Tag: Mercan Group

A Piraeus Bank study estimates the shortage of the residential real estate market at 180,000 housing units, based on data obtained from the analysis of Greece’s last two building stock recordings (2011 and 2021), as well as data from other sources, such as short-term rental accommodation. According to a relevant updated study by the head […]

Tourism revenues in 2024 rose by 4 percent to 20.6 billion euros from 19.7 billion euros in 2023, with travelers from the US, Canada, and Australia ranking among the top spenders, according to a study by INSETE, the research body of the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE). The study “X-ray of Inbound Tourism 2023-2024 – Market Profile” found that all key indicators showed positive results last year, with arrivals […]

In recent years, Greece’s Golden Visa program has become increasingly popular, attracting strong demand especially from investors in Turkey and Israel. Turkish Investors Favor High-End Properties By the end of July 2025, Turkish investors had secured 2,449 initial residence permits, compared with 970 permits in the same period of 2024 — a growth of 152%, […]

The share of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Portugal has doubled in 16 years, rising from representing 32% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2008 to 69% of GDP in 2024.  The analysis by the Bank of Portugal (BdP) reveals that this is higher than the average for countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation […]

House prices during the first quarter of 2025 rose an average of 2.3% compared to the same period last year, with Portugal ranking 3rd in a list of 55 markets analysed, recording nominal growth of 16.9%, with a real appreciation of 14.8%. According to the results of the latest Global House Price Index report, released […]

Foreign direct investment (FDI) rose nearly 42% in the first half of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024, Bank of Greece data show. Specifically, FDI reached €2.801 billion from €1.974 billion in 2024. But the gains are relative to a weak base, since the second half of 2024 was much better than the […]

Record revenue from tourism was reached in the first half of the year, with UK, and especially US, tourists contributing decisively. The number of visitors increased only modestly, to 11.692 million visitors from 11.625 million in the first half of 2024, while spending per visitor increased significantly, to €622.70 from €565.40 last year.  This gain […]

After peaking in 2024, Golden Visa applications slowed in the first seven months of 2025, affecting both first-time requests and renewals, according to the latest data from the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum. Data shows that Golden Visa requests dropped by 46.7 percent in January-July 2025, falling to 5,011 from 9,399 in 2024. Of these, 757 were approved, while 4,249 remain pending. Meanwhile, renewal applications declined by 83.4 percent in 2025, down to 668 from 4,022 the […]

Located in the heart of Porto’s historic Lapa district, Lapa II, the newly opened wing of the Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel by Marriott, is redefining five-star hospitality in one of Portugal’s most iconic destinations. Rising on a privileged hilltop with sweeping views over the city, this expansion marks another milestone for Mercan Group and strengthens […]

In recent years, more than 21,000 Americans have settled in this Iberian gem, followed closely by newcomers from China. Today, around 15% of Portugal’s 10.6 million residents were born abroad, reflecting its growing international appeal. Why Portugal? Mercan Group is proud to be among the top three hotel developers in Portugal, with over 12 properties […]

Mercan Asia thrilled to announce our entry into the Greek market with Mercan’s first flagship mega project in Piraeus – The Athens Port Residence. This 30,000 sqm complex, featuring 408 residential and retail units, is the largest project ever under the Greece Golden Visa Program. It offers a unique opportunity for international investors to secure […]

The Struggles of Schengen Visa Applications Applying for a Schengen visa often feels like an uphill battle for Indian travelers. Applicants must present exhaustive documentation, including bank statements, tax returns, and pay slips, only to receive visas that are valid for the exact duration of their trip. For those who need to return, the process […]

Around 9,500 high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) are expected to leave the UK this year, with most set to relocate to the EU, which is projected to attract over 6,500 of these millionaires by December’s end. The UAE ranks as the second most popular destination, anticipating an increase of about 800 HNWIs from the UK, followed by […]

October 8th marked the first chapter in the Algarve region for Mercan Group, with the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the first stone of the Lagos Marina Hotel project targeting an investment of 107.8 million euros. This development in Lagos, Algarve, will result in two hotels: the five-star Lagos Marina Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, and the […]

The Council of Ministers Resolution No. 87/2024, dated July 10th, established the creation of a “Task Force for the Resolution of Pending Applications at AIMA” (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo – Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum). The primary objective of this task force is to address the backlog of 410,000 pending immigration […]