Residency By Investment

Greece Golden Visa

One of Europe's most flexible residency programs. No minimum stay, full family inclusion, and a clear pathway to EU citizenship, from one of the continent's most dynamic property markets.
Minimum Investment
From €250,000
Processing Time
3–6 months
Visa-Free Access
Schengen Travel Access

A Gateway to Europe's Rich History and Culture

Greece lies at the southern edge of the Balkans, where Europe meets the Mediterranean. Home to nearly ten million people and around 6,000 islands and islets, the country carries a history that stretches back thousands of years.

Athens introduced the world to democracy, philosophy, and some of the earliest foundations of Western architecture. Today, that legacy remains visible in its museums, language, and the blend of ancient landmarks with modern city life.

A member of the European Union and the Eurozone, Greece offers a stable parliamentary democracy and a legal system influenced by Roman and Byzantine traditions. Tourism remains one of the country’s strongest industries, with Greece continuing to rank among Europe’s most visited destinations.

CAPITAL

Athens

TOTAL AREA

131,957 km²

POPULATION

11 million+

LANGUAGE

Greek

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Greece Golden Visa Program

Greece introduced its Golden Visa program in 2013, later formalized under Law 4251/2014. Over the years, it has become one of Europe’s most popular residency by investment programs, driven by flexible investment routes, strong real estate demand, and long-term access to the European lifestyle.

The process is straightforward. Investors who make a qualifying investment in real estate, investment funds, bonds, or approved financial assets can obtain a five-year renewable residence permit.

The program does not require a minimum stay to maintain residency, and applicants benefit from visa-free travel across the Schengen Area. Family members can also be included under the same application.

For investors planning long-term relocation, Greece also offers a potential pathway to citizenship after seven years of legal residence, subject to meeting the country’s residency and naturalization requirements.

PROGRAM ADVANTAGES

Key Benefits of the Greece Golden Visa Program

Full Schengen Zone Access

The residence permit provides visa-free movement across all 27+ Schengen member states, for the main applicant and all included family members. Travel, business, and extended stays across Europe without additional visas.

No Minimum Stay Requirement

No obligation to live in or visit Greece to maintain residency. The permit renews as long as the investment is maintained, regardless of how much time you spend in the country.

Pathway to EU Citizenship

Seven years of legal residency in Greece opens eligibility for Greek citizenship, one of the world's top 10 passports, with visa-free access to 180+ countries including the US, Canada, Australia, and Japan.

Full Family Inclusion

Spouse, dependent children under 21, and parents of both the main applicant and their spouse can all be included. No age limit on parents, one of the most generous family inclusion policies in European RBI programs.

Strong Real Estate Investment

Greek property prices have risen consistently since 2019. Rental yields average 4–5% annually, higher in prime locations. The investment earns returns while the residency remains active.

No Language Test

No language requirement for the Golden Visa at any stage. Language tests only apply if you later choose to pursue Greek citizenship.
INVESTMENT OPTIONS

Multiple Routes to Greek Residency

Greece offers multiple investment pathways under its Golden Visa Program. Select the investment option that best aligns with your financial objectives and residency goals.
ROUTE 2

Standard Residential Real Estate

Invest in qualifying residential real estate located outside the premium investment zones.
Minimum Investment
€ 400,000 
Applicable in all eligible regions outside the designated premium locations.
Investment must be in a single property with a minimum area of 120 m².
The qualifying investment must be maintained throughout the residence permit period.
ROUTE 3

Premium Location Real Estate

Invest in residential real estate located in Greece's designated high-demand investment areas.
Minimum Investment
€ 800,000
Applies to properties located in Attica (Athens), Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and islands with a population exceeding 3,100.
Investment must be in a single property with a minimum area of 120 m².
The qualifying investment must be maintained throughout the residence permit period.
ROUTE 4

Capital Contributions & Financial Instruments

Invest through approved financial instruments and alternative qualifying investment options.
€ 400,000

Requirements:

10-year hotel lease agreement or tourist residence timeshare: €400,000 or €800,000, depending on the investment location.
Capital contribution to an approved Greek investment fund or company: €500,000.
Purchase of Greek government bonds: €500,000.
Purchase of listed shares or corporate bonds traded on regulated markets: €800,000.
ROUTE 5

Startup Investment (New 2025)

Investment in a Greek startup company.
Minimum Investment
€ 250,000
Investor's shares or voting rights cannot exceed 33%
The startup must create at least 2 new jobs within the first year
Jobs must be maintained for at least 5 years
Residence permit valid for 5 years, renewable
GOVERNMENT FEES

Government and Due Diligence Fees

Fees apply in addition to the investment amount.

Golden Visa Application Fee

Main applicant: €2,000
Each family member: €1,000

Residence Permit Issuance Fee

€1,000 per person

Legal & Notary Fees (Real Estate Route)

Property transfer tax: 3.09% of property value
Notary fees: approx. 1–1.5% of property value
Legal fees: approx. 1–2% of property value
Land registry fees: approx. 0.5% of property value

*All figures, fees, and investment requirements are based on the latest available information and are subject to change. Please contact our team for the most current program details.

APPLICATION PROCESS

How the Application Process Works 

The process typically takes 3 to 6 months. Here is what each stage involves.

Book a Private Consultation
01

Initial Consultation

UNO Capital reviews your profile, confirms eligibility, advises on the most suitable investment route and location, and outlines the full cost structure. A formal engagement is signed before anything moves forward.
02

Tax Registration Number (AFM)

A Greek Tax Registration Number (AFM) is obtained for all applicants. This is required for property purchase, bank account opening, and all official transactions in Greece.

03

Investment Completion

The qualifying investment is made — property purchased, funds transferred, or startup investment confirmed. For real estate, the title deed is registered with the Land Registry. For conversion routes, completion certification must be obtained before proceeding.
04

Residence Permit Application

The Golden Visa application is submitted to the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum. A one-year bridging residence permit is issued immediately upon submission, allowing full travel within the Schengen Zone while the main permit is processed.
05

Biometric Appointment

All applicants must attend a biometric appointment at a Greek consulate or in Greece. Fingerprints and photograph are submitted. This is the only in-person requirement in the process.
06

Residence Permit Issuance

The five-year renewable residence permit is issued. All family members included in the application receive their permits simultaneously.
07

Renewal

The permit is renewable every five years provided the investment is maintained. There is no minimum stay requirement for renewal. Investment can be switched to another qualifying asset without losing residency status.

ELIGIBILITY AND TIMELINE

Requirements of Greece Golden Visa 

APPLICANT

Who Can Apply

The program is open to all non-EU nationals. Basic requirements:

  • Minimum age 18 
  • Valid passport 
  • Clean criminal record
  • Proof of qualifying investment
  • Valid health insurance covering Greece  
  • Must enter Greece legally for the biometric appointment 

No language test. No minimum stay requirement. No net worth threshold beyond the investment itself.

APPLICANT

Who You Can Bring Along

The following family members can be included:

  • Spouse or legally recognised partner 
  • Dependent children under 21 — unmarried
  • Parents of the main applicant — no age limit, no proof of financial dependency required
  • Parents of the spouse — no age limit, no proof of financial dependency required

Greece is one of the few Golden Visa programs that includes parents of both the applicant and their spouse with no age or dependency conditions. 

APPLICANT

How Long the Process Takes

  • 3–6 months — realistic timeline from application to permit issuance 
  • A one-year bridging permit is issued immediately upon application submission
  • One biometric appointment required — at a Greek consulate or in Greece
  • Permit valid for 5 years, renewable indefinitely while investment is maintained
  • No minimum stay required at any stage
APPLICANT

Greece Golden Visa Timeline

Initial Residence Permit — Year 1 to 5

The first permit is valid for five years from approval. No minimum stay required during this period. The investment must be maintained throughout. A one-year bridging permit is issued immediately upon application submission, Schengen travel is permitted from that point.

Renewal — Every 5 Years

The permit renews in five-year cycles indefinitely. To renew, the investment must still be in place, biometric verification must be completed, and a valid criminal record certificate provided. No minimum stay required for renewal. The clock on citizenship eligibility runs from the original application submission date — not the card issuance date. 

Year 7 Onwards

Seven years of legal residency opens eligibility for Greek citizenship. The residency clock starts from the date your original application was submitted — not when your permit card was issued. For applicants experiencing processing delays, that distinction matters.

Citizenship Pathway 

Citizenship Through Greece Golden Visa

The Greece Golden Visa is a residency program, not a citizenship program. But seven years of holding that residency opens one of the most valuable citizenship pathways in Europe.

7 yrs

Residency before citizenship eligibility

B1

Greek language level required

Requirements To Qualify for Citizenship

Seven years of legal residency in Greece
Greek language proficiency — B1 level certificate required
Knowledge of Greek history and culture — assessed through an examination
No criminal convictions
A demonstrable connection to Greek society

Timeline Note

The seven-year residency clock runs from the date your original Golden Visa application was submitted, not from when your permit card was physically issued. Given current processing backlogs, that head start is worth planning around.

Note: Greek citizenship requirements are subject to change. We recommend staying in regular contact with your UNO Capital advisor to ensure you are working with the most current information.

WHY UNO CAPITAL

Experience. Integrity. Results.

With decades of combined expertise in investment migration,we deliver structured, compliant, and results-driven solutions worldwide.

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FAQ

Greece Golden Visa – FAQs

Find clear answers about the Greece Golden Visa, including eligibility, investment options, timelines, and application requirements.