Why American Investors Choose Greece Over Italy or Portugal

American investors planning to purchase property in Europe often choose between Greece, Italy, and Portugal. All three countries offer a mild climate, access to the sea, and a high quality of life. However, for those looking to combine property ownership with residency, Greece offers a number of unique advantages.

Golden Visa: Key Differences

The main advantage of Greece lies in the ability to obtain a Golden Visa directly through real estate investment.

• Greece: The minimum investment threshold is 400,000 or 800,000 euros, depending on the region. For projects converting commercial properties into residential ones or restoring historic buildings, the threshold is 250,000 euros. The residency permit is issued for 5 years and is renewable as long as the investment is maintained (source: Υπουργείο Μετανάστευσης και Ασύλου).
• Portugal: The investment residency program continues to operate, but purchasing real estate is no longer a standalone basis for obtaining it (source: AIMA).
• Italy: The Investor Visa program does not offer residency through the purchase of residential real estate. Investments must be directed into innovative startups (from 250,000 euros), Italian companies (from 500,000 euros), or government bonds (from 2 million euros) (source: Embassy of Italy in Pretoria).

Seaside Real Estate and Investment Potential

Greece offers a wide selection of properties, from villas to land plots. Crete, in particular, attracts investors due to its developed infrastructure, international airports, and long tourist season. Unlike Italy, where purchasing historic homes often involves complex and costly renovations, investors in Greece can implement new construction projects, controlling costs and creating a modern asset for living or rental purposes.

Why Choose Greece

For US citizens, Greece allows for the implementation of a comprehensive strategy:

• Acquiring a vacation home in Europe.
• Obtaining a Golden Visa for themselves and their family members.
• Creating an investment asset.
• The ability to manage the property without the need for permanent residency in the country.

AILIT Group supports clients at every stage: from site selection and project analysis to construction and property management. Learn more about the process in the real estate construction in Greece section and explore opportunities for real estate investment in Crete.