Greece Golden Visa

What Is the Greece Golden Visa?

The Greece Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program offering non-EU citizens renewable 5-year residence permits through qualifying investments. It is mainly offered in real estate for investments starting at €250,000 in certain areas. This visa also allows investors to live in Greece and travel safely within the Schengen area.

The option to add eligible family members under one application is an added benefit. Unlike certain visas, the Greece golden visa does not require a minimum physical stay in Greece to maintain residency. All of this while acting as a long-term pathway towards permanent residency and citizenship makes this a very attractive option for investors.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be non-EU citizens.
• Have a clean criminal record.
• Provide proof of a legal source of funds.
• Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.

Eligible Family Members

The Greece Golden Visa program gives the main applicant the option to include the following eligible family members under a single application:

• Spouse.
• Children under the age of 21.
• Dependent parents of the main applicant and spouse.

Benefits of Greece Golden Visa Program – points

Greece Golden Visa program rewards investors with a wide variety of benefits such as:

1. Residence & Travel Benefits

• Five-year renewable residence permit.
• Ability to visit 29 Schengen countries without a visa.
• Travel allowed for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
• Maintenance of this visa doesn’t require a minimum stay period.

2. Family Benefits

• Single application covers the entire family.
• Family members receive the same residency rights.

3. Lifestyle & Access Benefits

• Access to public healthcare in Greece.
• Access to education institutions.
• Ability to open Greek bank accounts.
• Easier access to euro-based financial services.

4. Investment & Financial Benefits

• Real estate investment starting from €250,000 in certain areas.
• Option to earn rental income.
• Alternative investment options like startups.
• Lower tax options for income earned outside Greece.

5. Long-Term Settlement Benefits

• Residence permit is renewable for an unlimited duration.
• Potentially lead to permanent residency.
• Eligibility for Greek and EU citizenship after required residency period.
• Legal right to reside in Greece long term.

Greece Golden Visa vs Other EU Golden Visa Programs

The Greece Golden Visa is appealing when compared to its EU counterparts for a number of reasons. With investment options starting at a lower initial threshold, the Greece Golden Visa provides greater flexibility to potential investors. Broad family inclusion, visa-free access across the entire Schengen region are some of the additional benefits that comes with the visa.

Feature	Greece Golden Visa	Other EU Golden Visa Programs
Minimum Investment	From €250,000 in select areas	Generally higher investment thresholds
Real Estate Option	Available	May be limited or replaced by fund/donation routes
Stay Requirement	No minimum stay to maintain residency	Often require minimum annual presence
Schengen Travel	Visa-free travel across Schengen countries	Visa-free travel across Schengen countries
Family Inclusion	Spouse, children, dependent parents	Family inclusion varies by country
Work Rights	Residence rights; employment not automatic	Some programs include employment rights
Path to Citizenship	Possible after long-term residence	Citizenship timelines and conditions vary

Greece Golden Visa Investment Options

There are many investment options available for investors interested in Greece PR by investment. These include real estate, bank deposits, and approved financial investments under the Greece Golden Visa program.

1. Real Estate Investment

A. €250,000

• For converting commercial properties into residential use.
• Or restoring listed / heritage buildings (any location).

B. €400,000

• Purchase of one residential property.
• Minimum size: 120 sq. m.

C. €800,000

Property purchases in high-demand areas such as:

• Athens.
• Thessaloniki.
• Popular islands with over 3,100 residents.

2. Long-Term Lease / Time-Share

• 10-year lease or time-sharing agreement.
• For hotel accommodation or furnished tourist residences.
• Minimum value:
  • €400,000 or €800,000, depending on the location.

3. Bank Deposit

• Fixed-term deposit of at least €500,000.
• Must be placed with a Greek bank.

4. Business & Capital Investment

• Minimum €500,000 investment in:
  • Greek real estate investment companies.
  • Closed-end investment companies or mutual funds.
  • Greek companies (share capital increase or bonds).

5. Government Bonds

• €500,000 investment in Greek government bonds.
• Bonds must have at least 3 years remaining maturity.
• Purchased through a Greek credit institution.

6. Shares & Securities

• €800,000 investment in:
  • Shares
  • Corporate bonds
  • Government bonds
• Must be traded on regulated Greek markets.

7. Mutual Funds / Alternative Investment Funds:

• Minimum €350,000 investment.
• Funds must invest exclusively in Greece.
• Can be based in Greece or another EU country.

Greece Golden Visa Property Investment Zones

Under the Greece Golden Visa program, real estate investment requirements are subject to change depending on the location and type of property. Different regions have different investment requirements to balance demand and encourage growth.

€250,000 Investment Zone

Applies to the conversion of commercial properties into residential use or the restoration of listed and heritage buildings.
Applicable across Greece, regardless of city or region.

€400,000 Investment Zone

Applicable for the purchase of a single residential property with a minimum size of 120 sq. m in designated areas across mainland Greece and other less densely populated regions.
Examples: regional towns and developing residential zones outside major metropolitan centres.

€800,000 Investment Zone

Applies to high-demand and premium locations with increased investment thresholds.
Examples include:

• Athens.
• Thessaloniki.
• Popular islands with larger populations such as Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Lesvos, Chios, and Kos.

Greece Golden Visa Requirements & Documents

Applicants for the Greece Golden Visa are required to meet specific requirements and submit certain supporting documents as part of the application process.

Key Requirements

• Valid passport.
• Minimum qualifying investment.
• Clean criminal record.
• Health insurance covering Greece.

Documents Required

• Passport copy.
• Proof of investment.
• Proof of funds.
• Police clearance certificate.
• Health insurance documents.

Step-by-Step Greece Golden Visa Application Process

Step 1: Secure Your Investment

Before you apply, you need to finalise your investment.

This means signing a purchase agreement, to make sure the property meets Golden Visa requirements, and completing the payment. You will also need a Greek tax ID (AFM) and a Greek bank account, both of which are compulsory for foreign investors.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

It is essential to have all documents translated into Greek and legally verified.

You’ll need:

1. A valid passport
2. Proof of investment completion
3. A criminal record certificate
4. Health insurance covering Greece
5. Proof of funds showing the legal source of your investment
6. Four recent, identify color photos of yourself (as per Greek sizing and formatting requirements)
7. Police clearance certificate from your country of origin or current residency
8. Duly completed visa application form
9. Proof of payment of the relevant government fees
10. Family documents (if applying for dependents):
11. Marriage certificate (apostilled and translated).
12. Birth certificates for children.
13. Proof of dependency for parents (if applicable).

Step 3 : Appoint a Legal Representative (Optional but Recommended)

A Greek lawyer can submit your application, represent you during biometrics. They can also handle translations and notarizations.

Step 4. Submit Application to the Decentralized Administration

The application must  be filed at the local immigration office, either by the applicant or their legal representative.

All required documents must be submitted, and the applicable government fees paid (€2,000 for the main applicant and €150 per dependent).

Step 5: Biometric Appointment

One has to attend a biometric session in Greece (Fingerprints and photo).

Step 6. Receive Temporary Residence Certificate

Issued immediately after submission. Allows legal stay in Greece while your application is processed.

Step 7. Wait for Approval

Processing time: 2-4 months. Once approved, you’ll receive a 5-year residence permit, renewable indefinitely as long as the investment is maintained.

Conclusion

For investors planning a move to Europe, the Greece Golden Visa program is a very promising option as it provides an organized and adaptable route. It continues to draw international investors seeking stability and opportunity because of its many investment options, wide family inclusion, and access to the Schengen region.

Obtaining residency in Greece can be a simple and fulfilling step towards creating a future in Europe with the correct advice and a thorough grasp of the procedure.