Greek Golden Visa Program (2024) – Information for Investors
The Greek Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program launched in 2013 that allows non-EU citizens and their families to obtain a 5-year renewable residence permit in Greece by investing in real estate or other qualifying assets.
✅ Key Benefits
-
Residence in Greece: Right to live in Greece (no obligation to stay permanently).
-
Schengen Zone access: Visa-free travel across the 27 Schengen countries.
-
Family eligibility: Spouse, children under 21 (can be extended up to 24 if studying), and dependent parents of both spouses.
-
Renewable every 5 years, as long as the investment is maintained.
-
Path to citizenship: After 7 years of residence (with physical presence), eligible for naturalization.
💰 Investment Options (Updated 2024)
1. Real Estate Investment
As of August 1, 2023, the thresholds are based on location:
RegionMinimum Investment
-
Central Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Thessaloniki, Southern Athens Riviera: €500,000
-
All other regions in Greece : €250,000
-
Must be one single property for €500,000 regions.
-
In €250,000 regions, multiple properties are allowed (total must meet the threshold).
2. Alternative Investment Options
-
10-year lease of hotel or tourist accommodation: Minimum value €250,000.
-
Shares or bonds: Investment in Greek government bonds, real estate investment companies (REICs), or Greek companies – generally starts from €400,000.
(Less common than real estate route.)
📋 Application Process
-
Choose investment and sign preliminary agreement (reservation/PoA optional).
-
Open a Greek bank account (possible remotely via PoA).
-
Complete the property purchase.
-
Submit application (either in person or via legal representative).
-
Receive a temporary residence permit (valid for 12 months until the permanent card is issued).
-
Receive Golden Visa residence card (within ~2–6 months).
🧾 Required Documents
-
Valid passport
-
Health insurance in Greece
-
Proof of property ownership (notarized deed + tax clearance)
-
Certificate from the land registry
-
Proof of investment funds (bank transfers)
-
Criminal background check (from country of origin)
-
Marriage/birth certificates (for family members, translated and apostilled)
🕒 Timelines
-
Property purchase: ~1–2 months
-
Visa processing: ~2–6 months
💡 Additional Notes
-
No minimum stay required in Greece to retain the visa.
-
Can rent out the property for income.
-
You are not taxed on worldwide income unless you become a tax resident.
-
You can switch to tax residency and benefit from certain tax incentives for foreigners.
🏛️ Citizenship Eligibility
To qualify for Greek citizenship after 7 years:
-
Physical presence required (actual residence).
-
Must learn basic Greek language and pass a civic integration test
Please cross-check the information also on the official website of the Greek government>>
>>> https://migration.gov.gr/en/golden-visa/