Updated 15 August 2025
16 December 2024 • Real estate for the residence permit can now be paid for by bank transfer only • Source
24 May 2024 • Property ownership transfer declarations can now be submitted online • Source
22 March 2024 • Greece increased the real estate investment threshold for the Golden Visa • Source
Changes are monitored by Elena Garnitsarik Elena Garnitsarik

Greece Golden Visa

Investors obtain the Greece Golden Visa, a residence permit granted in exchange for investment, to preserve their capital and travel without a visa across the Schengen Area.

Greece Golden Visa

€250,000

Minimal investment

9 options

For investor

4+ months

Obtaining period

7 years

Path to citizenship

Greece has been granting residency by investment, or the so‑called Golden Visa, since 2014. The requirements for obtaining a residence permit are set out in Law No. 4251 of April 1st, 2014, and its subsequent amendments.

In 2024, the Greek government revised the real estate investment option by raising the minimum purchase amount to €800,000 in popular regions and to €400,000 in all other areas.

The option to buy property for €250,000 still exists, but the choice of properties is limited. Investors may purchase industrial projects to convert into residential use or buildings to renovate.

Residence permits in Greece are also granted to close relatives of the investor, including their spouse, children, and parents.

Applicants are not required to pass exams on the Greek language or history. It is also not obligatory to live in Greece to maintain residency status.

7 benefits of Greece Golden Visa

Visa‑free travel

Holders of a Greek residence permit, along with their families, are entitled to live in the country and travel freely across the Schengen Area, which includes 29 European countries.

Investment opportunities

A residence permit in Greece gives investors access to the Greek real estate market. Around 99% of investors rent out their properties long–term, earning additional income of up to 7% per annum.

Access to healthcare and education

Greek residents are entitled to use the national healthcare system and can receive treatment in public hospitals free of charge under state insurance. Their children may enrol in schools in Greece, including international schools.

No minimum stay requirements

Investors are not required to live in Greece to maintain their residence status. The right to reside in Greece is indefinite: the residence card can be renewed every five years, provided the original investment is retained.

Residence status for the whole family

Close relatives of the investor may also obtain residency. A spouse, children under 21, and parents can be included in the application.

Path to EU citizenship

It is allowed to apply for Greek citizenship after seven years of continuous residence in the country. Applicants must also pass a written exam on the Greek language, history, and culture.

Safe haven

A residence permit in Greece allows one to move to the country at any time. This opportunity may be valuable during times of political or economic instability in one’s home country.

Visa‑free travel to 29 European countries

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Czech Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Iceland

Italy

Latvia

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

View all

Requirements to apply for a Greece residency by investment

Over 18 years old
With legal income
No criminal record

Or a partner, provided that a cohabitation agreement is registered in Greece in the presence of a Greek notary

Under 21, unmarried, financially dependent

Financially dependent on the investor

Of any age

Investment options for obtaining the Greece Golden Visa

Option Real estate purchase — €250,000+
Details

The investor purchases one residential or commercial property.

The investment threshold depends on the property's location or category:

  • €800,000 — in Attica and Thessaloniki, on Mykonos, Santorini, and islands with a population of at least 3,100;
  • €400,000 — in other regions;
  • €250,000 — industrial properties for conversion into residential use or buildings for renovation.

The investor may also inherit the property or get it as a gift.

Additional costs

€25,000+
Associated costs and taxes related to the property purchase

€2,000+
Government fee for the residence permit application

€300+
Medical insurance

Option Investment in funds — €350,000+
Details

The capital is invested in units of open‑ended and alternative investment funds.

Open‑ended fund eligibility criteria:

  • invests in shares, corporate bonds, or Greek government bonds;
  • has assets of at least 10 million euros;
  • licensed by the competent authority in its country of registration.

Alternative investment fund qualifies if it:

  • is registered in Greece or another EU country;
  • has assets of at least 3 million euros;
  • is licensed by the competent authority in its country of registration.
Additional costs

€2,000+
Government fee for the residence permit application

€300+
Medical insurance

Option Real estate lease — €400,000+
Details

The lease of a furnished hotel or tourist residence at a resort is signed for a minimum term of 10 years.

The investor may also enter into a timeshare agreement for up to 60 years.

Additional costs

€2,000+
Government fee for the residence permit application

€300+
Medical insurance

Option Opening a deposit — €500,000+
Details

The investor opens a fixed‑term deposit in a Greek bank for one year with automatic renewal.

Additional costs

€2,000+
Government fee for the residence permit application

€300+
Medical insurance

Option Purchase of securities — €500,000+
Details

Investments are directed into the capital of local companies or Greek government bonds with a minimum maturity of three years.

The investor may also build a portfolio of exchange‑traded securities with a total value starting at €800,000.

Additional costs

€2,000+
Government fee for the residence permit application

€300+
Medical insurance

Schedule a meeting

Help with the choice

Passportivity experts will analyse your situation and offer the most suitable solution.

Real estate for obtaining Greece Golden Visa

Apartments with guaranteed income in Piraeus
Greece, Athens

€250,000+

Apartments with guaranteed income in Piraeus

46—95 m²
1—2
1—2
Stylish apartments in a vibrant district of Athens
Greece, Athens

€252,000+

Stylish apartments in a vibrant district of Athens

38—51 m²
1
1
Modern apartments in an Athens suburb
Greece, Athens

€265,000+

Modern apartments in an Athens suburb

48—72 m²
1
1—2

Key documents to apply for Greece residency by investment

  • Passport and a copy
  • 35 × 45 mm photograph
  • Golden Visa application form
  • Medical insurance
  • Proof of investment
  • Health certificate
  • Proof of income source
  • Marriage certificate, if applicable
  • Children’s birth certificates, if any
  • Receipt for government fee payment

How to obtain Golden Visa in Greece: step‑by‑step process

1.

Preliminary Due Diligence

Passportivity conducts a financial background check on the investor by reviewing documents and assessing potential risks. This step helps identify the likelihood of refusal and allows for the preparation of additional documents in advance.

The check is confidential, and the investor only needs to provide a passport copy.

2.

Choosing an investment option

The most popular option among investors is purchasing real estate for €250,000 or more. Alternatively, the applicant may invest in securities or open a bank deposit.

If the investor chooses real estate, Passportivity’s experts assist in selecting a property, which can be viewed remotely or in person during a trip to Greece.

3.

Document collection and preparation

The investor collects documents based on an individual checklist provided by lawyers and arranges medical insurance. The legal team prepares the documents for submission by translating and notarising the copies.

4.

Issuing a power of attorney

The investor grants a power of attorney to a lawyer in Greece, who will act on their behalf when purchasing property and submitting the residence permit application.

5.

Obtaining a tax number

The lawyer submits the application and documents to register a Greek tax number, which is required for transactions, including property purchases.

6.

Fulfilling the investment requirement

The investor transfers the funds according to the selected option: signing a sale and purchase agreement, buying securities, or opening a deposit in a Greek bank.

7.

Submitting the residence permit application

Lawyers submit the application online via the official website of the Greek migration authority. The investor receives a certificate that allows them to stay in the country while the application is being reviewed. The certificate is valid for one year.

8.

Providing biometric data

Lawyers schedule an appointment for the investor to provide biometrics. The applicant attends the appointment to have their photo taken and fingerprints collected.

9.

Receiving the residence permit cards 🔥

The application is processed within three months or more. After approval, the investor receives the Greek residence permit card by presenting their passport and returning the temporary residence certificate.

Why choose us

1

Reliable partner

Passportivity operates strictly within the framework of Law No. 4251 of April 1st, 2014, and its subsequent amendments.

2

Deep Expertise

11+ years in investment immigration and financial matters to solve the most complex client challenges.

3

Individual Approach

We develop step-by-step plans, taking into account client requirements, to achieve optimal results.

4

Support at every stage

From the first consultation and even after receiving the desired document, we provide legal support.

5

Additional services

Get a tax number, sign a rental agreement or apostille additional documents — we will fulfill any request.

6

Flexible communication and 24/7 availability

Meet us in person or online, whatever suits you best.

We respond to inquiries within two hours. Your case is handled by a dedicated lawyer who is always in touch.

From idea to residence permit with expert support

For over 10 years, we've been helping clients navigate the path to citizenship and residency. Our approach combines in-depth knowledge of international law with a practical understanding of local bureaucratic systems. Every case is handled with a bespoke strategy, refined to the last detail.

Personal meeting

Frequently asked questions

The minimum investment required to obtain the Greece Golden Visa is €250,000. Applicants should also consider additional expenses such as government application fees, legal and notary services, and property taxes, as they can significantly increase the total cost.

Yes, you can obtain a residence permit in Greece by purchasing real estate. The Greece Golden Visa program grants a five‑year residence permit to non‑EU nationals who invest at least €250,000 in Greek property

The permit is renewable every 5 years, provided the investment is maintained.

The Greece Golden Visa offers several advantages. It allows the holder to live in Greece and travel visa‑free within the Schengen Area. There are no minimum stay requirements to maintain the status, and the residence permit is renewed every five years as long as the investment is preserved.

The residence permit may also lead to Greek citizenship if the applicant meets the requirements.

Despite its benefits, the Greece Golden Visa has a few drawbacks. The main one is the significant upfront investment, which may not yield substantial returns due to the slow growth of the Greek real estate market.

Although the residence permit can eventually lead to permanent residency and citizenship, the process can be lengthy and bureaucratic.

The Greece Golden Visa program generally has a high approval rate, provided that applicants meet the investment requirements and submit all necessary documents.

In addition to the investment itself, applicants must pay various government fees. 

When purchasing property, additional expenses may apply, calculated as a percentage of the purchase price:

  • VAT for new properties — 24%, usually included in the price;
  • transfer tax for resale properties — 3.09%;
  • engineer’s technical report — 0.3%;
  • notary fees — 1.5%;
  • registration fees — 1—2%;
  • agency commission — 2.5—5%;

There are translation services for a property purchase as well, which normally cost at least €150.

Property owners pay an annual tax of up to €13 per square metre. Rental income is subject to progressive taxation ranging from 15 to 45%.

The residence permit is renewed every five years. To do so, the investor must prove the investment is still in place, for example by submitting ownership documents. Continuous residence in Greece is not required.

The renewal application should be submitted two months before the permit expires.

Golden Visa holders may apply for Greek citizenship after seven years of continuous residence in the country. It is not necessary to obtain permanent residency status. The applicant must not leave Greece for more than six consecutive months or a total of three years.

Applicants must pass exams to demonstrate knowledge of the Greek language, history, and culture.

An investor can include children up to and including 20 years old in the Golden Visa application. When a child turns 21, the residence permit is extended until the age of 24, regardless of how long it has already been valid.

Children over 24 can obtain residence permits on other grounds, such as studying. They may also apply for a Golden Visa in their own right, with parents allowed to sponsor and finance the investment.

The Greece Golden Visa can be obtained in as little as 4 months. In practice, the process typically takes 8—9 months. Timelines may vary depending on how quickly the property is selected and the workload of the municipality reviewing the application.

Passportivity lawyer Yulia Malloy

Contact us today

We will help you obtain Greece Golden Visa without unnecessary hassle. We minimize risks so you don't waste time and money.

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