Overview
The Greece Golden Visa program offers non-EU citizens the chance to obtain residency through a real estate investment of at least €250,000. Investors and their families receive a renewable five-year residence permit, allowing them to live, work, and travel freely within the EU.
The program provides a pathway to Greek citizenship after seven years, with benefits including family inclusion, access to Greece’s high quality of life, and the potential for real estate returns. It’s one of the most affordable and attractive residency-by-investment options in Europe. This program has become a popular choice for investors seeking a gateway to Europe, offering a flexible and cost-effective route to residency and potential future citizenship.
The Greece Golden Visa program is an attractive and straightforward option for non-EU nationals seeking residency in Europe. It provides a secure investment in one of the most desirable locations, offering access to the broader European Union, long-term residency, and the possibility of eventual citizenship. With a relatively low investment threshold, family inclusion, and the potential for significant returns on real estate, it continues to be one of the most popular residency-by-investment programs in Europe.
Key Benefits
The Greece Golden Visa allows you to live and study in Greece for 5 years, with renewal upon maintaining the investment. It also provides visa-free travel within the 28 Schengen countries.
Greece residence permit holders gain access to public healthcare and education, enjoy preferential tax rates, and can open accounts in Greek banks for all banking services.
Investing a minimum of €250,000 in Greek real estate grants a five-year residency permit, renewable with continued investment. The application process is streamlined, with approval typically taking around six months. High-demand areas such as Athens and Crete also offer strong potential for property appreciation.
After 7 years of residency in Greece, you become eligible to apply for Greek citizenship, unlocking the benefits of full EU membership.
Your spouse, children, and parents can be included in the residency application, ensuring the whole family benefits from the opportunity.
GOLDEN VISA
Greece’s Residency by Investment Program, widely known as the Greece Golden Visa, is one of the most attractive and straightforward residency schemes in Europe for non-EU citizens seeking long-term access to the Schengen Area. Launched in 2013, the program grants a 5-year renewable residence permit to individuals who make a qualifying investment in Greece, most commonly through real estate acquisition. The property can be residential or commercial, and the investor may purchase one or multiple properties to meet the threshold. Additionally, investors can also qualify by signing long-term leases (at least 10 years) in hotel accommodations or tourist facilities.
One of the key benefits of the Greek Golden Visa is that it does not require physical residence in Greece to maintain residency status, making it ideal for global investors looking for flexibility. The residence permit also allows for visa-free travel across all 27 Schengen countries, and the investor can include their spouse, children under 21, and in some cases, parents of both spouses under the same application. The Golden Visa is valid for 5 years and is renewable indefinitely as long as the investment is retained. However, to apply for Greek citizenship, the applicant must physically reside in Greece for at least 7 years, prove integration into Greek society, and pass language and history tests.
With its rich cultural heritage, sunny Mediterranean climate, growing real estate market, and strategic location in Europe, Greece offers not just a lifestyle benefit but a valuable European foothold through this program. The Greece Golden Visa remains popular due to its relatively low investment threshold (compared to other EU countries), ease of process, and long-term potential for permanent residency and citizenship.
Eligibility Criteria
Greece’s Residency by Investment Program, widely recognized as the Golden Visa, offers an inclusive approach that extends residency benefits to the investor’s immediate family. Qualifying dependents include the investor’s spouse, unmarried children under the age of 21, and the parents of either the main applicant or their spouse—provided they are financially dependent. This structure allows families to relocate together under one streamlined application, enhancing the program’s appeal for those seeking a collective move to Europe.
To qualify, the primary applicant must make a minimum investment of €250,000 in Greek real estate, which can include residential or commercial property. The investor must also meet basic eligibility criteria, such as being over 18 years old, holding a valid passport, entering Greece legally, and maintaining a clean criminal record. The inclusion of dependent family members does not require additional financial investment beyond the real estate threshold, making this one of the most cost-effective family-focused residency programs in the EU.
This family-oriented framework, combined with Greece’s favorable climate, high quality of life, and visa-free access to the Schengen Area, positions the Greek Golden Visa as a highly attractive solution for global investors pursuing European residency with long-term family security in mind.
Documentation
Valid Passport
Must be recognized by Greece with at least 2 blank pages.
Investment Proof
Ex. purchase agreement, title deed, or bank statements (minimum €250,000 in real estate).
Health Insurance
Valid coverage in Greece for all applicants.
Proof of Financial Means
Income statements, bank details, or asset proof.
Supporting Documents
May include business license, marriage/birth certificates (if applicable).
Application Form
Duly filled out Golden Visa application form.
Passport Photos
Recent photographs as per specifications.
Fees
Payment of applicable visa and government charges.
Advantages of the Residency by Investment Programme
Affordable Entry & EU Mobility
With a €250,000 minimum real estate investment, investors receive a five-year renewable residence permit and visa-free travel across 29 Schengen countries.
Family Inclusion
The program extends residency to spouses, dependent children under 21, and even parents, making it a strong option for full family relocation or support.
Flexible Residency Requirements
There’s no obligation to reside in Greece full-time—ideal for global investors seeking flexibility while holding EU residency rights.
Pathway to Citizenship
After 7 years of legal residency and meeting integration criteria, investors and their families can apply for Greek citizenship, unlocking full EU rights and a Greek passport.
FAQ
- First, 18 years old or above
- Next, have no criminal record
- Also, be of good character
- Lastly, free of contagious illnesses
- Firstly, a minimum 18 years old
- Additionally, have a clean criminal record
- Then, be of good character
- Finally, free of contagious illnesses
- Of investor or spouse
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