In 2026, Greece expanded its Golden Visa program by introducing an alternative pathway to residence permits through investment in startups. The new format is integrated into the existing framework and focuses on investments in companies registered in the state-backed Elevate Greece registry, which includes technology and innovation-driven businesses.

📊 The core requirement of the program is the minimum investment amount. As of 2026, it is set at €250,000. The investment must be made in the form of equity participation in a company, rather than through lending or asset acquisition. At the same time, the state limits the level of control an investor can obtain:

— the ownership stake must not exceed approximately 33% of the company’s share capital;
— the investment must be officially registered within the corporate structure;
— funds must be transferred through the banking system with full proof of origin.

💼 Investments are allowed only in companies included in the Elevate Greece registry. This means the business has already undergone a basic state verification process and meets the criteria of an innovative startup. The program also introduces specific business requirements:

— the company must create at least 2 jobs;
— the jobs must be maintained throughout the validity of the residence permit;
— the company’s activity must be based in Greece.

🧾 In terms of legal status, the new route follows the structure of the standard Golden Visa. The residence permit is granted for 5 years, with the possibility of renewal as long as the investment is maintained. Applicants are also allowed to include family members in the application.

📉 The startup route differs significantly from real estate in terms of risk profile. Startup investments do not provide guaranteed capital preservation and depend on the commercial performance of the business. Key limitations include:

— no guaranteed liquidity of the investment;
— renewal of the residence permit depends on meeting business performance criteria;
— mandatory compliance checks and source of funds verification;
— limitations on investor control over the company.

📌 The new pathway creates an alternative model of investment-based residence in Europe. With a lower entry threshold (€250,000 compared to €400,000–800,000 for real estate), investors gain access to residency, but in exchange for higher risk and the requirement to meet economic performance conditions.