Greece

GREECE • GOLDEN VISA

Greece Golden Visa

The Greek Golden Visa Program (initiated in 2013) offers non-EU citizens and their families a renewable five-year residency by investing in real estate in Greece. The residence permit is valid for 5 years and can be renewed indefinitely as long as the investment is maintained.

5-year renewable residency Real estate investment Visa-free Schengen travel
PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Greece Residency by Investment

Processing time

Average processing time: 3–6 months.

Visa-free travel

Residency allows visa-free access to 33 European countries, including Schengen Zone countries.

Investment type

Real estate investment (property must be purchased before submitting the residency application).

Investment cost

Minimum investment starts from €250,000 (depending on category/location).

Family dependents

Spouse and children under 21. Parents and parents-in-law may qualify as well.

INVESTMENT CATEGORIES

Residential real estate (as provided)

The minimum investment depends on the property category and location.

Category 1 — €800,000

Attica (Athens & Piraeus), Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia, Mykonos, Thira (Santorini), and islands with population > 3,100.

Category 2 — €400,000

All other regions of Greece excluding Category 1.

Category 3 — €250,000

Industrial buildings (inactive 5+ years) converted to residential use, or listed buildings to restore/reconstruct.

Government fees

Main applicant: €2,016
Applicants 16+: €166
Applicants under 16: €16

PROGRAM BENEFITS

Why Greece Golden Visa

Simple process

No residency requirement to maintain/renew. No interview or language proficiency test required. No education or management experience required. Permit valid for 5 years and renewable indefinitely.

Global mobility

Visa-free travel across Schengen; stay up to 3 months in other Schengen countries within any 6-month period, with multiple entries.

Wealth protection

Potential rental income and property returns. Non-residents are taxed in Greece mainly on Greece-sourced income such as rental income.

APPLICATION PROCESS & TIMELINE

How the process works

Week 1–2

Retainer & property selection

Sign retainer agreement, start file, and select a property (can be done remotely). Prepare purchase documents required for the residency application.

Week 4–8

Property purchase & submission

Transfer funds for purchase and taxes. Submit residency documentation to the government and pay government/application fees.

Month 3–6

Approval, biometrics & issuance

Residence approval is issued. Applicant travels to Greece for biometrics. Residency cards are issued and can be couriered to your address.

Important note

The timeframe depends on due diligence and the individual case. Investors must purchase the property before submitting the residency application.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Who can apply?

Non-EU citizen

Applicant must be a non-EU citizen.

Real estate investment

Minimum investment starts from €250,000 (category/location dependent).

Good character

Clear criminal record and sufficient financial resources for applicant and family.

Visit requirement

Applicant must have visited Greece at least once before applying (as provided).

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much investment is required?

Minimum starts from €250,000. Category 1 is €800,000, Category 2 is €400,000, and Category 3 is €250,000, depending on the location/type of property.

Do I need to live in Greece to keep the permit?

Residency in Greece is not required to maintain or renew the permit, as long as the investment is maintained.

Can it lead to citizenship?

Holding Greek residency by investment for seven years may qualify you to apply for citizenship if you meet requirements (including staying at least 180 days per year and passing required tests, as provided).

Can I work in Greece with the Golden Visa?

The investor residence permit generally does not grant the right to employment. However, you may generate income through property rental or other permitted means.

CONTACT AN ADVISOR

Let’s discuss your Greece Golden Visa

Property selection support

We can guide you through eligibility, investment category, property selection, and required documents.

What we’ll cover

Investment category fit, fees, timeline, and next steps.

Confidential consultation

Your information stays private and handled professionally.

FAQ