GREECE GOLDEN VISA
Key Facts
Processing Time
Approximately 1 to 3 months for initial residence permit and 6 to 10 months for PR cards after biometric data submission
Visa-Free Travel
Access to the European Schengen Area
Minimum Investment
Starting from €250,000
Family Eligibility
The main applicant, spouse or legal partner, children up to 21 years old, as well as the parents of both the applicant and spouse
Main Advantages
- No minimum stay or physical presence requirement
- Opportunity to invest in individually owned real estate with potential rental income
- High quality of life, mild Mediterranean climate, and a safe living environment
- Visa-free travel across 29 Schengen countries
- Eligibility for the EU’s ETIAS visa waiver system
- Access to a favorable tax regime for high-net-worth individuals
- Right to reside in Greece indefinitely
- Eligibility to apply for citizenship after 7 years of residence
- Greek citizenship grants the right to live and work across Europe, including Switzerland
About Greece
Greece, often referred to as the cradle of Western civilization, is renowned for its rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. The country consists of a mainland and approximately 6,000 islands, of which around 227 are inhabited.
As a member of the European Union with a strategic geographic location, Greece offers both an exceptional lifestyle and strong investment potential. To encourage foreign direct investment, the Greek government introduced the Golden Visa Program in 2013, granting permanent residency to individuals and families who contribute to the national economy.
Application Process Overview
The entire process typically takes between 1 to 3 months from the purchase of the property and application submission to receiving the initial residence permit, provided there are no complications. Residence cards may take from 4 to 8 months to receive after biometric data submission
Step 1: Retainer agreement and Power of Attorney (POA) signing
Step 2: Identifying suitable investment properties (remotely or by visiting Greece)
Step 3: Notarial contract to purchase the property
Step 4: Submission of the application
Step 5: Government due diligence checks
Step 6: Application approval within 4–12 weeks and receipt of initial residence permits
Step 7: Submission of biometric data within 1 year in Greece
Step 8: Issuance of residence card
Qualifying Investment Options
The most common pathway is through real estate investment. Applicants may choose from the following options:
- €250,000 investment in property converted from commercial to residential use or restoration of a listed building
- €800,000 investment in properties located in Attica, Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia, or islands with more than 3,100 residents (minimum size: 120 m²)
- €400,000 investment in a single property in other regions of Greece (minimum size: 120 m²)
- €500,000 investment in Greek government bonds with a minimum remaining maturity of 3 years, held through a Greek financial institution
- €500,000 fixed-term deposit in a Greek bank
Additional options include capital contributions or investments in Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) or mutual funds.
Requirements
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old and pose no national security or reputational risk
- The investment must be maintained for as long as the residence permit is held