Golden Visa

The Golden Visa is one of the most popular investment migration programs worldwide, and Greece is among the top destinations, mainly through real estate purchases. The program grants a residence permit to non-EU citizens in exchange for an investment in the Greek economy.

What is the Golden Visa

The Golden Visa is a five-year residence permit granted to non-European citizens who invest in Greece. The permit is renewable every five years, provided that the investment is maintained, and it offers free movement within the Schengen Area. It also covers the investor’s family members, such as the spouse, children up to the age of 21, and parents.

Requirements for obtaining a Golden Visa through real estate

The most common form of investment is the purchase of property. According to the current legal framework, the minimum investment thresholds are as follows:

• €800,000 for properties located in high-demand areas:

  • Athens

  • Thessaloniki

  • Mykonos

  • Santorini

• €400,000 for properties in all other regions of Greece

• €250,000 exclusively for:

  • Restoration of listed (preserved) buildings or residences, regardless of location

  • Properties resulting from change of use (e.g. former commercial properties converted into residences), regardless of location

The investment must concern a single property, be fully paid, and be legally registered with the Land Registry.

What Greek legislation provides

Under Greek law, the Golden Visa:

• Does not grant the right to salaried employment in Greece

• Allows the exercise of business activity

• Does not require a minimum stay in the country

• May, under certain conditions, lead to long-term residence or citizenship

Additional requirements include private health insurance and a clean criminal record.

Golden Visa and real estate market

The Golden Visa has significantly contributed to the development of the Greek real estate market, attracting investors from around the world. For buyers, it represents a combination of investment and quality of life, while for Greece it acts as a driver of economic growth.