The Greece Golden Visa Program offers investors a straightforward pathway to residency through a qualifying real estate investment starting from €250,000. By purchasing eligible property within designated categories, applicants can secure a long‑term residence permit for themselves and their families, while benefiting from one of Europe’s most accessible investment‑based residency schemes.
Key Advantages
- Visa‑free access to the Schengen Area, enabling seamless travel across much of Europe.
- No requirement to reside in Greece, allowing full flexibility while maintaining residency status.
- Residence permits with unlimited validity, provided the investment is maintained.
- Ability to rent out the investment property, generating potential rental income.
- Family‑wide residency, covering the main applicant, spouse, children under 21, and both sets of parents.
- Eligibility to apply for Greek citizenship after seven years of residence, subject to meeting legal criteria.
- Permission to hold shares and receive dividend income from a Greek‑registered company, while not being permitted to take up employment in Greece.
Processing Time
3-4 Months
Key requirements of the Greece Golden Visa Program
The Greece Golden Visa Program, introduced in 2013, offers a residency‑by‑investment pathway for non‑EU nationals and their families. Successful applicants receive a permanent residence permit, which can be renewed every five years as long as the qualifying investment is maintained.
Real Estate Investment Options
Applicants may qualify by investing in real estate within the following zones:
- €250,000 Investment: For specialized real estate projects, including the conversion of commercial properties into residential units or the restoration of listed buildings, regardless of location or size.
- €400,000 Investment: For the purchase of a single property in Greece with a minimum size of 120 sqm.
- €800,000 Investment: For property purchases located in Athens, Thessaloniki, and islands with populations exceeding 3,100 residents.
Alternative Qualifying Investment Routes
Applicants may also choose from the following non‑real‑estate options:
- Long‑term Leasing: A 10‑year time‑sharing or lease agreement for hotel accommodation or furnished tourist residences valued at €400,000 or €800,000, depending on the investment zone.
- Bank Deposit: A fixed‑term deposit of at least €500,000 with a Greek credit institution.
- Capital Contribution: A minimum €500,000 investment in:
- A public limited real estate investment company operating exclusively in Greece,
- A closed‑end investment company or mutual fund, or
- A Greek‑based company through share capital increases or bonds listed on regulated Greek markets or multilateral trading facilities.
- Government Bonds: Purchase of Greek government bonds worth at least €500,000, with a remaining maturity of at least three years, acquired through a Greek credit institution.
- Market‑Traded Securities: Acquisition of shares, corporate bonds, or Greek government bonds traded on regulated Greek markets or multilateral trading facilities, with a minimum value of €800,000.
- Investment Funds: Purchase of shares or units valued at €350,000 in a mutual fund or alternative investment fund (AIF) established in Greece or another EU member state, provided it invests exclusively in Greek assets.
Citizenship in Greece
After residing in Greece for seven years, applicants may apply for citizenship through naturalization under the Greek Nationality Code (Law 3284/2004).
To qualify, individuals must demonstrate strong ties to Greece and show that they have successfully integrated into Greek society, both socially and financially. The naturalization process also includes an examination to confirm adequate proficiency in the Greek language.
