Greece

Residency by investment

Golden Visa

Secure Greek residency in 8-12 months through a €250,000 in real estate investment, unlocking visa-free travel across Europe and beyond.

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Greece Residency in summary

Greece: A Distinguished European Sanctuary of Stability and Opportunity

Greece’s Residency-by-Investment framework offers a compelling gateway to Europe, with a minimum capital commitment of EUR 250,000 unlocking unrestricted mobility throughout Greece and the wider Schengen Zone.

Core Advantages:

• Expedited issuance of residence permits (typically within 90–120 days)
• Renewable every five years, contingent upon sustained property ownership
• Potential for generating passive income via long-term property leasing
• Family inclusivity: spouses, dependent children under 21, and both sets of parents eligible
• Enrolment rights in Greece’s public health and education systems
• Citizenship eligibility following seven years of lawful residency
• Legal capacity to own equity and receive dividend yields from Greek-based corporate entities (excludes direct employment)

Qualifying Investment Routes

Real Estate-Based Options:

• EUR 250,000 – Investment in the adaptive reuse of commercial assets into residential properties, or restoration of heritage-listed buildings (location/size agnostic)
• EUR 400,000 – Acquisition of a single residential unit (minimum 120 sqm) in standard investment zones
• EUR 800,000 – Acquisition within prime zones: Athens, Thessaloniki, or populated islands (inhabitants >3,100)

Alternative Investment Avenues:

• 10-year leasehold or timeshare contract in tourist accommodations (EUR 400,000–800,000 depending on location)
• Fixed-term bank deposit of EUR 500,000 in a licensed Greek financial institution
• Capital injection of EUR 500,000+ into Greek real estate investment companies, mutual funds, or equity issuances
• Purchase of Greek sovereign bonds worth EUR 500,000 (minimum 3-year residual maturity)
• Portfolio acquisition of corporate or government securities valued at EUR 800,000, traded on regulated Greek markets
• Mutual fund equity acquisitions (Greek-focused) totaling at least EUR 350,000

27 countries

Access to Schengen

€250,000

Minimum investment

8-12 months

Time to citizenship

Benefits In brief

1. Visa-Free Travel

Enjoy visa-free access across the Schengen Area, covering 27 European countries.

2. Fast Processing Time

Obtain your Greek residency permit within 8-12 months, ensuring quick access to Europe.

3. No Residency Requirement

There is no mandatory stay requirement to maintain your residency status in Greece.

4. Pathway to Citizenship

Residency can lead to Greek citizenship after fulfilling specific conditions over seven years.

5. Family Inclusion

Include your spouse, children under 21, and even parents in your residency application.

Who can get Greece Residency?

Who Can Get It with the Investor?

Spouse: The legally married partner of the main applicant.
Children: Dependent children under 21 years of age.
Parents: Both the parents of the main applicant and the spouse.
Unmarried Partners: Long-term partners in a legally recognized relationship, where applicable.

State Fees

Investor: €2,016.
Spouse: An additional fee of €500.
Dependent Children: €300 per child.
Parents: €500 per dependent parent.
Unmarried Partners: Additional fees vary based on local legal requirements.

Additional Notes

Dependents must provide proof of their relationship to the main applicant.
All included family members must pass background checks and meet legal documentation requirements.
Residency permits must be renewed every 5 years as long as the investment is maintained.
The program does not grant automatic citizenship but offers pathways after fulfilling long-term residency criteria.

What are the options?

Meet Greece’s residency requirements: invest, prove funds, stay insured, and include your family for a secure EU future!

Real Estate Investment

Invest a minimum of €250,000 in real estate, specifically in commercial properties that have been converted into residential use and hold a residential title deed.

Strategic Investments

Invest in large-scale infrastructure, energy, or tourism-related projects deemed of strategic importance by the Greek government. The required investment amount varies by project.

Company Shares, Bonds, or bank deposit

Long-Term Hospitality Lease:
Enter into a 10-year lease or timeshare agreement valued at €400,000 to €800,000, depending on the property’s location, for hotel units or fully furnished tourist residences.

Term Deposit with Greek Bank:
Place a minimum fixed-term deposit of €500,000 with a licensed banking institution in Greece.

Equity Participation in Greek Investment Entities:
Commit at least €500,000 as a capital injection into:

A publicly listed Greek real estate investment company

A closed-end investment fund or mutual fund operating exclusively in Greece

A Greek-incorporated company through a share capital increase or bond issuance listed on Greek regulated or multilateral markets

Acquisition of Government Bonds:
Purchase Greek sovereign bonds totaling €500,000 or more, with a residual maturity of at least three years, facilitated through a Greek financial institution.

Securities Investment on Regulated Markets:
Buy shares, corporate bonds, or government securities traded on Greece’s regulated exchanges or multilateral trading systems, with an acquisition cost of no less than €800,000.

Investment in a Mutual Fund:
Acquire units in a Greece-focused mutual fund, with a total subscription value of at least €350,000.

Additional info

Property Ownership Documents: Applicants must provide ownership documentation for the real estate investment and proof of payment via bank transfer.
Clean Criminal Record: A clean criminal record from the home country or country of residence is required for all applicants.
Health Insurance: Health insurance valid in Greece is mandatory for the main applicant and all dependents included in the application.
Proof of Funds: Applicants must demonstrate the origin of the investment funds to comply with anti-money laundering regulations.
Continuous Ownership: The investment must be maintained for the duration of the residency permit validity. Selling the investment may result in loss of residency unless another qualifying investment is made.
Valid Passport: A valid passport for the duration of the residency application is required for all applicants.
Biometric Data: Applicants must provide biometric data, including fingerprints and a photograph, during the application process.
Renewal Conditions: Residency permits are renewable every 5 years as long as the investment is maintained.

Government Fees

Application Fee: €2,000 per adult applicant.
Children under 18: €150 per child.
Residency Card Issuance Fee: Approximately €16 per card.

Legal and Administrative Fees

Legal Fees: €10,000–€15,000 for assistance with the application process (variable depending on the firm).
Notary and Land Registry Fees: Approximately 3-5% of the property purchase price.

Additional Costs

Taxes:
- Property Transfer Tax: 3% of the property value.
- Annual Property Tax: Based on the property’s location and value.
Health Insurance: Required for all applicants and dependents (variable cost based on provider and coverage).
Translation and Certification Fees: For required documents that are not in Greek.

Dependents Fees

Spouse: Included in the main application fee of €2,016.
Dependent Children under 24: €166 per child for application processing.
Parents of the Main Applicant or Spouse: €166 per parent.

Speak to an expert

The XYZ team has global experts in over 12 countries. We can advise in 14 languages. Let us help you find the perfect investment migration solution.

How to apply for Greece residency

Navigate Greece residency with ease using this step-by-step guide!

Choose Your Investment Option: Select from eligible investment paths like real estate, capital contribution, or other approved options.
Prepare Required Documentation: Gather documents such as proof of funds, property ownership, a clean criminal record, and health insurance.
Submit Your Application: File your application through a licensed agent or directly with the appropriate Greek authorities.
Pay Fees: Ensure all application and associated government fees are paid during the submission process.
Undergo Background Checks: Pass security and anti-money laundering checks as part of the review process.
Provide Biometric Data: Visit a designated office to submit fingerprints and a photograph.
Receive Approval: Expect processing within a few months, culminating in the issuance of your residency permit.
Maintain Your Investment: Ensure your qualifying investment remains valid to keep your residency active.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get all your questions answered about Greece’s Golden Visa – from investments to benefits, we’ve got you covered!

What is the Greece Golden Visa Program?

The Greece Golden Visa Program is a residency by investment program allowing non-EU citizens to obtain residency through qualifying investments.

What are the qualifying investment options?

Applicants can invest in real estate, capital contributions to businesses, or government bonds, among other eligible options.

Is there a minimum investment amount?

Yes, the minimum investment starts at €250,000 for real estate purchases.

Can family members be included in the application?

Yes, the main applicant can include their spouse, dependent children, and parents.

How long does it take to process the application?

The application process typically takes 2-3 months after submission of all required documents.

Are there residency requirements to maintain the permit?

No physical presence is required, but the investment must be maintained.

Does the residency permit lead to citizenship?

After seven years of continuous residency, applicants can apply for Greek citizenship, provided they meet other requirements.

Is health insurance mandatory for applicants?

Yes, valid health insurance in Greece is required for the main applicant and dependents.

What is the validity of the residency permit?

The permit is valid for five years and is renewable as long as the investment is maintained.

Can I sell my property and still keep the residency?

No, selling the property will lead to the loss of residency unless another qualifying investment is made.

Contact us

Talk to one of our investment migration experts and begin your Greece application today.

The investor and their immediate family will benefit..

27 countries
Access to Schengen

Minimum investment of €250,000

Investor and immediate family all benefit

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Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and currency of the information, immigration and investment programs are subject to change. Applicants should consult with our professional consultants to confirm program requirements, eligibility, and associated costs before proceeding. We are not responsible for any discrepancies or errors in the provided information or for decisions made based on this content.