Greece Golden Visa

Benefits of the Greece Golden Visa Program

The Greece Golden Visa is one of several residence by investment programmes available to international investors for gaining access to Europe. Successful applicants and their families enjoy visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.

Visa-free travel across the Schengen Area of Europe
No residency requirement—investors are not obligated to live in Greece
Renewable 5-year residence permit
Rental income potential—investment properties can be rented out
Family eligibility—includes spouse, children under 21, and parents of both the main applicant and spouse
Path to citizenship—eligible to apply for Greek citizenship after seven years of residence
Business opportunities—investors can hold shares and earn dividends from a Greek-registered company, but cannot be employed in GreeceRequirements for the Greece Golden Visa Program Launched in 2013, the Greece Golden Visa Program grants non-EU nationals and their families permanent residency in Greece, with residence permits renewable every five years.

Greece Golden Visa Eligibility

The Greece Golden Visa is available to non-EU/EEA nationals who make a qualifying investment in Greece and meet the programme’s legal and documentation requirements.

Eligible applicants can also include qualifying family members, such as a spouse or partner, children and dependent parents, subject to the applicable programme conditions.

Investment Options

1. Greece Golden Visa Real Estate Investment 

€250,000 — Special Property Categories
The €250,000 investment threshold applies to qualifying properties that meet specific programme conditions, including certain commercial-to-residential conversions and the restoration of listed buildings.

€400,000 — Standard Real Estate Investment
A minimum investment of €400,000 applies to qualifying real estate in applicable areas. The investment must generally be made in a single property with a minimum main-area size of 120 square metres.

€800,000 — High-Demand Locations
A minimum investment of €800,000 applies in specified high-demand locations, including Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini and Greek islands with a population exceeding the applicable programme threshold.

Investment requirements depend on the property type and location, so each opportunity should be assessed against the current Greece Golden Visa regulations before proceeding.

Investors considering property can also explore our expert Guide to navigating the Greek real estate market for insights into locations, legal considerations and the property purchase process.
 

2. Alternative Investment Options

Investors may also qualify through the following options:

• Mutual fund investment of at least €350,000 in funds dedicated to Greek markets or an alternative investment fund focused on Greece. A 10-year lease or timeshare agreement for hotel accommodations or furnished tourist residences (minimum investment: €400,000 or €800,000, depending on location)
• A fixed-term deposit of at least €500,000 in a Greek credit institution
  A capital contribution of at least €500,000 in:
• A Greek real estate investment company (public limited) exclusively investing in Greece
• A closed-end investment company or mutual fund
• A Greek-based company through share capital increase or bond purchases traded on regulated Greek markets
  Greek government bonds worth at least €500,000, with a minimum remaining maturity of three years.
• Acquisition of shares, corporate bonds, or government bonds traded on regulated Greek markets, with a minimum investment of €800,000

Greece Golden Visa Application Process

1. Select a Qualifying Investment
Choose an investment route that meets the current Greece Golden Visa requirements and your residency and investment objectives.

2. Complete the Investment
Complete the required legal and investment procedures for your selected route, including the necessary due diligence and documentation.

3. Prepare and Submit Your Application
Compile the required documentation and submit the Golden Visa residence permit application to the relevant Greek authorities.

4. Complete the Required Formalities
Complete the applicable identity and biometric requirements and any additional formalities requested as part of the residence permit process.

5. Receive and Maintain Your Residence Permit
Following approval, the residence permit is issued and can be renewed every five years, provided the qualifying investment and applicable programme requirements continue to be maintained.

 

For a detailed breakdown of each stage, read our step-by-step guide to the Greece Golden Visa application process.