Portugal or Greece in 2026: residence permit, Golden Visa, taxes, citizenship - what to choose

The main thing in a minute: how Portugal differs from Greece in 2026

In short, the choice between Portugal and Greece in 2026 is a choice between two mirror strategies. Portugal has closed the door to the Golden Visa through real estate, leaving only expensive funds from 500,000 euros, but has developed a line of visas for those who just want to move to live: D7 for rentiers and pensioners, D8 for remote workers. Greece, on the contrary, left the classic and understandable path - buy an apartment, get a residence permit - but raised the thresholds and redrew the map of zones.

In terms of citizenship, the countries also changed places. Previously, Portugal was famous for the fastest five-year qualification in Europe - and this is what attracted investors. In 2026, the qualification increased to 10 years, and Portugal's main trump card disappeared. Greece consistently issues a passport after 7 years of actual residence, but requires a Greek language exam and physical presence in the country.

• Need a property with a view of a residence permit - look towards Greece.
• Do you want to live in the country on passive income without large investments? - Portugal has D7.
• The goal is a fast EU passport - in 2026, no country is providing it quickly, but Greece (7 years) is ahead of Portugal (10 years).

Next, we will analyze each block in detail and summarize everything in a visual table.

What's in common: EU, Schengen and the power of a passport

Let's start with what both countries have in common - and these are serious advantages compared to most investment programs outside of Europe. Both Portugal and Greece are full members of the European Union and the Schengen area. This means that a residence permit from any of these countries opens up freedom of movement throughout Schengen without visas or stamps, and resulting citizenship gives the right to live, work and study in any of the 27 EU countries.

This is an important difference from a number of other popular destinations. For example, Cyprus is also a member of the EU, but is not yet part of Schengen, and the Caribbean programs have nothing to do with Europe at all. Here, from the first day, you receive European registration in the full sense of the word.

Both passports are among the world's strongest for travel freedom: their holders travel visa-free to more than 180 countries, including the United States (via visa-free mechanisms for EU citizens), the United Kingdom, Japan, and Canada. The differences between the two passports in terms of freedom of movement are minimal - both provide approximately the same access. Therefore, the choice between countries is not based on the strength of the passport, but on the road to it: investment conditions, taxes, terms and lifestyle.

Golden Visa: Greece retained property, Portugal did not

This is the main watershed of 2026. Both countries have investment residence permit programs (Golden Visa), but they are structured fundamentally differently.

Portugal. From October 2023, following the adoption of the Mais Habitacao (More Housing) law, the real estate purchase and simple capital transfer routes from the Golden Visa are excluded. The goal of the reform is to reduce the pressure of foreign money on the housing market. What remains for new applicants:

• Investment funds (venture funds, private equity) - from 500,000 euros; the fund must invest at least 60% of the capital in Portuguese companies and not have a direct link to real estate.
• Scientific research - from 500,000 euros.
• Support for cultural heritage - from 250,000 euros.
• Creating jobs and investing in company capital.

Greece. The classic route through real estate is alive, but in 2026 the thresholds have increased and depend on the zone:

• 800,000 euros - in premium areas of high demand (the center of Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, islands with a population above a certain threshold).
• 400,000 euros - in other regions of the country.
• 250,000 euros - only for special projects: conversion (conversion of a commercial/industrial facility into housing) or restoration of architectural monuments.

Requirements for the minimum area of ​​the object and the one-transaction rule apply. The conclusion is simple: if your logic is “invest money in an asset that can be rented out and that gives a residence permit,” Greece is suitable in 2026, but Portugal is no longer suitable. We analyze the details of the Portuguese route in Portugal Golden Visa guide and separately for investment funds.

Presence requirements: where you can barely live

One of the most underestimated, but critical parameters is how much time you really need to spend in the country. Here the difference between Portugal and Greece is huge, and it directly affects why you are applying for status in the first place.

Portuguese Golden Visa is known for its minimum presence requirements: it is enough to stay in the country on average about 7 days a year (14 days over a two-year period). This is an ideal option for those who want a European alternate airfield and entry rights, but continue to live and work in their home country. The status is maintained, the residence permit is extended, and at the same time you spend literally a couple of weeks in Portugal.

Greek Golden Visa maintaining status also does not require permanent residence - you can come rarely. But here lies an important trap: if your ultimate goal is citizenship, then the time spent outside Greece does not count towards the naturalization qualification. To move towards a passport, you need to live in the country for at least 183 days a year.

In other words:

• Just an EU residence permit “in reserve” - both programs allow you to almost not live in the country.
• Residence permit with a view to citizenship - Greece will require a real move (183 days per year), Portugal according to the stock Golden Visa - formally no, but the new 10-year qualification still makes the journey long.

This nuance must be calculated at the start, and not retroactively.

Living on passive income: D7 Portugal vs Greek residence permit

Not everyone needs a large investment. Many people simply want to move to a warm EU country, living on a pension, rent or dividends. Here Portugal has a strong and relatively inexpensive instrument, which is not available in the same form in the Greek Golden Visa.

Portugal - D7 visa. This is a residence permit for financially independent individuals, rentiers and pensioners. The main requirement is a stable passive income of approximately 870 euros per month (guideline - 12 minimum wages per year, about 10,440 euros) plus housing in Portugal (rent or purchase). No investment of 250-800 thousand is needed - it’s enough to show that you have something to live on. D7 leads to permanent residence and then to citizenship. We discuss the conditions in detail in D7 visa guide. For remote workers there is a separate D8 visa with an income threshold of about 3,480 euros per month.

Greece. There is no direct cheap analogue to D7 in the Golden Visa logic: the main investment path is tied to real estate from 250,000 euros. There is a separate category of Financially Independent Person (FIP) with a monthly income requirement, which is similar in spirit to D7, but is less promoted and usually requires proof of a higher income than the Portuguese threshold.

Conclusion: if you don’t have hundreds of thousands to invest, but have a stable passive income and a desire to really live by the sea, Portugal with its D7 is one of the most affordable entrances to the EU. Greece in this scenario often involves the purchase of housing.

How much does entry cost: comparison of budgets

Let's summarize the order of the amounts needed to start along the main routes. The figures are indicative and do not include taxes, duties and legal support, but give a fair picture of the scale.

The main conclusion on the budget: the cheapest entry into Portugal is not an investment, but proof of passive income according to D7. The most clear (though not the cheapest) entry into Greece is the purchase of real estate from 250,000 euros in restoration or conversion projects, or from 400,000 euros in regular regions. If the budget is limited to a couple of hundred thousand and a tangible asset is needed, Greece wins. If you don’t have big money, but you have an annuity or a pension, it’s cheaper to go to Portugal.

Climate, language and lifestyle

It’s easy to forget behind the numbers that you are not choosing a table, but the country where you will live. Here Portugal and Greece have characteristic differences.

Climate. Both countries are Mediterranean southern Europe with mild winters and hot summers. But there are nuances. The Atlantic coast of Portugal (Lisbon, Porto) is wetter and windier, winters are cooler and rainier, and the ocean is cold for swimming almost all year round. Greece - classic warm Mediterranean and Aegean Sea, long beach season, drier and sunnier summers, warm sea water. If the priority is the sea and beach lifestyle, Greece often wins; if ocean surfing and mild, not sweltering heat are more important - Portugal.

Language. In Portugal, the level of English proficiency among the population is noticeably higher, especially in large cities and the service sector - it is easier to adapt at the start. In Greece, English is also widespread in tourist areas, but in everyday life and in the bureaucracy, Greek is more needed. From the point of view of studying for citizenship, A2 Portuguese is objectively easier than B1 Greek with an unusual alphabet.

Lifestyle. Portugal has a more streamlined infrastructure for expats, long-standing Russian-speaking and international communities, convenient for remote work. Greece - a more relaxed southern rhythm, rich history, island life. Both options are about calm, sun and safety.

Cost of living: where is it cheaper?

Money is spent not only on entry into the program, but also every day after the move. The countries are close in cost of living, but there are persistent differences.

On average, Greece comes out a little cheaper than Portugal - the difference is approximately 5-7% in favor of Greece in terms of total costs. The main contribution comes from rental housing: renting an apartment in Athens is usually cheaper than in Lisbon, where rental prices have increased significantly in recent years (including due to the influx of remote workers and investors).

• Rent - in Athens approximately 500-900 euros per apartment, in Lisbon 900-1400 euros; It's cheaper in the provinces of both countries.
• Products - comparable, Greece is a little cheaper.
• Cafes and restaurants - in Greece, on average, it is more affordable.
• Transport and utilities - approximately at the same level.

However, Lisbon and Porto offer a more developed expat infrastructure and labor market for remote workers, which for some people justifies the higher costs. The cost of living figures are approximate and depend on the city, region and lifestyle, so it is better to plan your budget for a specific location.

Summary table: criterion - Portugal - Greece

Let's collect all the key parameters in one table so that the solution is clear. This is a framework for selection - then the details are considered for your specific task.

No country wins on all counts - the choice depends on what is your priority: asset, taxes, passport speed or lifestyle.

Who is Portugal suitable for?

Let’s put together a profile of a person who would be more logical to choose Portugal in 2026.

• Rentiers and pensioners with average income. The D7 visa is one of the most affordable entries into the EU: you don’t need hundreds of thousands for investments, just a stable passive income and housing. For those who have an annuity, dividends or a foreign pension, this is a direct path to permanent residence and citizenship.
• Remote workers and IT specialists. D8 visa, developed infrastructure for digital nomads, high level of English and large international communities in Lisbon and Porto.
• Qualified specialists in innovation and R&D. The IFICI regime with a flat rate of 20% on qualified income and an exemption for most foreign income is a notable benefit.
• Those who need an alternate airfield in the EU without moving. A minimum presence on the Golden Visa (about 7 days a year) allows you to maintain your status while continuing to live in your country.

The main disadvantage of Portugal in 2026 is the 10-year citizenship requirement and the lack of real estate in the investment program. If your goal is to invest in a tangible asset or get a passport faster, Portugal loses.

Who is Greece suitable for?

Now the profile of a person who is closer to Greece.

• Real estate investor. Greece's main argument is the preserved Golden Visa route through the purchase of housing. You receive a tangible asset that can be rented out (long-term) and an EU residence permit included. For many, this is clearer and calmer than an abstract investment fund.
• Foreign pensioner. The 7% tax regime on all foreign income for 15 years is one of the most favorable in Europe for those living on pensions and savings. The Portuguese IFICI does not offer preferential pensions, and here Greece has no competition.
• Wealthy individuals with large foreign income. The non-dom regime with a fixed €100,000 per year is beneficial when real foreign income is in the millions.
• Those who are ready to actually move for the sake of a passport. The 7 year qualification is shorter than the Portuguese 10, and if you actually live in the country 183 days a year, the path to EU citizenship is shorter.

The downside of Greece is that citizenship requires a real move and the Greek language B1, and entry thresholds for real estate have increased in 2026. For “an alternate airfield without moving and with an eye on your passport” this is less convenient.

How not to make a mistake with your choice: an expert’s view

Over the years of practice, we see that people most often make mistakes not in the country, but in the fact that they confuse their real goal. Someone says “I want an EU passport,” but in reality he needs a tax regime and a warm sea, and he will never receive citizenship because he is not going to move. Therefore, we will analyze typical traps.

• Choosing a country for someone else's case. “An acquaintance took Greece - I’ll take it too.” But a friend had capital for real estate, and you have passive income - then you are in D7 Portugal.
• Ignoring presence requirements. People apply for a residence permit for the sake of a passport, but do not intend to live in the country. Greece without 183 days a year will not lead to citizenship, no matter how you expect it.
• A pensioner chooses Portugal for the sake of taxes. The old NHR is closed and the new IFICI does not provide benefits to pensions. For a pensioner, Greece is almost always more profitable for taxes with its 7%.
• The rate is on the outdated 5 years of Portuguese citizenship. From May 2026, the qualification period is 10 years. We need to plan according to new rules, and not according to articles from three years ago.
• Underestimation of language. Greek B1 from scratch is serious. A2 Portuguese is easier.

The correct procedure is to first formulate the goal (moving, taxes, asset or passport), and only then select the country and route for it.

Citizenship: 10 years in Portugal vs 7 years in Greece

Here there was a reversal that overturned previous ideas. For many years, Portugal was the European champion in speed: only 5 years of legal residence - and you can apply for a passport. This is what made Portugal's Golden Visa so attractive.

Portugal in 2026. The organic law Lei Organica 1/2026 was adopted (published on May 18, came into force on May 19, 2026), which raised the basic naturalization qualification from 5 to 10 years for most foreigners. A shorter route has been maintained for citizens of the Community of Portuguese Speaking States (CPLP) and EU citizens - 7 years. The period is counted from the date of issue of the first residence permit. Added requirements: knowledge of Portuguese at the level A2, a test of knowledge of history and civics, a declaration of commitment to democratic principles. Important and fair disclaimer: applications submitted to the registry (IRN) before May 18, 2026 are considered according to the old rules (protection of the filed, grandfathering).

Greece. Basic qualification for naturalization - 7 years legal and real residence (at least 183 days a year). Required to pass the integration exam (PE-G): Greek language level B1 plus a unit on history, geography and state structure. After receiving the certificate, there is an administrative approval phase, which in practice takes another 2 to 4 years.

Bottom line: if the goal is a passport, Greece in 2026 will give it faster according to the qualification (7 versus 10 years), but requires a real move and the Greek language. Portugal is formally longer, but A2 is easier to learn than Greek B1. Details of the Portuguese route - in Portuguese citizenship guide.

Taxes: IFICI in Portugal vs non-dom and 7% in Greece

For wealthy people, the tax issue often outweighs everything else. Here, each country has its own special regime, and they are tailored to different profiles.

Portugal - IFICI mode ("NHR 2.0"). The famous old NHR regime is closed to new applicants from 2024. It was replaced by IFICI - a tax incentive for scientific research and innovation. He gives a flat rate 20% on qualified Portuguese employment and self-employment income plus the exemption for most foreign income, and is valid for 10 years. But the conditions are narrow: the regime is designed for qualified specialists, R&D, and startups. Critical for pensioners: unlike the old NHR, IFICI does not provide benefits on pension income - pensions are taxed according to the usual progressive scale (up to 48%).

Greece - two modes for different profiles:

• Non-dom for wealthy individuals - flat tax 100,000 euros per year on all foreign income, regardless of its size (plus 20,000 euros for each family member). Valid for up to 15 years. Beneficial for those with large foreign income.
• 7% for pensioners - foreign pensioners who moved to Greece pay only 7% from all foreign income (pensions, dividends, rent, interest) for 15 years.

The situation is fair: for a pensioner, Greece is much more attractive (7% versus the full scale in Portugal). For a highly paid specialist in innovation, the Portuguese IFICI (20%) is more interesting. For very large foreign capital - Greek non-dom with a fixed 100,000 euros. We cover the tax topic in Portugal in material about the tax regime.

Bottom line: what to choose in 2026

There is no universal answer - there is an answer for your task. Let's boil it down to simple scenarios.

• I want to invest money in real estate and obtain an EU residence permit - Greece (from 250,000 euros in special projects, from 400,000 in the regions).
• I want to move to the EU for passive income without large investments - Portugal, D7 visa.
• I am a pensioner and want minimal taxes by the sea - Greece, 7% regime for 15 years.
• I am an innovation/IT specialist and want low income tax - Portugal, IFICI 20% (plus D8 for remote workers).
• I need an EU passport and I'm ready to actually move - Greece (7 years versus 10), if I master Greek B1.
• I need an alternate airfield in the EU without moving - Portugal, Golden Visa with minimal presence.

Both countries are a full-fledged EU and Schengen, a strong passport, a mild climate and security. The difference is in the entry details, taxes and deadlines, and it is these details that make the difference. You should always check the latest requirements and forms for Portugal on the official portal Government of Portugal (gov.pt). And in order not to make a mistake with the choice of country and route, it is wiser to discuss your specific case with a lawyer before the first payment.