Greece Golden Visa
A Gateway to Europe's Rich History and Culture
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
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
No Minimum Stay Requirement
Pathway to EU Citizenship
Full Family Inclusion
Strong Real Estate Investment
No Language Test
Multiple Routes to Greek Residency
Real Estate (Standard)
€ 250,000
Commercial to Residential Conversion
€ 250,000
Heritage Property Restoration
€ 250,000
Capital Contributions & Financial Instruments
€ 250,000
Requirements:
Startup Investment (New 2025)
€ 250,000
Government and Due Diligence Fees
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
APPLICATION PROCESS
How the Application Process Works
The process typically takes 3 to 6 months. Here is what each stage involves.
Initial Consultation
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.
Investment Completion
Residence Permit Application
Biometric Appointment
Residence Permit Issuance
Renewal
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.
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.
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
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
5yrs
A2
Requirements To Qualify for Citizenship
Timeline Note
*Proposed amendments to Portugal's Nationality Law were passed in October 2025 but were partially rejected by the Constitutional Court in December 2025. The five-year citizenship pathway remains in effect for now. We recommend staying in close contact with your advisor as this situation continues to develop.
WHY UNO CAPITAL
Experience. Integrity. Results.
Over 25 Years of Combined Experience
In Citizenship by Investment, Residency by Investment, and Second Passport services worldwide.
Trusted by 1000+ Clients
Who have successfully secured their residency or citizenship.
Access to 15+ Specialized Programs
Tailored to meet diverse investment and residency needs.
Strong Partnerships
Across Turkey, Vanuatu, the Caribbean, and Europe.
Expert Legal Guidance
Ensuring a smooth and transparent process every step of the way.
Government-Compliant and Secure Process
Ensuring every application meets official regulations and due diligence standards.
End-to-End Application Management
From initial consultation to final approval, handled with complete confidentiality and efficiency.
BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY
Apply for Greece Golden Visa Today
Start Your Application
INSIGHTS & UPDATES
Latest Insights on Citizenship & Residency
Greece Golden Visa – FAQs
Do I need to live in Greece to keep my residency?
No. There is no minimum stay requirement — before, during, or after the application. The permit renews every five years as long as the investment is maintained. You can live anywhere in the world and retain Greek residency.
Can I rent out my property?
Long-term rentals are permitted and popular — average yields run 4–5% annually. Short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb are not permitted for Golden Visa properties. Violations can result in permit cancellation and a €50,000 fine.
What happened to the €250,000 investment threshold?
It still exists, but only under specific conditions. It applies to commercial or industrial properties being converted to residential use, and to listed heritage buildings being fully restored. For standard residential property purchases, the threshold is now €400,000 or €800,000 depending on location. The conversion route is genuine but requires careful project management and compliance with technical requirements.
What is the minimum investment for the Greece Golden Visa in 2026?
It depends on the investment route and property type. The Greece Golden Visa starts from EUR 250,000 for investments in specialized real estate projects involving the conversion of commercial properties into residential units or the restoration of listed historic buildings, regardless of the property’s location or size. Other investment thresholds may apply depending on the region and asset category selected.
Is there a language requirement?
No. Not for the Golden Visa at any stage. Language, history, and culture tests only become relevant if you choose to apply for Greek citizenship after seven years of residency.
Can I switch my investment to a different property?
Yes, provided the new investment meets the qualifying threshold for its location. You inform the relevant authority and maintain the minimum investment level. Residency status is not lost during the transition.
What are the tax implications?
Greece does not tax worldwide income for non-residents. If you spend fewer than 183 days per year in Greece, income earned outside Greece is generally not subject to Greek tax. Greece has double taxation agreements with over 57 countries. Tax obligations vary by individual circumstances; professional advice is recommended.
What documents will I need?
Valid passport, birth and marriage certificates, police clearance, proof of qualifying investment (title deed, fund confirmation, etc.), valid health insurance, Greek AFM (tax number), and biometric photographs. For conversion route applications, an engineer’s attestation confirming property status is also required. UNO Capital provides a full personalized checklist at the start of the process.