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Updated on July 19, 2026

Greece Golden Visa

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

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Greece Golden Visa

The Greece Golden Visa grants a 5-year renewable residence permit to non-EU investors and their immediate family members. Real estate investment starts from €250,000 in regional zones, rising to €400,000 or €800,000 in higher-demand areas. Processing typically takes 4 or more months. Greece has no citizenship by investment; naturalisation requires 7 years of actual residence.

The Greece Golden Visa, also known as the Greece Investor Visa, offers investors and their family members a way to obtain a Greek residence permit. The programme covers a wide range of qualifying investments — from real estate in regional areas to financial instruments such as government bonds, company capital contributions, and investment funds.

Golden Visa holders and their families may travel visa-free across the Schengen Area and are not required to reside in Greece to maintain their permits. The programme offers potential tax planning benefits, subject to individual circumstances and professional advice from qualified tax advisers.

€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

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

  • 2

    Visa-free travel

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

  • 3

    Multiple investment options

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    The programme offers several qualifying investment routes, including real estate purchase, capital contributions to Greek companies, government bonds, and investment funds. Applicants choose the route that best suits their financial objectives.

  • 4

    Family inclusion

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    The Golden Visa Programme extends to family members, including spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of any age.

  • 5

    No minimum stay requirement

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    The Greece Golden Visa Programme has no minimum stay requirement. Investors are not required to spend any time in Greece to maintain their residency.

  • 6

    Access to Greek healthcare and education

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

  • 7

    Additional income from real estate investment

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

  • 8

    Path to permanent residency and citizenship

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    After 5 years of holding the Golden Visa, investors may apply for long-term residence (LTR) status. Naturalisation — and Greek citizenship — is available after 7 years of actual residence (at least 183 days per year), provided the investor has obtained LTR status and passed a Greek language and culture examination.

  • 9

    Retain original citizenship

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    Greece allows dual citizenship, meaning investors can maintain their original nationality while applying for Greek citizenship if they choose.

​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

Under 21

Unmarried

Parents

Of any age

​Investment Options for the Greece Golden Visa

Greece offers multiple qualifying investment routes under Law 4251/2014, Article 20B. Each route has specific eligibility conditions and minimum thresholds that vary by asset type and location.

1. Real estate purchase — from €250,000

The minimum threshold depends on property type and location.

€250,000 — change-of-use (commercial-to-residential conversion) or heritage/listed restoration, anywhere in Greece. No zone restriction, no minimum floor area requirement.

€250,000 — standard purchase in regional/rural areas and smaller islands (fewer than 3,500 inhabitants).

€400,000 — properties in mid-tier zones, single property, minimum floor area 120 m².

€800,000 — properties in the Municipality of Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and islands with 3,500 or more inhabitants, single property, minimum floor area 120 m².

2. Long-term tourist accommodation lease (10+ years) — from €250,000

The investor enters into a lease of at least 10 years on a hotel or furnished tourist residence. Zone-based thresholds apply: €250,000 (regional zones), €400,000 (mid-tier zones), or €800,000 (central/premium zones), following the same geographic criteria as real estate purchases.

3. Timeshare of tourist accommodation — from €250,000

The investor acquires timeshare rights to a hotel or furnished tourist residence. Zone-based thresholds apply: €250,000, €400,000, or €800,000, using the same geographic criteria as real estate purchases.

4. Greek mutual fund shares — €350,000

The investor acquires units in a qualifying Greek mutual fund that invests in Greek equities or bonds.

5. Greek government bonds — €500,000

The investor purchases Greek government bonds with a minimum remaining maturity at the time of purchase, held for the duration of the residence permit.

6. Fixed-term bank deposit — €500,000

The investor places funds in a fixed-term deposit account at a Greek bank with automatic renewal. The deposit must remain in Greece for the duration of the permit.

7. Capital contribution to a Greek company — €400,000

The investor makes a capital contribution of at least €400,000 to a company headquartered or established in Greece. Real Estate Investment Companies (AEEAP) and holding/portfolio investment companies are excluded from this route and qualify through separate thresholds.

8. Real Estate Investment Company (AEEAP) — €500,000

The investor acquires shares in a qualifying Greek Real Estate Investment Company (AEEAP), regulated under Law 2778/1999, Article 21.

9. Business Innovation Company (EKES/AKES) — €500,000

The investor makes a capital contribution to a qualifying Greek Business Innovation Company (EKES/AKES).

10. Listed Greek bonds — €800,000

The investor acquires listed Greek corporate bonds or government bonds traded on Greek stock exchanges. No restriction applies on bond maturity.

11. Startup Golden Visa (Elevate Greece) — €250,000

The investor contributes at least €250,000 to a startup registered on the Elevate Greece National Startup Registry. Maximum equity or voting-right participation is capped at 33%. The investor must create at least 2 jobs in year 1 and maintain that employment for 5 years.

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

Choose a qualifying investment route — real estate, financial instruments, or the Startup Golden Visa — based on your preferences, financial objectives, and location preferences.

02.

Gather necessary documents

1 month

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

03.

Make the investment

1–3 months

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

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

05.

Provide biometric data

7 days

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

Testimonials

Breakets

I wanted a base in Europe for lifestyle and business

MyGoldenVisa made the Greek process seamless — they handled every document and even connected me with reliable real estate options in Athens. What felt overwhelming at first turned into a smooth journey. I now have a place I love and the peace of mind that everything was done correctly. Couldn’t be happier.

Mark Jensen
Mark Jensen

a tech entrepreneur

Breakets

MyGoldenVisa ensured the peace of mind I needed

The Greek visa process was confusing at first, and I worried about missing small details. Their lawyers broke down each step in simple terms and checked my documents twice. They were clear, professional, and always reassuring. What could have been a stressful experience became straightforward and surprisingly easy.

Andreas Müller
Andreas Müller

a consultant

Breakets

Moving to Greece always felt like chasing a dream

With MyGoldenVisa, it became reality much faster than I imagined. They took care of every step — from the property search to handling all the documents — so I could focus on planning my new life. Now I wake up to the Aegean view from my balcony in Crete, and every day feels like a gift. I never thought paperwork could lead to happiness — but it truly did.

Carlos Alvarez
Carlos Alvarez

an architect

​Discover other Golden Visas

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Portugal Golden Visa

Investment amount — €250,000+

  • Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries
  • Returnable investment with annual yields of up to 10%
  • Safe haven in a European country by the ocean
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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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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

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Malta Permanent Residence

Investment amount — €169,000+

  • 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

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Cyprus Permanent Residence

Investment amount — €300,000+

  • Tax optimisation

  • Property investment income

  • Prospect of obtaining citizenship in 8 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

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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
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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
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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

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Dominica Citizenship by Investment

Investment amount — $200,000+

  • Global mobility with 140+ visa-free destinations
  • Real estate can be sold and investment returned after just 3 years
  • No taxes on dividends, interest, royalties, and capital gains for Dominica tax residents
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Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment

Investment amount — $230,000+

  • Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries and the UK
  • No taxes on personal income, inheritance, or capital gains
  • Favorable investment conditions for families
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St Lucia Citizenship by Investment

Investment amount — $240,000+

  • Global mobility for international travel freedom
  • Opportunity to get a 10-year visitor visa to the USA
  • No taxes on foreign income, dividends, and capital gains in St Lucia
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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
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St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment

Investment amount — $250,000+

  • Global mobility for international business and travel freedom
  • 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
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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
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Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment

Investment amount — $130,000+

  • Fastest citizenship program in the world
  • Opportunity to partially recover the investment after 5 years
  • Beneficial tax regime for companies for 20 years
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Latvia Golden Visa

Investment amount — €50,000+

  • Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries

  • Beneficial terms and tax incentives for businesses

  • Prospect of citizenship in 10 years

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I get the Greece Golden Visa?

    Choose a qualifying investment route, prepare your documentation — proof of identity, source of funds, clean criminal record, and valid health insurance — and submit your application through the Greek Migration Directorate. Your immigration lawyer will represent you at the relevant authorities. Temporary residence status is typically issued within 1 to 2 months of submission; the full 5-year residence card follows at the 4-month mark or later.

  • What is the minimum investment for the Greece Golden Visa?

    The lowest threshold starts at €250,000 for qualifying real estate: change-of-use (commercial-to-residential) or heritage/listed restoration projects anywhere in Greece, or standard purchases in regional and rural areas. The Startup Golden Visa (Elevate Greece) also starts at €250,000. Most financial investment routes require €350,000 to €500,000.

  • What are the main benefits of the Greece Golden Visa?

    Key benefits include a 5-year renewable residence permit, visa-free travel across the Schengen Area (29 countries), no minimum stay requirement, inclusion of spouse, children under 21, and parents of any age, and access to Greek healthcare and education. The programme offers potential tax planning benefits, subject to individual circumstances and professional advice.

  • Does the Greece Golden Visa cover my family members?

    Yes. The spouse or registered partner, unmarried children under 21, and parents (and parents-in-law) of both the main applicant and their spouse may be included in the same application. Children aged 21–24 may be included in certain cases but must apply independently before turning 25.

  • Can I obtain Greek citizenship through the Golden Visa?

    Greece has no citizenship by investment programme. Greek citizenship is available through naturalisation only, after 7 years of actual residence (at least 183 days per year). Applicants must also hold long-term residence (LTR) status and pass a Greek language and culture examination.

  • Can I work in Greece with a Golden Visa?

    The Golden Visa is a residence permit, not a work permit. It does not entitle the holder to take up paid employment in Greece. Holders who wish to work must obtain a separate work authorisation. The permit does allow the holder to conduct business activities and manage investments.

  • Do I need to live in Greece to keep my Golden Visa?

    No. The Greece Golden Visa has no minimum stay requirement. Holders are not required to reside in Greece to maintain or renew their permit. Physical presence is only necessary for those pursuing Greek citizenship through naturalisation, which requires at least 183 days per year for 7 consecutive years.

  • Can I rent out my property while holding a Golden Visa?

    Short-term rental of a Golden Visa property may be subject to restrictions under Greek short-term rental regulations, including limits on rental days per year. Investors are advised to seek legal and tax advice before entering into any rental arrangement. Long-term residential rental is generally permitted.

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