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Updated on January 5, 2025

Greece Golden Visa

Residence permit for travelling visa-free to the Schengen Area and creating a safe haven

Greece Golden Visa

The Greece Golden Visa, also known as the Greece Investor Visa, offers investors and their family members a way to obtain residence permits.

Investing in Greek real estate is the most popular option for those seeking a Golden Visa. By purchasing property worth at least €250,000, applicants can secure their residency rights and enjoy the benefits of living in Greece.

Greece Golden Visa offers a range of attractive incentives for wealthy investors, such as visa-free travelling and tax optimisation. Foreigners are also not required to live in Greece to maintain and renew their residence permits.

€250,000

Minimum investment

4+ months

Processing time

5 years with renewal

Validity period

9 Key Benefits of the Greek Golden Visa

  • 1

    Residency in Greece

    The primary benefit of the Golden Visa Program is the opportunity to obtain legal residency in Greece. The Greek residency visa holders and their family members have the right to live, work, and study in Greece without additional documents.

  • 2

    Visa-free travel

    Holders of a Greek Golden Visa may enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen Area, which includes 29 European countries aside from Greece.

  • 3

    Multiple Investment options to choose from

    The program offers several investment options, including purchasing real estate, making a capital contribution to a Greek company, or investing in Greek government bonds. Applicants choose the type of investment that best suits their financial goals.

  • 4

    Family Inclusion

    The Golden Visa Program typically extends to family members, including spouses, children under 24 years old, and parents of any age.

  • 5

    No minimum stay requirement

    The Greek Golden Visa Program does not have a minimum stay requirement. Investors are not obligated to spend any time in Greece to maintain their residency.

  • 6

    Access to Greek healthcare and education

    As residents of Greece, Golden Visa holders and their families may have access to the Greek healthcare system and educational institutions.

  • 7

    Additional income from real estate investment

    Many Golden Visa applicants opt to invest in Greek real estate. Greece has a diverse property market in popular tourist destinations like Athens, Thessaloniki, and the Greek islands, with the potential to benefit from property value appreciation and rental income.

  • 8

    Path to Greek permanent residency and citizenship

    Obtaining a permanent residency in Greece is possible after 5 years. After living in Greece for 7 years, investors may be eligible to apply for Greek citizenship if they pass the language exam and meet other necessary criteria.

  • 9

    Retain original citizenship

    Greece allows dual citizenship, meaning investors can maintain their original nationality while enjoying the benefits of Greek citizenship if they choose to apply.

Who Can Get Greece Residency by Investment

Investor

Over 18

With confirmed legal income

Without a criminal record

Spouse or partner

Partners who signed a partnership agreement in Greece

Children

Investor’s children under 24: Must be unmarried and students if over 21

Spouse’s children under 21: Must be unmarried and under investor’s custody

Parents

Of any age

9 investment options for the Greece Golden Visa

Greece offers several options for investors to obtain a residence-by-investment visa. Most of them have to do with buying or renting real estate.

1. Real estate purchase — €250,000

After August 31st, 2024, the minimum investment requirement of €250,000 will increase to €400,000 and €800,000, depending on the region.

2. Rent of property for 10 years — €250,000

The investor rents a hotel or a tourist residence, making a one-time payment before getting a residence permit.

3. Timeshare for tourist accommodation — €250,000

The investor can sign an agreement that gives the right to use the property for specific periods.

4. Inheriting real estate or getting it as a gift — €250,000

The inheritor must pass Due Diligence and submit the documents required in the residence permit application.

5. Purchase of shares in mutual or alternative investment funds — €350,000

Investors buy shares in funds, which provide returns holdings across Greece.

6. Opening a bank deposit — €500,000

The investor deposits an investment amount in a term deposit bank account with automatic renewal.

7. Purchase of government bonds — €500,000

The investor buys shares of Greek government bonds.

8. Capital investments in Greek companies — €500,000

Investors contribute to a company based in Greece.

9. Purchase of corporate and government bonds listed for trading — €800,000

Investors collect a portfolio of stocks and government bonds traded on the Greek stock exchanges with no restrictions on the maturity of the bonds.

complete guideComparing Greece Golden Visa to 8 Others

Explore the benefits and drawbacks of the Greece investment program versus other Golden Visas

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Step-by-Step Process: How to Get a Greece Investor Visa

The Greece Golden Visa application process is relatively straightforward, with applicants receiving temporary residence status within one to two months after submission. There are several steps Involved in applying for the Golden Visa.

01.

Select an investment option

1 month
Select an investment option

Choose between real estate or government bond investments based on your preferences and financial capabilities.

02.

Gather necessary documents

1 month
Gather necessary documents

Collect all required documentation, including proof of funds and other personal identification documents.

03.

Make the investment

1—3 months
Make the investment

You must transfer the required funds into your Greek bank account and complete the purchase or investment depending on the chosen option. Ensure all transactions are documented to provide proof of investment​.

04.

Submit your application and get approval

2 months
Submit your application and get approval

Your legal representative will submit your completed application and supporting documents to the relevant Greek authorities for review.

05.

Provide biometric data

7 days
Provide biometric data

Once approved, visit Greece to provide biometric data at a designated centre to obtain your residence permit card.

Discover other Golden Visas

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Portugal Golden Visa

Investment amount — €250,000+

  • Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries

  • Prospect of citizenship in 5 years after obtaining and maintaining the residence permit

  • Safe haven in a European country by the ocean

Learn more
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Italy Golden Visa

Investment amount — €250,000+

  • Visa-free travel to the Schengen countries

  • Creating of a safe haven or moving to Italy

  • Special tax regime

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hu-flag

Hungary Golden Visa

Investment amount — €250,000+

  • Visa-free entry to the Schengen Area

  • Relocation to a European country with an affordable cost of living

  • Tax optimisation with low rates

Learn more
es-flag

Spain Golden Visa

Investment amount — €500,000+

  • Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries

  • Opportunity to live, study, and start a business in Spain

  • Prospect of citizenship in 10 years

Learn more
mt-flag

Malta Golden Visa

Investment amount — €182,000+

  • Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries

  • Ability to live, study, start a business, and work in Malta

  • New family members can be added after the investor has received permanent residence

Learn more
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Cyprus Golden Visa

Investment amount — €300,000+

  • Tax optimisation

  • Property investment income

  • Prospect of obtaining citizenship in 5 years

Learn more
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Andorra Golden Visa

Investment amount — €600,000+

  • Visa-free entry to France and Spain

  • Simplified US and Schengen visas processing

  • Only 3-month residing a year to keep the residence permit

Learn more
us-flag

USA Golden Visa

Investment amount — $870,000+

  • Moving to the USA or creating a safe haven

  • Opportunity to obtain US citizenship

  • Opening bank accounts in the USA

Learn more
ae-flag

UAE Golden Visa

Investment amount — AED 2,000,000+

  • Residency for 10 years

  • Moving to the UAE or creating a “safe haven”

  • Tax optimisation

  • Opening a bank account in the UAE

Learn more
tr-flag

Turkey Citizenship by Investment

Investment amount — $400,000+

  • Visa-free entry to Japan, Singapore, and other 100+ countries

  • Opportunity to obtain a US E‑2 business visa

  • A safe haven in a warm country by the sea

Learn more
dm-flag

Dominica Citizenship by Investment

Investment amount — $200,000+

  • Global mobility with 140+ visa-free destinations

  • Opportunity to get a 10-year visitor visa to the USA

  • No taxes on dividends, interest, royalties, and capital gains for Dominica tax residents

Learn more
ag-flag

Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment

Investment amount — $230,000+

  • Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries and the UK

  • Opportunity to get a 10-year visitor visa to the USA

  • Favorable investment conditions for families

Learn more
lc-flag

St Lucia Citizenship by Investment

Investment amount — $240,000+

  • Global mobility with 140+ visa-free destinations

  • Opportunity to get a 10-year visitor visa to the USA

  • No taxes on foreign income, dividends, and capital gains in St Lucia

Learn more
gd-flag

Grenada Citizenship by Investment

Investment amount — $235,000+

  • Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries, the UK, and China

  • Eligibility for the US E‑2 business visa

  • No taxes on foreign income, dividends, interest, and royalties in Grenada

Learn more
kn-flag

St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment

Investment amount — $250,000+

  • Global mobility with 150+ visa-free destinations

  • Opportunity to get a 10-year visitor visa to the USA

  • Possibility to become a tax resident and pay 0% personal income tax

Learn more
th-flag

Thailand Golden Visa

Investment amount — $25,500+

  • Long-term visa to live in Thailand or create a safe haven for up to 15 years

  • Bonuses and privileges for visa holders

  • Tax optimisation

Learn more
vu-flag

Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment

Investment amount — $130,000+

  • Fastest citizenship program in the world, with application processing within 1—4 months

  • Opportunity to get a 5-year visitor visa to the USA

  • Beneficial tax regime for companies for 20 years

Learn more

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How to Get the Greece Golden Visa?

    There are a few steps you need to follow. First, investors choose an investment option, such as real estate and government bonds. Then, they must prepare and submit the necessary documents and applications to the relevant authorities.

  • Will the Greece Golden Visa Program Change in 2024?

    Yes, for those investors who prefer to purchase real estate, the investment threshold of €250,000 is valid only until August 31st, 2024. After this date, the required investment amounts will increase to €400,000 or €800,000, depending on the specific region.

  • What is the Cost of a Golden Visa in Greece?

    To obtain a Greece residence permit, the applicant must invest at least €250,000 in the country’s economy. They can buy a home, deposit in a Greek bank, or invest in securities.

  • What Are the Benefits of the Greek Golden Visa?

    The Greek Golden Visa offers several benefits, such as a low investment threshold compared to other European countries' programs, a fast processing time for applications, family reunification options allowing dependents to be included in your application, long-term residency rights for you and your family members, and potential tax advantages for expats and foreign retirees.

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