Investment residency in Greece is a popular route to a residence permit and freedom of movement.
- The official language is Greek, while English is widely spoken in tourism and larger cities.
- Tourism contributes a sizeable share of GDP, welcoming tens of millions of visitors yearly.
- After the 2010s debt crisis, the economy has recovered and returned to growth.
Greece runs a Golden Visa programme granting residence to real-estate investors.
Since August 2024 the minimum investment rose to around EUR 800,000 in prime areas such as Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos and Santorini.
Programme overview
In many other areas the threshold is roughly EUR 400,000, with lower tiers for certain heritage-restoration projects.
The Golden Visa residence card is valid for five years and renews while the investment is held.
The programme sets no minimum-stay requirement, which suits busy investors.
Required investment
The permit covers the whole family, including spouse, dependent children and both sets of parents.
- Holders enjoy free movement within the Schengen Area without a separate visa.
- Besides property, investors may qualify through bonds, shares or bank deposits at set thresholds.
- When buying, budget for transfer tax, notary and legal fees on top of the purchase price.
- Greece counts more than 6,000 islands and islets, of which roughly 200 are inhabited.
- It has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, sunny winters.
Investor benefits
A European Union member since 1981 and part of the eurozone, Greece uses the euro (EUR).
Greece belongs to the Schengen Area, allowing free movement across much of Europe.
Its coastline stretches about 13,600 km, among the longest in the world.
Documents and timeline
Long-term EU permanent residence can be sought after five years of lawful residence.
Citizenship processing can be lengthy, so prepare a thorough file to avoid repeated requests.
After seven years of lawful, continuous residence, foreigners may apply for Greek citizenship.
Risks and updates
Greece lies in Southeastern Europe at the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula on the Mediterranean.
The capital, Athens, is the political and economic hub and the birthplace of Western democracy.
Greece has a population of about 10.4 million, most following Greek Orthodox Christianity.
Need a tailored roadmap?
Viking Global Group walks with you from paperwork to settlement. Call +849.219.219.88 or email [email protected] for a free consultation.
Related articles
- Study in Greece: the education system and why choose it
- Travel in Greece: must-see destinations
- Investment & Residency
Frequently asked questions
What is the Greece investment residency programme?
Commonly called the Golden Visa, it grants residence permits to non-EU nationals who make a qualifying investment, most often in real estate, with some financial investment options. It provides residence rights, not citizenship, and can be renewed as long as the investment is maintained.
How are investment thresholds set?
Minimum real estate thresholds vary by location and property type, with higher levels in high-demand areas such as Athens, Thessaloniki and certain islands. Thresholds have been changed several times, so investors should always check the rules in force before committing funds.
What rights does a Golden Visa give?
Holders can live in Greece, include a spouse and eligible children in the permit, renew it while keeping the investment, and travel within the Schengen area under short-stay rules. The permit generally does not allow employment as a salaried worker in Greece.
Do Golden Visa holders need to live in Greece?
There is generally no minimum stay requirement to keep the permit. However, anyone hoping to apply for long-term residence or citizenship later must actually live in Greece for the required period and meet language and integration conditions.
What should investors check before applying?
Investors should verify property title with an independent lawyer, understand transaction and holding costs, check restrictions on short-term rentals, prepare evidence of lawful source of funds and monitor policy changes. Decisions should not rely solely on sales presentations.
Information is for reference and may change under the latest official policy. Please contact us for current regulations.
