Greece’s Golden Visa: Residency Through Real Estate and Capital Investment
Greece’s Golden Visa Program is a leading European residency pathway for investors seeking a straightforward, cost-effective, and family-inclusive route to life in the EU. Launched in 2013, the program was designed to stimulate Greece’s property sector and broader economy by attracting foreign capital. Since its inception, it has grown into one of the most competitive and flexible investment residency programs in Europe.
Investment Options and Requirements
To qualify for the Greek Golden Visa, applicants must make a qualifying financial investment in Greece. The most common routes include:
Real Estate Investment
Greece’s program is best known for its accessible real estate-based residency route. Depending on the location and type of property, investors can choose from the following:
- €250,000 (approx USD 280,000): Minimum investment in designated real estate projects, including commercial-to-residential conversions or the restoration of historic buildings.
- €400,000 (approx USD 450,000): Investment in a single residential property of at least 120 sqm in a non-high-demand area.
- €800,000 (approx USD 900,000): Property investment in high-demand areas such as Athens, Thessaloniki, and popular islands including Mykonos and Santorini.
Importantly, investors are not required to reside in the property—they may rent it out to generate passive income, adding to the program’s appeal.
Alternative Investment Options
Greece also offers several non-real estate routes for eligible investors:
- €500,000 (approx USD 566,000): Fixed-term deposit in a Greek bank.
- €500,000: Capital investment in Greek mutual funds, REITs, or companies listed on the Athens Stock Exchange.
- €800,000: Investment in Greek government bonds or publicly traded corporate bonds and equities.
- €400,000–€800,000: Time-share agreements or long-term leasing contracts for hotel and tourism properties, depending on the location.
Each of these options must meet strict regulatory requirements and hold for the duration of the residency.
Residency Conditions
The Greek Golden Visa requires no minimum stay in Greece to maintain residency status, making it highly attractive for remote investors. The initial residence permit is valid for five years, renewable as long as the investment is maintained.
Benefits of the Greek Golden VisaTravel Flexibility
Holders of the Greek Golden Visa gain visa-free access to the Schengen Area, allowing seamless movement across 29 European countries for business or leisure.
Family Inclusion
Applicants can include family members in their residency applications. Eligible dependents include:
- Spouse or partner
- Children under 21
- Dependent parents of the applicant or spouse
This allows entire families to benefit from life in Europe under a single investment.
Long-Term Pathway
Although the program does not lead directly to citizenship, residents may apply for permanent residency after five years. Citizenship is available after seven years of continuous residence, subject to language proficiency and integration tests.
Why Choose Greece?
Greece combines lifestyle, affordability, and EU access. With Mediterranean climate, stunning landscapes, and a relatively low cost of living, it continues to appeal to investors seeking both a strategic asset and a lifestyle upgrade in Europe.
Read Also: European Residency: How €250,000 Opens Up a Pathway to EU
