How to get a residence permit in Greece

What Is the Greek Golden Visa and How to get a residence permit in Greece?

The Golden Visa grants a 5‑year renewable residence visa to non‑EU nationals who invest in Greek real estate. In 2025, Greece introduced a three-tier investment structure, designed to balance tourism growth with housing stability.

Greece permanent residency by investment – Property Investment Tiers

• Zone C offers the lowest threshold but requires full conversion/restoration before applying.

• Airbnb-style short-term rentals are prohibited; violations may cause permit revocation and fines of up to €50,000.

✅ Eligibility & Application Steps

1. Choose Your Investment Tier – Zafido Hellas offers curated projects in all zones, including high-end builds, suburban homes, and renovation properties.

2. Reserve & Contract – Pay a 10% deposit (if before transitional deadlines), then finalize within legal timeframes.

3. Set Up Legal Framework – Engage a local lawyer to handle power of attorney, notary procedures, due diligence, and land registry registration.

4. Full Payment & Documentation – Complete payment, collect mortgage proof (if applicable), translation, crime record checks, health insurance, and other legal documentation Henley & Partners.

5. Visa Submission – Submit files to immigration authorities; in 2025, processing may take 2–6 months, sometimes up to 12 months.

6. Biometrics Visit – One short visit to Greece is required to submit fingerprints, finalize the “blue paper,” and thereafter collect the physical permit in-country.

Family & Lifestyle Benefits

• Includes family – Applicant can include spouse, children up to 24, and parents of both the holder and spouse.

• No residency requirement – You don’t need to live in Greece; travel freely in the Schengen area up to 90 days within any 180-day period .

• Work freely in Greece – Unlike other EU programs, Greek Golden Visa holders may take up work, start a business, or freelance.

• Access to public systems – Permit grants access to Greek education and healthcare.

Renewals & Citizenship Path

• Renewal every 5 years requires maintaining ownership of the qualifying investment.

• Path to citizenship – After 7 consecutive years of legal residence, meeting a 183-day annual stay, language requirements, and integration – you may apply for Greek citizenship.

Why Choose Zafido Hellas?

• Tailored property projects across Zones A–C: luxury villas, suburban homes, and unique conversion and restoration opportunities.

• Turnkey service: from site visits and legal counsel to full documentation, visa handling, and biometrics coordination.

• Local expertise: Located in Glyfáda, we know the market, pricing zones, and local authorities – streamlining timelines and compliance.

• Investor-focused: Our teams prioritize ROI, property management options, and long-term value.

Your Next Steps for Greece permanent residency by investment

1. Book a free consultation – Online or in-person, we’ll assess your preferences and guide you to the ideal zone and project.

2. Review investment options – Choose from off‑plan, completed, or conversion/historic properties tailored to your visa goals.

3. Legal & financial setup – Leveraging our network of trusted lawyers, translators, and banks.

4. Visa application support – We handle documents, submission, scheduling, and embassy coordination.

5. Post-purchase support – From renewals to tax advice and property management.

In Summary

The Greek Golden Visa through property investment offers a fast, flexible, and family-friendly road to residence—and eventually citizenship—in the EU. With investment thresholds from €250,000 to €800,000, exclusion of residency requirements, and growing tourism-driven markets, now is the time to invest strategically.
Zafido Hellas stands ready to guide you through every step, offering premium, compliance-ready properties and full-service processing to secure your European foothold.