Greece

Financial Advantages

• Strong potential for ROI through property appreciation and rental demand.
• Favorable tax treaties with numerous countries.
• Non-residents taxed only on income sourced from Greece.
• Corporate tax incentives for investments in key growth sectors.

Lifestyle Advantages

• Visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Zone.
• Family-oriented program covering multiple generations.
• High-quality education and affordable tuition for universities across the EU.
• Over 300 days of sunshine annually and one of the healthiest diets in the world.
• Welcoming, hospitable people and a relaxed lifestyle.

Business Advantages

• Permission to establish and run your own businesses in Greece.
• Low cost of living and business operations.
• Skilled workforce and access to EU markets.
• Emerging opportunities in tourism, energy, IT, food and beverage, life sciences, and logistics.

Benefits and Unique Advantages

The Greece Golden Visa is recognized as one of the most attractive residency programs worldwide, thanks to its unique blend of low cost, high value, and lifestyle perks.

• Most Affordable in Europe: With an entry point of just €250,000, Greece offers one of the lowest investment thresholds for residency among EU Golden Visa programs.
• Quick and Efficient Process: Residency can typically be secured in just 4–6 months, making it one of the fastest programs available.
• Comprehensive Family Coverage: The program extends to spouses, children under 21, and parents of both the applicant and spouse - all under a single application at no extra cost.
• Freedom of Movement: Enjoy visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone, giving you access to 27 European countries for business, education, and leisure.
• Quality of Life: Greece is famous for its lifestyle - combining safety, Mediterranean cuisine, cultural richness, and affordable living standards. Families benefit from excellent healthcare and education, with many top private and international schools available.
• Pathway to EU Citizenship: After 7 years of residence, investors can apply for Greek citizenship and obtain a Greek passport, one of the most powerful travel documents in the world.
• Investment Opportunities: With rising property values, a booming tourism sector, and tax incentives for businesses, Greece offers investors strong potential returns alongside lifestyle benefits.

No Residency Requirement: Unlike other programs, there is no obligation to live in Greece to maintain your residency permit, providing maximum flexibility.

Key Highlights / Features

The Greece Golden Visa comes with features that make it stand out from other European residency programs:

• Five-Year Residence Permit: Each permit is valid for 5 years and can be renewed indefinitely, provided the investment is retained.
• Multi-Generational Coverage: Children can renew their permits independently after age 21, and parents of both spouses are included.
• No Residency Obligation: Investors are not required to live in Greece to maintain their permits,  perfect for those who prefer flexibility.
• Dual Citizenship Allowed: Greece permits dual nationality, ensuring you don’t have to give up your current passport when applying for citizenship later.
• High Rental Potential: Properties in popular tourist areas provide an excellent opportunity for rental income.
• Strong Exit Options: Investors may sell their property at any time. If sold to another non-EU national, that buyer also becomes eligible for the Golden Visa.
• Citizenship Pathway: Continuous residence (183+ days per year) for 7 years makes you eligible for naturalization and a powerful EU passport.

1. Real Estate Investment

• €800,000 in prime/high-demand areas: Athens (Attica region), Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and other popular islands.
• €400,000 in secondary locations outside premium zones.
• €250,000 (special cases):
  
  • Conversion of commercial property into residential use.
• • Restoration/renovation of listed or historic buildings.
• Investors can buy residential or commercial properties. Multiple properties may be combined if they meet the minimum threshold.

2. Bank Deposit Option

• A minimum deposit of €400,000 in a Greek bank.
• Must be placed in a fixed-term deposit for at least 12 months, automatically renewable.
• Provides a lower-risk alternative for investors who prefer liquidity over real estate.

3. Capital Market Investments

• At least €400,000 invested in one of the following:
  
  • Greek government bonds.

• • Shares or corporate bonds listed on the Athens Stock Exchange.

• • Units/shares in mutual funds that invest exclusively in Greek assets.

4. Fund Investments

• Minimum of €400,000 in:
  
  • Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), AIFLNPs, or Registered AIFs (RAIFs) established in Greece.

• • Real Estate Investment Companies (REICs) registered in Greece.
• These funds must have their seat in Greece and invest primarily in domestic assets.

5. Business- Company Share Option

• Direct equity investment of at least €400,000 in a Greek-registered company.
• Encourages foreign capital inflows into local businesses.

In short, Greece provides flexibility: investors can choose between real estate, financial instruments, funds, or bank deposits, depending on their appetite for risk, returns, and long-term plans.

The application for a Greek residence permit is straightforward and usually completed in 4–6 months:

1. Secure an Entry Visa from your local Greek consulate.
2. Visit Greece to select and finalize your investment property or project.
3. Open a Bank Account and complete financial transactions.
4. Obtain a Health Certificate from a Greek medical professional.
5. Submit Your Application along with proof of investment and required documents.
6. Biometric Data Collection and review by Greek authorities.

Receive Residency Approval and obtain your 5-year renewable residence permit.

To participate in the Greece Golden Visa Program, applicants must meet certain requirements designed to ensure financial stability and integrity:

• Be a non-EU/EEA national over 18 years of age.
• Make a qualifying investment of at least €250,000 in real estate or other approved projects.
• Hold a valid entry visa issued by a Greek consulate.
• Possess a clean criminal record in both Greece and the country of residence.
• Obtain a medical certificate from a licensed Greek physician confirming good health.
• Maintain valid health insurance covering Greece for the applicant and all family members.

The eligibility criteria are straightforward and designed to make the program as accessible as possible, ensuring that investors can focus on choosing the right investment option without excessive administrative burden.

Greece is more than just a holiday destination  -  it is a land where ancient history and modern living meet. Often celebrated as the cradle of Western civilization, Greece is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world, from the Acropolis in Athens to the sun-soaked islands of Santorini and Mykonos. Its geographical position at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa has shaped its rich cultural identity and continues to make it a hub for trade and global connectivity.

With over 6,000 islands and islets, turquoise waters, and 16,000 kilometres of coastline, Greece is a country of unmatched natural beauty. The climate is typically Mediterranean, with more than 300 days of sunshine each year, offering a year-round lifestyle of leisure, wellness, and outdoor living.

Beyond its beauty, Greece is also an EU member state and part of the Schengen Zone. This means that residency in Greece provides not only access to one of the world’s most attractive countries but also seamless travel, education, and healthcare across Europe. For families, entrepreneurs, and investors, Greece combines lifestyle, opportunity, and long-term security -  making it one of the most appealing destinations for those seeking residency by investment.