UK HNWIs turn to Greece amid rising tax pressures

More UK high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) are applying for Greek Golden Visas to escape mounting domestic tax burdens, with applications up nearly 50% in a year.

The latest market insight from international property consultancy, Astons, reveals that the number of Greek Golden Visas granted to UK citizens has increased by almost 50% in the past year. With more tax rises expected from the upcoming Autumn Budget, the figures are expected to increase even further over the coming months.

Astons has analysed Golden Visa data from the Greek government to see how the number of visas granted has changed over the past year.

The research shows that by the end of September 2025, the Greek government had granted a cumulative total of 18,364 Golden Visa applications to foreign nationals from around the world. This marks a monthly increase of 3.6% between August and September, and annual growth of 44.1%.

Chinese citizens have received the largest proportion of these Golden Visas (47.9%), followed by Turkey (14.7%), Lebanon (5.1%), and the UK (4%).

Not only does the UK account for the fourth-largest proportion of total Golden Visa grants, it has also seen the third-largest annual increase. The number of grants issued to UK citizens has grown by 48.9% since September 2024.

Only Turkey (152.9%) and Israel (83.8%) have seen stronger annual growth, while the US falls just behind the UK with growth of 47.7%.

Suzanna Uzakova, senior consultant for residency and citizenship programmes at Astons, commented, “Demand for Greece’s Golden Visa goes from strength to strength, and it’s no surprise to see such a sharp increase in applications from UK citizens over the past year. With the UK government introducing a series of tax increases targeting wealth and property, many affluent Britons are looking abroad for greater financial stability and lifestyle benefits. With yet more UK tax rises expected in this month’s Autumn Budget, we very much expect to see the UK wealth exodus ramp up yet another gear, and there’s no doubt that Greece is going to continue to be a high demand destination.

Greece’s Golden Visa remains one of the most accessible residency programmes in Europe, with investment requirements starting from just EUR 250,000 ($288,350 ), provided the funds are directed toward commercial property that is then converted into residential dwellings.

Combined with a highly attractive tax regime, including a flat EUR 100,000 annual levy on foreign-sourced income for HNWIs - or a 7% flat tax on overseas pensions for up to 15 years - Greece offers a compelling mix of accessibility, value and long-term fiscal advantages.

The country’s Mediterranean lifestyle, EU access, and growing real estate opportunities further enhance its draw. We’re seeing a clear trend of UK investors, entrepreneurs and retirees choosing Greece not just as a tax-efficient base, but as a place to truly live, invest and enjoy life, especially against a backdrop of rising costs and fiscal tightening back home.”

Re-disseminated by  Wealth and Society