Since 2019, Greece has witnessed a significant influx of Israeli capital into its real estate market, a trend that has become increasingly visible in recent years.

Investors from Israel continue to show strong interest in acquiring property in the country, though the ‘Golden Visa’ program, reinforcing Greece’s reputation as a prime destination for those seeking both investment security and a gateway to the European market.

According to the latest data from the Ministry of Migration and Asylum, 7,156 new initial investor visas were issued in the first ten months of this year, a 109% increase compared to 3,414 during the same period last year. Since the program’s inception, a total of 25,573 visas and renewals have been approved, with another 12,910 pending, bringing the potential total to 39,009, excluding family members of investors.

Israeli investors now hold 567 initial residence permits, representing 3% of the total. Chinese investors remain the largest group, with 9,198 permits, followed by Lebanese (947) and British (750) investors.

The surge of Israeli buyers is largely driven by geopolitical instability and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, as well as the established presence of fellow Israelis in Greece. Athens and Thessaloniki have emerged as the main hubs for their property acquisitions.

A 2025 survey by RE/MAX Greece highlights that Israelis are now the leading foreign buyers in both cities. In the Athens metropolitan area, they outnumber other foreign investors, with Turks and Lebanese following.

Across the rest of Greece, Germans lead, alongside strong representation from Bulgarians and French, while Israelis and Turks are further down the list. In Thessaloniki, Israelis top the rankings among foreign buyers.

These trends underscore Greece’s enduring appeal as a stable haven for capital seeking security and as a strategic entry point into the European market.