GREECE'S GOLDEN VISA PROGRAM

The Greek Golden Visa is one of Europe’s most attractive residency-by-investment programs, offering a 5-year renewable residence permit to non-EU citizens who invest in Greek real estate. As of 2025, new laws have updated investment thresholds and added stricter regulations for short-term rentals.

What is the Greek Golden Visa?

The Greek Golden Visa allows non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals to obtain a 5-year residency permit by purchasing real estate in Greece. It includes the main applicant’s spouse, children under 21 (sometimes up to 24), and dependent parents.

It grants:

  • Freedom to live in Greece
  • Visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone
  • No minimum stay requirement
  • Pathway to Greek citizenship after 7 years (with conditions)

Property Investment Requirements (As of 2025)

According to Law 5100/2024, which took full effect in August 2024, property investment thresholds now vary based on location and property type:

Tier Location / Type Minimum Investment Property Size
Tier 1 Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, islands with 3,100+ residents €800,000 At least 120 m²
Tier 2 All other areas of Greece €400,000 At least 120 m²
Tier 3 Conversion of commercial to residential €250,000 No minimum size
Tier 4 Restoration of listed/historic buildings €250,000 No minimum size

Legal Timeline & Transitional Rules

If a 10% deposit is paid before August 31, 2024, buyers may complete the purchase under the old rules (€250,000) by:

  • February 28, 2025 (general real estate)
  • April 30, 2025 (if the property is to be restored or converted)

After these deadlines, all new applications must meet the new tiered thresholds.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, you must:

  • Be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national, aged 18 or older
  • Have a clean criminal record
  • Provide proof of legal income/funds
  • Have health insurance valid in Greece
  • Make the investment in full before applying

Required Documents

You’ll need:

  • Valid passport
  • Purchase agreement and property title
  • Tax ID (AFM) in Greece
  • Proof of health insurance
  • Criminal record certificate
  • Proof of funds transfer
  • Family documents (if applicable)

All documents not in Greek must be officially translated and certified.

Application Steps (2025 Process)

  • Property Selection
    Choose a qualifying property based on the 2025 investment tiers and location.
  • Tax Number & Bank Account
    We assist you in obtaining a Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM) and opening a bank account if required.
  • Preliminary Agreement & Deposit
    Sign a reservation agreement and pay a deposit to secure the investment threshold.
  • Legal Due Diligence
    Our legal team checks property titles, urban planning status, and ensures there are no encumbrances or legal issues.
  • Property Purchase
    We coordinate the signing of the final notarial deed and registration in the Greek Land Registry.
  • Document Collection
    We gather and prepare all documents required for the residency application — including certified translations and notarizations.
  • Application Submission
    We submit your application to the Greek Migration Authority, either in person or via power of attorney.
  • Biometrics Appointment
    We schedule and guide you through the biometric data appointment (fingerprints, photo).
  • Residence Permit Issuance
    After approval, you receive a 5-year residency card for you and eligible family members.

Benefits of the Greek Golden Visa

  • Visa-free travel to 27+ Schengen countries
  • No obligation to live in Greece
  • Low property taxes and favorable cost of living
  • Access to education and healthcare
  • Option to apply for permanent residency or citizenship

Golden visa program

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Let Us Handle Everything

Our law office has extensive experience guiding clients through every step of the Greek Golden Visa process. From property selection and legal checks to documentation, tax guidance, and final application submission, we ensure a secure, compliant, and stress-free experience.

We work with trusted notaries, real estate agents, and translators — and can act on your behalf with power of attorney, so you don’t need to be in Greece for most steps.