Ancient history, Mediterranean glory, and contemporary European living are all seamlessly combined in Greece.
Greece is ideally situated for international citizens as a gateway to the EU and the Schengen Zone. It also offers a friendly culture, reasonably priced living, and great economic prospects. Greece continues to draw investors looking to improve their lifestyles and establish a European residency due to its steady real estate market and excellent investment returns.
With a residency program that offers great value and long-term stability, Greece is more than just its gorgeous islands and sun-drenched coasts. Itโs a center of opportunity. Greece blends lifestyle and influence, offering Schengen access and a streamlined route to EU citizenship. For investors, retirees, and digital nomads, it provides strong infrastructure, dependable healthcare, and advantageous tax regimes.
One of Europeโs most attractive residency-by-investment programs is the Greece Golden Visa. After seven years of residency (with 183+ days annually), individuals may apply for Greek citizenship, provided they pass a language exam and fulfil integration conditions. It also permits visa-free travel across the Schengen Zone.
| Type / Tier | Minimum Investment | Location | Requirement / Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate โ Tier 1 | โฌ800,000 | High-demand areas (Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, islands >3,100 pop.) | Single property purchase of at least 120 mยฒ |
| Real Estate โ Tier 2 | โฌ400,000 | All other regions in Greece | Single property purchase of at least 120 mยฒ |
| Real Estate โ Tier 3 | โฌ250,000 | No location limits | Property converted from commercial to residential use; conversion must be completed before applying |
| Real Estate โ Tier 4 | โฌ250,000 | Historic or culturally significant properties | Full restoration or reconstruction by investor |
| Capital Contribution | โฌ500,000 | Greece-wide | To Greek-registered companies, real estate investment firms, or mutual funds focused on Greece |
| Shares & Bonds | โฌ350,000โโฌ800,000 | Greece-wide | Corporate bonds, government bonds, mutual funds, or alternative investment funds targeting Greek markets |
| Capital Transfer | โฌ500,000 | Greek banks | Fixed-term deposit for at least one year, with auto-renewal |
| Note: Short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnb) are not permitted under the Golden Visa. Violations may result in fines or permit revocation. | |||
A five-year renewable permanent residence permit granted to non-EU nationals who invest in Greek real estate or qualifying financial instruments.
The Greece Digital Nomad Visa is a residence permit for remote workers employed by companies outside Greece.
Greece Citizenship by Descent is available to individuals with a Greek parent or grandparent.
A residence permit for non-EU individuals who can demonstrate a stable independent income (e.g., pensions, rental income).
Secure Greek residency through investment, with permits issued within months, renewable every 5 years, and eligibility for citizenship after 7 years of continuous residency.
Choose investment route and gather documentation
Processed by the Greek Ministry of Migration; permits issued if approved
Residency is renewed every 5 years with proof of continued investment
After 7 years of continuous residency and language proficiency, apply for citizenship
To obtain a Greek Golden Visa, non-EU nationals must make a significant investment in Greece, such as real estate, investment funds, or government bonds, and provide health insurance, a clean criminal record, and proof of funds. The visa grants a renewable 5-year residency with no requirement to live in Greece. Real estate options include โฌ800,000 for prime locations like Athens, Mykonos, or Santorini, โฌ400,000 for other regions, and โฌ250,000 for certain property conversions or restorations, while other options include โฌ350,000+ in investment funds or โฌ500,000 in bank deposits or bonds.
The Greece Golden Visa costs depend on the type of investment: โฌ800,000 for real estate in prime areas, โฌ400,000 in other regions, โฌ250,000 for certain property conversions or restorations. There are also other options, such as โฌ350,000 in Greek investment funds, or โฌ500,000 in bank deposits or government bonds.
Typically between 2 to 6 months, depending on application volume and completeness.
No. Residency is granted without any minimum stay requirement, though physical presence is needed for citizenship eligibility.
The Greece Golden Visa grants a renewable five-year residence permit rather than instant permanent residency. However, it offers a long-term pathway, as the permit can be renewed indefinitelyย as long asย the qualifying investment is kept in place.ย
No, the Greek Golden Visa is not ending; it was restructured and tightened in 2024โ2025 to help control rising housing costs. The program is still active for real estate investments, but the minimum amounts have increased to โฌ400,000-โฌ800,000, depending on the location. At the same time, new, lower-cost options for startup and business investments have been introduced.
Whether youโre seeking second citizenship or residency, planning a relocation, or building a cross-border mobility strategy, weโll help you take the next step.
