What Is the Greek Golden Visa?

The Greek Golden Visa is a residency by investment program that allows non-EU nationals to obtain a five-year renewable residence permit in Greece in exchange for a qualifying investment. Launched in 2013, it has become one of Europe's most popular and accessible investor residency programs, granting holders the right to live in Greece, travel freely across the entire Schengen Area, and include their immediate family members under the same permit.

Who Can Apply

Any non-EU national aged 18 or over can apply for the Greek Golden Visa provided they make a qualifying investment, hold a clean criminal record, and have valid health insurance. There is no language requirement, no integration exam, and no minimum time you must spend in Greece to keep the permit active. It is designed to be held flexibly from anywhere in the world.

Investment Thresholds in 2026

The program operates on a tiered investment structure based on location and property type. As of 2026 the thresholds are:

€800,000 for properties in high demand areas including the Athens metropolitan area, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and all Greek islands with a population over 3,100 residents.

€400,000 for properties across all other regions of Greece including most of Crete, the Peloponnese, smaller islands, and inland areas.

€250,000 for commercial properties being converted to residential use, and for listed historic buildings being fully restored. These lower threshold options remain available regardless of location.

A new €250,000 startup investment route was also introduced in 2025, allowing investors to qualify by investing in eligible Greek startups registered on the Elevate Greece platform rather than purchasing real estate.

All real estate investments must be in a single property of at least 120 square meters. Combining multiple smaller properties to meet the threshold is not permitted.

What the Golden Visa Gives You

The five-year residence permit grants you and your family the right to live in Greece, access public healthcare and education, and travel visa-free throughout all 29 Schengen countries. The permit covers your spouse, dependent children under 21, and the parents of both the investor and their spouse, meaning three generations can obtain Greek residency through a single investment.

There is no minimum stay requirement. You can renew your permit every five years from anywhere in the world as long as you maintain the qualifying investment.

Does It Lead to Citizenship

The Golden Visa grants residency, not citizenship. However, it does create a pathway to citizenship through naturalization for those who commit to living in Greece full time. To qualify, you must physically reside in Greece for at least 183 days per year over seven consecutive years, pass a Greek language exam at B1 level, and demonstrate integration into Greek society. It is a long and demanding route but it is legally available to Golden Visa holders who make Greece their primary home.

What It Does Not Give You

The Golden Visa does not grant the right to work as an employee in Greece. It does not automatically lead to citizenship. Short-term rentals of the qualifying property, including platforms like Airbnb, are prohibited and can result in cancellation of the permit and a €50,000 fine. Long-term rentals of at least six months are permitted.

Learn More and Get Started

If you are interested in the Greek Golden Visa, GetGreece can guide you through the process. Visit our Greek Golden Visa page to learn more about the program, explore investment options, and book a consultation with the GetGreece team to find out if the Golden Visa is the right pathway for your situation.