Greece Golden Visa

​Frequently asked questions

• How much to invest in the Greece Golden Visa?

  The minimum investment sum is €250,000 for renovation or conversion into residential space. The investment threshold for buying any other type of property is either €400,000 or €800,000, depending on the region.

  Program participants can choose to invest €350,000+ in economic activities, such as buying shares in investment funds, stocks, and government bonds. However, getting a residence permit this way is more challenging because the applicant has to obtain a national D visa to come to Greece. Real estate investors get tourist visas to enter the country.

• Is it possible to return the investment?

  Yes, usually after the residence permit expires or upon acquiring citizenship.

  However, to renew an investment residence permit, retaining ownership of the investment asset is essential. Therefore, the investor can sell the initial asset but must acquire another eligible one to keep and renew their residency. Such a change and the new asset must be approved by the Residence Permits Directorate of the Ministry of Immigration and Asylum.

  The Golden Visa rules allow for the long-term rental of the property: earning an income of 3—5% annually as long as the properties are owned is possible. Alternative funds can bring 4—5% of a yield annually.

• Do I need to go to Greece to get a residence permit?

  The investor visits the country to open a bank account and submit fingerprints to get a Greece residence permit. As for the rest of the procedure, an investor’s lawyer can fulfil it by a power of attorney. The lawyer signs a purchase and sale agreement, submits documents for participation in the program and receives residence permit cards.

• What documents are required for the Greece Golden Visa application?

  To apply for a residence permit under the Greece Golden Visa, you’ll need to submit the following:

  • completed application form;

  • certified copy of a valid passport or recognised travel document, including a valid entry visa;

  • proof of payment for the application fee;

  • proof of payment for the residence permit card fee;

  • valid health insurance policy that covers you in Greece;

  • four printed colour passport photos, plus one digital copy on a CD.

  Additionally, you must provide supporting documents specific to your type of investment, for example, a sale and purchase agreement.

• Can Americans apply for a Golden Visa in Greece?

  Yes, US citizens may apply for a Greek residence permit by investment if they fit other requirements, such as being able to confirm the legality of income and having no criminal records.

• Is the Greek Golden Visa investment worth it?

  An investor who buys real estate in Greece gets a personal residence in this country or a profitable asset that may bring profit. Also, a Greek residence permit allows one to live in the country, travel the Schengen Area visa-free, and access quality healthcare and education.

  If your goals include moving to a warm Mediterranean country, living by the sea or travelling to European countries, the Greek Golden Visa may be a good choice.

• Who is eligible for a Greek residence permit by investment?

  An adult investor with legal income and no criminal record. Only non-EU citizens can participate in the program.

  A spouse, children under 21, and parents can get residence permits with the investor. The investor’s partner can participate in the program if the couple has signed a domestic partnership agreement and registered it in Greece.

• Do I have to buy real estate to participate in the Greece Golden Visa program?

  No, you don’t. The investor can rent a hotel or sign a timeshare agreement for 10 years. There is a capital transfer option with opening a deposit account at a Greek bank. Applicants can also invest in stocks, bonds, or investment fund units.

• How can an investor obtain Greece citizenship?

  Investors need to live in the country for seven years to become Greek citizens.

  All applicants for citizenship take a written exam to confirm their knowledge of the Greek language, culture, history, geography and governmental system. They must also have no criminal records and deportations from Greece.

• Does the Greek permanent residency give the holder the right to apply for citizenship?

  Yes, but not immediately. First, the PR holder must fulfil some conditions: for example, live in the country for another 2+ years.

• Can UK citizens apply for the Greece Golden Visa after Brexit?

  Yes, UK citizens may apply for a residence permit by investment in Greece. The UK is no longer an EU member state, so Britons are allowed to participate in the Golden Visa program.

• How long does the Greek Golden Visa residence permit last?

  A Greek residence permit for investors is valid for five years. It is renewable. Also, investors who live in Greece may apply for permanent residency after these five years.