Greece has been an increasingly popular destination for millionaire migration from around the world. As of 2025, the country is home to around 64,700 millionaires, and this number has grown by about 14% over the past decade. At the same time, Greece is expected to draw in an additional +1,200 millionaires in 2025 alone. Among the nations seeing out-migration of wealthy individuals, increasingly the UK, Russia, and Italy are cited as exporting countries, while Greece benefits from their shifting priorities.
Relocating to Greece has become an especially convenient option for millionaires thanks to favourable tax-and-residency schemes, premium real-estate opportunities on the coast and islands, and a lifestyle that blends Mediterranean luxury with access to European markets and culture.
Millionaires living in Greece are mainly found in Athens/Attica, the Athenian Riviera, Mykonos, and Crete. These locales offer high-value real estate (seaside villas, island retreats), strong lifestyle appeal (luxury resorts, Yachting marinas, privacy), and business or international connectivity (Athens being a hub for Mediterranean commerce and transport).
In this article, we look at why Greece is fast becoming the residence of choice for high-net-worth individuals, the key benefits and lifestyle appeal it offers, and how GICG can support investors in finding their way through relocation options, real estate investment, and European residency.
How many millionaires are there in Greece?
In 2025, Greece hosts 64,700 millionaires, representing about 0.1% of the roughly 60 million millionaires worldwide. This reflects the country’s strong upward trajectory, with an estimated 14% growth over the past decade. Greece’s net inflow of wealthy individuals is also notable, with around 1,100 millionaires relocating in 2023 and an additional 1,200 expected across 2024–2025.
According to the Henley & Partners Private Wealth Migration Report, Greece ranks 8th globally among countries attracting the highest number of millionaires. Investors and wealthy newcomers mainly arrive from the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Gulf States. The wealth of Greece’s millionaire population is largely concentrated in industries such as shipping, real estate investment, tourism enterprises, private equity, and technology. The majority hold net worths between US$1 million and US$30 million, while more than 105 individuals exceed US$100 million, including eight billionaires, with projections estimating the total number of millionaires will rise to 94,780 by 2026.
Why Are Millionaires Moving to Greece?
Millionaires are increasingly moving to Greece because it offers a rare combination of financial incentives, lifestyle quality, and strategic advantages. The country has implemented attractive tax regimes tailored to high-net-worth individuals, including a flat annual tax option for foreign-sourced income and preferential treatment for pensioners and investors.
Greece’s Golden Visa programme, which grants permanent residency through real-estate investment, offers access to the European Union, making Greece an appealing gateway for those seeking mobility, geopolitical stability, and long-term security. Greece’s Mediterranean lifestyle, access to luxury coastal properties, favourable climate, and improved infrastructure further enhance its appeal for wealth holders seeking both comfort and opportunity.
On the other side, economic and political factors in expelling countries contribute to the rising influx. Many millionaires relocating to Greece originate from nations with high or increasing tax burdens, stricter wealth-reporting regulations, and declining economic certainty. In the UK, rising tax pressures and post-Brexit instability continue to push wealthy individuals to seek more favourable jurisdictions. In Russia, geopolitical tensions and international restrictions have encouraged affluent individuals to diversify their residency options abroad. Similarly, in parts of Western Europe and the Middle East, heightened political volatility or concerns about long-term stability have intensified the desire for safer, more predictable relocation destinations—making Greece a standout choice for capital preservation, lifestyle, and strategic global positioning.
What Do Millionaires Do in Greece?
Millionaires in Greece are primarily engaged in business ownership, real-estate investment, and strategic capital deployment across high-growth sectors. Many invest heavily in luxury and commercial property, taking advantage of Greece’s rising real-estate market, tourism demand, and coastal development opportunities. Other millionaires channel capital into hospitality ventures, including boutique hotels, resorts, marinas, and high-end rental properties that cater to international travelers.
Greece’s strong shipping heritage also attracts investors to maritime businesses, logistics, and related global trade activities. Additionally, the country’s improving economic landscape has sparked interest in private equity, renewable energy projects, technology start-ups, and venture investment, where affluent individuals see long-term value and diversification potential.
From a lifestyle perspective, the Greek millionaires enjoy a unique blend of Mediterranean leisure and European sophistication, from yachting and private island retreats to international dining and cultural events. It makes Greece not only a sound financial choice but a deeply rewarding personal one.
How Greece Encourages Millionaire Migration?
Greece has become one of Europe’s most welcoming destinations for millionaires and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), thanks to a clear policy direction that prioritizes wealth-friendly taxation, investor-friendly regulations, and lifestyle appeal. The country’s strategy is not only about offering residency permits, but it’s also about building an ecosystem that makes millionaires feel secure, rewarded, and inspired to invest and settle.
Key Factors That Encourage Millionaire Migration
- Low Tax Pressure on Global Wealth
Greece has introduced a competitive Non-Domicile Tax Regime, allowing qualifying HNWIs to pay a flat tax of €100,000 per year on all foreign-sourced income regardless of how much they earn. This ensures predictability and control over global tax exposure. - Wealth Protection and Stability
Unlike countries that have tightened capital movement or increased wealth taxes (such as the UK or France), Greece ensures wealth protection and full capital mobility, with no wealth tax and no obligation to declare foreign income or assets. - Golden Visa Program
Greece Golden Visa remains one of Europe’s most accessible and flexible residency-by-investment programs. It grants a renewable five-year residency to investors and their families without requiring them to live in Greece full-time. - Family Office and Tax-Friendly Structures
Greece has recently introduced dedicated legal frameworks for family offices, designed to help millionaires manage and structure their assets efficiently under transparent and low-tax conditions. - Flat Tax and Special Regimes for Retirees and Investors
The flat tax on foreign income and the 7% tax rate for foreign retirees make Greece an increasingly attractive destination for wealthy individuals looking for long-term residence with minimal tax obligations. - Simplified Bureaucracy and Legal Certainty
Greece has modernized its tax and residency processes, offering digital tax systems, faster property registration, and simplified business setups, reducing red tape and ensuring legal clarity for foreign investors. - Strategic EU Location with Lifestyle Benefits
Located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, Greece offers EU stability, visa-free Schengen mobility, and one of the most desirable Mediterranean lifestyles, with affordable luxury real estate, premium education, and a secure environment.
Greece’s Tax Regime for Millionaires and High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs)
Greece has put in place one of the most favorable tax regimes for millionaires and HNWIs in Europe, luring international investors, retirees, and entrepreneurs. The system is poised to balance competitiveness in taxation with investment incentives and residency advantages that make Greece a strong alternative to traditional wealth hubs like the UK, France, and Switzerland.
1. Flat Tax Regime for Foreign Investors
Greece’s Non-Dom Tax Regime, introduced in 2020, allows foreign investors who transfer their tax residence to Greece to pay a flat annual tax of €100,000 on all foreign-sourced income, regardless of amount.
Additional family members could be added with an extra 20,000 euros each for this benefit. The regime is valid for up to 15 years, offering long-term financial predictability and stability.
2. Tax Incentives for Foreign Pensioners
Retirees who relocate their tax residence to Greece can enjoy a 7% flat tax on their foreign-sourced income for ten successive years. It’s a scheme that’s proved particularly attractive to high-net-worth retirees from Europe and elsewhere seeking sun, lifestyle, and tax efficiency.
3. Tax Relief for Skilled Professionals and Entrepreneurs
In an effort to stimulate economic development, Greece grants foreign professionals and entrepreneurs relocating to the country, under certain conditions, a 50% exemption from income taxation for seven years.
4. Real Estate and Investment Benefits
Real estate remains a cornerstone of Greece’s wealth growth, with no annual property tax for Golden Visa holders and significant tax deductions on energy-efficient property upgrades. Capital gains from foreign investments are also exempt under the non-dom regime.
5. Inheritance and Gift Taxes
Greece still has inheritance and gift tax rates at a medium level compared to other EU countries, especially for direct family transfers, making it a friendly jurisdiction for succession planning.
Greece’s millionaire and HNI taxation system is oriented towards encouraging long-term residency, investment in, and accumulation of wealth. With flexible non-dom rules, flat tax benefits, and lifestyle advantages under the Mediterranean sun, Greece is slowly emerging as a new European hub for high-net-worth individuals seeking fiscal efficiency paired with unsurpassed quality of life.
Is Greece a Good Place for Millionaires to Enjoy a Luxurious Lifestyle?
Yes, Greece is an exceptional destination for millionaires seeking a refined yet relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle. The country combines luxury, privacy, culture, and natural beauty, offering everything from world-class villas overlooking the Aegean Sea to elite marinas and Michelin-starred dining.
Millionaires in Greece enjoy exclusive coastal living in destinations such as Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete, where high-end resorts, designer boutiques, and private beaches define the experience. Athens offers a more cosmopolitan luxury, featuring fine dining, international schools, private healthcare, and proximity to business opportunities.
Beyond real estate and leisure, Greece provides yachting and island-hopping experiences, and access to EU-level infrastructure, all within a safe and stable environment. The blend of ancient heritage and modern comfort makes Greece not just a place to live, but a place to truly thrive in style.
Key Attractions for Millionaires
- Mediterranean Lifestyle & Climate: The country offers a relaxed pace of life, a healthy diet following the Mediterranean model, a mild climate, sunshine guaranteed, and a rich cultural heritage. This focus on lifestyle is one of the main attractants for those looking for a balance between business and leisure.
- Luxury Real Estate: The luxury property market is thriving, especially in areas such as the Athenian Riviera, Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, and Corfu. Millionaires will be spoiled for choice among villas and mansions with private pools, sea views, and VIP amenities at a more decent price than in other European luxury centers like France or Spain.
- Privacy and Luxury Services: Added amenities and services include private yacht charters, in-house chefs, security personnel, and access to highly exclusive clubs and resorts offering only the finest in luxury. There are plenty of remote, serene spots for those seeking privacy.
Where Do Millionaires Live in Greece?
Greece may be famous for its ancient ruins and sun-drenched islands, but it’s also home to an understated yet sophisticated millionaire lifestyle. The wealthy in Greece tend to favor areas that combine exclusivity, natural beauty, and easy access to modern conveniences. Here are the most popular places where millionaires live and why they choose them:
1. Athens
Athens remains the premier destination for Greece’s elite, offering a unique blend of cosmopolitan vibrancy and suburban tranquility. The neighborhoods of Kolonaki, Psychiko, and Filothei are particularly favored, attracting diplomats, business magnates, and celebrities. Kolonaki is known for its high-end boutiques, art galleries, and elegant cafés, making it a hub of culture and luxury. In contrast, Psychiko and Filothei provide a quieter, more suburban lifestyle, featuring spacious villas, lush greenery, and access to top international schools, ideal for families seeking both prestige and privacy.
Adding to Athens’ appeal is its proximity to the Athenian Riviera, including Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, and Varkiza, where millionaires enjoy seaside mansions, yacht clubs, and fine dining with stunning Aegean views. This combination of city convenience, elite residential neighborhoods, and luxury coastal living makes Athens a multifaceted hub for Greece’s high-net-worth population.
2. Mykonos
Mykonos, often called the “St. Tropez of Greece,” is a magnet for wealthy foreigners, jet-setters, and international entrepreneurs. The island combines cosmopolitan nightlife, luxury designer villas with panoramic views of turquoise waters, and a dynamic social scene, creating a lifestyle that blends relaxation with prestige. Exclusive areas such as Aleomandra, Agios Lazaros, and Ornos host some of Greece’s most expensive properties, offering privacy, stunning sea vistas, and easy access to upscale beaches, gourmet dining, and elite entertainment. For millionaires seeking a mix of luxury, leisure, and social vibrancy, Mykonos remains unmatched in the Greek islands.
3. Santorini/ The Picture-Perfect Hideaway
For millionaires seeking tranquility, privacy, and breathtaking vistas, Santorini offers a uniquely luxurious escape. Whitewashed villas perched above the caldera provide unmatched panoramic views of the Aegean Sea, creating a serene and visually stunning environment. Exclusive areas such as Oia and Imerovigli attract investors who value privacy, architectural beauty, and world-class hospitality, with access to high-end restaurants, boutique hotels, and cultural experiences. The island’s limited land availability and strong tourism demand make luxury real estate both highly exclusive and financially rewarding, positioning Santorini as a prime destination for wealth preservation and lifestyle investment.
4. Crete
Crete, Greece’s largest island, has emerged as a preferred destination for wealthy expatriates seeking space, privacy, and a more relaxed pace of life. The Elounda region is particularly renowned for its five-star resorts and opulent villas overlooking Mirabello Bay, combining luxury living with stunning natural beauty. Residents enjoy top-tier services, private beaches, and easy access to marinas, making it ideal for yachting and seaside leisure. With its balance of tranquil lifestyle and premium amenities, Crete appeals to millionaires who prioritize comfort, exclusivity, and long-term residence options outside the more bustling Greek islands.
5. Thessaloniki
Although less internationally renowned than Athens or the Greek islands, Thessaloniki is a wealthy and dynamic city that attracts millionaires seeking a blend of history, culture, gastronomy, and modern urban comforts. The neighborhoods of Panorama and Pylaia are particularly favored, offering elegant villas with panoramic sea views, lush surroundings, and high-security living. With its combination of urban sophistication and scenic beauty, Thessaloniki provides an attractive alternative for affluent Greeks and expatriates who value both lifestyle and investment potential in northern Greece.
6. The Peloponnese – Discreet Luxury by the Sea
The Peloponnese offers millionaires a blend of secluded luxury, pristine coastlines, and high-end amenities, making it a preferred destination for those seeking privacy and exclusivity. Regions such as Costa Navarino and Porto Heli have become elite hideaways for international investors and affluent travelers. Porto Heli, often dubbed the “Greek Riviera,” attracts royals and global entrepreneurs thanks to its marina access, luxurious villas, and proximity to Athens via private yacht or helicopter, providing both convenience and discretion. With its combination of exclusive real estate, serene landscapes, and upscale leisure facilities, the Peloponnese appeals to millionaires seeking a quiet yet luxurious Mediterranean lifestyle.
Which Is Better for Millionaires and HNWIs: Greece or Singapore?
When choosing between Greece and Singapore for Millionaires and high-net-worth individuals, the decision ultimately depends on your personal priorities. Greece offers lifestyle, leisure, and real estate investment opportunities. Its Mediterranean climate, scenic islands, and historic cities provide an unmatched quality of life, while programs like the Golden Visa and favorable tax regimes attract wealthy relocators. Luxury real estate in Mykonos, Santorini, and the Peloponnese combines lifestyle with strong investment potential.
Singapore, in contrast, is a global financial hub with low taxes, political stability, and access to Asian markets, making it ideal for millionaires focused on business growth and wealth preservation. It also offers world-class infrastructure, healthcare, and education, though real estate is expensive and the lifestyle is more urban.
So, if you prioritize a luxury lifestyle and Mediterranean living, Greece is the better choice. If your focus is business, financial security, and urban convenience, Singapore is the optimal destination.
How to Move to Greece as a Millionaire or High-Net-Worth Individual (HNWI)?
The primary pathway for millionaires and high-net-worth individuals to relocate to Greece is through the Golden Visa program, which grants permanent residency in exchange for a real estate investment. Greece Golden Visa allows investors and their families to live, work, and travel freely within the Schengen Zone, providing both lifestyle flexibility and strategic mobility across Europe.
Below are the series of steps needed to move to Greece as a millionaire or high-net-worth individual (HNWI) smoothly, efficiently:
Step 1: Prepare the Required Documentation
Begin by organizing all necessary documents to support your residency or investment application. These typically include:
- A valid passport
- Proof of a clean criminal record
- Proof of sufficient financial means or investment funds
- Health insurance valid in Greece
- Property purchase agreement or investment documentation (if applicable)
All foreign documents should be translated into Greek and legalized (via Apostille or Greek consulate).
Step 2: Choose Your Residency or Investment Route
Next, decide on the most suitable relocation path based on your financial goals and lifestyle preferences. The two main options are:
1. The Greek Golden Visa Program
The Golden Visa is the most popular route for millionaires moving to Greece.
- Investment Requirement: Minimum €250,000 in real estate (rising to €500,000 in key areas like Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini).
- Benefits:
- 5-year renewable residency for you and your family
- Visa-free access across the Schengen Zone
- No physical stay required
- Eligibility for citizenship after 7 years
This program is ideal for investors who want both a profitable property investment and a residency foothold in Europe.
2. The HNWI Flat Tax Regime (Non-Dom Program)
Once settled, millionaires can benefit from Greece Non-Dom Tax Regime, designed to provide long-term financial predictability and fiscal advantages. Under this program, individuals can pay a flat €100,000 annual tax on all global income for up to 15 years and enjoy exemptions from inheritance and gift tax on foreign assets.
Step 3: Choose the City You’ll Live In
Selecting where to live is an essential part of relocation. Greece offers several attractive destinations for millionaires, including the Athenian Riviera, Mykonos and Santorini, and Crete and Rhodes
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Applications for the Golden Visa are usually filed through a Greek consulate abroad or directly at the Migration Office in Greece. For tax residency under the Non-Dom regime, applications are submitted to the Greek tax authorities. Once approved, you will receive your residency permit and can finalize your move.
Step 5: Relocate and Establish Residency
After approval, you can:
- Purchase or finalize your investment property
- Register for tax purposes in Greece
- Open a local bank account
- Relocate your family and begin enjoying residency benefits
Step 6: Plan for Long-Term Residency or Citizenship
After seven years of residency, you may become eligible to apply for Greek citizenship, provided you meet the necessary requirements. This grants full EU citizenship benefits, including the right to live, work, and travel freely across the European Union.
Who Are the Wealthiest Individuals in Greece?
Greece is home to close to 8 billionaires. They constitute the very top tier of wealth in the country and make up a small fraction of Greece’s HNWI population but hold disproportionate influence across shipping, real estate, and industry.
The following are the most prominent Greek billionaires and their estimated net worth:
- Vicky Safra, (Greek), Net worth: Approx. $20.6 billion.
- Maria Angelicoussis, (Greek), Net worth: Approx. $6.5 billion.
- Evangelos Marinakis & family (Greek), Net worth: Approx. USD 4.9 billion.
- George Economou (Greek), Net worth: Approx. USD 4.5 billion.
- George Prokopiou & family (Greek), Net worth: Approx. USD 3.7 billion.
- Aristotelis Mistakidis (Greek), Net worth: Approx. USD 3.0 billion.
- Philip Niarchos (Greek), Net worth: Approx. USD 2.8 billion
- Spyros Latsis & family (Greek), Net worth: Approx. USD 2.2 billion.
- Vardis Vardinoyannis & family (Greek), Net worth: Approx. USD 2.2 billion.
Who Is the Wealthiest Greek Person?
The wealthiest Greek person is Vicky Safra, with an estimated net worth of $23.7 billion, ranking 95th on the Forbes 2025 Billionaires List. She is primarily involved in banking, finance, and investment management and resides in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.
Are All People Living in Greece Wealthy?
No, not all people living in Greece are rich. Though Greece lures high-net-worth individuals and millionaires, the majority of its population falls into the category of middle-income earners. Greece’s appeal is all about finding a balance: relatively affordable living, yet exclusive areas for high-income earners include Mykonos, Athens Riviera, and Santorini.
Final Word:
Greece has firmly established itself as one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for millionaires and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), offering the perfect balance between lifestyle, investment opportunity, and global mobility. With its Golden Visa program, favorable tax incentives, and a thriving luxury real estate market, Greece continues to draw millionaires seeking both wealth maintenance and an exceptional quality of life. From the Athens Riviera to Mykonos and Crete, the country offers a lifestyle that seamlessly blends business potential with Mediterranean elegance.
If you’re considering relocating, investing, or securing EU residency through Greece, GICG (Global for Citizenship and Residency) can guide you every step of the way. With deep expertise in investment migration and tailored advisory for HNWIs, GICG ensures a smooth, compliant, and rewarding path to your new life in Greece. Contact GICG today to explore how you can make Greece your next home of opportunity and luxury.