Facts About Eligibility for the Greek Golden Visa

Eligibility for the Greek Golden Visa is determined by a combination of nationality, investment structure, and legal compliance under Greek immigration law. While the program is often marketed as broadly accessible, not every applicant or investment qualifies automatically. Rules around applicant status, family inclusion, property ownership, and documentation play a decisive role in approval. The facts below explain who is eligible for the Greek Golden Visa and what conditions must be met before an application can proceed.

Applicant Eligibility Facts

• Only non-EU and non-EEA nationals are eligible to apply for the Greek Golden Visa.

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of submission.

• A clean criminal record is required from the applicant’s country of residence and country of nationality.

• Applicants must be legally present in Greece or enter Greece lawfully when submitting biometric data.

• Eligibility is assessed individually, even when family members are included in the application.

Investment Eligibility Facts

• Applicants must complete a qualifying investment that meets the minimum threshold set by Greek law.

• The investment must be made using funds that can be legally documented and traced.

• Full payment of the qualifying investment is required before residence permits are issued.

• Financing or mortgage arrangements are permitted only if the applicant’s own funds meet the minimum investment amount.

• Partial ownership structures are allowed only when the applicant independently satisfies the full threshold.

Property Based Eligibility Facts

• Residential property purchases must meet the applicable €400,000 or €800,000 minimum, depending on location.

• The qualifying property must be at least 120 square meters for residential purchases under the higher tiers.

• Only one property may be used to satisfy the minimum investment requirement under the residential categories.

• Properties acquired through inheritance, donation, or gift do not qualify.

• The property must be fully registered, legally compliant, and free of zoning or title irregularities.

Alternative Investment Eligibility Facts

• Commercial-to-residential conversion projects may qualify under the €250,000 threshold regardless of location.

• Listed or preserved buildings undergoing restoration may also qualify under the €250,000 category.

• These alternative investments must result in a legally registered residential unit.

• Documentation proving the conversion or restoration is required as part of eligibility review.

• Not all renovation projects qualify, even if the investment value exceeds the minimum amount.

Family Member Eligibility Facts

• Spouses or registered partners of the main applicant are eligible for inclusion.

• Children under the age of 21 qualify automatically as dependents.

• Dependent children may retain eligibility until age 24 if enrolled in education.

• Parents of both the applicant and spouse are eligible under current rules.

• Family members are not required to make separate investments.

Financial and Insurance Eligibility Facts

• Applicants must demonstrate valid health insurance coverage recognized in Greece.

• Insurance must cover healthcare expenses during the residence permit period.

• Proof of financial stability is required to show the applicant can support themselves and dependents.

• Ongoing ownership of the qualifying investment is required to maintain eligibility.

• Failure to meet financial or insurance requirements can result in application denial or non-renewal.

Compliance and Legal Eligibility Facts

• All application documents must be officially translated into Greek.

• Apostille certification may be required for foreign-issued documents.

• False declarations or incomplete filings can result in rejection or revocation.

• Eligibility is reassessed at each renewal stage.

• Changes in ownership, family status, or legal standing can affect continued eligibility.

Key Takeaways

• Eligibility is limited to non-EU nationals who meet strict legal and financial criteria.

• Investment type, structure, and documentation directly impact approval.

• Family members qualify through the main applicant without separate investments.

• Property eligibility rules are highly specific and location-dependent.

• Ongoing compliance is required to maintain Golden Visa status.