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, having adopted the EU currency
- Greece is free from religious or regional political or economic risks.
- Greek culture, cuisine and climate make it an ideal location to invest in real estate.
- 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 a "Golden Visa" to Greece:
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.
- The Golden visa to Greece is initially issued for 5 years. After that, you will need to extend your residence permit, which can be done if:
The property remains fully owned by the applicant,
The relevant lease agreements/contracts remain in force and comply with the requirements.
How do I get a golden visa in Greece?
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.
Frequently asked about Greece Golden Visa
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.
Greece Golden Visa Investment Options Comparison
Updated 2025 requirements at a glance.
| 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.
Golden visa EU COMPARISON
EU/Greek Citizenship
The holder of a permanent residence permit has the right to apply for Greek citizenship, provided that he/she has resided in Greece for 7 consecutive years (180 days in each year).
A child who was born in Greece and is enrolled and attending the first year of school.
A child with one parent who has completed five consecutive years of continuous residence in Greece prior to the birth of the child.
A child or dependent whose parents have already acquired Greek citizenship.
Children living in Greece who have completed nine years of education (six years of primary school and three years of secondary school) or six years of secondary education.
Application Process
Proceed with a property purchase and PR application remotely with one visit to Greece required.
1. Select the property via online viewing with one of our expert consultants.
2. Sign a reservation agreement.
3. Appoint an independent Greek lawyer.
4. The lawyer will proceed with booking an appointment at the Greek Embassy where the applicant is currently located in order to sign the Power of Attorney.
5. Complete the payment.
6. Sign the sales and purchase agreement with a public notary.
7. The lawyer will register the property in the applicant’s name at the department of land registry.
8. Prepare the permanent residency application documents.
9. Submit at the Directorate of Foreign Citizens and Immigration of the Decentralized Administration, the relevant documentation and obtain the ‘blue paper’.
10. The ‘blue paper’ allows you to stay in Greece for a period of 12 months from the date of issue.
11. Upon obtaining the ‘blue paper’, the applicant must visit Greece in order to provide the public authorities with biometric identification.
12. Your application will be processed and will be issued within 2-4 months.
First visit to Greece
1. Our expert consultants will assess the applicant’s portfolio and recommend a selection of properties according to his requirements.
2. Select the desired property.
3. Sign a reservation agreement.
4. Sign a power of attorney to the appointed lawyer of your preference.
5. Open a bank account in Greece (optional but advisable).
First visit to Greece
1. Our expert consultants will assess the applicant’s portfolio and recommend a selection of properties according to his requirements.
2. Select the desired property.
3. Sign a reservation agreement.
4. Sign a power of attorney to the appointed lawyer of your preference.
5. Open a bank account in Greece (optional but advisable).
1. Upon obtaining the ‘blue paper’, the applicant must visit Greece in order to provide the public authorities with biometric identification (fingerprints).
2. Your application will be processed and will be issued within 2-4 month
Are you a non EU citizen and have questions on how to get the Golden Visa?
