Greek Golden Visa
The Greek Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program introduced by Greece in 2013 to attract foreign investment and stimulate economic development. The program allows non-EU nationals to obtain a renewable residence permit by making a qualifying investment in the country. Over the years, it has become one of the most attractive investment migration programs in Europe due to its flexible residency requirements and access to the wider European market.
The residence permit granted through the program is valid for five years and can be renewed indefinitely, provided the investment is maintained. The program also allows investors and their families to travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. One of the key advantages of the Greek Golden Visa is that investors are not required to reside permanently in Greece to maintain their residency status.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Greek Golden Visa program, applicants must meet several basic requirements. The applicant must be a non-EU national, at least 18 years old, and hold a valid passport. In addition, applicants must provide proof of a clean criminal record and obtain private health insurance coverage valid in Greece.
The program also allows family reunification. Eligible family members typically include the investor’s spouse, children under the age of 21, and in some cases the parents of both the investor and the spouse. These family members receive residence permits with the same validity as the main applicant.
Investment Options
The most common pathway to obtaining the Greek Golden Visa is through real estate investment. Recent updates to the program have introduced different investment thresholds depending on the location and type of property.
In high-demand areas such as central Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini, the minimum real estate investment is generally €800,000. In other regions of Greece, the minimum investment is typically €400,000 for a single property meeting the required conditions.
In certain cases, a minimum investment of €250,000 may still apply. This includes investments involving the conversion of commercial properties into residential units or the restoration of listed or historic buildings.
Alternative investment routes are also available, including investments in Greek companies, investment funds, or innovative start-ups registered in Greece.
Application Process
The application process for the Greek Golden Visa generally involves several steps. First, the investor selects and completes a qualifying investment, most commonly the purchase of real estate. Once the investment is finalized, the applicant submits the Golden Visa application together with the required documentation.
Key documents typically include proof of investment, passport copies, medical insurance, and a criminal record certificate. Applications may be submitted directly in Greece or through authorized legal representatives.
After submission, applicants provide biometric data and receive a temporary residence permit while the application is processed. The full review process usually takes several months, after which the residence permit card is issued.
Benefits of the Greek Golden Visa
The Greek Golden Visa offers a number of advantages for international investors. These include visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, the ability to include family members in the application, and access to the lifestyle and economic opportunities available in Greece.
With no minimum stay requirement and a relatively straightforward application process, the program remains one of the most competitive residency-by-investment schemes in Europe.