GOLDEN VISA
What is the Greece Golden Visa?
The Greece Golden Visa program grants residency permits to individuals who invest a minimum of €250,000 in Greek real estate or make an equivalent investment in other eligible categories.
This residency permit allows you and your family to live in Greece and travel freely within the Schengen Area.
Investment Options
Real Estate:
The most popular option is investing at least 250,000€ in Greek real estate.
This can be a residential or commercial property.
* If you are converting a commercial property to residential, the minimum investment is €250,000.
* In certain areas, like less densely populated cities and islands, the minimum investment for a property of at least
120 sq.m. is 400,000€.
* For properties in Athens, Thessaloniki, and islands with over 3,100 inhabitants, the minimum investment is 800,000€.
Other Investments
Besides real estate, you can also invest in:
* Government bonds (500,000€)
* Investment funds (350,000€)
* Bank deposits (500,000€)
* Business investment (250,000€)
The minimum investment amount for applicants stays at 250,000 euros for a Special Investment Category, including all locations or sizes of property:
Industrial and Commercial assets which are converted to Residential Use.
*The investment must be on a single property.
*The conversion from Commercial to Residential use must be completed before the Golden Visa application.
*The property must not have been operated as an industrial building in the last five (5) years.
*Restoration of listed buildings (buildings with historic interest under special protection)
*Inludes a single property (building) that will be fully restored/ reconstructed by the Investor.
The full restoration is a prerequisite for the first renewal of the golden visa after five (5) years.
The minimum investment amount for applicants has been raised to 800,000 euros for main regions:
for the whole region of Attica (Athens), Thessaloniki & Central Macedonia region, Mykonos, Santorini, south Aegean region, all islands of over 3.100 inhabitants (Crete, Euvoia, Rhodes, Corfu, Lesbos, Chios, Zakynthos, Salamina, Kos, Kefalonia, Samos, Lefkada, Syros, Naxos, Kalymnos, Lemos, Paros, Thassos, Aegina, Tinos, Ikaria, Andros, Leros, Karpathos, Skiathos, Milos, Skopelos, Spetses, Kythera, Patmos, Poros, Alonissos).
The minimum investment amount for applicants has been raised to 400,000 euros for:
the rest country not mentioned in 800,000 euros Investment Zone, such as small Islands less than 3.100 citizens or other places in the countryside.
Specific Requirements for Golden Visa
There are rules and certain restrictions regarding the acquisition of a property as an investments in Greece, such as:
The property purchased must be used as the investor’s personal residence.
Only long term tenancy agreements are allowed.
Short term rentals are not allowed (such as AirBnb).
The property cannot be used as company’s headquarters/ branch.
If an applicant has acquired the property through a legal entity, he must own 100% of the company shares.
In case of joint ownership, the residence permit is only granted if the owners are spouses with undivided ownership of the property.
The investment must be on a singe property and with minimum square meters 120m² (except for €250,000 Investment Zone)
An applicant must buy only one property that covers the entire amount required (eg €800,000). He cannot buy many properties adding the total value for the required sum (eg €800,000).
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Greece Golden Visa, you must:
* Be a non-EU/EEA citizen
* Be at least 18 years old
* Have a clean criminal record
* Have a valid passport
* Meet the minimum investment requirement
* Have health insurance coverage in Greece
Benefits of the Greece Golden Visa
*Residency in Greece:
You and your family can live in Greece.
*Travel within Schengen Area:
You can travel freely within the Schengen Area without needing a separate visa.
*Family reunification:
Your spouse and dependent children can be included in the application.
*No minimum stay requirement:
You are not required to live in Greece for a specific amount of time.
*Pathway to citizenship:
After 7 years of continuous residency, you may be eligible to apply for Greek citizenship.
Application Process
1. Choose your investment:
Decide on the investment option that suits you best.
2. Gather your documents:
Collect all the necessary documents, including your passport, proof of investment, and health insurance.
3. Hire a lawyer:
It is highly recommended to hire a lawyer to assist you with the application process.
4. Apply for the visa:
Submit your application to the Greek authorities.
5. Visit Greece:
You may need to visit Greece for biometric data collection.
6. Receive your Golden Visa:
Once your application is approved, you will receive your Golden Visa.
Important Considerations
*Tax implications:
Be aware of the tax implications of investing in Greece.
*Legal advice:
Seek legal advice from a qualified professional to ensure you understand all the requirements and implications of the program.
*Processing time:
The processing time for the Golden Visa can vary, so be prepared to wait.
Tips for a Smooth Application
*Start early:
Begin the process well in advance to allow time for document gathering and processing.
*Be organized:
Keep all your documents organized and easily accessible.
*Seek professional help:
Consider hiring a lawyer or consultant to guide you through the process.
*Remember:
The information provided here is a general overview. It is crucial to consult with a qualified professional for the most up-to-date and accurate information on the Greece Golden Visa program in 2025.
Where to Find More Information
*Official website:
The official website of the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum is the best source for the latest information on the Golden Visa program
*Embassies and consulates:
Greek embassies and consulates in your country can provide information and assistance with the application process.
*Lawyers and consultants:
Immigration lawyers and consultants specializing in the Golden Visa program can offer professional guidance.
By following this guide and staying informed about the latest requirements, you can successfully navigate the Greece Golden Visa process in 2025 and achieve your goal of residency in Greece.
