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Greece Golden VISA
Starting at €250,000
EU Visa Free
6 Months Processing Time
Greece | Starts at €250,000 | EU Visa Free
Essential Information
Country: Greece
Capital: Athens
Population: 10.3M
Language: Greek
Timezone: GMT+2
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Program Started: 2013
The Golden Visa Programme was launched in 2013 and is widely considered one of the most affordable EU residency pathways. It provides visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area and grants full residency rights to the investor and eligible family members. With no minimum stay requirement, investors can maintain their residency status without needing to relocate permanently.
Greece also boasts a pro-business environment and favourable property market conditions, particularly outside of major tourist zones. Whether you’re seeking a European base, lifestyle upgrade, or future path to citizenship, Greece offers a robust and reliable solution.
7 Years to EU Citizenship: Residency That Leads to a European Passport.
Greece offers a pathway to EU citizenship for Golden Visa holders who establish legal residency and live in the country. After seven years of continuous physical residence, investors are eligible to apply for Greek citizenship through naturalisation.
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate integration into Greek society, including the ability to speak the Greek language, and maintain a clean legal record. Dual citizenship is permitted under Greek law. Importantly, investors must genuinely reside in Greece for the full period—residency on paper is not sufficient for citizenship eligibility.
However, for those looking to relocate to Europe long-term, Greece presents a clear and structured route to naturalisation and the acquisition of a powerful EU passport. Free From Borders offers tailored guidance throughout every step of the journey.
Affordable Entry, Premium Freedom: Your Investment Gateway to Greece.
The Greece Golden Visa Programme offers multiple qualifying investment routes, with real estate investment starting at EUR 250,000. In high-demand areas such as Athens, Thessaloniki, and Santorini, the minimum real estate investment is EUR 800,000, while in other regions it remains at EUR 400,000 or EUR 250,000 depending on property type and use.
Investors may also choose to acquire and restore heritage properties, or invest in hotel timeshares or tourist residences. Beyond real estate, options include fixed bank deposits of at least EUR 500,000, Greek government bonds, or equity contributions into investment companies regulated in Greece.
All investment options must be maintained to retain residency rights. The flexibility of the programme, combined with Greece’s strategic location and lifestyle appeal, has made it one of the most attractive residency routes in Europe. Free From Borders provides expert support across all qualifying paths.
No Stay Needed, Residency Without Relocation.
One of the biggest advantages of the Greece Golden Visa is that it has no physical stay requirement—applicants are not obligated to live in Greece to maintain their residency status.
To qualify, applicants must be 18 years or older, pass due diligence and background checks, and hold valid health insurance. There are no education or language requirements at the time of application.
The programme is open to nationals of any non-EU country and allows the inclusion of spouse, children, and parents. Eligibility is assessed through a straightforward legal and financial process.
Optimise Wealth While Living Mediterranean.
Greece offers favourable tax conditions for non-residents and long-term residents alike. Golden Visa holders are not automatically considered tax residents, unless they spend more than 183 days per year in Greece or declare it as their primary residence.
For those who do become tax residents, Greece offers a special Non-Dom regime, allowing foreign-source income to be taxed at a flat rate of €100,000 annually, regardless of amount. Additional benefits include exemptions on inheritance and donations under certain conditions.
Greece has double tax treaties with over 50 countries, reducing the risk of double taxation. Investors who reside abroad but hold Greek residency enjoy significant flexibility, while those who choose to relocate can optimise their tax exposure through advance planning.
At Free From Borders, we provide a fully transparent, itemized quote with no hidden charges. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying for and how each step of the process works, including in relation to our professional fee.
What Are the Procedures and Timeline for the Greek Residency by Investment Program?
After onboarding, clients travel to Greece, open a bank account, complete the investment, and submit the Golden Visa application. Biometrics are taken in-country, and approval typically arrives within 2–3 months.
Can I retain Greece residency while keeping my current passport?
Yes. Greece allows dual residency and dual citizenship. You can maintain your original nationality while enjoying the benefits of Greek and EU residency.
Legal Basis for Greek Residency by Investment:
The programme is regulated under Law 4251/2014, Article 20B, which outlines the legal framework for granting residence permits through investment in Greece.
Which countries can I travel to in the EU with a Greece residency permit?
With a Greek residency permit, you can travel visa-free to:
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
We advise consulting with your Free From Borders advisor for the most up-to-date information at the time of your application. We are not responsible for any changes to the above that occur during or after your application is completed, as these changes are beyond our control and at the discretion of foreign governments' border policies.
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