Greece is a nation known for its picturesque landscapes, pristine waters and significant historical landmarks. The Greece Golden Visa Programme gives investors and their families a five-year renewable residence permit, with visa-free travel within Europe's Schengen Area and no requirement to live in the country. Once a complete application is submitted, the permit is typically issued within three months.
Greece is a country in southeastern Europe steeped in rich history and culture, known for its varied landscapes, white-sand beaches with crystal clear waters, and archaeological sites such as Olympia, the Temple of Poseidon and the Acropolis.
Greece sits at the southern end of the Balkan Peninsula. The country is made up of mainland Greece and thousands of islands and islets across the Aegean and Ionian Seas, covering a total area of 131,957 square kilometres.
The capital is Athens, a vibrant city where ancient and modern architecture sit side by side, home to the Parthenon on the Acropolis. Thessaloniki, the country's second-largest city, has a rich cultural life and a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Greek is the official language. Greece is a parliamentary republic and a member of the European Union, and its cultural heritage is rooted in its ancient history as the birthplace of democracy, philosophy and the Olympic Games.
Tourism plays a vital role in Greece's economy. Other key sectors include shipping, agriculture and renewable energy. The official currency is the Euro (EUR).
Greece is a member of the United Nations, the European Union and the Council of Europe, and takes an active part in regional and global affairs.
Investing in a second residency can offer various benefits, including better global mobility, access to education and healthcare, retirement planning, a pathway to citizenship and a Plan B for the family.
Travel visa-free across the 29 countries of the Schengen Area, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Your spouse or registered partner, your unmarried children under 21, and both your parents and your spouse's parents can get residence permits.
After seven years of lawful and permanent residence in Greece, you can apply for Greek citizenship, subject to passing the Greek language and knowledge exam.
You don't have to live in Greece. Time spent outside the country does not stop you from renewing your permit.
The permit is valid for five years and can be renewed for another five years each time, for as long as you keep the investment.
Greek tax applies to income earned in Greece. If you don't become a Greek tax resident, income you earn outside Greece is not taxed there.
As well as making a qualifying investment, every main applicant must meet the conditions below.
The purchase of a single property in Greece. The minimum depends on where it is:
One of the following financial investments:
The residence permit fee is EUR 2,000, plus EUR 16 for the electronic permit card. Your advisor will give you the full cost for your family during your consultation.
The application process is straightforward, and it may take up to 3 months from submitting a complete application to receiving the residence permit. It can be divided into the following stages.
The Golden Visa is set out in Greece's Migration Code. It grants a five-year residence permit that can be renewed for as long as the investment is kept. The permit does not give the right to work in Greece.
Real estate starts at EUR 250,000 for a converted commercial building or a restored listed building. A standard home costs EUR 400,000 in most of Greece and EUR 800,000 in Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini and islands with more than 3,100 residents. Financial investments start at EUR 350,000. The residence permit fee is EUR 2,000, plus EUR 16 for the permit card. Your advisor will give you the full cost for your family during your consultation.
The permit is typically issued within three months once a complete application has been submitted.
Your spouse or partner with a registered cohabitation agreement, your unmarried children under 21, and your own parents and your spouse's parents. When a child turns 21, they can get their own residence permit for three more years.
Anywhere in Greece, including Athens, city centres, coastal areas and the islands. The minimum depends on the area: EUR 800,000 in Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini and islands with more than 3,100 residents, and EUR 400,000 elsewhere. It must be a single residential property of at least 120 sq m. Converted commercial buildings and restored listed buildings qualify from EUR 250,000 anywhere.
Yes. You will need to travel to Greece at least once to finalise the application, including giving your biometrics. It is possible to buy property remotely with our assistance.
No. There is no minimum stay, and time spent outside Greece does not stop you from renewing your permit.
No. The Golden Visa lets you live in Greece and travel within the Schengen Area, but it does not give you the right to work there.
Yes, on long-term leases. Short-term rentals, such as holiday lets, are not allowed on Golden Visa properties.
It can. You can apply for Greek citizenship after living in Greece lawfully and permanently for seven years. You must also pass the exam on the Greek language, history and culture, and show that you are settled in Greece economically and socially.
A thirty-minute consultation with our advisory team will tell you whether Greece is the right programme for you, and if it is not, which of our other programmes is.