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.
Updated on January 5, 2025
Residence permit for travelling visa-free to the Schengen Area and creating a safe haven
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
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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.
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.
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Holders of a Greek Golden Visa may enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen Area, which includes 29 European countries aside from Greece.
Holders of a Greek Golden Visa may enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen Area, which includes 29 European countries aside from Greece.
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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.
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.
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The Golden Visa Program typically extends to family members, including spouses, children under 24 years old, and parents of any age.
The Golden Visa Program typically extends to family members, including spouses, children under 24 years old, and parents of any age.
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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.
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.
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As residents of Greece, Golden Visa holders and their families may have access to the Greek healthcare system and educational institutions.
As residents of Greece, Golden Visa holders and their families may have access to the Greek healthcare system and educational institutions.
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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.
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.
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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.
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
Greece allows dual citizenship, meaning investors can maintain their original nationality while enjoying the benefits of Greek citizenship if they choose to apply.
Greece allows dual citizenship, meaning investors can maintain their original nationality while enjoying the benefits of Greek citizenship if they choose to apply.
Over 18
With confirmed legal income
Without a criminal record
Partners who signed a partnership agreement in Greece
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
Of any age
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.
Explore the benefits and drawbacks of the Greece investment program versus other Golden Visas
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.
Choose between real estate or government bond investments based on your preferences and financial capabilities.
02.
Collect all required documentation, including proof of funds and other personal identification documents.
03.
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.
Your legal representative will submit your completed application and supporting documents to the relevant Greek authorities for review.
05.
Once approved, visit Greece to provide biometric data at a designated centre to obtain your residence permit card.