🇵🇹 Portugal vs 🇬🇷 Greece
Side-by-side comparison of Portugal's Golden Visa (ARI) and Greece's Golden Visa. Investment minimums, processing times, passport strength, stay requirements, work rights, and family inclusion compared.
| 🇵🇹 Portugal RBI | 🇬🇷 Greece RBI | |
|---|---|---|
| Program Type | Residency by Investment | Residency by Investment |
| Investment Minimum | €500,000 | €400,000 ✓ |
| Processing Time | 12-18 months | 2-3 months ✓ |
| Visa-Free Countries | 191 countries ✓ | 188 countries |
| Path to Citizenship | 5 years ✓ | 7 years |
| Stay Requirement | 7 days/year average | No minimum stay ✓ |
| Work Rights | Yes ✓ | No |
| Family Inclusion | Spouse, Children, Dependent parents | Spouse, Children under 21, Parents, In-laws ✓ |
| Visa Duration | 2 years (renewable) | 5 years (renewable) |
✓ indicates the objectively stronger value where a direct comparison is possible.
Portugal vs Greece: Which Is Better?
Greece's Golden Visa starts at €400,000, €100,000 less than Portugal's Golden Visa (ARI) at €500,000. Both are RBI programs, making cost a direct point of comparison.
Portugal provides visa-free access to 191 countries, 3 more than Greece's 188. Processing times differ: Portugal takes 12-18 months, Greece takes 2-3 months.
Greece requires no physical presence. Portugal requires 7 days/year average. Portugal grants work rights; Greece does not.
Which Program Is Right for You?
Cost Comparison
Greece has the lower headline entry point at €400,000, roughly $108,000 less than Portugal's €500,000. In a like-for-like cost comparison, Greece wins on entry price. However, government fees, due diligence charges, and multi-dependent pricing can close this gap quickly. Always model the all-in cost for your specific family structure before deciding on minimum investment alone.
Timeline and Processing
Greece processes faster at 2-3 months compared to 12-18 months for Portugal. Neither program offers direct citizenship — both are residency-first pathways. Portugal reaches citizenship eligibility faster at 5 years, compared to 7 years for Greece. For applicants with a long-term horizon and a passport as the end goal, Portugal offers a shorter overall timeline when processing plus naturalisation are combined.
Lifestyle Considerations
Greece has no physical presence requirement, making it more flexible for internationally mobile investors. Portugal requires 7 days/year average, which demands at least a partial lifestyle commitment to Portugal. Portugal also grants work rights, which Greece does not — a meaningful distinction for applicants who may want to generate income locally or establish a business presence. On family inclusion, Greece covers a broader set of dependents (Spouse, Children under 21, Parents, In-laws) compared to Portugal (Spouse, Children, Dependent parents), which matters for applicants bringing extended family.
The Bottom Line
On balance, Greece wins more categories in this comparison — particularly on lower entry cost and faster processing. For most investors, Greece's Golden Visa is the stronger starting point. That said, Portugal 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.
Explore These Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, Portugal or Greece?
Greece is cheaper at €400,000 compared to €500,000 for Portugal.
Which offers better travel access, Portugal or Greece?
Portugal offers visa-free access to 191 countries compared to 188 for Greece.
Which processes faster, Portugal or Greece?
Portugal processes in 12-18 months. Greece takes 2-3 months. Greece is the faster option.
Can I include my family in the Portugal or Greece program?
Both programs include family members. Portugal covers spouse, children, dependent parents. Greece covers spouse, children under 21, parents, in-laws.
More Comparisons
Get the Free Comparison Guide
A comprehensive breakdown of CBI and RBI programs worldwide, delivered to your inbox.
Get the latest golden visa updates
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.