Residence Permit in Greece by Investment
The Greek Golden Visa is a popular residence-by-investment program that has become one of the leading EU options by number of approvals in 2025.
Greece, located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, attracts investors with its Mediterranean climate, sea, and developed tourism infrastructure. A key advantage of the Greek Golden Visa is the relatively low investment threshold: from €250,000, which is the lowest entry point among European programs.
A Greek residence permit obtained through real estate or other qualifying investments gives you the right to live in the country and travel freely within the Schengen Area. This is a convenient way to maintain your primary lifestyle outside the EU, but still secure a European residence permit for yourself and your family.
Legal Basis for Obtaining a Residence Permit in Greece by Investment
The Golden Visa program was officially introduced by Greek legislation in 2013 (Law 4146/2013 and subsequent amendments). Any adult foreigner who is not an EU citizen may take part in the program if they have lawful income and investment capital. A criminal record and sanctions are not allowed. There is no obligation to take language exams or to live in Greece permanently to maintain status—you only need to keep the investment.
You can participate in the program personally or through a trusted Greek attorney acting under a power of attorney. The main condition for obtaining a Greece residence permit is to invest funds in the country’s economy. There are several investment options available to the applicant under law:
- Purchase of real estate.
This is the most popular route. The minimum investment is from €250,000 if you buy property in most regions of Greece, or from €500,000 in certain high-demand areas (for example, central Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini). You may purchase residential or commercial property; it may be a new build or a resale—there are no restrictions by property type.
- Long-term lease (leasing) of tourist property.
An alternative to purchase is a long-term lease of hotel units or furnished tourist residences for a term of at least 10 years, with a minimum total contract value set by law. Depending on the region, the amount may be from €400,000 or €800,000.
- Bank deposit.
It is permitted to place a substantial sum in a time deposit with a Greek bank. The funds must remain in the Greek bank for the entire period of your residence permit’s validity.
- Capital investment in business.
The applicant may invest in a Greek company, including by purchasing shares or corporate bonds of Greek issuers, in the amount of at least €500,000.
- Government bonds.
Purchase of Greek government bonds in the amount of at least €500,000 with a maturity of no less than 3 years.
- Securities and funds.
Eligible investments include the purchase of shares or bonds, as well as acquiring units in an investment fund that invests exclusively in Greek assets.
It is important to note that €250,000 is the minimum entry threshold for one investor. If several family members want to receive residence permits as principal applicants rather than dependants, each must invest at least the statutory minimum separately.
The process of obtaining a Greek residence permit by investment is relatively fast: typically 4–6 months from selecting the property to issuance of the residence permit card—provided the investment is not withdrawn.
Benefits of the Greece Residence Permit by Investment
- Visa-free travel across EuropeUpon receiving the Greek residence permit, the investor and family members can travel throughout the Schengen Area without visas. You do not need to apply for a Schengen visa each time — residence eliminates visa barriers.
- Opportunity to obtain permanent residence and citizenshipThe Greek Golden Visa provides a long-term residence status with a prospect of citizenship in the future. The residence card is issued immediately for 5 years and can be renewed for subsequent 5-year periods for as long as the investment is maintained.
Permanent residence may be applied for after 5 years; Greek citizenship—after 7 years of legal residence (subject to language and integration requirements). The Greek passport is one of the strongest in the world, allowing visa-free travel to about 187 countries. - Residence permits for the whole familyA Greek residence permit by investment extends to the investor’s entire family, which makes the program especially attractive. You can include your spouse and children (as a rule, up to 21 years old). Parents of both the investor and the spouse may also be included subject to the program’s conditions—there is no need to duplicate the investment; satisfying one investment requirement covers the family.
- No obligation to live in the countryOne of the main advantages of the Greek program is full freedom in choosing where to live. The investor is not required to reside in Greece permanently—the residence status is maintained as long as the investment is kept.
In practice, you only need to visit the country to complete formalities when obtaining your first residence card, and later every 5 years for renewal. - Attractive real estate investments and returnsBesides its immigration advantages, the Greek Golden Visa is appealing as an investment project. Investments in real estate in high-demand regions can provide rental income and potential capital appreciation.
The property can be leased on a long-term basis; however, it is important to comply strictly with the program rules (for example, in the event of property sale, the investor’s residence permit will be canceled unless they reinvest in another qualifying asset).
How to Obtain a Residence Permit in Greece by Investment? Step-by-Step Guide
Decide on the region and type of property (apartment, townhouse, commercial premises) or select another permitted option.
Professional advisors will help assess the risks and returns of different investments and pick the most favorable choice.
This stage is very important for safe investing.
Payment is made via a bank transfer from the investor’s account. It is essential to collect and retain all documents confirming the transaction—these will be required for the residence permit application.
From this moment, you become the owner or long-term holder of the asset in Greece — this is the basis for submitting your residence application.
A file is created, fees are paid, and you receive a submission receipt (blue certificate), which serves as a temporary confirmation of your right to stay in Greece and indicates that you have been approved in principle for residence status.
From that moment, you are a Greek resident with all the rights attached. Congratulations—the Golden Visa has been granted.
FAQs about the Greece Residence Permit by Investment
You will need to travel to Greece later to provide biometrics and receive the card. After you receive your residence permit, you will have the right to enter Greece using your resident card.
