Over the past few years.Immigration to Greecetogether withImmigration to PortugalHas been the European Golden Visa "duo", attracting a large number of Chinese family investmentimmigrantsBoth countries are located in Southern Europe. Both countries are located in southern Europe, pleasant climate, perfect education and health care system, and both have the Schengen zone free movement privileges, so that "250,000 euros to get the EU residence" dream is no longer far away.
However, in 2023, Portugal canceled the real estate investment to obtain a golden visa channel, the market pattern quietly changed. And in 2025, Greece's policy stabilizes, while Portugal favors high-end talent and fund investment.
So, which one is more suitable for Chinese families? This article will help you make a wise choice by comparing the application requirements, investment methods, identity stability, education and healthcare, cost of living and other perspectives.
I. Comparison of application thresholds: Greece is friendlier, Portugal is tighter
| sports event | Greece Golden Visa | Portugal Golden Visa (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| investment threshold | Purchase from €250,000 (€500,000 in some areas) | No longer accepts house purchases, funds/business investments only (from €500,000) |
| Residence requirements | No immigration supervision (0 days) | Required to stay 7 days per year and 14 days every 2 years |
| Approval cycle | 3~6 months | 8~12 months |
| language requirement | not have | A2 Portuguese level required for permanent residence/naturalization |
| Transfer to permanent residence/naturalization | Can apply after 7 years | The same can be applied after 5 years |
📌 Summary:
For families wishing to "change their status at a low threshold, without taking a language test".Greece is a better fit; Portugal has a slightly shorter naturalization period, but has tighter policies and more requirements.
II. Identity advantages and stability
Both countries' golden visas offerFree access to 26 Schengen countries, family members can get the status together, EU education and healthcare facilities.and other core benefits.
However, in terms of policy stability, in recent years, Portugal's many policy changes, triggering applicant anxiety; while Greece's home purchase golden visa instead more and more stable and flexible.
✔️ The Greek Advantage:
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Residence cards are granted upon investment and are granted for 5 years at a time;
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You can renew your card even if you don't live there, which is suitable for parents with busy domestic work schedules;
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Children can use this status to apply to universities in other EU countries.
✔️ Portugal Advantage:
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can apply for permanent residence/naturalization after 5 years.Shorter than Greece.;
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Once naturalized, you are an EU citizen with full freedom of EU status.
📌 Recommendation:
Those who want a "short-term EU passport" may consider Portugal; however, it is not possible to get a "short-term EU passport".For most Chinese families, "stable and flexible" status is more important than "fast naturalization", and Greece is more friendly.
III. Comparison of education and health care: two countries balanced, Portugal slightly stronger
| perspective | Greece | Portugal |
|---|---|---|
| international school | Mostly concentrated in Athens, with British and American systems and IB programs. | Lisbon and Porto are densely populated with international schools, and the education system is more westernized |
| higher education | Access to EU Universities but non-English speaking in home country | The university system is well developed and some English courses are open to the public. |
| public health care | Free but long queues, commercial insurance recommended | High level of medical care and mature public-private system |
| speech impediment | Common English for Doctors/Schools | Healthcare and education are often in Portuguese, which is a bit of a hurdle. |
📌 Recommendation:
If the family focuses on the child's education and English language adaptation, **Greece is more accessible; **If the future integration of the child into the EU university system is considered.Both have a springboard role.
IV. Cost of living comparison: Greece is more "relaxed", Portugal is more modern
| category | Greece (Athens) | Portugal (Lisbon) |
|---|---|---|
| Rental of two bedrooms | €800-€1,200/month | €1,000-€1,800/month |
| Monthly family living expenses | €2,000-€2,500 | €2,500-€3,500 |
| Medical insurance (commercial) | €1,000-€1,500/year/person | €1,500-€2,000/year/person |
| Supermarket food prices | slightly below | Slightly higher but more options |
📌 Summary:
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The slow pace of life and low prices in Greece.It is more suitable for retirement and companion type families;
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Portugal is more modern and closer to the urban feel of Western Europe, but theThe cost of living is significantly higher.
V. Which type of Chinese family is suitable for which country?
| Type of family | Recommended Countries | rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Want to have a stable identity with little investment | Greece | 250,000 Euros to buy a house and get a card easily, no language requirement |
| Want to naturalize as soon as possible to exchange for an EU passport | Portugal | 5-year naturalization, clear policy but high thresholds |
| Parents don't live there permanently, children go to international schools | Greece | No immigration control, plenty of international schools |
| Want to live in high quality and have good language skills | Portugal | Strong urban infrastructure and English language penetration |
✅ Conclusion:Immigration to Greecevs. Portugal, which one is better for you?
If you are more interested in "low investment threshold + flexible status + no language required + less stressful life", thenGreece remains top choice for Chinese families migrating to Europe in 2025.;
If you are more interested in "future EU passport + stable policies + more modern cities".Portugal is also worth considering for the long termThe program is especially friendly to applicants with a basic knowledge of European languages.
Most importantly, start by asking yourself: what kind of lifestyle do I want? This will determine the country that suits you best.
