Greece’s Golden Visa backlog is shrinking even though new investor applications remain below their 2024 peak. At the end of May 2026, 33,051 investor and family-member applications were pending, down from 35,669 at the end of March, a reduction of 7.3%.

The decline reflects faster processing alongside lower recent application volumes. Initial investor applications fell from 9,382 in 2024 to 7,025 in 2025, a 25.1% reduction. During the first five months of 2026, 2,137 new initial investor applications were recorded.

The numbers behind the trend

Measure	March 2026	May 2026
Total pending applications	35,669	33,051
Pending investor files	10,032	9,210
Pending family-member files	25,637	23,841
Change in investor queue	—	Down 8.2%
Change in total queue	—	Down 7.3%

Family members accounted for about 72% of the pending total in May, so the headline backlog should not be interpreted as 33,051 principal investors.

Processing also varied considerably by month. The latest Ministry data recorded 1,446 permanent-investor decisions in March, followed by 882 in April and 659 in May. These rolling administrative figures can be revised as cases are updated.

Why investment levels matter

The standard property threshold is now €800,000 in Attica, the Thessaloniki Regional Unit, Mykonos, Santorini and Greek islands with populations above 3,100. In most other areas, the minimum is €400,000. Qualifying standard purchases must generally involve one property and, for built property, at least 120 square metres of main space.

Our Greece golden visa cost guide covers the additional costs, while the requirements guide explains the wider eligibility rules.

A €250,000 threshold remains available for specific categories, including qualifying commercial-to-residential conversions and purchases of listed buildings requiring restoration. For conversion cases, the change of use must be completed before the residence-permit application is submitted.

The ministry’s own cumulative data should therefore be read alongside the investment rules rather than as evidence that demand is either recovering or collapsing.

What should investors check?

A smaller backlog may improve processing conditions, but it should not replace proper property and legal due diligence. The applicable threshold depends on the property’s location and category, which is why the property search in Greece should be checked carefully before committing.

Golden Visa properties cannot be used for short-term letting or subletting. A breach can lead to revocation of the permit and a €50,000 administrative fine. See renting out your Greek property and the latest ministry guidance for property investors.

Applicants including relatives should also review golden visa applications for families, particularly because family-member applications form most of the current pending caseload.

Frequently asked questions

How many Greece Golden Visa applications were pending in May 2026?

There were 33,051 pending investor and family-member files, including 9,210 investor applications.

What are the current property thresholds?

The main thresholds are €800,000 in specified higher-value areas and €400,000 elsewhere, with €250,000 available for certain qualifying property categories.

Does the Greek Golden Visa require residence in Greece?

There is no minimum annual stay requirement simply to maintain the property-based Golden Visa, provided the investment and other renewal conditions continue to be met.

Can I rent out a Golden Visa property?

Long-term letting is permitted, but short-term letting and subletting of qualifying Golden Visa property are prohibited.

Investors comparing jurisdictions can review the best golden visa options in Europe, Greek tax residency against the golden visa, the Italy investor visa and the Hungary golden visa.

For Greece-specific planning, read our overview of residence and investment in Greece, the renewals guide and buying Greek property as a UK resident, or Speak to our golden visa solicitors about your options.