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. It’s 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 Europe’s 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 – Tier 1 | €800,000 | High-demand areas (Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, islands >3,100 pop.) | Single property purchase of at least 120 m² |
| Real Estate – Tier 2 | €400,000 | All other regions in Greece | Single property purchase of at least 120 m² |
| Real Estate – Tier 3 | €250,000 | No location limits | Property converted from commercial to residential use; conversion must be completed before applying |
| Real Estate – Tier 4 | €250,000 | Historic or culturally significant properties | Full restoration or reconstruction by investor |
| Capital Contribution | €500,000 | Greece-wide | To Greek-registered companies, real estate investment firms, or mutual funds focused on Greece |
| Shares & Bonds | €350,000–€800,000 | Greece-wide | Corporate bonds, government bonds, mutual funds, or alternative investment funds targeting Greek markets |
| Capital Transfer | €500,000 | 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 €800,000 for prime locations like Athens, Mykonos, or Santorini, €400,000 for other regions, and €250,000 for certain property conversions or restorations, while other options include €350,000+ in investment funds or €500,000 in bank deposits or bonds.
The Greece Golden Visa costs depend on the type of investment: €800,000 for real estate in prime areas, €400,000 in other regions, €250,000 for certain property conversions or restorations. There are also other options, such as €350,000 in Greek investment funds, or €500,000 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 indefinitely as long as the qualifying investment is kept in place.
No, the Greek Golden Visa is not ending; it was restructured and tightened in 2024–2025 to help control rising housing costs. The program is still active for real estate investments, but the minimum amounts have increased to €400,000-€800,000, depending on the location. At the same time, new, lower-cost options for startup and business investments have been introduced.
Whether you’re seeking second citizenship or residency, planning a relocation, or building a cross-border mobility strategy, we’ll help you take the next step.