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Foreign Investment in Greece: Complete 2026 Guide

Greece has become an increasingly important destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in Southeast Europe. Its position in the European Union and Eurozone, strategic location in the Eastern Mediterranean, tourism industry, renewable-energy potential, technology ecosystem, logistics infrastructure and highly educated workforce create opportunities for international investors.

Foreign investors can establish companies, acquire businesses, develop real estate, invest in tourism, finance technology companies, participate in renewable-energy projects, establish logistics operations, develop manufacturing facilities and invest in a wide range of other sectors.

Greece is also attracting investment in technology, life sciences, global business services, food and agriculture, audiovisual production and infrastructure.

2025 FDI headline:

According to the latest Bank of Greece data processed by Enterprise Greece, net foreign direct investment inflows into Greece reached approximately €11.38 billion in 2025, compared with approximately €7.02 billion in 2024. That represents an increase of approximately 62.2%.

Enterprise Greece reports that important sources of investment over the 2015–2025 period included the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Cyprus and Luxembourg, with China/Hong Kong, the United States and the UAE also among important investor markets.

Foreign Investment in Greece Contents

Why Invest in Greece?

Greece offers a combination of EU membership, access to the Eurozone, a strategic geographical position, tourism infrastructure, renewable-energy resources, maritime expertise and a growing technology ecosystem.

1. EU and Eurozone Membership

Greece is an EU member state and part of the Eurozone. For international businesses, this provides access to the European regulatory and economic environment and a strategic base for operations serving Southeast Europe and nearby international markets.

2. Strategic Location

Greece sits at the intersection of Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean and routes connecting Europe with Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

This geographical position creates opportunities in logistics, shipping, energy, tourism, trade and regional business services.

3. Strong Tourism Economy

Tourism is one of Greece's most important economic sectors and offers opportunities in hotels, resorts, marinas, tourism technology, hospitality services, wellness, cultural tourism, food tourism and other specialized tourism products.

4. Renewable Energy Potential

Greece has substantial solar and wind resources and is developing its energy infrastructure and electricity interconnections.

Renewable energy, energy efficiency, storage and related infrastructure can therefore be important areas for investors with suitable expertise and capital.

5. Skilled Workforce

Greece has a large base of university graduates and engineers, scientists, technology professionals and other skilled workers.

This can be particularly valuable for technology companies, shared-service centres, R&D operations, life sciences and other knowledge-intensive investments.

Foreign Direct Investment in Greece

Foreign direct investment refers broadly to investment by an investor or company from one country into a business or productive activity in another country with a lasting interest or significant influence.

Greece has experienced a significant increase in foreign investment activity in recent years.

€11.38B

Net FDI inflows in 2025

+62.2%

Increase compared with 2024

€53.9B

Net FDI inflows from all countries, 2015–2025

Enterprise Greece reports that cumulative net FDI inflows from all countries reached approximately €53.9 billion during 2015–2025.

The largest investor countries over that period included several EU economies as well as the United Kingdom, Switzerland, China/Hong Kong, the United States and the United Arab Emirates.

FDI is concentrated predominantly in services, with investment also flowing into other parts of the Greek economy.

Best Investment Sectors in Greece

Enterprise Greece identifies a broad range of sectors with investment potential. These include tourism, energy, ICT, life sciences, audiovisual production, food and agriculture, logistics and global business services.

Sector Examples of investment opportunities
Tourism Hotels, resorts, marinas, tourism services, wellness, MICE and hospitality
Technology Software, AI, data centres, cybersecurity, digital services and startups
Energy Solar, wind, storage, grid infrastructure and energy efficiency
Real Estate Residential, commercial, hospitality and mixed-use developments
Logistics Ports, warehouses, distribution centres and multimodal transport
Life Sciences Pharmaceuticals, biotech, medical research and healthcare
Food & Agriculture Food production, processing, exports and agri-technology
Global Business Services Shared services, IT-enabled services and regional headquarters
Audiovisual Film, television, production services and creative industries

Tourism Investment in Greece

Tourism is one of the strongest foreign-investment themes in Greece. The country's coastline, islands, cultural heritage, climate and international tourism infrastructure create opportunities for both large and smaller investors.

Enterprise Greece identifies several tourism investment themes, including:

Athens Tourism Investment

Athens offers opportunities in hotels, serviced accommodation, hospitality, restaurants, tourism technology, cultural tourism and urban redevelopment.

Thessaloniki Tourism Investment

Thessaloniki combines tourism with logistics, trade, technology, education and business services, creating investment opportunities beyond traditional hospitality.

Island and Resort Investment

The Greek islands remain internationally attractive for tourism investment, although investors must carefully examine planning rules, environmental requirements, land-use restrictions, licensing and infrastructure before acquiring or developing property.

Explore Business Opportunities in Greece →

Technology and Startup Investment in Greece

Technology is one of the most promising investment sectors in the Greek economy. Enterprise Greece highlights opportunities in software development, data centres, cybersecurity, digital services, R&D and technology-enabled business services.

Greece's startup ecosystem has also attracted international venture capital and strategic investors.

Technology Investment Opportunities

International investors can also consider establishing development centres or shared technology operations in Greece to serve customers outside the country.

IT & Tech Companies in Greece → Business Opportunities in Greece →

Renewable Energy and Energy Investment in Greece

Greece has significant potential in renewable energy, particularly solar and wind. The country is also investing in electricity-grid infrastructure, interconnections, energy storage and broader energy-transition projects.

Enterprise Greece identifies opportunities in renewable energy, energy efficiency, grid interconnections, natural-gas infrastructure and other energy-related activities.

Renewable Energy Opportunities

Investors should obtain specialist legal, technical and environmental advice because energy projects can involve extensive permitting, grid-connection and environmental requirements.

Real Estate Investment in Greece

Real estate has been an important component of foreign investment in Greece. Opportunities exist in residential, commercial, hospitality, logistics and mixed-use property.

Residential Real Estate

Residential investment can include long-term rental housing, redevelopment, new construction and selected tourism-related residential projects.

Commercial Real Estate

Commercial opportunities include offices, retail, logistics facilities, business premises and mixed-use developments.

Hospitality Real Estate

Hotels, resorts and tourism-related developments remain important areas of investment, particularly in established tourism destinations.

Real Estate Due Diligence

Foreign investors should not purchase Greek property solely because a location appears attractive. Before investing, verify title, cadastral information, planning status, building legality, zoning, access, environmental restrictions, heritage requirements and applicable taxes.

Cheapest Areas in Greece →

Logistics, Shipping and Infrastructure Investment in Greece

Greece's location and maritime economy make logistics another important investment sector.

The country provides access to major maritime routes and European transport networks. Piraeus is a major logistics gateway, while Thessaloniki, Alexandroupoli and Patras also have strategic logistics potential.

Investment Opportunities

Enterprise Greece identifies Greece's location, port infrastructure and maritime expertise as important advantages for logistics investment.

Life Sciences, Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare Investment

Greece has an established pharmaceutical and life-sciences sector supported by universities, research institutions, medical professionals and companies with international activities.

Enterprise Greece identifies opportunities in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, research and development, clinical trials and medical tourism.

Potential Investment Areas

The combination of healthcare expertise and Greece's tourism infrastructure also creates opportunities for specialized medical-tourism projects.

Food, Agriculture and Agrifood Investment

Greek food products have a strong presence in international markets, creating opportunities for foreign investors in agriculture, food processing, packaging, distribution and exports.

Potential investment areas include:

Investors should assess agricultural land, water availability, food-safety rules, supply chains and export markets before committing capital.

Global Business Services and Shared-Service Centres

Greece is also developing opportunities for global business services. International companies can establish regional or shared-service operations covering areas such as IT, finance, customer service, human resources, accounting and back-office functions.

Greece's EU membership, educated workforce, multilingual talent and geographical position can make it suitable for international service operations.

How to Start a Business in Greece as a Foreign Investor

Foreign investors can establish a Greek company or use other appropriate legal structures depending on the nature of the investment.

The correct structure depends on factors such as ownership, liability, financing, taxation, employees, sector regulation and whether the investor already has an international corporate group.

Typical Steps

  1. Define the investment project and business model.
  2. Choose an appropriate legal structure.
  3. Check whether the activity is regulated or requires special licensing.
  4. Conduct tax and legal due diligence.
  5. Choose the location of the investment.
  6. Register the business and obtain required tax and business registrations.
  7. Open appropriate banking arrangements.
  8. Arrange financing and investment capital.
  9. Obtain sector-specific permits where required.
  10. Recruit employees and comply with Greek employment requirements.
  11. Maintain accounting, tax and regulatory compliance.

Enterprise Greece publishes a current "Setting Up a Company in Greece" guide and provides investor-support services covering areas including taxation, labour, land use, licensing, financing and incentives.

Start a Business in Greece →

Taxes and Investment Incentives in Greece

Tax treatment is an important part of any foreign investment decision. Greece has a detailed corporate and investment-tax framework that can vary according to the legal structure, type of income, sector, transaction and applicable incentives.

Enterprise Greece publishes a dedicated Tax Guide 2026 for investors. Foreign investors should use current official tax guidance and obtain professional advice before structuring a major investment.

Investment Incentives

Greece provides investment-support mechanisms that can include different forms of state aid, depending on the investment project and applicable legislation.

Potential support mechanisms can include:

Important:

Investment incentives are not automatically available to every foreign investor. Eligibility depends on the project, sector, size, location, expenditure, timing, state-aid rules and the specific investment-support programme.

Always verify the current rules before making an investment decision.

Strategic Investments in Greece

Large projects that meet the applicable criteria can potentially fall within Greece's Strategic Investments framework.

The current framework is based on Law 4864/2021, as amended, including by Law 5297/2026.

Following the 2026 legislative changes, the competent authorities of the General Secretariat for Private Investments of the Ministry of Development handle the receipt and evaluation of applications for inclusion in the Strategic Investments procedure.

Potential Advantages

Depending on eligibility and the category of the investment, the Strategic Investments framework can provide access to specific facilitation procedures and investment incentives established by Greek law.

Strategic-investment status is not simply a label for any large foreign investment. Projects must satisfy the applicable statutory criteria and undergo the relevant evaluation process.

Investors considering a large infrastructure, tourism, energy, manufacturing, technology or other major project should review the current legal framework before preparing an application.

Enterprise Greece: Support for Foreign Investors

Enterprise Greece is the official Greek investment and trade promotion agency and an important starting point for international investors researching opportunities in Greece.

Its investment-attraction services provide investors with information and support relating to areas such as:

Enterprise Greece also maintains an investment-project portfolio covering sectors such as tourism and real estate, food and beverage, energy and clean technology, technology, health and export-oriented manufacturing.

For a serious foreign investor, contacting the relevant official investment-support authorities before committing significant capital can help identify applicable procedures and incentives.

Visit Enterprise Greece Investment Attraction & Support →

Explore Enterprise Greece Investment Matching →

Foreign Investors from the EU and Outside the EU

Greece is part of the European Union and the Eurozone. EU investors therefore operate within the broader EU legal and economic framework.

Investors from outside the EU can also establish businesses and make investments in Greece, but additional considerations may apply depending on the investment, nationality, residence status, regulated sector and immigration circumstances.

A foreign investor should distinguish between:

These are separate legal and tax questions and should not be treated as identical.

Residence and Immigration Considerations for Foreign Investors

Investment and immigration are related but separate issues. A person can invest in a Greek company without necessarily having the same immigration status as someone who lives and works in Greece.

Non-EU investors considering relocation should separately examine Greek residence and immigration rules, including any applicable investment-related residence programmes and their current eligibility requirements.

Rules concerning investment-linked residence permits can change, particularly for real estate investment, so investors should verify the current requirements with the Greek authorities and qualified legal advisers before purchasing property or making an investment for immigration purposes.

Jobs in Greece for Foreigners →

Foreign Investment in Athens

Athens is Greece's largest business and investment centre. It combines financial services, tourism, technology, professional services, real estate, retail, logistics and multinational business activity.

Investment Opportunities in Athens

Foreign Investment in Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is Greece's second-largest city and an important centre for trade, logistics, technology, education, tourism and business services.

Its location in northern Greece also gives it strategic importance for connections with the Balkans and Southeast Europe.

Potential investment areas include logistics, technology, hospitality, food, manufacturing, education-related services and professional services.

Investment in Greece's Maritime and Shipping Economy

Greece has a globally important maritime sector, creating investment opportunities that extend beyond ship ownership itself.

Foreign investors can consider activities such as:

The combination of Greek maritime expertise and the country's geographical location creates a distinctive investment ecosystem for international maritime businesses.

Investment in Greece's Digital Economy

Greece is continuing to expand digital services, telecommunications infrastructure, e-government, cloud computing and technology-enabled businesses.

For foreign investors, opportunities can include establishing software-development centres, service centres, data operations, cybersecurity companies, AI businesses and other technology activities.

Technology Companies in Greece →

Small Foreign Investment Opportunities in Greece

Foreign investment does not always require a large multinational project. Entrepreneurs can also establish smaller businesses in Greece.

Potential small-business areas include:

The best opportunity depends heavily on location, competition, licensing, customer demand and the investor's skills.

Small Business Ideas in Greece →

How to Evaluate a Greek Investment Opportunity

Foreign investors should conduct detailed due diligence before committing capital. A promising sector does not automatically mean that every individual project is profitable.

Important Questions to Ask

Legal and Tax Due Diligence for Foreign Investors

A foreign investor should normally obtain professional advice before purchasing a business, acquiring real estate or establishing a substantial operation in Greece.

Depending on the project, professional advisers may include:

Do not rely only on promotional information.

Before investing, independently verify ownership, permits, financial statements, tax liabilities, planning status, licensing requirements, environmental restrictions, contracts and other material information.

Risks of Investing in Greece

Greece offers significant investment opportunities, but foreign investors should also understand the risks.

Regulatory Risk

Planning, environmental, licensing and sector-specific rules can affect investment projects. Regulations should be checked before purchasing property or starting construction.

Tax Risk

Greek tax legislation can change. Investors should use current official guidance and professional tax advice when calculating expected returns.

Real Estate Risk

Property investors should conduct title, planning, cadastral and technical due diligence before purchasing.

Financing Risk

Interest rates, financing conditions and lending requirements can significantly affect the profitability of leveraged investments.

Tourism Seasonality

Some tourism businesses depend heavily on seasonal demand. Investors should consider strategies for extending the operating season and diversifying revenue.

Local Market Competition

A strong national investment sector does not guarantee success for every business. Local competition, location, pricing and customer acquisition remain important.

Is Greece a Good Country for Foreign Investment?

Greece can be attractive for foreign investors seeking exposure to tourism, renewable energy, technology, logistics, real estate, life sciences, food, maritime services and business-process operations.

The strongest opportunities are generally found where Greece's structural advantages match the investor's expertise and capital.

For example, a technology company may benefit from Greece's skilled workforce, while a logistics investor can benefit from the country's geographic position. A hospitality investor may benefit from Greece's international tourism market, while an energy investor may focus on renewable resources and infrastructure.

The most important question is therefore not simply whether Greece is a good investment destination, but whether a specific Greek project offers an attractive risk-adjusted return.

Best Greek Investment Sectors for 2026

Sector Why investors consider it Important considerations
Tourism Large international visitor market and established infrastructure Seasonality, licensing, planning and location
Technology Growing digital economy and skilled workforce Competition and talent retention
Renewable Energy Solar, wind and energy-transition opportunities Permits, grid capacity and environmental rules
Real Estate International demand and development opportunities Property due diligence and planning restrictions
Logistics Strategic location and maritime infrastructure Infrastructure, land and transport requirements
Life Sciences Research, pharmaceuticals and healthcare expertise Regulatory and technical requirements
Food & Agriculture Strong export-oriented food sector Supply chains and agricultural conditions
Global Business Services EU base and skilled workforce Talent, infrastructure and operating costs

Frequently Asked Questions About Foreign Investment in Greece

Is Greece open to foreign investors?

Yes. Greece actively seeks foreign investment and has established institutions, investment-support services and legal frameworks designed to facilitate private investment. Enterprise Greece provides investment-attraction and investor-support services.

How much foreign investment did Greece receive in 2025?

According to the latest Bank of Greece data processed by Enterprise Greece, net FDI inflows reached approximately €11.38 billion in 2025, compared with approximately €7.02 billion in 2024.

What are the best sectors for foreign investment in Greece?

Major investment opportunities include tourism, renewable energy, technology, life sciences, logistics, food and agriculture, real estate and global business services.

Can foreigners start a company in Greece?

Foreign investors can establish businesses in Greece subject to the applicable company, tax, licensing, employment and sector-specific rules. The appropriate structure depends on the nature of the investment.

Can foreigners buy property in Greece?

Foreigners can purchase Greek real estate, subject to applicable legal, tax, property and geographic restrictions. Non-EU investors should also separately consider immigration and residence rules if property ownership is connected with a residence strategy.

Does Greece have investment incentives?

Yes. Greece has investment-support mechanisms that can include grants, tax-related incentives and other forms of support depending on the applicable investment framework and project eligibility.

What is Enterprise Greece?

Enterprise Greece is the official Greek investment and trade promotion agency. It provides investment information, investor support, business matching and sector-specific assistance.

What is a Strategic Investment in Greece?

Strategic Investments are investment projects that satisfy the criteria of the applicable Greek strategic-investment legislation. The current framework is based on Law 4864/2021 as amended, including by Law 5297/2026.

Can non-EU investors invest in Greece?

Yes. Non-EU investors can invest in Greece, but investment ownership, immigration, residence, employment and sector-specific rules should be examined separately.

Is Greece good for real estate investment?

Greece can offer real estate investment opportunities in residential, commercial, hospitality and mixed-use property. However, profitability depends heavily on location, acquisition price, financing, taxes, planning restrictions, rental demand and operating costs.

Is Greece good for technology investment?

Greece has a growing technology ecosystem with opportunities in software, AI, cybersecurity, data centres, digital services, R&D and technology-enabled business services.

Is Greece good for renewable-energy investment?

Greece has substantial solar and wind resources and is investing in energy infrastructure and the energy transition. However, investors must carefully evaluate licensing, environmental requirements and grid availability.

Where should a foreign investor invest in Greece?

There is no single best location. Athens is the country's largest business centre, Thessaloniki is an important northern business and logistics hub, while different regions and islands may be more appropriate for tourism, agriculture, energy, logistics or specialized projects.

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Last reviewed: October 2026. Investment laws, tax rules, immigration requirements, licensing procedures and government incentive programmes can change. This page is provided for general informational and SEO purposes and should not be treated as legal, tax or investment advice. Foreign investors should verify current rules with the relevant Greek authorities and qualified professional advisers before making investment decisions.