Greece

The Greece Golden Visa Program is a residency-by-investment pathway launched in 2013 to attract foreign capital through real estate purchases. It offers a five-year residency visa to non-EU nationals in exchange for a qualifying investment.

Key Advantages

Immediate Residency

Investors can obtain permanent residency from day one of the
visa's issuance.

Schengen Access

Provides visa-free travel within the 29 countries of the European
Schengen Zone.

Flexible Stay

There are no minimum residency requirements; you can live in Greece
indefinitely or not at all while still retaining and renewing the visa.

Family Inclusion

The program covers the main applicant, their spouse, children under 21 (eligible until age 24), and parents or parents-in-law.

Business Rights

Residents have the right to set up a business in Greece, though the
visa does not permit local employment.

Investment Options

Applicants can choose from several real estate investment tiers:

EUR 250,000

For the conversion of commercial or industrial properties into residential real estate, or the restoration of a single listed property.

EUR 400,000

For a single real estate unit of at least 120m² anywhere in Greece outside high-demand zones.

EUR 800,000

For a single real estate unit of at least 120m² in Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, or islands with a population over 3,100.

Process & Timeline

The application process typically takes six to 12 months to receive a residency card.

Phase 1 (Months 1-2)

Initial due diligence, signing of client agreements, and execution of a property sales and purchase agreement.

Phase 2 (Months 6-12)

Comprehensive review and submission of documents to the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.

Interim Status

Upon application, the Ministry issues a receipt that serves as a temporary residence permit while the decision is pending.

Taxation

Residents are only taxed on income produced within Greece, not on their worldwide income. Rental income from property is taxed at 15% for amounts up to EUR 12,000 and 33% for any income exceeding that threshold.