🇬🇷 Greece vs 🇪🇸 Spain
Side-by-side comparison of Greece's Golden Visa and Spain's Non-Lucrative Visa. Investment minimums, processing times, passport strength, stay requirements, work rights, and family inclusion compared.
| 🇬🇷 Greece RBI | 🇪🇸 Spain RBI | |
|---|---|---|
| Program Type | Residency by Investment | Residency by Investment |
| Investment Minimum | €400,000 | Income-based |
| Processing Time | 2-3 months ✓ | 5 months |
| Visa-Free Countries | 188 countries | 191 countries ✓ |
| Path to Citizenship | 7 years ✓ | 10 years |
| Stay Requirement | No minimum stay ✓ | 183+ days/year in Spain (6 months continuous absence risks permit loss) |
| Work Rights | No | No |
| Family Inclusion | Spouse, Children under 21, Parents, In-laws ✓ | Spouse, Children |
| Visa Duration | 5 years (renewable) | 1 year (renewable) |
✓ indicates the objectively stronger value where a direct comparison is possible.
Greece vs Spain: Which Is Better?
Greece's Golden Visa requires €400,000 (EUR), while Spain's Non-Lucrative Visa starts at no minimum capital. Both are RBI programs.
Spain provides visa-free access to 191 countries, 3 more than Greece's 188. Processing times differ: Greece takes 2-3 months, Spain takes 5 months.
Greece requires no physical presence, giving investors full geographic flexibility. Spain requires 183+ days/year in spain (6 months continuous absence risks permit loss).
Which Program Is Right for You?
Cost Comparison
Spain is income-based with no minimum capital requirement, while Greece requires a committed investment of €400,000. Applicants who prefer to preserve liquid capital will favour Spain, but those comfortable deploying €400,000 may find Greece's outcome — residency — justifies the capital outlay. Remember that headline investment minimums rarely capture total cost — government fees, due diligence charges, and dependent pricing stack on top.
Timeline and Processing
Greece processes faster at 2-3 months compared to 5 months for Spain. Neither program offers direct citizenship — both are residency-first pathways. Greece reaches citizenship eligibility faster at 7 years, compared to 10 years for Spain. For applicants with a long-term horizon and a passport as the end goal, Greece offers a shorter overall timeline when processing plus naturalisation are combined.
Lifestyle Considerations
Greece has no physical presence requirement, which suits investors who travel extensively or split time across multiple countries. Spain requires 183+ days/year in spain (6 months continuous absence risks permit loss), which demands at least a partial lifestyle commitment to Spain. On family inclusion, Greece covers a broader set of dependents (Spouse, Children under 21, Parents, In-laws) compared to Spain (Spouse, Children), which matters for applicants bringing extended family.
The Bottom Line
On balance, Greece wins more categories in this comparison — particularly on faster processing and a stronger citizenship path. For most investors, Greece's Golden Visa is the stronger starting point. That said, Spain remains the better choice if the specific benefits of that program align more closely with your situation. Run the numbers for your family size and consult an immigration specialist before committing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does Greece cost compared to Spain?
Greece requires €400,000 while Spain requires income-based (no minimum capital).
Which offers better travel access, Greece or Spain?
Spain offers visa-free access to 191 countries compared to 188 for Greece.
Which processes faster, Greece or Spain?
Greece processes in 2-3 months. Spain takes 5 months. Greece is the faster option.
Can I include my family in the Greece or Spain program?
Both programs include family members. Greece covers spouse, children under 21, parents, in-laws. Spain covers spouse, children.
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