Greece Golden Visa Program

Program Overview

The Greece Golden Visa Program, officially known as the Residence Permit for Investment Activity, is an active investment-based immigration pathway that allows non-EU investors to obtain Greek residency through qualifying financial investments. Launched in 2013 to boost the Greek economy through foreign investment, the program has evolved to attract international capital while providing investors with EU residency benefits and flexible living arrangements.

Key Benefits

• EU Residency: Full residency rights in Greece for investors and their families
• Schengen Access: Visa-free travel throughout the 26-country Schengen Area
• Pathway to Citizenship: Route to naturalization after 7 years of continuous residency
• Family Inclusion: Coverage for spouse/partner, children, and parents
• No Stay Requirement: No minimum physical presence required in Greece
• Work and Study Rights: Permission to live, work, and study in Greece and EU
• Renewable Permit: 5-year renewable residence permit with flexible renewal terms

Investment Requirements

Real Estate Investment (Primary Option)

Minimum Investment Thresholds (as of 2025):

• €250,000: Commercial property conversion to residential use
• €400,000: Properties in less densely populated cities and islands (minimum 120 sqm)
• €800,000: Properties in Athens, Thessaloniki, and islands with 3,100+ inhabitants

Structure: Direct purchase of residential or commercial properties, including plots of land Benefits: Most popular investment route with potential for rental income and capital appreciation

Alternative Investment Options

Government Bonds

• Minimum Investment: €500,000 in Greek government bonds
• Structure: Purchase of bonds with typical maturity periods
• Benefits: Lower risk investment with stable returns

Investment Funds

• Minimum Investment: €350,000 in qualifying investment funds
• Requirements: Funds focusing on property, shipping, or key Greek sectors
• Benefits: Professional management with diversified investment exposure

Business Investment

• Direct investment in Greek companies through share purchases
• Establishment of new business ventures in sectors like hospitality or technology
• Investment in integrated tourist resorts with substantial capital requirements

Additional Requirements

• Non-EU citizenship and minimum age of 18 years
• Clean criminal record from country of residence and Greece
• Valid passport and properly translated/apostilled documentation
• Proof of medical insurance coverage
• Evidence of sufficient financial means beyond investment
• Greek tax number and bank account (can be arranged during process)

Application Process

Documentation Requirements

• Valid passport and passport-sized photographs
• Proof of qualifying investment and legal source of funds
• Criminal record certificates from Greece and country of residence
• Medical insurance coverage documentation
• Bank account statements and financial documentation
• Property purchase contract or investment proof
• Professional translation of all documents into Greek and official notarization

Processing Timeline

1. Property Selection: Choose and secure qualifying investment
2. Document Preparation: Gather and translate required documentation
3. Application Submission: Submit complete application to Greek authorities
4. Biometric Data Collection: Schedule appointment in Greece for fingerprints and photographs
5. Background Checks: Government review and verification process
6. Permit Issuance: Receive 5-year residence permit

Total Processing Time: 3-4 months from complete application submission

Application Costs

• Single applicant: From €256,650+ (including minimum investment and fees)
• Family of 4: From €276,600+ (including additional family member costs)
• Government processing fees
• Legal and professional service fees
• Translation and apostille costs
• Property-related costs (taxes, notary fees, legal fees)

Renewal and Permanent Residency

• Initial Permit Duration: 5 years, renewable for additional 5-year periods
• Renewal Requirements: Maintain qualifying investment status
• Physical Presence: No minimum stay requirement for renewal
• Permanent Residency: Available after meeting specific long-term residency criteria
• Citizenship Eligibility: After 7 years of continuous residency with language proficiency and cultural integration

Financial Considerations

Direct Costs

• Minimum investment: €250,000 to €800,000 depending on location and property type
• Application and processing fees
• Legal and professional services
• Translation and documentation costs
• Property transfer taxes and notary fees
• Ongoing property maintenance (for real estate investments)

Tax Implications

• Favorable Tax Environment: Reduced income tax rates for foreign investors
• Capital Gains: Potential exemptions on property sales under specific conditions
• Double Taxation Treaties: Protection against double taxation for investors from treaty countries
• Investment Returns: Subject to Greek tax regulations with various incentives available

Family Inclusion

Eligible Family Members

• Spouse/Partner: Legal marriage or life partnership
• Children: Under 18 years (included at no extra charge)
• Young Adults: Up to age 21 if unmarried, studying full-time, and financially dependent
• Students in Greece: Up to age 24 if studying in Greece, unmarried, and financially dependent
• Parents: Of any age (both main applicant and spouse parents eligible)

Family Benefits

• Same residency rights as main applicant
• Access to Greek healthcare and education systems
• Schengen Area travel privileges
• Pathway to Greek citizenship after 7 years of continuous residency

Contact Us Today to Begin Your Residency Journey

Whether you’re interested in the accessible commercial property conversion route, traditional real estate investment, or prefer alternative options like government bonds and investment funds, our experienced team will guide you through every step of the application process. From initial consultation through final approval, we provide comprehensive support to ensure your Greek residency goals are achieved efficiently and successfully.

Contact our Greece Golden Visa specialists today for a  consultation or fill in our eligibility form to determine the best investment route for your needs and begin your journey to European residency and citizenship.

FAQs

What are the current investment options for Greece’s Golden Visa in 2025?

 Greece offers multiple investment routes: €250,000 for commercial-to-residential property conversion, €400,000 for properties in less populated areas (minimum 120 sqm), €800,000 for properties in Athens/Thessaloniki/major islands, €500,000 in government bonds, €350,000 in investment funds, or direct business investments.

Are there any residency requirements for Greece’s Golden Visa?

No, Greece’s Golden Visa has no minimum stay requirements. Holders only need to visit Greece once for biometric data collection. This flexibility allows investors to maintain their primary residence elsewhere while holding Greek residency.

How long does it take to process a Greece Golden Visa application?

The total processing time is typically 3-4 months from complete application submission. This includes document review, biometric data collection, background checks, and final permit issuance by Greek authorities.

What are the pathway options to Greek citizenship?

Greek citizenship is available after 7 years of continuous residency. Applicants must demonstrate integration into Greek society, including language proficiency and cultural participation. The Golden Visa provides the residency foundation for this naturalization pathway.

Can family members be included in the Greece Golden Visa application?

 Yes, the program offers extensive family reunification benefits. Eligible family members include spouse/life partner, children under 18 (free), children up to 21 (or 24 if studying in Greece) who are unmarried and financially dependent, and parents of any age from both sides of the family.

How does the Greece Golden Visa compare to other EU programs?

Greece offers one of the most accessible entry points with €250,000 minimum investment, no residency requirements, and flexible renewal terms. The program provides competitive advantages over other EU Golden Visa programs through lower thresholds and greater investment variety.