Why Nigerians are betting on Greece’s golden visa

For decades, Greece has charmed travellers with its ancient history, postcard islands, and Mediterranean lifestyle. But today, beyond Santorini sunsets and Mykonos beaches, the country is carving out a new reputation as one of Europe’s hottest real estate and residency destinations.

With its stable EU membership, strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, and a real estate market gaining international attention, Greece is attracting a growing wave of investors, including many from Nigeria who see real estate as a gateway to Europe, lifestyle benefits, and financial returns.

Greece: A Market on the Rise

After a decade of reforms and recovery, Greece’s economy has regained momentum. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) projects growth above 2% in 2025 with similar momentum in 2026, supported by EU recovery funds and steady investment inflows.

According to the Bank of Greece, for 2024 as a whole, prices increased on average by 8.2% in Athens, with projections indicating continued upward trends. The Bank of Greece also reported that foreign investment in Greek real estate reached reached €2.75 billion in 2024, nearly 29% higher than the previous year.

The Golden Visa Advantage

Central to this surge is the Greek Golden Visa, launched in 2013, and still one of Europe’s most competitive residency-by-investment programs. With a minimum threshold of €250,000 when investing in real estate, the lowest in Europe, investors secure not only property but also residency rights, granting visa-free access across 29 countries in the Schengen Area.

The programme extends beyond the investor to include spouses, children, and even parents, making it a three-generation pathway. With no mandate to live in Greece, investors still benefit from access to healthcare, schools, and the right to rent out the property for income. After seven years, investors stand a chance to apply for citizenship.

According to a recent report by the Bank of Greece, foreign direct investment (FDI) rose nearly 42% in the first half of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024, as stated in ekathimerini.com, with Golden Visa applicants playing a major role in driving demand.

Experts have advised that while Greece’s market remains attractive, selectiveness is now key as more buyers are eyeing properties offering long-term value rather than quick flips.

Increasing Appetite of Nigerians

With a domestic economic climate marked by currency fluctuations, limited overseas mobility, and concerns over local asset risk, many Nigerian high-net-worth individuals now look towards  Greece as a location for diversification of wealth and lush lifestyle. Real estate consultants and analysts report increasing inquiries about Golden Visa properties, with Greece frequently mentioned alongside Portugal and Spain. Tax policies such as zero or reduced VAT on new builds, favourable capital gains conditions, and relatively low property taxes enhance the attractiveness for foreign buyers.

Against this backdrop, global developers and advisory firms are helping African investors enter the Greek market more confidently. Chief among them is MIBS Group, a leading Greek real estate developer with over 40 years of experience in delivering contemporary properties in prime locations of Athens, the capital of Greece, and a sales network in more than 35 countries, providing investors with end-to-end support.

Its recent arrival in the Nigerian market boosts the prospect of cultural familiarity, making the process less complicated for investors seeking value in the citizenship-by-investment market.

Sector insiders disclosed that what stands MIBS Group in a crowded field is that it does not operate like a passport dealer but like a trusted curator.

“While many firms chase volume, MIBS Group leans on credibility, compliance, and a broader vision of citizenship as a lasting asset. Its model is built on regulatory rigour and attention to detail, important elements in a sector blemished by shortcut artists,” explained a sector operator.

Another player in the sector hinted that MIBS Group reshapes citizenship as something beyond visa-free movement into a pathway to wealth diversification, education, and legacy planning.

“They appear very close to their clients in a way that ensures a smooth and worry-free experience. They offer end-to-end services, from land acquisition, sales, and immigration guidance to after-sales support and property management. That way, they turn what could be a gamble into a structured plan,” he stated.

The Bigger Picture

Greece today offers more than luscious views. Additionally, it offers a combination of regulatory incentives, growing property value, and the promise of European residence. For investors looking outward, Greece serves as a safe haven for capital as well as a gateway into Europe.