Greece’s Golden Visa (also called “Residency by Investment”) is a program that allows non-EU / non-EEA nationals to obtain a five-year renewable residence permit in Greece through qualifying investment. It is designed for investors, their families, and others seeking access to Europe, without needing full citizenship or permanent physical relocation. The permit enables freedom of movement, access to European travel via Schengen (for certain stays), and ability to live, study, and benefit from Greek infrastructure and services.
These are the main eligibility criteria and conditions for the Golden Visa in Greece (as of 2025, per the latest laws and ministerial decisions). Always double-check with official Greek government sources.
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Details
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Nationality / status
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Must be a citizen of a non-EU / non-EEA country (third country national)
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Age & legal capacity
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Generally at least 18 years old and legally capable of entering binding contracts
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Clean criminal record
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You (and family members) must provide police / criminal record certificates showing good character and no serious judgments
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Source of funds
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Full proof that investment funds come from legal sources abroad; transparency is required
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Investment
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One of the approved investment options must be met (see below)
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Maintenance of investment
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Investor must hold the qualifying investment during permit’s life to renew it
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Family members
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Eligible family members can be included (see below)
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Biometrics
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Physical presence required for biometric registration when applying or renewing
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There are also alternative investment possibilities (depending on specific legal provisions), but the real estate route is the most common.
Here are some of the main advantages that make Greece’s Golden Visa attractive:
Favourable taxation / cost of investment: Greece remains one of the more affordable Golden Visa programs in Europe, especially in less high-demand areas. Property investment thresholds outside of major zones are lower. Legal and tax frameworks generally favourable for real estate holders.
Mr. Ahmad from Saudi Arabia buys a single 130-sq.m. apartment in Thessaloniki for €820,000 (meeting the high-demand zone threshold) through a Greek real-estate developer. He includes his wife, their two unmarried children under 21, and his elderly father. He shows clean criminal records, proof that funds are from overseas income, and purchases the property through bank transfer. Within ~4-6 months, he gets his 5-year Golden Visa. He visits Greece only for renewals and personal use, keeps the property, rents it out long-term, and after 7 years of holding the permit (meeting language/integration requirements) considers applying for Greek citizenship.
No. Greece does not require you to live in the country continuously or spend a minimum number of days per year (except when renewing and for biometrics). Simply maintaining the investment and visiting for its renewal every five years is sufficient.
Yes. Spouse/partner, dependent children under 21 (extensions possible until 24 under certain rules), and parents of the main applicant and spouse are eligible.
The permit is valid for 5 years, and can be renewed every 5 years as long as the qualifying investment is still held.
Yes, under conditions. After seven years of residence, applicants may apply for citizenship, provided they meet criteria such as language proficiency, integration, clean record, etc.
Other costs include: property transfer tax (~3%), registry fees, notary costs, legal fees, visa / residence permit application and renewal fees, cost for biometric card issuance, translation of documents, insurance, etc.