, and alternative investment funds — giving UAE investors multiple avenues to secure residency.

Family benefits are huge: the program covers spouses, children under 21, and even parents — a real bonus for multigenerational households common among UAE expats.

Golden Visas are issued for five years and renewable as long as the investment is maintained. After seven years, permanent residency and even citizenship become achievable, provided applicants meet language and residency requirements.

With growing interest in EU residency, the Greece Golden Visa program offers a powerful combination of affordability, family inclusiveness, and access to the Schengen Zone. For UAE investors seeking global mobility, educational opportunities for children, or lifestyle diversification, this is a smart move.