Greece Residence by Investment Program Overview

The Greece Golden Visa program offers an opportunity to obtain residency through investment. This program grants a 5-year permit to individuals who invest in real estate or other investment options. You can access visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, the route to obtain Greek citizenship, and access to outstanding medical care and education. This option is particularly appetizing for investors looking to establish a secure European.
Minimum Investment
N/A
Donation
Processing Time
1+
Months
Minimum Investment
EUR 250,000
Real Estate
Visa-Free Access
26+
Countries & Territories

Benefits of the Greece Golden Visa Program

  • Travel Visa-free to the 27 Schengen countries.
  • Applicants can obtain Greek citizenship after 7 years.
  • Take advantage of Greece’s robust medical care system, which offers extensive medical protection and access to excellent facilities.
  • Enrollment at Greek and EU educational institutions.
  • Opportunity to rent out the investment property with high returns.
  • Unlike other schemes, you do not need to live in Greece to preserve your resident status.

Requirements of the Greece Golden Visa program

To qualify for residency, the main applicant must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Provide confirmed sources of investment.
  • Have no criminal record.

Investment Options of the Greece Golden Visa program

Option 1: Real Estate Investment

  • €800,000: Minimum investment for properties located in Athens, Thessaloniki, and islands with populations exceeding 3,100.
  • €400,000: Required investment for properties in other regions of Greece, with a minimum property size of 120 sqm.
  • €250,000: Applies to properties intended for renovation or conversion into residential space.

Option 2: Other Investment Options

  • Lease or Timeshare: A 10-year lease agreement for tourist accommodation or timeshare, with a minimum value of €400,000.
  • Fixed-Term Deposit: An investment of at least €500,000 in a Greek bank for a fixed term.
  • Government Bonds: Purchase of Greek government bonds worth €500,000 or more, with a minimum maturity of three years.
  • Corporate and Government Bonds: Investment of €800,000 or more in corporate and government bonds listed for trading.
  • Investment Funds: €350,000 or more invested in mutual or alternative investment funds focused on Greece.
  • Capital Investment: A minimum of €500,000 invested in a Greek company for share capital increase.

Procedures & Time Frame of the Greek Golden Residence Visa

The process begins with a thorough initial assessment to minimize the risk of rejection to just 1%. Simultaneously, Emirates Advisory collects comprehensive personal information for each family member to ensure a seamless submission process. Our meticulous approach lays the foundation for a successful application in this initial phase.

Additionally, Emirates Advisory assists in acquiring a Greek tax number, which is essential for key transactions such as property purchases. This process typically takes between 3 to 7 working days. Obtaining this tax number is crucial for meeting the investment criteria of the residency application.

Once the investment requirements are met and the application is approved, you will receive a one-year certificate that permits you to reside in Greece until your official residence permit is issued. The residence permit card can be obtained in person or through Emirates Advisory.

Citizenship

Investors must reside in Greece for at least seven years before becoming eligible for citizenship.

Greece Golden Residence Visa FAQ's

Does a Greek golden visa lead to citizenship?

Individuals must have lived in Greece for at least 7 years before becoming citizens. Another vital eligibility is an understanding of the Greek language.

Which Family Members Can Be Included, and Who Else Is Eligible for the Greece Golden Visa Investment?

The following family members are eligible to benefit from the same Greece Golden Visa investment:

  • A spouse or a partner with a registered cohabitation agreement in Greece.
  • Children under 21 years old at the time of investment, with eligibility extending up to the age of 24.
  • Parents and parents-in-law of the main applicant.

Where can I buy properties in Greece that qualify for the Residence or Golden visa?

Property can be acquired in any part of Greece, including Athens, metropolitan places, coastal locations, and stunning islands.

Greece’s property prices are currently lower than in many other European capitals, three times lower than in Lisbon, Portugal, or Madrid, Spain, and nearly eight times lower than in Paris, France.

Do I need to travel to Greece to obtain a residence permit?

Yes, the investor must travel to Greece to open a bank account and provide biometric data for the residency permit. However, a representative firm, such as Emirates Advisory, can handle the remaining steps through a power of attorney. The representative firm will execute the purchase and sale agreement, submit the required documentation for program participation, and obtain the residency permit cards on behalf of the investor.

Is it possible to return the investment?

Yes, the investment can be returned after the residency permit expires or once you obtain citizenship. However, to renew an investment home permit, property ownership is required. This means that the property cannot be sold. 

The program guidelines stipulate the longer-term rental of the real estate, with the potential for an annual income of 3–5% as long as the properties are maintained.

Is it necessary to hire a lawyer to collect all documents?

Hiring a lawyer such as Emirates Advisory is recommended to ensure that you have all the necessary documents per Greek immigration law and the requirements set by the relative Greek authorities.

Overview of Greece

Greece, situated in Southeast Europe, provides breathtaking Mediterranean coastlines and a vibrant cultural heritage. The strategic location of this place at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa offers a gateway to a wide range of markets, making it perfect for international business and lifestyle opportunities.

  • Population: 10.5 million
  • Languages: Greek
  • Economy: Service- and industrial-based
  • Currency: Euro

Greece has a diverse economy, with robust shipping, tourism, and agriculture sectors. Recent changes have greatly improved liquidity in the economy and opened up numerous investment opportunities, especially in the thriving real estate and technology sectors. The country’s EU membership boosts its economic appeal.

Greece has exceptional global connectivity. Numerous flights connect to major countries across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, making it convenient for travellers on both business and pleasure to reach their destinations.

Greece offers an outstanding quality of life, stunning landscapes, and a fascinating historical heritage. It provides attractive tax incentives, a dynamic business environment, and access to European markets, which can significantly enhance personal and professional prospects.

Contact Us Today!

If you have any inquiries or would like a comprehensive breakdown of the precise costs for your family, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are eager to assist you.