Invest in Greece

A funded route into the Greek market

Greece offers one of the most competitive investment environments in the European Union: national grants of up to 75% of eligible cost, more than €26 billion of European co-funding, the largest recovery package in the country’s history, and a residency programme ranked first in the world. This page sets out what is available and who it is for.

The case

Why Greece, and why now

Greece as an investment destination
  • Strategic location

    At the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East and Africa — a natural hub for trade, logistics and energy.

  • Powerful incentives

    Development Law 4887/2022, ESPA 2021–2027, the RRF and the Golden Visa together create one of the EU’s most attractive investment environments.

  • Economic stability

    Sustained GDP growth and successive credit rating upgrades by Fitch, Moody’s and S&P.

  • Tourism at record levels

    Over 33 million arrivals a year, with record revenues — exceptional opportunities in hospitality and real estate.

  • Skilled workforce

    A highly educated labour force at costs that remain competitive against Western Europe.

  • EU legal framework

    Full alignment with EU law — a secure, transparent environment for foreign direct investment.

Funding

The funding instruments

Five routes to capital. Most projects use more than one, and the same expense may never be co-funded twice.

Reviewing a funding file

Development Law 4887/2022

The primary national investment incentive instrument, supporting projects across the entire Greek territory. Aid intensity reaches up to 75% of eligible costs depending on region and enterprise size, with a maximum of €20 million per project.

  • Grant — direct funding of part of the investment cost, with no repayment obligation.
  • Tax exemption on pre-tax profits generated by the investment.
  • Leasing subsidy toward instalments for new equipment.
  • Employment cost subsidy for the jobs the investment creates.

ESPA 2021–2027

The main European funding framework for Greece, with total resources above €26 billion co-funding innovation, the digital economy, green development, tourism, manufacturing and social cohesion.

  • Competitiveness 2021–2027 — SMEs in digital modernisation, exports, green economy and innovation.
  • Digital Transformation — digital infrastructure, cloud adoption, automation and e-commerce.
  • Rural Development — agricultural holdings, agri-food businesses and agri-tourism.
  • Just Development Transition — regions affected by the phase-out of lignite.

Golden Visa — residency by investment

A five-year residence permit, renewable indefinitely while the investment is held, covering spouse, children up to 21 and the parents of both investor and spouse, with free movement in the Schengen Area and a pathway to citizenship after seven years.

  • €800,000 — real estate in Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini and islands above 3,100 population.
  • €400,000 — real estate anywhere else in Greece.
  • €250,000 — conversion of commercial property to residential use, or renovation of a listed building.
  • €500,000 — shares in Greek companies or units of Alternative Investment Funds established in Greece.

Recovery and Resilience Facility

Greece receives over €35.9 billion under NextGenerationEU — the largest funding package in the country’s history — co-funding the green transition, digital transformation, smart growth, social cohesion, health and institutional resilience.

  • Accessed through favourable loans and grants administered by the Hellenic Development Bank.

Strategic Investments

Large-scale projects of significant economic impact and high added value qualify for streamlined licensing, government support and access to incentives under special legislation.

  • Fast-track recognition and the shortest available path to implementation approval.

Sectors

Where the money goes

An investment sector in Greece

Tourism & hotels

Over 33 million arrivals a year. The sector draws on the Development Law hotel regime, ESPA tourism programmes and Golden Visa-eligible real estate.

Manufacturing & logistics

Greece’s position between Europe, the Middle East and Africa makes it a natural logistics hub. Supply-chain investments qualify for subsidies of up to 75%.

Renewable energy

Solar farms, wind power, hydroelectric generation and smart grids, co-funded on favourable terms by ESPA 2021–2027 and the RRF.

Technology & software

A rapidly expanding ecosystem, with incentives for software development, AI, fintech and deeptech under Development Law 4887/2022.

Real estate & urban development

Rental yields of 5–6% in the major urban centres. Purchases above €400,000 also qualify for the Golden Visa, giving a dual financial and residency benefit.

Agri-food & primary production

Olive oil, feta, olives and wine underpin a thriving sector. Processing and supply-chain projects are co-funded by the Development Law and ESPA.

Evidence

Our track record

  • 20+ Years of investment consulting in Greece and South-Eastern Europe
  • 100+ Approved investment projects in manufacturing and software
  • 40,000+ Hotel beds funded through our advisory
  • 350,000 m² Logistics infrastructure realised with our support

Questions

Questions investors ask first

Who can apply under Development Law 4887/2022?

Companies of all legal forms operating in eligible sectors. Foreign companies establishing a permanent presence in Greece are also eligible. Sole traders are excluded.

How long does an ESPA or Development Law application take to evaluate?

Typically two to five months from submission. Strategic Investments benefit from a fast-track procedure.

Can an investor buy real estate and obtain a Golden Visa at the same time?

Yes. A purchase of at least €400,000 — or €800,000 in Attica, Thessaloniki and certain islands — triggers the right to apply for the Greek Golden Visa.

What is the difference between ESPA and the Development Law?

The Development Law is a national instrument providing grants, tax exemptions and leasing subsidies for qualifying projects. ESPA uses European co-funds and covers a broader range of businesses, including start-ups and SMEs. The two can often be combined, provided the same expenses are not co-funded twice.

Peace of mind before capital.

The initial call determines mandate suitability only. No score, recommendation or investment opinion is issued at this stage. Response within two business days.