- Just launched
Greece
Overview
The Greek Golden Visa Programme allows non-EU citizens to obtain a five-year, renewable residency in Greece through investment. As a stable and EU-compliant residency scheme, it remains attractive compared to reduced options elsewhere.
This programme is highly desirable for investors seeking a safe and stable environment with visa-free access to the entire Schengen Area. By making a minimum investment, you can gain the right to live in Greece and provide a secure future for yourself and your family. The programme is an excellent vehicle for asset diversification and can eventually lead to Greek citizenship.
To participate, applicants select an eligible property and sign a purchase agreement for a minimum of €250,000. The investment is finalized by transferring funds and registering the property. Next, the required documents—including proof of investment and a clean criminal record—are submitted to Greek authorities. Once approved, investors and their families receive a five-year residency permit, which can be renewed as long as the investment is maintained.
Benefits
- Visa-free travel: Gain the right to travel visa-free across the 26 countries of the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
- Family inclusion: The programme allows for the inclusion of your entire family, including your spouse, dependent children under 21 (with the possibility of extension to 24 if they are students), and your parents and your spouse's parents.
- No minimum stay requirement: Unlike many other residency programmes, there is no minimum stay requirement in Greece to maintain your Golden Visa. You only need to visit Greece once to provide your biometrics at the time of application.
- Pathway to citizenship: After legally residing in Greece for a minimum of seven years, Golden Visa holders are eligible to apply for Greek citizenship, provided they meet certain conditions, including passing a Greek language and culture test.
- Access to public services: Golden Visa holders and their families have access to Greek public services, including healthcare and education, under the same terms as Greek nationals.
- Stability and EU compliance: In contrast to the recent termination of Spain's Golden Visa and the invalidation of Malta's "Golden Passport" by the European Court of Justice, Greece's program remains fully compliant with EU regulations. It offers a secure and long-term option for European residency.
Investment Options
The Greek Golden Visa is granted based on a qualifying investment in one of the following categories:
Real Estate Investment
- €800,000 minimum investment in a single property in high-demand areas, including the Administrative Region of Attica (including Athens), the Regional Unit of Thessaloniki, the Regional Units of Mykonos and Santorini, and islands with a population of over 3,100.
- €400,000 minimum investment in a single property in all other regions of Greece.
- €250,000 minimum investment for commercial properties converted to residential use or for the full restoration of a listed historic building, regardless of location or size.
- Note: In most cases, the property must be at least 120 square meters.
Importance notice
- All funds for the investment must come from personal, identifiable sources and be transferred through legal channels.
- Proof of the origin of capital and the transfer of funds is required.
- Third-party accounts, loans, or mortgages are generally not permitted for the investment.
Investment Opportunities in Greece
Application Process
The application process is designed to be straightforward and can be managed with professional legal assistance:
Step 1
Obtain a Greek tax ID
The first step is to secure a Greek tax identification number (AFM), which can often be done remotely. Note, you do not become a tax resident in Greece, you simply have to have a tax number to acquire real estate in Greece.
Step 2
Make the qualifying investment
Complete your chosen investment, such as the purchase of a property. Legal due diligence and contracts are finalized during this stage.
Step 3
Gather required documents
Collect all necessary personal, financial, and legal documents, ensuring they are properly translated and authenticated (apostilled).
Step 4
Submit the application
Your legal representative submits the Golden Visa application to the Greek authorities. A temporary residence permit is issued during the review period.
Step 5
Biometric data collection
The main applicant and all included family members must visit Greece once to provide their biometric data.
Step 6
Approval and Issuance
Once the application is approved, the five-year residence permit cards are issued. The process typically takes a few months.
Required Documents
A comprehensive list of documents is required for the application. All documents must be officially translated into Greek:
- Full passport copies for all applicants (valid for at least two years).
- Four recent passport-sized photos for each applicant.
- Proof of the qualifying investment (e.g. real estate purchase contract).
- Proof of the origin of the investment funds.
- Marriage certificate and children's birth certificates (if applicable).
- A clean criminal record certificate from the applicant's home country.
- Proof of private health insurance valid in Greece.
- Birth certificates and marriage certificates to prove family relationships.
- Signed application forms.
- Payment receipts for all government and application fees.
- A notarized Power of Attorney for the legal representative handling the application.