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Residency by Investment

in Greece

An accessible and versatile residency programme with a pathway to EU citizenship

$250,000
Minimum investment amount

2 Months

Processing time

Route to citizenship

Key Residency benefit

Why investors are drawn to Greece

Located in southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, Greece is widely regarded as the cradle of Western civilisation. Its influence spans philosophy, governance, sport, and architecture, from ancient thinkers to the creation of the Olympic Games and some of the world’s most iconic historical monuments.

Beyond its cultural legacy, Greece is internationally renowned for its natural beauty. With more than 2,000 islands, dramatic coastlines, and diverse landscapes, the country consistently ranks among the world’s most visited destinations.

Greece also holds a strong international standing as an early member of both the European Union and the United Nations, offering political stability, EU protections, and long-term confidence for international investors.

Overview of the Greece Golden Visa Programme

Introduced in 2013, the Greece Golden Visa Programme has become one of the most sought-after residency-by-investment schemes in Europe.

The programme is open to non-EU nationals and grants a renewable five-year residence permit in exchange for qualifying investments, most commonly in real estate. Entry thresholds start from €250,000, making it one of the most cost-effective routes to EU residency.

The application process is notably efficient, with many applicants receiving residency approval within approximately two months. While physical residence is not required to maintain the permit, Golden Visa holders may apply for Greek citizenship after meeting long-term residency conditions.

Ways to qualify for the Greek Golden Visa

Real estate investment options

    • Applicants may qualify through property investment under the following categories:

 

  • €250,000 – Investment in specialised real estate projects, including the conversion of commercial buildings into residential use or the restoration of listed properties, regardless of size or location
  • €400,000 – Purchase of a single residential property measuring at least 120 square metres in most regions of Greece
  •  €800,000 – Property acquisition in high-demand areas such as Athens, Thessaloniki, and islands with populations exceeding 3,100 residents

Financial Investment Routes

Applicants may also qualify through approved financial investments with a minimum value of €400,000. Eligible options include:

  • Fixed-term deposits held with Greek banking institutions
  • Greek government bonds
  • Corporate bonds
  • Equity investments
  • Mutual funds and other regulated investment funds
  • Investments in publicly listed financial instruments

Each financial route carries specific conditions and regulatory requirements.

Contact our Citizenship by Investment Expert

Greece FAQs

How long does the application process take?

Processing times vary depending on individual circumstances, but most applicants receive their Greek Golden Visa within approximately two months of submitting a complete application.

Yes. Golden Visa holders may apply for Greek citizenship through naturalisation after seven years of continuous residence. Applicants must demonstrate physical presence in Greece for at least 183 days per year and pass a Greek language proficiency examination.

Yes. The main applicant may include the following family members in the same application:

  • A legally married spouse
  • Children of the applicant or spouse under 21 years of age, provided they are unmarried
  • Parents and parents-in-law

When children reach the age of 21, they may apply for an independent residence permit valid until age 24. Children over 21 may also qualify for the Golden Visa if additional real estate investment of at least €250,000 per child is made.

The programme is open to all non-EU nationals who meet the investment and legal requirements set out under Greece’s Golden Visa legislation.