Greece Golden Visa: Affordable EU Residency with Mediterranean Lifestyle

The Greece Golden Visa is one of the most affordable and attractive residency-by-investment programs in the European Union. Introduced in 2013, the program grants permanent residency to non-EU/EEA nationals and their families in exchange for a qualifying real estate or financial investment in Greece. With visa-free access to the Schengen Area, low entry thresholds, and no minimum stay requirement, it’s a top choice for global investors seeking European residency.

Investment Options

As of 2024, the Greek government offers multiple investment pathways under the Golden Visa program:

1. Real Estate Investment:
   • Minimum €250,000 property purchase in most regions.
   • For high-demand areas (e.g., parts of Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini), the threshold is €500,000.
   • Property can be residential or commercial.
   • Must be held for as long as the residency is maintained.
2. Lease of Tourist Accommodation:
   • Long-term lease of hotel accommodation or tourist properties for a minimum of 10 years with a total value of at least €250,000.
3. Capital Contribution:
   • Investment of €400,000 in a Greek-registered company or Greek government bonds.
   • Or deposit of €400,000 in a Greek bank for at least 1 year.

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals.
• Applicant must be over 18 and have a clean criminal record.
• Proof of legal source of funds and valid health insurance in Greece.
• No obligation to live in Greece to maintain the visa.

Family Inclusion

The Greek Golden Visa includes close family members such as:

• Spouse or legal partner
• Children under 21 (renewable until age 24 if dependent)
• Parents and in-laws of both main applicant and spouse

All family members receive the same five-year residence permit.

Key Benefits of the Greece Golden Visa

• EU Residency: Legal right to live in Greece.
• Schengen Access: Visa-free travel to 27 European countries.
• No Minimum Stay: Maintain residency without living in Greece.
• Fast Processing: Approval within 2–3 months.
• Low Investment Threshold: Starting at just €250,000—one of the lowest in Europe.
• Rental Income Allowed: Investors can rent out their property.
• Renewable Every 5 Years: As long as the investment is maintained.
• Path to Citizenship: Possible after 7 years of continuous residence, with Greek language and cultural integration.

Additional Notes

• Real estate must be purchased before applying.
• All documents must be translated into Greek and officially certified.
• Additional purchase taxes and legal fees (approx. 10–15%) apply to real estate.
• While the visa doesn’t grant work rights in Greece, applicants can manage their own businesses.

The Greece Golden Visa offers a perfect mix of EU access, investment opportunity, and the Mediterranean lifestyle—from historic Athens to the scenic islands of the Aegean. For investors looking for flexibility, family inclusion, and affordability, Greece presents one of the most attractive Golden Visa options in Europe.