What is a Golden Visa?
The Greek Golden Visa is Europe's most affordable residency-by-investment programme. With a minimum investment of €250,000, investors and their families gain permanent European residency, Schengen travel freedom, and a clear pathway to EU citizenship.
What are the requirements?
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Investment: Purchase real estate property in Greece, or invest in a Greek company.
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Proof of funds: Demonstrate the lawful origin of the investment funds.
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Clean criminal record: Provide a certificate from the country of origin, confirming the absence of a criminal record.
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Health insurance: Purchase health insurance covering Greece and the entire Schengen Area.
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Residency: There is no minimum stay requirement to keep your Golden Visa. You only need to maintain your qualifying investment.
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Renewal: Renew the visa every five years by maintaining the investment and meeting the other requirements
What are the benefits?
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Residency & Living:
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5-year renewable residence permit
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No minimum stay requirement
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Lifetime residency while investment held
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Family Inclusion:
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Spouse or registered partner
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Children under 21 years old
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Parents of main applicant + spouse
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Investment Returns:
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Guaranteed rental yields (3-4%)
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Athens prices 25-30% below 2007 peak
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Capital appreciation potential
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Education:
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Access to Greek public schools & universities
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International schools (UK, US, IB curricula)
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Easy access to European schools
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Healthcare:
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Access to Greek public healthcare (ESY)
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High-quality private hospitals
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Affordable private insurance (€70-150/yr)
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Travel Freedom:
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Visa-free access to 29 Schengen countries
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90 days per 180-day period in Schengen
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No visa delays or appointment hassles
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EU Citizenship:
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Citizenship eligible after 7 years
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Greek passport: 4th strongest globally
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Visa-free access to 187 countries
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Business Rights:
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Own a business in Greece
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Serve as company director
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Receive dividends from Greek companies
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Note: The benefits of the Golden Visa program may be subject to change and may vary depending on individual circumstances.
The Process
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KYC & Screening: Eligibility review to confirm qualification before any property commitment.
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Needs Analysis: Consultation on investment goals, timeline, budget, and specific requirements.
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Property Selection: Curated options from vetted developers with viewings and full due diligence.
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Transaction: Legal documentation, notary, payment processing, and visa application submission.
Investment Options for a Greek Golden Visa
Investment | Property Type | Location |
|---|---|---|
$250,000 | Commercial-to-residential conversions | All of Greece including Athens |
$400,000 | Standard residential (min 120m²) | Rest of Greece (except below areas) |
$800,000 | Standard residential (min 120m²) | Athens, Thessaloniki, islands with population >3,100 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Greece Golden Visa?
The Greece Golden Visa is a residency by investment program that grants non EU citizens a five year renewable residence permit in exchange for a qualifying real estate investment in Greece. GetGreece helps applicants understand eligibility, investment options, documentation requirements, and how the investment and immigration steps connect before beginning the process.
How much do I need to invest to get a Greek Golden Visa?
As of 2026, the minimum investment is €400,000 in most areas of Greece, while certain high demand regions require €800,000. There is also a €250,000 pathway available through the commercial to residential property conversion rule. Because investment eligibility depends on property type, location, and use classification, GetGreece helps clients evaluate which pathway fits their goals and qualifies under current regulations.
Do I have to live in Greece to keep the Golden Visa?
No. There is no minimum stay requirement to maintain Greece Golden Visa residency. Many GetGreece clients maintain residency status while continuing to live abroad, using the Golden Visa primarily for mobility, investment, or long term relocation planning.
Can my family members also get residency?
Yes. The Golden Visa extends to immediate family members including a spouse, children under 21, and in some cases dependent parents. Families typically apply together under one investment, and GetGreece regularly coordinates multi applicant submissions to ensure documentation is prepared correctly for each family member.
How long does it take to get the Golden Visa in Greece?
Processing times typically range from two to four months once the investment and documentation are completed. In practice, most of the timeline is spent preparing documents, completing the property transaction, and securing the required tax registrations before submission. GetGreece helps applicants sequence these steps correctly so the application process moves efficiently once biometrics are scheduled.
Does the Golden Visa lead to Greek citizenship?
Yes. After seven years of legal residence in Greece, Golden Visa holders may apply for Greek citizenship if they meet language and integration requirements. Many applicants are surprised to learn that holding residency alone is not enough without meeting physical presence and integration standards. GetGreece helps clients evaluate whether citizenship by descent or residency is the more realistic pathway.
Can I rent out the property I buy for the Golden Visa?
Yes. Golden Visa property owners are allowed to rent their property and generate income, subject to current Greek regulations. Short term rental rules, licensing requirements, and tax obligations can vary depending on the property and municipality. GetGreece helps investors understand these considerations before purchasing so the investment aligns with both residency and income goals.
Can I sell the property and keep the Golden Visa?
No. The qualifying investment must be maintained for the residence permit to remain valid. If the property is sold and the investment value drops below the required threshold, residency status may be revoked. Investors who wish to change properties typically secure a new qualifying investment before selling the original one to preserve residency continuity. GetGreece helps coordinate this transition with legal partners in Greece.
What is the €250,000 commercial to residential Golden Visa option in Greece?
Greece allows certain commercial properties to qualify for the Golden Visa when they are legally converted into residential use. This conversion pathway allows investors to obtain the Golden Visa with a minimum investment of €250,000 instead of the higher thresholds required for standard residential purchases. The property must meet zoning, permitting, and conversion requirements before it qualifies for the program. GetGreece helps investors identify pre vetted conversion properties and coordinate the legal and technical steps required to ensure the investment qualifies under Golden Visa regulations.
Is the Golden Visa valid for travel in Europe?
Yes. The Greece Golden Visa allows visa free travel within the Schengen Zone for up to ninety days within a one hundred eighty day period. This mobility benefit is one of the primary reasons investors pursue the Greek Golden Visa, particularly for families and business owners who travel frequently within Europe.
Can I work or start a business in Greece with a Golden Visa?
Golden Visa holders cannot work as employees in Greece, but they are allowed to own businesses, invest, and manage property. The program is designed as an investment residency solution rather than an employment permit. GetGreece helps clients understand how the Golden Visa fits into broader relocation, investment, and citizenship planning.
How does GetGreece help with the Golden Visa process?
GetGreece provides guidance throughout the Golden Visa journey, including document preparation, eligibility review, coordination with legal partners in Greece, and application support from abroad. We also provide access to pre vetted properties that meet Golden Visa investment criteria so clients can evaluate qualifying options before moving forward with a purchase. Because the Golden Visa involves property acquisition, tax registration, legal review, and immigration submission, GetGreece helps coordinate these moving parts so clients can move through the process with clarity and confidence.
Understanding the Greek Golden Visa Laws
Legal Basis
The Greek Golden Visa program was established under Law 4251/2014 and is administered by the Ministry of Migration & Asylum. It provides residency rights to non-EU nationals through real estate investment.
Investment Thresholds
While the base investment starts at €400,000, amendments introduced regional variations. Areas like central Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini now require a minimum of €800,000. As of 2026 there is also a route to the Golden Visa at €400,000 anywhere in Greece using the commerical to residential conversion clause.
Property Requirements
The investment must be in real estate that is legally cleared, properly documented, and registered under your name or a legal entity solely owned by you.
Renewal Conditions
The five-year residence permit is renewable indefinitely as long as you maintain ownership of the qualifying property and meet all legal obligations.
Government Processing
Applications are submitted to the local Decentralized Administration office. Legal representation is permitted, and biometric data must be submitted in person.
Glossary of Common Terms for the Greece Golden Visa
Residence Permit
A government-issued document that allows non-EU nationals to legally reside in Greece for a specific period.
Schengen Zone
A group of 27 European countries with no border controls between them. The Greece Golden Visa allows travel throughout this region.
Decentralized Administration
The regional government office responsible for processing residency applications and issuing residence permits.
Legal Title Deed
The official document that proves ownership of a property in Greece. It must be properly registered to qualify for the Golden Visa.
Notary Public
A licensed legal official in Greece who oversees property transactions, verifies contracts, and ensures that all procedures follow Greek law.
Beneficiary
A family member, such as a spouse, children, or dependent parents, who is eligible to receive residency under the main applicant’s Golden Visa.
Tax Identification Number (AFM)
A unique number required for any legal or financial activity in Greece, including purchasing property for the Golden Visa.
Renewal Period
The Greece Golden Visa is valid for five years and can be renewed indefinitely as long as the investment is maintained.
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