Invest €250,000 or more in Greece and become Permanent Resident
The Greece Golden Visa Program enables a non-EU citizen, including their dependents (up to age 24) and parents of both spouses to gain permanent residency status in Greece.
Permanent residency status means that the family has the right to live freely in Greece, or continue to live in their home country, and may use the permit when required. The permit holder and their family also have the right to access Greece’s public education and health care system.
Why Greece?
When you invest in the Greece Golden Visa program, you secure more than just a property—you gain a gateway to Europe. Where else can you enjoy sun-drenched islands, ancient history, and modern city life while building a future in the EU? From Athens’ urban energy to Santorini’s iconic cliffs, the Greece Golden Visa lets you call this Mediterranean paradise home. Greece’s booming tech and startup scene offers networking, remote work flexibility, and professional growth within the EU. Savor world-famous cuisine, embrace laid-back coastal living, and enjoy a work-life balance enriched by culture and natural beauty.
- Greece enjoys a stable democratic system and is a member of the EU.
- Greece is free from religious or regional political or economic risks.
- Greek culture and climate make it ideal to invest in real estate.
- Greek passport is one of the strongest in the world.
- Greece is an exceptionally safe country to live in.
- Greece has an exceptionally high standard of free education.
- Greece provides modern facilities and excellent health care.
- Explore Europe without visa restrictions.
Requirements for obtaining the Greece Golden Visa
- Have no criminal record
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a citizen of a non-EU/EEA country
Documents required
- Two copies of the application form
- 4 Recent color passport photos that meet the photo requirements for a Schengen visa
- Certified copy of all pages of a valid passport
- Certified confirmation of payment of processing fees for the relevant state duties.
- A notarized real estate purchase and sale agreement or investment-related documents that can be used as proof of investment completion.
GOLDEN VISA PROCESS
World’s 4th Most Powerful Passport Can Be Yours
CHOOSE THE PROPERTY
Determine the investment criteria and select a property to invest in.
LEGAL STEPS
Prepare a power of attorney (POA), obtain a Greek non - resident tax number and open a Greek bank account.
AQUIRE THE PROPERTY
Execute the "Legal Due Diligence" with a lawyer on your behalf.
START YOUR APPLICATION
Prepare the required documents regarding the Golden Visa application.
SUBMIT APPLICATION & BLUE PAPER
A temporary Greek resident certificate will be issued upon successful application.
VISIT GREECE
Submit all the biometric data to the relevent authorities in Greece.
GOLDEN VISA APPROVAL
Your Golden Visa will be approved and you will be issued a residence card.
GOLDEN VISA RENEWAL
Every 5 years you can apply to renew your Golden Visa residence card.
APPLY FOR CITIZENSHIP
Based on specific rules such as living in Greece for 7 years and paying taxes, you can apply for citizenship.
Step 1. Consult with the agency and choose your property.
At this initial stage, you should understand the investment criteria and choose a property that meets the minimum investment amount (250,000 euros or 500,000 euros, depending on the location
Step 2. Complete the legal procedures
Completing the legal procedures for obtaining a golden visa to Greece includes several key steps, each of which is crucial for the successful consideration of your application. First, you need to obtain a non-resident Greek tax number, which is a basic requirement for any financial transactions or investments in Greece. Next, it is very important to open a Greek bank account, as this indicates your commitment to investing and living in the country. In addition, you can issue a power of attorney granting another person the right to act on your behalf on specific legal or financial matters related to your application for a golden visa.
Step 3. Complete the purchase of the property
Completing the purchase of your chosen property in Greece is an important step towards obtaining a Golden Visa. To begin with, a lawyer will conduct a thorough legal examination of the property to ensure that it meets all legal requirements. As soon as everything is completed in a satisfactory manner, you will proceed to the conclusion of a promissory note purchase and sale agreement outlining the terms of the transaction. Finally, you will draw up a public deed officially transferring ownership of the property to you.
Step 4. Start the application process
To start the application process for a golden visa to Greece, all the necessary documents must be prepared. This includes collecting identification documents confirming the availability of investment funds, a valid passport, medical insurance, and any other necessary documents (listed above). Ensuring the completeness and order of all documents is crucial for a smooth application process.
Step 5. Send your details
Providing biometric data is a key requirement when applying for a Golden Visa to Greece. This stage includes providing your fingerprints and possibly other biometric information to the relevant Greek authorities. This data is used to verify your identity and process your application.
Step 6. Get approval for a Golden Visa to Greece
After completing the previous steps, your application for a golden visa will be reviewed and approved, leading to the issuance of a golden visa to Greece.
Greece Golden Visa Investment Options Comparison
Updated 2025 requirements.
| Criteria | Zone A (Premium) | Zone B (Standard) | Zone C (Conversion) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Investment | €800,000 | €400,000 | €250,000 |
| Property Type | Single residential (≥120m²) | Single residential (≥120m²) | Commercial→Residential conversion OR Historic renovation |
| Key Locations | • Attica regions • Mykonos/Santorini • Thessaloniki Center • Popular islands | All other areas | Anywhere in Greece |
| Best For | Luxury investors | Families/Remote workers | Developers/History enthusiasts |
ℹ️ Note: Zone A includes islands with >3,100 inhabitants. All investments qualify for the same 5-year renewable residency.
Eligible Property Type: Single qualifying 120 m² properties
Location Criteria: Northern, Southern & Central Attica; Central Thessaloniki; Mykonos; Santorini; and other Greek islands with more than 3,100 inhabitants
Included Islands:
- Rhodes
- Karpathos
- Kos
- Kalymnos
- Leros
- Patmos
- Ikaria
- Chios
- Syros
- Paros
- Naxos
- Milos
- Santorini
- Tinos
Eligible Property Type: Any single property larger than 120 m²
Location Criteria: Must be located outside Zone A areas
Eligible Property Types:
- 🧱 Properties that require restoration (listed buildings or conservation status)
- 🏢 Conversions from commercial to residential use
Location: Applies nationwide, including rural or lower-demand areas
Greece Golden Visa FAQs
How long does it take to get it?
Typically 2–6 months after submitting a complete application, assuming no legal complications.
Can I work with Golden Visa?
Yes! Unlike some EU visas, the Greek Golden Visa allows you to work, freelance, or start a business in Greece.
Can my spouse and children apply with me?
Yes! Your spouse, under-21 children, and dependent parents can be included in your application.
Do I have to buy a house in order to apply for the Golden Visa?
Yes, but alternatives exist:
Minimum €250K in real estate (residential/commercial)
€400K+ in shares of Greek companies or bank deposits (rarely used)
Do I have to stay in Greece for a certain period of time if I am an investor?
No strict requirement, but you must visit at least once every 7 years to renew the visa. No minimum annual stay.
Is it possible to make the investment through a company?
Yes, but the company must be EU-based and you must be the majority owner. Complex cases need legal advice.
Are you a non EU citizen and have questions on how to get the Golden Visa?
