Unlocking Europe: The Greek Golden Visa, Your Gateway to Residency & Beyond
Discover one of the most accessible European residency-by-investment routes, Greece’s Golden Visa. With a minimum real estate investment of €250,000, this program provides residency in Greece, visa-free travel across the Schengen Zone, family inclusion, and a clear path to citizenship within seven years.
What Is the Greek Golden Visa?
Introduced in 2013, the Golden Visa grants five-year renewable residence permits to non-EU nationals who invest in Greece. While the traditional entry route involves real estate, alternative investments such as bonds, term deposits, or shares in Greek companies are also accepted.
Investment Options: Flexible Routes to Residency
Real Estate Option from €250,000
- Zone C (less saturated regions): €250,000 minimum investment
- Zone B (urban areas): €400,000 for properties ≥ 120 m²
- Zone A (high-demand zones like Athens, Mykonos): €800,000 minimum for ≥ 120 m² properties
Financial Investment Alternatives
- €400,000 in Greek bank deposits, government bonds, or mutual funds
- €500,000+ of approved corporate or government bonds
- €350,000 minimum for alternative funds focused on real estate
Financial investment options account for only ~5% of all Golden Visa applications.
Key Advantages of the Greek Golden Visa
Schengen Access & Hassle-Free Residency
- Visa-free travel across 26 Schengen countries.
- No minimum stay in Greece is required to maintain a residency permit.
- The permit is renewable every five years without relocating.
Family Inclusion
- Covers spouse, children (under 21, or older if dependents), parents, and parents-in-law of the Main Applicant.
- Family reunification under a single application.
Path to European Union Citizenship
- Eligible to apply after seven years of residency in the country for 183+ days a year, a language proficiency test, and integration.
- Children under 18 automatically qualify for citizenship when their parents become citizens.
Strong Investment Fundamentals
- Real estate properties in Greece have increased in value steadily (e.g., properties in Athens have grown in price by 8-12% annually).
- Rental yields range from 5% to 9% in prime areas, such as the islands or Athens.
- Offers lower-cost entry compared to Portugal’s Golden visa, where the real estate option is no longer available.
Attractive Tax Benefits
- Tax residents (183+ days/year) may opt for a lump sum of €100,000 annual tax on global income, with each additional adult family member paying €20,000.
- Double-tax treaties with over 50 countries limit tax exposure abroad.
- Lower or fixed tax rates for retirees and digital nomads.
Lifestyle & Quality of Life
- Mediterranean climate, low cost of living, high safety.
- High-quality healthcare system and English-speaking professionals.
- Strong educational offerings, including international schools and English-language university courses.
Considerations & Program Updates
- Processing averages 3-8 months, depending on the completeness of documentation, though delays are rising as demand increases
- Recent rule changes increased investment thresholds in tourist-heavy zones, effective August 2023
- Use restrictions on Golden Visa properties, e.g., no short-term rentals, apply, and noncompliance may result in revocation and fines.
- Critics note risks of a real estate bubble or housing pressure in certain regions
Summary Table: Why the Greek Golden Visa Stands Out
Feature | Benefit Summary |
Lowest Investment In the EU | Starts at €250,000, significantly lower than competitors |
Full Schengen Access | Visa-Free travel to 26 EU nations |
Minimal Stay requirement | Residency maintained remotely |
Entire Family Included | Covers spouse, children, parents, parents-in-law |
Investment Appreciation | Strong property and rental market |
Straightforward Citizenship | 7-year path to citizenship application after 183+ days residence |
Tax Optimization Options | Lump Sum or non-dom tax regimes available |
High Quality of Life | Safe, healthy, comfortable Mediterranean lifestyle |
Final Thoughts
Today, the Greek Golden Visa offers one of Europe’s most cost-effective and flexible residency-by-investment programs, including a real-estate investment option that is no longer available in EU countries. With minimal stay requirements, strong return potential, and a potential path to full EU citizenship for those who are interested in the EU passport, it’s an increasingly attractive option for global investors, entrepreneurs, and families. As regulatory scrutiny tightens across Europe, Greece remains among the few programs still open and welcoming.
We at Fast Passport Boutique by Jane Katkova will be happy to discuss the details and possibilities that Greece’s program offers, not only reaping the rewards of a financially sound investment, but also gaining unlimited access to the European Union.
BOOK A CONSULTATION with a Fast Passport Boutique team, and decide on making an informed decision on Greece Golden Visa today!
Last Updated on 29 August 2025
