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Greece Golden Visa: Your Complete Guide in 2026

Published date:
January 3, 2026
Radica Maneva
Written by:
Radica Maneva
Reviewed by:
Inês Cabral Almeida
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If you’re looking for EU residency via investment, Greece remains one of the most straightforward paths. The program grants a renewable 5-year residence permit to non-EU investors and their families, with visa-free Schengen travel and no minimum stay requirement to maintain the permit, so you can keep the card active even if you’re not living in Greece full-time.

Later, if you do make Greece your home, there’s a separate, longer track to citizenship (think seven years of real residence with language/integration requirements).

Where things changed recently is the investment landscape. In 2025–2026, Greece moved to tiered minimums by location and added stricter use rules for qualifying properties.

The headline: prime areas now require significantly more capital than before, while a few targeted €250k exceptions survive for urban-renewal projects.

What you'll discover in this guide:

What's New: Recent Major Changes to the Greece Golden Visa

  1. 23 Dec 2022 Law 5007/2022: Introduced the designated-area increase to €500k (parts of Athens, Vari–Voula–Vouliagmeni, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini). Transitional rule allowed 10% deposit by 31 Jul 2023 and completion by 31 Dec 2023 to keep the old €250k in those areas.
  2. 5 Apr 2024 Law 5100/2024: Overhauled the program with tiered minimums (€800k in Attica/Thessaloniki/Mykonos/Santorini/islands >3,100 pop.; €400k elsewhere), single-property rule, 120 m² minimum (standard routes), plus short-term rental & subletting bans and no HQ/branch use (with fines and potential permit revocation). A law entered into force uponLaw entered into force on publication.
  3. Transition window
    Lock-in by 31 Aug 2024 with a 10% deposit (or other qualifying proof) →
    Complete by 31 Dec 2024 under the pre-change terms;
    If that fails, complete it on a different property by 30 Apr 2025 under the old terms (conditions apply).
  4. From 1 Sep 2024: New transactions that didn’t lock in by 31 Aug 2024 must follow the new regime (tiers, 120 m², single-property, use bans).

Key Takeaways

€250k–€800k+Minimums by route
~3–12+ monthsTypical timeline (office-dependent)
5 yrs + 5 yrsCard & renewals
No min. stayTo maintain permit
Tiered real-estate minimums

€800k in Attica/Thessaloniki/Mykonos/Santorini and islands >3,100 population; €400k elsewhere; €250k for certain conversions or listed restorations.

Single property & 120 m² rule

Standard real-estate routes require one qualifying property of at least 120 m² (no combining smaller units).

Use restrictions apply

Golden Visa properties cannot be used for short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnb). Other usage restrictions may apply depending on the investment route.

Family coverage

Spouse or registered partner, children under 21 (up to 24 if dependent or studying), and parents of either spouse can be included under co-terminous permits.

Non-real-estate options exist

Bank deposit €500k, government or corporate bonds €500k–€800k, UCITS/AIF €350k, or a €250k startup investment via eligible companies listed on the Elevate Greece registry.

No stay to renew; citizenship is different

Maintaining the qualifying investment is sufficient for renewals; for citizenship, plan around 7 years of genuine physical residence plus language and integration requirements.

Filing strategy matters

Timelines vary by office; choosing regional offices and booking biometrics early can reduce delays.

Budget the full cost

Expect +8–12% on top of the property price for transfer tax or VAT, notary, registry, legal fees, insurance, and ongoing ENFIA.

23 Dec 2022 Law 5007/2022 (designated areas to €500k; initial transition rules)
5 Apr 2024 Law 5100/2024 published (tiers, 120 m², single property, STR ban)
31 Aug 2024 Lock-in deadline: 10% deposit (to keep pre-change terms)
1 Sep 2024 New regime applies to new transactions
31 Dec 2024 Deadline to complete under old terms (if locked in)
30 Apr 2025 Alternate completion deadline under transitional rules

What is the Greece Golden Visa?

The Greek Golden Visa program is a residency-by-investment program that grants non-EU/EEA nationals (and their families) a renewable 5-year residence permit in exchange for a qualifying investment.

You can live in Greece and enjoy short-stay Schengen travel (90/180), and there’s no minimum stay to keep the permit active—you simply maintain the qualifying investment.

Real estate has been the most common route, but non-real-estate options (e.g., bank deposits, bonds, and funds) exist for foreign investors who prefer financial instruments.

  • Caution — Residency ≠ CitizenshipThe Golden Visa keeps your residency active without a stay requirement, but citizenship is a separate track that typically requires about 7 years of continuous physical presence plus language/integration steps. (source ↗).

What are the Benefits of the Greece Golden Visa?

assos village greece cephalonia
Assos Village, Cephalonia

Greece’s Golden Visa is designed for people who want an EU base without uprooting their life on day one. You make a qualifying investment, receive a renewable 5-year residence card, and you can add close family under the same umbrella.

It’s practical, it’s flexible, and, importantly, it keeps your options open if you later decide to live in Greece full-time and build toward long-term status.

Schengen mobility (short stays)

Visa-free travel across the Schengen Area for up to 90/180 days—handy for business and quick leisure hops.

Bring three generations

Cover spouse/partner, children (to 21—up to 24 if students), and parents of both spouses—no dependency proof for parents; co-terminous permits.

No minimum stay to keep it

Maintain and renew without living in Greece—true “back-pocket” residency while the qualifying investment is held.

Long-term certainty

Renewable 5-year residence. Keep the investment and keep renewing; sustained residence later creates a lawful path to citizenship.

Flexible investment menu (not just property)

Beyond real estate: bank term deposit, government bonds, UCITS/AIF funds, and corporate securities—ideal if you prefer financial instruments.

Lower entry via special projects

€250k bracket for commercial-to-residential conversions and listed-building restorations—more affordable on-ramp (with specific conditions).

Remote-friendly process

Most steps handled by a Greek lawyer via PoA; typically only biometrics require in-person attendance.

Access to services if/when you relocate

Live in Greece and you can use public healthcare and education on local terms—plus widely available international schools.

Quality-of-life upside

Mediterranean lifestyle, climate, and generally lower costs than much of Western Europe—great for full- or part-time residents.

Think of the Golden Visa as a flexible residency tool: use it for mobility and family planning today, and, if you later move to Greece, treat it as the on-ramp to deeper rights.

Just remember the golden rule: maintain a qualifying investment and follow the program’s use restrictions. Citizenship is possible down the line, but it’s a separate path that requires real residence and integration; we’ll spell that out in the next section.

Your taxes filed. Your investments organized.

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Eligibility Criteria for the Greece Golden Visa Program in 2026

To qualify for Greece’s Golden Visa, you need to meet a clear set of requirements.

The program is open to investors outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland, and it’s designed with both the main applicant and close family in mind.

Main Applicant Requirements

  • Must be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national
  • At least 18 years old
  • Have a clean criminal record in Greece and your home country
  • Proof of lawful funds (bank statements, AML compliance letter)
  • A valid passport recognised for Schengen entry
  • Private health insurance that covers medical care in Greece

Family Members You Can Include

One of the strongest aspects of Greece’s Golden Visa is the generous family scope. Alongside the main applicant, you can include:

  • Spouse or registered partner
  • Children under 21
  • Children aged 21–24, provided they are full-time students and financially dependent
  • Parents of either spouse, without needing to prove dependency

Avoid Common Proofreading Mistakes

Errors in paperwork often cause delays in applications, not the investment itself. Watch out for:

  • Documents missing apostilles or official stamps
  • Name mismatches between passports and supporting documents
  • Expired police certificates (they must be less than 3 months old at filing)
  • Insurance that doesn’t clearly state coverage in Greece/Schengen
  • Overlooking marriage/birth certificates for dependents

Don’t Miss the Documents Section

Want to be certain you’ve got everything lined up? Check our “Required Documents” section below for a full breakdown of what you’ll need to submit.

Greece Golden Visa Investment Routes

Greece’s Golden Visa program offers several qualifying investment pathways. Real estate remains the most popular, but financial and alternative routes are also available.

The rules changed significantly recently, with new tiers, restrictions, and exceptions.

Route Minimum investment Where / scope Rules Use limits Notes
Tier 1 Real Estate €800,000 Attica (all of Athens), Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, islands with >3,100 residents Single property, ≥120 m² No short-term rentals (STR/Airbnb); cannot use as company HQ Premium zones, strictest rules
Tier 2 Real Estate €400,000 All other regions of Greece Single property, ≥120 m² No short-term rentals More affordable regions; still limited to one property
Special Real Estate Projects €250,000 Nationwide (specific cases) Commercial→residential conversions, or restoration of listed buildings Must complete before application; no STR; conversions not as HQ Only exception to higher thresholds
Bank Deposit €500,000 Greek bank, fixed-term Minimum one year; must be renewed N/A Funds must remain deposited throughout residency
Government Bonds €500,000 Greek government bonds ≥3 years’ maturity remaining N/A Must be held via Greek custodian bank
Shares / Corporate Bonds €800,000 Greek companies (regulated markets/MTF) Listed shares or bonds N/A Higher threshold reflects risk category
UCITS / AIF Funds €350,000 Greek assets or real-estate focused funds Must be Greek-regulated N/A Lower entry vs direct shares/bonds
Startup / Innovation Route €250,000 Greek startups (announced, awaiting implementation) €250,000 startup investment N/A Flagged as proposed – not yet live

Key Footnotes

  • Single-property rule: You must meet the minimum with one qualifying property, not multiple smaller ones.
  • 120 m² minimum: Applies to Tier-1 and Tier-2 purchases (but not to conversion/restoration projects).
  • Unencumbered threshold: The qualifying investment amount must be free of any mortgage.
  • Conversion timing: For €250k projects, the conversion or restoration must be fully complete before you apply.

Need help choosing your Golden Visa route?

Real estate, funds, or alternative pathways — the rules can be complex. Take our quick 5-question guide and find out which investment route suits your goals best.

Find My Best Investment Route

Based on Greece’s 2025 rules • Free personalised guidance

Use Restrictions & Fine Print

Owning a property in Greece under the Golden Visa is not an unrestricted option. There are rules attached to how you use and finance it:

  • No Airbnb or subletting: Properties bought for the Golden Visa cannot be rented on short-term platforms (Airbnb, Booking.com, etc.). Breaching this can lead to fines and even cancellation of your permit.
  • Not for company HQs: If you buy through your business, the property can’t be registered as a company headquarters or branch office.
  • Mortgage rules: You can use a loan for part of the property price, but the minimum qualifying investment (€400k/€800k, or €250k in special cases) must be paid in full, in cash. Only the amounts above can be financed.
  • Selling or switching properties: You’re allowed to sell, but you must always own a qualifying property (or another eligible investment) to keep and renew your permit.

Myth vs Fact (reader-friendly)

Myth Fact
“The €250k minimum still applies everywhere.” No — €250k is now limited to conversions and listed-building restorations. Standard routes are €400k or €800k.
“I can buy two small flats to reach €400k.” Not anymore. You must meet the threshold with one property of at least 120 m².
“I can cover the full purchase with a mortgage.” Wrong — the qualifying threshold must be your own cash; loans only cover the excess.
“I can Airbnb my Golden Visa apartment.” Prohibited. Short-term rentals are banned for qualifying properties.

The Application Journey: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough

While the concept of the Golden Visa is simple, the application process involves multiple legal and administrative stages.

With proper planning and professional guidance, you can complete most of the process remotely, with only one in-person visit required for biometrics.

Step 1: Initial Consultation & Choosing Your Investment

Define your objectives and select the most suitable investment pathway. Given the significant financial commitment and the complexity of recent rule changes, it’s highly recommended to consult both an independent immigration lawyer and a financial advisor before committing funds.

Step 2: Engage Legal Counsel & Grant Power of Attorney (POA)

A licensed lawyer can handle nearly the entire process under a Power of Attorney (POA). This document can be signed at a Greek consulate abroad or before a notary in Greece.

With it, your lawyer can open bank accounts, sign contracts, and file applications on your behalf, so it’s crucial to understand the scope before signing.

Step 3: Preliminary Steps in Greece (Handled via POA)

Your lawyer completes the preparatory actions:

  • Obtain a Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM): mandatory for any financial transaction.
  • Open a Greek bank account: you must transfer your investment funds and pay taxes and fees.

Banks apply strict due diligence (KYC) checks here, so documentation must be thorough.

Step 4: Execute the Investment

Due diligence is carried out on your chosen investment. For real estate, this means verifying the title deed and legal status of the property; for financial instruments, it means validating the legitimacy of the fund or security.

After this, your lawyer finalises the purchase or subscription, and the alternative investment fund are transferred to Greece. Proof that money originated abroad is a strict requirement.

Step 5: Gather and Submit Application Documents

A complete dossier must be prepared for you and your family. This typically includes:

  • Completed application form
  • Certified copy of valid passport
  • Four recent passport-sized photos
  • Proof of completed investment (e.g., notarised purchase agreement)
  • Proof of funds and their legal origin
  • Clean criminal record certificate
  • Valid health insurance covers Greece.
  • Family status documents (marriage, birth certificates)

All foreign documents must be certified (Apostille/legalisation) and officially translated into Greek. Your lawyer then files the application online.

Step 6: Receive Temporary Permit (“Blue Paper”)

Once the application is submitted, you receive a receipt, traditionally a “blue paper”, now often a digital PDF, that functions as a temporary residence permit.

It allows you to remain legally in Greece while your file is processed, but it does not provide Schengen travel rights.

Step 7: The Biometrics Appointment

This is the only mandatory in-person step for you and your family. At the immigration office, fingerprints, photos, and signature samples are taken. These steps must usually be completed within six months of submitting your application.

Step 8: Receive Your 5-Year Residence Permit

After biometrics and final approval, the residence cards are issued. Legally, the issuance of residence cards should occur within two months; however, delays may happen.

Your lawyer can collect the cards on your behalf and courier them to you abroad. Each card is valid for five years and can be renewed if the qualifying investment is maintained.

Greece Golden Visa Application Timeline

The Greece Golden Visa process is structured but varies in speed depending on how quickly you prepare documents, how long bank KYC checks take, and the backlog at the immigration office where you file.

In practice, most applicants can complete the process in 3–6 months, but delays of up to 9–12 months are possible in busy regions like Athens.

The journey breaks down into eight clear steps, starting with your investment choice and ending with your five-year residence card. Your lawyer can handle the remaining steps under a Power of Attorney (POA), with only one mandatory in-person visit for biometrics.

Step 1 (1–2 weeks)

Initial consultation & choose your investment route.

Step 2 (1 week)

Engage a lawyer and sign Power of Attorney (POA).

Step 3 (2–4 weeks)

Obtain Greek Tax ID (AFM) and open a local bank account.

Step 4 (2–6 weeks)

Execute the investment: sign contracts, transfer funds, register purchase.

Step 5 (2–4 weeks)

Compile dossier: passports, police records, proof of funds, family docs.

Step 6 (Same day)

Application filed online → receipt issued as temporary permit.

Step 7 (1–6 months)

Biometrics appointment for applicant & family at immigration office.

Step 8 (2–4 months)

5-year residence cards issued; renewable if investment maintained.

At a glance

  • Fastest possible path: ~3 months (documents ready, smooth banking, low-backlog office).
  • Average journey: 5–7 months for most investors.
  • Long delays: Up to 12 months if banking or biometrics are slow.

Greece Golden Visa Required Documents

Below is a clean, stage-by-stage pack you can follow. Keep originals plus clear scans. Where noted, documents must be apostilled(legalised) and translated into Greek by an approved translator.

Investment documents (by route)

Real estate

  • Notarial purchase deed (final contract) + certified copy
  • Land Registry / Cadastre certificate (ownership registration)
  • Proof of funds from abroad (bank SWIFT/MT103, transfer slips)
  • Seller payment receipts (full consideration received)
  • Property tax receipts (transfer tax or VAT payment proof)
  • Notary & registry fee receipts
  • Technical/title due diligence summary (encumbrances, planning, sqm confirmation)

Financial routes (deposit/bonds/funds/shares)

  • Subscription/purchase agreement (signed)
  • Custodian/bank confirmation of holdings (on letterhead)
  • Trade confirmations / settlement notes (ISINs where applicable)
  • Portfolio/position statement (showing the qualifying minimum)
  • Proof of inbound funds to Greece (bank SWIFT/MT103)

Tip: Keep everything that proves amounts, instruments, and custody in Greece—that’s what authorities look for.

Main applicant documents

  • Passport (valid; certified copy)
  • Recent biometric photos (per Greek specs)
  • Criminal record certificate from country of residence (+ apostille/legalisation)
  • Proof of lawful funds (bank statements, source-of-funds trail, sale contracts, dividends, etc.)
  • A certificate for private health insurance covering Greece is also required.
  • Greek Tax ID (AFM) confirmation
  • Proof of address (where available)
  • Power of Attorney (POA) (if your lawyer files on your behalf)

Family documents (as applicable)

  • Spouse/partner: marriage certificate or registered partnership (apostilled/legalised + Greek translation)
  • Children: birth certificates; for 21–24, dependency/student proof (enrolment letter, tuition receipts)
  • Parents / parents-in-law: birth/marriage documents that show a relationship (no dependency proof is typically required).
  • Passports + photos for all dependants
  • Consent / custody documents for minors if only one parent applies

Translations & apostilles (common pain points)

Who can certify/translate

  • Apostilla is required for Hague member countries, while consular legalisation is needed for other cases.
  • Translation by a Greek Ministry-listed translator, a Greek lawyer, or an approved translation service per current rules.

Typical rejections (avoid these)

  • Name mismatches across documents (add a notarised name-variance statement if needed.)
  • Expired police certificates (order near filing—check validity window)
  • Missing apostilles/legalisation on civil status documents
  • Poor scans (low resolution, cropped seals)
  • Unclear source of funds (make the trail explicit with a short cover note)

Costs & Government Fees

While the minimum investment amount is the headline figure, the real cost of the Greece Golden Visa includes application fees, taxes, notarial costs, and ongoing property expenses.

On average, expect 8–12% extra on top of the property price.

Cost Breakdown (Property Route)

Cost item Typical amount / % Notes
Residence permit application fee €2,000 per main applicant; €150 per family member Paid at filing
Card issuance fee €16 per card Plastic biometric card
Property transfer tax 3% of property value For resale properties
VAT 24% of purchase price For new builds (if applicable)
Notary fees ~1–1.5% of property value Mandatory for contracts
Land registry / cadastre ~0.5–0.7% Registration of deed
Legal fees 1–2% of property value (or fixed €5k–€10k) Varies by firm
Agent fees ~2% (buyer side) Customary in Greece
Health insurance €300–€600 per person/year Required for all applicants
Annual ENFIA property tax €3–5 per m² (approx.) Ongoing cost
Property management €1,000–€3,000/year (optional) If renting long-term

Example Calculator (Real Estate Scenarios)

  • At a €400k property purchase (regional Greece)
    • Transfer tax (3%): €12,000
    • Notary + registry (~2%): €8,000
    • Legal fees (1.5%): €6,000
    • Permit fees: €2,000 (main + family)
    • Insurance, translations, extras: ~€2,500
      Estimated total:
      ~€430k–€445k
  • At an €800k property purchase (Athens/Mykonos/Santorini, etc.)
    • Transfer tax (3%): €24,000
    • Notary + registry (~2%): €16,000
    • Legal fees (1.5%): €12,000
    • Permit fees: €2,000 (main + family)
    • Insurance, translations, extras: ~€3,000
      Estimated total: ~€860k–€880k

Fees by Investment Route (Golden Visa Program)

Investment option Minimum amount Residence permit fee Legal fees (est.) Renewal fee
Real Estate (Tier 1) €800,000 €2,000 + €150 per family €5k–€10k €2,000 + €150 per family
Real Estate (Tier 2) €400,000 €2,000 + €150 per family €5k–€10k €2,000 + €150 per family
Special Projects (Conversions / Listed) €250,000 €2,000 + €150 per family €5k–€10k €2,000 + €150 per family
Bank Term Deposit €500,000 €2,000 + €150 per family €5k–€10k €2,000 + €150 per family
Government Bonds €500,000 €2,000 + €150 per family €5k–€10k €2,000 + €150 per family
UCITS / AIF Funds €350,000 €2,000 + €150 per family €5k–€10k €2,000 + €150 per family
Shares / Corporate Bonds €800,000 €2,000 + €150 per family €5k–€10k €2,000 + €150 per family

Taxes as a Greece Golden Visa Resident

Your tax obligations in Greece depend on whether you are considered a tax resident or a non-resident.

Non-Resident

  • You are taxed only on Greek-source income (for example, long-term rental income from your qualifying property).
  • Income outside Greece is not taxable locally if you are a non-resident.

Resident (183+ days per year)

  • If you spend more than 183 days per year in Greece, you are treated as a Greek tax resident.
  • Tax residents are subject to tax on their worldwide income.
  • Special regimes exist, such as the 7% flat tax for foreign pensioners (Law 4714/2020), which can make relocating attractive. Official source

Double Tax Treaties (DTT)

Greece has signed double tax treaties with many countries. These agreements ensure you won’t be taxed twice on the same income, once in Greece and again in your home country.

In practice, you declare income in both places but use credits/exemptions so you only pay the higher of the two applicable rates.

  • Greek Tax Residency Rules — Official AADE guidance on when an individual becomes a tax resident in Greece. (source ↗).
  • Double Tax Treaties — Full list of Greece’s international agreements to prevent double taxation. (source ↗).

Renewing your Greece Golden Visa

acropolis athens
View of the Acropolis from Athens

The main condition for renewing your Greek Golden Visa is to maintain a qualifying investment and hold valid residence documents.

You should apply for renewal at least 60 days before your permit expires to avoid gaps.

At renewal, you will need to show:

  • Provide evidence that you continue to own the qualifying property or financial asset.
  • Valid health insurance covers Greece
  • Updated passports and family documents

The renewal fee is about €2,000 per main applicant and €150 per family member, plus €16 per card. Processing usually takes a few months, though times can vary by immigration office.

Greece Golden Visa Compared to Other European Programs

Golden Visa programs differ sharply across Europe, especially after recent reforms.

Feature Greece Italy Portugal Hungary Cyprus Malta
Minimum Investment €250k (special projects)
€400k (regional RE)
€800k (Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini)
€250k (Startup)
€500k (Company)
€1m (Donation)
€2m (Govt. bonds)
€250k (Culture/Arts donation)
€500k (Funds, research, job creation)
€250k (Fund)
€1m (Donation)
€300k (New real estate)
Alternatives in company/fund
€99k+ fees (MPRP) + €375k RE or €14k/yr rent
Total: ~€475k+ (purchase) or €169k+ (5yr rent)
CBI closed April 2025 — residency only
Real Estate Option? Yes (tiered; strict rules) No No (abolished 2023) Yes (funds only) Yes (new real estate only) Yes (MPRP RE or rent; citizenship route has RE req.)
Processing Time 3–6 months officially; ~18 months in practice (Athens backlog) 3–4 months 9–12+ months (often 2+ years backlog) 4–8 weeks (fastest in EU) 2–5 months 2–5 months
Physical Stay Req. None None 7 days/year None 1 visit every 2 years None
Time to Permanent Residency 5 years (renewable permit) 5 years 5 years 5 years Immediate permanent residence Immediate permanent residence
Time to Citizenship 7 years (with residence & language exam) 10 years (physical presence needed) 5 years (citizenship clock starts at online app) 8 years continuous stay + language/culture exam 7 years (with 7 yrs actual stay) 5+ years (naturalization only; no direct CBI)
Standout Advantage €250k special projects option, property path, family-friendly Startup & tax regime, stable, no RE Fastest EU citizenship (5–6 yrs), minimal stay Fast processing, 10-year permit Permanent residence from day one Permanent residence from day one, 4-generation family inclusion

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Even well-prepared applicants run into problems. Most issues stem from misunderstandings or rushed paperwork.

Here are the 10 most common pitfalls and how to sidestep them.

  • Counting on Airbnb income
  • Confusing residency with citizenship
  • Under-budgeting costs
  • Filing at the wrong office
  • Weak lawful-funds trail
  • Missing apostilles or poor translations
  • Relying on developer-tied advisors
  • Assuming a mortgage counts toward the minimum
  • Delaying biometrics
  • Incomplete family documents
  • Stick to long-term leases for yield
  • Expect 7+ years of residence + exams for citizenship
  • Budget +8–12% for taxes, legal, and extras
  • Consider regional offices to speed timelines
  • Prepare clear source-of-funds docs early
  • Secure apostilles and translations upfront
  • Hire independent legal counsel
  • Only unencumbered cash counts toward threshold
  • Book biometrics promptly within window
  • Check marriage/birth docs and student proof

Avoiding these mistakes can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress. With careful planning and the right legal guidance, the process becomes far smoother, letting you focus on the benefits of your new residency rather than the paperwork pitfalls.

Highlights: Why Choose Greece vs Others

Why choose Greece?

  • Still offers real estate, unlike Portugal or Italy.
  • Low entry of €250k still exists (special projects).
  • No physical stay requirement, pure “Plan B” residency.
  • Broad family inclusion (spouse, children up to 24, and both sets of parents).

Why choose others?

  • Italy: Best for entrepreneurs/wealthy HNWIs seeking tax optimisation (flat €200k regime).
  • Portugal: Most direct citizenship path (5 years) despite long queues.
  • Hungary: Fast processing, competitive fund option.
  • Cyprus: Immediate permanent residency; low physical presence requirement.
  • Malta: Permanent residence from day one; PR programme for those seeking security (CBI closed April 2025).

Put your Greece Golden Visa on track

Talk through real-estate and financial routes with people on the same path.
Costs, renewals, and family add-ons—so you can plan with confidence.

Join the Greece Golden Visa Facebook Group

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Greece Golden Visa process take?

Processing times vary significantly by region. While officially 3-6 months, most applicants experience 9-18 months in practice, with Athens often exceeding 12 months due to backlogs. Filing in regional offices may speed up the process. Greece issues a temporary certificate ("blue paper") immediately after filing, allowing legal residence while the card is produced.

What are the tax and residency obligations after approval?

Greece keeps residency obligations light. Golden Visa holders do not need to live in Greece to maintain the permit. Non-tax residents pay tax only on Greek-source income. Tax residents staying 183+ days/year may access favourable regimes like the Non-Dom program. Property owners must file annual real-estate tax declarations. Most investors remain non-resident unless relocating.

Can I include my family in the Greece Golden Visa application?

Yes, Greece offers generous family inclusion. You can include your spouse or registered partner, children under 21 (up to 24 if full-time students and financially dependent), and parents of both spouses—without needing to prove dependency. All family permits are co-terminous with the main applicant's permit.

Can I rent out my Golden Visa property?

Long-term rentals (12+ months) are permitted. However, short-term rentals (Airbnb, Booking.com, etc.) are prohibited for qualifying Golden Visa properties under the 2024 rules. Violating this can result in fines and potential permit revocation. The property also cannot be used as a company headquarters or branch office.

What is the minimum investment for Greece Golden Visa in 2026?

Investment minimums are tiered by location: €800,000 in Attica (Athens), Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and islands with over 3,100 residents; €400,000 in all other regions; €250,000 for commercial-to-residential conversions and listed-building restorations. Non-real-estate options include €500,000 bank deposits, €500,000-€800,000 in bonds, or €350,000 in UCITS/AIF funds.

Does the Greece Golden Visa lead to citizenship?

The Golden Visa itself is a residency permit, not a path to citizenship. However, if you later choose to live in Greece full-time, you can apply for citizenship after approximately 7 years of continuous physical residence, plus language proficiency (B1 Greek) and integration requirements. The Golden Visa does not require physical presence, but citizenship does.

Can I work in Greece with a Golden Visa?

Yes, Golden Visa holders have the right to work in Greece—either as employees or self-employed. However, the permit does not grant work rights in other EU countries. For that, you would need to become an EU citizen or obtain separate work authorization in each country.

What happens if I sell my property?

You can sell your qualifying property, but you must acquire another qualifying investment before or simultaneously to maintain your Golden Visa. If you sell without replacing the investment, your permit may not be renewed. Many investors upgrade or change properties over time—just ensure continuous qualification.
⚠️ Important Disclaimers
  • Legal advice: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws change frequently—consult a licensed Greek immigration lawyer before proceeding.
  • Investment risk: Property investments carry market risk. Past performance of Greek real estate is not indicative of future results. Consult a licensed financial advisor before investing.
  • Processing times: Timelines are estimates only and vary by region and individual circumstances. Athens and Thessaloniki typically experience longer processing times.
  • Tax implications: Tax obligations depend on your personal circumstances and country of tax residence. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation.

Final Thoughts

The Greece Golden Visa remains one of the most attractive residency-by-investment programs in Europe, combining relatively low entry thresholds, Schengen mobility, and the ability to include the whole family under one permit.

While recent reforms tightened eligibility and investment rules, the program still offers flexibility for investors who want either a base in Greece or a long-term “Plan B” option in the EU.

At Movingto, we work with experienced, licensed lawyers who guide clients through every stage, from selecting the right investment route to handling documents, filings, and renewals.

With the right preparation, applicants can avoid costly mistakes and enjoy a smooth path to residency. Whether your goal is lifestyle, family planning, or a bridge to citizenship, Greece continues to deliver strong value compared to other EU programs.

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