This legislative tool, set to be implemented during the 2025–2026 period, aims to guide the Greek economy’s transition toward a new productive model—one that is more resilient, export-oriented, and technologically advanced. The draft law foresees investment schemes totaling more than €1 billion, with a focus on sectors of high added value, such as manufacturing, large-scale investments, social entrepreneurship, and border or remote areas.
The new Development Law establishes 12 targeted investment regimes, covering industries ranging from cutting-edge technologies and agri-food to tourism, logistics, and local value chains. Investment plan approvals will be completed within just 90 days of submission, through a fully digital, transparent process with strict deadlines. Moreover, an implementation clause is introduced: if a project fails to reach at least 10% progress within two years, it will be removed from the program.
Three new investment regimes are introduced:
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"Advanced Technologies"
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"Social Entrepreneurship and Handicrafts"
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"Special Support Areas"
Fast-track licensing incentives are included in specific regimes, such as “Special Support Areas” and “Large Investments”, allowing for accelerated approvals.
Financing and Incentives
In terms of financing, the law allocates €900 million for grants, tax exemptions, and other support mechanisms. It also introduces a significant innovation: the creation of a €300 million Guarantee Fund with the participation of the Greek State, which—through the European Investment Bank (EIB)—will support investments with loans up to €1 billion.
The new law also increases the maximum aid limits:
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Up to €20 million for individual enterprises
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Up to €50 million for cooperating or affiliated enterprises
Licensing & Implementation Flexibility
Special attention is given to licensing procedures. In the "Large Investments" and "Special Support Areas" regimes, a fast-track licensing provision is established. All required permits must be issued within two months, and Environmental Terms Approvals must be completed within three months. If these deadlines are not met, responsibility is transferred directly to the Minister of Development, following the model used for Strategic Investments.
Investors may request modifications to their plans even at the 25% project certification stage.
Expanded Support Mechanisms
The law expands support options across five types of funding:
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Tax exemptions
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Capital grants
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Leasing subsidies
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Employment cost subsidies
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Venture capital financing (especially for technology and social entrepreneurship regimes)
It also provides for partial annual use of tax exemptions, up to half (1/2) of the total approved amount, if 50% or 65% of the investment has been certified as implemented.
Additionally, accessibility-related expenses for persons with disabilities are now included as eligible costs outside regional aid rules, in all investment regimes except "Advanced Technologies."
