Above the Aegean Sea, how to plan for a European Golden Visa?

At the southern tip of Europe lies a country surrounded by sunshine, coastlines, and a slow-paced lifestyle, which is becoming a destination for European residency planning for an increasing number of families—Greece. The blue Aegean Sea, white-washed towns, cliffside sunsets, and a mild climate together form the unique, livable backdrop of Greece.

It not only possesses mature tourism resources and a comfortable living environment but also offers the status advantages of being an EU member state and a Schengen Area country. For families looking to proactively plan for European residency, children's education, asset allocation, and future retirement, Greece is becoming a long-term choice that combines both livability and residency value.

The appeal of Greece stems first from its irreplaceable natural resources.

As a Mediterranean country, Greece boasts numerous islands and a long coastline. Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, and other locations have long been classic vacation destinations in the hearts of global travelers. The blue sea, white architecture, warm sunshine, and leisurely lifestyle together constitute the unique, livable backdrop of Greece.

This appeal is also being continuously verified by data. According to data from the Bank of Greece, tourism revenue in Greece reached approximately 23.626 billion euros in 2025, a year-on-year increase of 9.4%, setting a new historical record. The Greek Tourism Confederation pointed out that the tourism industry contributes approximately 30% to Greece's GDP and is a vital pillar of the Greek labor market. Entering 2026, the momentum of the tourism industry remains strong. In the first quarter of 2026, Greece welcomed over 3.4 million international tourists, with tourism revenue increasing by more than 60% compared to the same period in 2025, and the tourism surplus rising significantly.

This means that the tourism industry not only supports the Greek economy but also continuously drives the development of hotels, apartments, rentals, catering, transportation, and supporting services. For investors, a destination that is long-term popular with global tourists inherently possesses stronger asset liquidity and rental support.

To measure whether a coastal country is truly livable, one cannot look only at the scenery; one must also consider the beach environment, water quality, management, and supporting facilities.

In international Blue Flag certifications, Greece has long ranked among the best in the world. In 2026, a total of 624 beaches, 17 marinas, and 17 tourist boats in Greece received Blue Flag certification, continuing to rank second globally. Blue Flag certification focuses on standards such as water quality, environmental management, safety facilities, and tourist services, which also indirectly illustrates the maturity and comfort of coastal living in Greece.

For many families, the value of Greece is not just that it is "beautiful," but that it is a place where one can truly live. With abundant sunshine in summer, relatively mild winters, a slow pace of life, and low urban stress, it is suitable not only for short-term vacations but also as a long-term option for future retirement, extended stays, and family life abroad.

In addition to its advantages in livability and tourism, the Greece Golden Visa is also a key reason for its long-term appeal to overseas investors.

Currently, investors can apply for permanent residency in the EU country of Greece for the whole family by investing in properties starting from 250,000 euros! The reason this residency program continues to receive attention lies in its emphasis on the comprehensive value for the family dimension:

• Cost-effective: Greece is one of the few countries in the EU and the Schengen Area where purchasing property grants permanent residency, and the application requirements are relaxed, with no requirements for language, education, business, or management experience.

• Rich educational pathways: After obtaining residency, children can enter the local education system or return to their home country to participate in the Joint Entrance Exam for Overseas Chinese Students, increasing possibilities for future academic planning.

• Suitable for multi-generational family planning: One application, three generations immigrate. With its pleasant climate, fresh air, sound medical system, and low cost of living, Greece is an excellent choice for parents to spend their retirement years.

• Convenient European travel: As a Schengen member state, holding a Greek permanent residence visa allows for free entry and exit to 29 Schengen countries, truly realizing the "go whenever you want" European journey.

When tourism popularity, asset value, and residency needs converge, the appeal of Greece is no longer just the romantic scenery by the Aegean Sea, but a long-term choice that more and more families can see and utilize.

It is worth noting that high-quality "commercial-to-residential" properties currently on the market that meet the policy requirements of the Greece Golden Visa program and can be quickly transferred are relatively limited. Planning ahead, selecting properties early, and advancing the transfer process will help in completing your residency layout with greater ease.

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