About
Capital: Athens
Population: 10,497,595
Language: Greek
GDP per Capita: 22,990 USD
Currency: Euro
Membership: Member of the European Union and NATO
Visa-Free Countries: 175 countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, European Union, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, Brazil, and South Africa
Greece Golden Visa Program Overview
Greece is the birthplace of democracy and Western philosophy. It is one of Europe's oldest civilizations, home to countless historical landmarks, as well as an emerald coastline, pine forests, and olive groves inviting you into natural beauty. The Greek people take immense pride in their traditions and heritage, welcoming you to their shores with the warmest hospitality. As an EU member state, Greece provides visa-free travel access to 27 countries within the Schengen Area.
The Golden Visa Program was launched in 2013 to attract foreign residency investments through real estate acquisition. Alongside Malta's RBI program, it is one of the few European programs offering immediate and permanent residency pathways. The 2014 Immigration and Social Integration Code introduced provisions facilitating residency by granting five-year residency permits to non-EU nationals. This visa is granted in exchange for a real estate investment starting from €250,000. You can obtain the visa in less than 90 days and renew it every five years, provided that you maintain the property investment.
Advantages
• Investment options starting from as low as €250,000.
• Permanent residency status from day one.
• Opportunity to live in an EU member state.
• Secure full family residency for your spouse and dependent children up to 21 years old.
• No minimum physical stay requirements.
• A smooth 6–12 month application process leading to the issuance of the residence permit.
• Comfortable living enhanced by a pleasant Mediterranean climate.
• Visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Zone.
Requirements
This program is a Residency by Investment Program rather than a Citizenship by Investment Program. While you may reside indefinitely in Greece, there is no minimum physical stay requirement. You are not required to live in the country to maintain and renew your investor visa. The visa allows the applicant to reside in Greece and establish a business, but it does not permit employment.
Under this program, if you are over 18 years old, you, your spouse, your children under 21, and your parents can secure residency. To qualify, you must have a clean criminal record and comprehensive health insurance covering your stay in Greece.
Investment Options
A €250,000 real estate purchase in Greater Athens areas including Piraeus (Western, Eastern, and Outer Suburbs), most Greek Islands, and the Greek mainland.
• A €500,000 investment in a single property across Central, Southern, and Northern Athens, the Municipality of Thessaloniki, Mykonos, or Santorini.
• Properties can be purchased jointly with other buyers, or you may assemble a combined portfolio of properties totaling at least €250,000. You should visit Greece to view the properties and open a local bank account prior to submitting your Golden Visa application.
You may exit the program at any time by selling the property and returning the residence permit. Renting out the property and generating rental income can also be an attractive opportunity.
Main Applicant & Eligible Family Members
As the main applicant, you must be able to verify the source of your funds and provide evidence of employment or steady income. You may include your spouse as a dependent. Like you, your spouse must be at least 18 years old and covered by a valid health insurance policy. You can also include dependent children under 21, who can maintain status up to age 24. Furthermore, parents and parents-in-law may be included provided that proof of direct relationship is established.
Taxation
A resident is only taxed on income generated within Greece, meaning you will not be taxed on your worldwide earnings. Rental income derived from real estate is taxed at a rate of 15% for amounts up to €12,000, and 33% for income exceeding €12,000.
Process Overview
The Greece Golden Visa features a relatively straightforward application process, typically concluding with the issuance of your residence permit within 6 to 12 months. This timeline represents an estimate assuming no unforeseen procedural delays.
Initial Due Diligence
Following a successful screening, we will present our Client Agreement (CA) for your review and signature. Once the agreement is signed and the retainer payment is completed, our legal team will prepare all required official forms and supporting documentation. Concurrently, you will sign a sale and purchase agreement with the broker. We will coordinate directly with the real estate advisor and the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum on your behalf.
Review and Submission
Application review and formal filing. Prior to document dispatch, we thoroughly audit your file to ensure full compliance with the statutory regulations of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum. Our legal team conducts final checks before submitting the relevant forms, after which the Ministry performs its own due diligence and evaluation. Rest assured, we work closely alongside them throughout the process to guarantee timely and efficient processing. Upon submission, the Ministry will also issue a receipt certificate that serves as a provisional residence permit while awaiting the final decision.
Approval & Issuance
The Ministry will adjudicate your application. Once approved, you will fulfill all mandatory contributions and remit applicable government fees. Following payment confirmation, we will arrange the prompt dispatch and handover of all official residence cards and documentation.