Greece Residency

Greece, an EU member state strategically located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, stands out for its low cost of living while maintaining a high quality of life. The Greece Golden Visa is currently one of the most attractive European residency programs among EU Golden Visa options.

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Overview of Greece

As a member of the European Union, Greece occupies a strategic position connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa, offering strong potential for both investment and settlement. The cost of living in Greece is considered significantly lower than the European average, yet the quality of life remains high—thanks to its open living environment, pleasant Mediterranean climate, and rich historical and cultural heritage.

The Greece Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program that allows non-EU citizens to obtain long-term residence rights in Greece through investment in real estate or other qualifying assets.

Launched in 2013, the program grants a 5-year residence permit to real estate investors in Greece. Investors may include family members in their application and enjoy full residency rights. Moreover, the program offers a pathway to permanent residence in Greece and allows holders to live freely in Greece and travel visa-free throughout the Schengen Area.

Would you like us to check your eligibility for this program?

Please get in touch with us and our experts will guide you!

Introduction to the Greece Golden Visa Program

The Greece Golden Visa Program allows non-EU investors and their families to obtain golden visa in Greece through qualifying investments, most commonly in real estate.

As a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, Greece offers investors the opportunity to live in a Mediterranean country while enjoying visa-free travel within the Schengen zone.

Eligible accompanying family members include:

  • Legal spouse
  • Children under 21 years old
  • Parents of the main applicant and the spouse

The program provides a renewable 5-year residence permit and does not require investors to live permanently in Greece. After a period of legal residence, applicants may become eligible to apply for Greek citizenship according to national regulations.

Learn more with AT Express about the program requirements, benefits, and application procedures below.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must not be an EU citizen
  • At least 18 years old and in good health
  • Clean criminal record
  • Legal entry into Greece with a valid visa or lawful residence status
  • The real estate investment must be maintained throughout the residence permit period
  • Proof of legal source of investment funds and income, in compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CFT) regulations

Investment Options

Real estate investment (high-demand areas)

  • Purchase of residential real estate with a minimum value of EUR 800,000 in high-demand areas.

  • These areas include Attica (Athens), Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and islands with a population exceeding 3,100 residents.

  • The investment must involve a single property with a minimum size of 120 m².

  • Short-term rentals (such as Airbnb) are not permitted for properties acquired under this category.

Real estate investment (other regions)

  • Purchase of residential real estate with a minimum value of EUR 400,000 in all other regions of Greece.

  • The investment must involve one single property with a minimum size of 120 m².

  • Short-term rentals are not permitted for these properties.

Property conversion or restoration projects

  • Investment starting from EUR 250,000 remains available if the investor:

    • Converts commercial property into residential use, or

    • Restores listed buildings of historical or cultural significance.

  • This option applies regardless of property size or location.

Benefits of Greece Golden Visa

  • Renewable 5-year residence permit for the main applicant and eligible family members.
  • Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, allowing free movement across 27 European countries.
  • No minimum stay requirement, investors are not required to live in Greece to maintain their residence permit.
  • Family inclusion, allowing the main applicant to include:
  • Legal spouse
  • Children under 21 years old
  • Parents of both the main applicant and the spouse
  • Access to education and healthcare in Greece, including international schools and EU-standard medical services.
  • Real estate ownership in Greece, with the possibility of generating rental income (long-term rentals permitted).
  • Pathway to Greek citizenship, subject to meeting the legal residency and naturalization requirements after 7 years of residence in Greece.
  • Stable investment environment within the European Union, offering long-term security and lifestyle benefits.

Basic Investment Process

Consultation & due diligence

A consultation is arranged for eligibility assessment, KYC verification, and background due diligence. AT Express introduces suitable investment opportunities under the Greece Golden Visa program.

Investment completion

The investor proceeds with a qualifying investment, typically purchasing real estate starting from EUR 250,000 to EUR 800,000 depending on the location and property type. The property purchase and registration process are completed.

Application preparation

AT Express prepares the Golden Visa residence permit application and submits the documentation to the Greek immigration authorities.

Receive the result

The investor and eligible family members receive 5-year renewable residence permits, allowing residence in Greece and visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.

Frequently Asked Questions?

Yes. Greece Golden Visa holders can travel visa-free within the Schengen Area, which includes 27 European countries, for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, the Golden Visa does not grant the right to live or work permanently in other EU countries—only in Greece. Long-term residence in another EU country would require a separate permit.

Golden Visa holders do not have the right to be employed by a Greek company or employer.

However, they are allowed to:

  • Own and manage businesses

  • Receive rental income from real estate

  • Earn passive income and investment returns

Self-employment or salaried employment in Greece would require a separate work permit.

The investor may sell or transfer the property at any time. However:

  • If the investment is sold without reinvesting in another qualifying asset, the Golden Visa residence permit will be revoked.

  • To maintain residency status, the investor must continue to hold a qualifying investment that meets the program requirements.

The Greece Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program that grants a 5-year renewable residence permit to non-EU investors and their families through qualifying investments, most commonly real estate.

The main difference from permanent residency is:

  • Golden Visa is investment-based and renewable as long as the investment is maintained.

  • Permanent residency is usually based on long-term physical residence, employment, or family reunification.

  • Golden Visa holders are not required to live permanently in Greece, while permanent residency often requires continuous residence.

No. The Greece Golden Visa program does not require:

  • Language proficiency

  • Educational qualifications

  • Management or business experience

This makes it one of the most flexible and accessible residency-by-investment programs in Europe