Greece’s residence by investment program, known as the “Greece Golden Visa” was set forth in Law 4146/2013.
The law states that third-country nationals who invest the requisite amount in real estate property(ies) in Greece either personally or through a legal entity whose shares belong to them in its entirety can apply for a Greek Permanent Residence Permit “Greece Golden Visa.”
Greece Golden Visa will be issued within 2-3 months for the investor and his or her family. Permits are valid for 5 years and can be renewed indefinitely as long as the investment hasn’t been liquidated.
Holders of Greece Golden Visa can apply for citizenship after 7 years of legal residence in Greece.
Ability to reside in Greece without restrictions
No tax obligation for non-residents
Travel visa-free to any of the 26 countries in the Schengen Area
Dependent children up to the age of 21 can be part of the same application
Dual citizenship is allowed in Greece
No language requirements
No residency requirement or interview to get the permanent residence permit
Step 1: Prequalification of the primary applicant.
Step 2: Citizenship Bay and the client enter into a service agreement.
Step 3: If needed, a visit to Greece will be arranged by Citizenship
Bay to view real estate projects and reserve a property.
Step 4: Sign the sales and purchase agreement for the selected property and pay a reservation fee.
Step 5: Transfer the full investment amount to Greece to buy the
property.
Step 6: Advice and assistance are provided to the client with the
preparation of documents and government
Step 7: Citizenship Bay will submit a complete application to the
Ministry of Interior in Greece on behalf of the applicants.
Step 8: Pre-approval is granted after completion of due diligence
and full assessment of the application.
Step 9: Applicants must visit Greece to give BIOMETRICS.
Step 10: Citizenship Bay will receive the applicants’ Greek residency permits (European IDs), and then will be delivered to the client.
The Greece Golden Visa program, stablished under Law 4146/2013, grants permanent residency to non-EU foreign investors by making a qualifying investment, most commonly in real estate. It is one of the most accessible and efficient residency-by-investment programs in Europe, offering fast processing and long-term benefits for investors and their families.
To qualify for a Greece Golden Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements: - Be a citizen from outside the EU/EEA - Be at least 18 years old or above - Have a clear background check and a clean criminal record - Have valid medical health Insurance for the applicant and his family - A proof of the source of money
Greece does not offer direct citizenship by investment. However, investors may apply for citizenship after 7 years of Acquiring the Golden Visa, subject to meeting eligibility criteria such as physical presence (183 days per year), language proficiency, and integration.
Greece residency by investment, known as Golden Visa, offers a 5-year renewable residence permit in Greece with visa-free access to the Schengen Area, no minimum stay requirement, and full family inclusion, while also providing attractive return on investment through real estate. Additionally, it provides a path to citizenship after 7 years of legal residence, subject to meeting language and integration requirements.
Under the current rules, the minimum investment cost for Greece Golden Visa properties depends on location and type:
- €800,000 for a property in high-demand areas such as Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, or Santorini
- €400,000 in most other Greek regions
- €250,000 for commercial buildings converted to residential use These amounts exclude legal fees, taxes, notary charges, and other transaction expenses.
The residence permit is typically valid for 5 years and can be renewed indefinitely, provided the investment is maintained.
The main applicant can include: - Spouse - Children under 21 (and dependent children under certain conditions) - Parents of both spouses
Yes, a Greece Golden Visa is a valuable investment, providing five-year renewable residency in a culturally rich and scenic country, visa-free travel across the Schengen Area, a relatively low investment requirement, and a potential path to EU citizenship after seven years.
The Greece Golden Visa program does not require you to reside in the country to maintain your permit. However, if you plan to apply for citizenship, you must live in Greece for seven years.