Greece Golden Visa Program
Overview The Greece Golden Visa Program offers non-EU/EEA citizens and their families permanent residency in Greece through qualifying real estate investments. It is one of the most affordable residency-by-investment schemes in Europe, with the added benefit of visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national.
- Minimum age: 18 years old.
- Must make a qualifying investment in Greece.
- Clean criminal record in home country and Greece.
- Valid health insurance in Greece.
Investment Options
- Real Estate Investment
- Minimum: €250,000 (applies in certain regions)
- Minimum: €500,000 (in high-demand zones like Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Thessaloniki)
- Must purchase residential or commercial property or sign a 10-year lease agreement (e.g., hotels or tourist facilities).
- Alternative Options(less commonly used)
- Capital investment in Greek government bonds or shares.
- Investment in strategic development projects (amounts vary).
Application Process
- Preparation & Legal Representation
- Engage a licensed Greek lawyer.
- Secure Greek tax number and open a local bank account.
- Investment Execution
- Complete the property purchase or lease.
- Pay applicable taxes (usually 3.09% of property value).
- Document Collection
- Proof of property ownership.
- Passport, clean criminal record, marriage and birth certificates (if applicable).
- Private health insurance policy.
- Application Submission
- Submit through the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum.
- Biometrics & Approval
- Attend biometrics appointment.
- Receive a residency permit within 2–3 months of approval.
Processing Time
- Approx. 2 to 4 months from application to issuance of residency permit.
Costs
- Investment amount: €250,000 or €500,000+ (depending on location)
- Government fees: €2,000 per main applicant + €150 per family member
- Legal and advisory fees: €5,000–€15,000 (varies by case)
- Property purchase tax: ~3%
Benefits
- Residency for entire family (spouse, children under 21, and dependent parents).
- No minimum stay requirement to maintain residency.
- Visa-free travel in the Schengen Area (26 European countries).
- Renewable every 5 years as long as the property is held.
Citizenship Eligibility
- Must live in Greece full-time for 7 years to be eligible to apply for citizenship.
- Must pass Greek language and integration test.
Important Notes
- Real estate can be rented out for income.
- Properties can be sold, but doing so may end residency rights unless replaced with another qualifying property.
- The program is attractive for investors not seeking to relocate immediately but wanting European access.
Contact SVESA Today
We provides full legal and real estate support for clients interested in the Greece Golden Visa. Contact us for a free eligibility assessment and personalized advice.