At a Glance
- Type: Residency by investment in an EU member state
- Minimum investment: Real estate from EUR 250,000 to EUR 800,000 by location and property type
- Permit: Renewable five-year residence permit, valid while the investment is maintained
- Physical presence: No minimum stay requirement
- Citizenship: Possible after seven years of residence, subject to ties and a language requirement
- Processing time: Generally four to eight months
- Family: Spouse, children under 21, and parents of both spouses, with no increase in the minimum investment
Investment Thresholds
The thresholds were restructured in 2024 and 2026 into a tiered system:
- EUR 800,000 in the Athens and Thessaloniki metropolitan areas, Mykonos, Santorini, and islands with more than 3,100 residents
- EUR 400,000 in all other regions
- EUR 250,000 for qualifying commercial-to-residential conversions or heritage restoration projects, available anywhere in Greece
For the EUR 400,000 and EUR 800,000 tiers, the qualifying purchase must generally be a single property of at least 120 square metres. Alternative routes include a EUR 350,000 investment in qualifying funds or shares, and a EUR 500,000 bank deposit or company capital contribution.
A Point to Note
Properties acquired under the Golden Visa cannot be let on short-term rental platforms such as Airbnb. Long-term rental income is permitted. Breaching this rule can put the residency permit at risk, so we make sure clients understand it before purchasing.
Key Benefits
- Visa-free travel across the Schengen Area
- No requirement to live in Greece to maintain residency
- Strong rental demand and one of the more affordable property markets in Europe
- Access to Greek healthcare and education
- A renewable, indefinitely extendable residency status
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to live in Greece?No. There is no minimum stay requirement to hold or renew the Golden Visa.
What is the lowest entry point?EUR 250,000, but only for qualifying commercial-to-residential conversions or heritage restoration projects. In prime areas the realistic baseline is EUR 800,000.
Can I rent out the property?Long-term rentals are allowed, but short-term holiday lets such as Airbnb are not permitted on the qualifying property.
This page is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal, tax, or immigration advice. Program rules change frequently. Qualified professional advice should be obtained before making any investment or application.
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