Greece Citizenship by Investment

GREECE ‘GOLDEN VISA’ PROGRAM

Citizens of countries, which are not European Union members, are eligible to apply under this program.

Applicants can obtain residency of Greece through two options:

Three Real Estate Acquisition Programs Requirements

EUR 250,000: Investment in specialized real estate projects, such as converting commercial properties into residential use or restoring listed buildings, irrespective of location or size.
EUR 400,000: Investment in a single property in Greece, requiring a minimum size of 120 sqm.
EUR 800,000: Investment in properties located in Athens, Thessaloniki, or on islands with a population exceeding 3,100 inhabitants.

In the alternate, you can choose from the following qualifying investment options for Greece Golden Visa:

Real Estate Leasing or Time-Sharing Agreement: A 10-year lease or time-sharing agreement for hotel accommodations or furnished tourist residences valued at EUR 400,000 or EUR 800,000, depending on the applicable threshold zone.
Fixed-Term Deposit: A deposit of at least EUR 500,000 with a Greek credit institution for a fixed term.

Capital Contribution:
- A minimum investment of EUR 500,000 in a public limited real estate investment company investing exclusively in Greece, or
- A contribution to a closed-end investment company, mutual fund, or Greek-based company through a share capital increase or bond issuance listed on regulated Greek markets or multilateral trading facilities.
Greek Government Bonds: Purchase of government bonds worth at least EUR 500,000 with a minimum remaining maturity of three years, through a Greek credit institution.
Market Securities: Acquisition of shares, corporate bonds, or Greek government bonds traded on regulated Greek markets or multilateral trading facilities, with a minimum value of EUR 800,000.
Mutual Funds or Alternative Investment Funds:
- Purchase of shares or stocks in a mutual fund exclusively investing in Greek shares, corporate bonds, or government bonds, with a minimum value of EUR 350,000, or

Investment in an alternative investment fund established in Greece or another EU member state, dedicated solely to investments in Greece.

Visit Greece: Travel to Greece to explore investment opportunities.

Select a Property: Choose the property or investment option that best suits your preferences and meets the program’s criteria.

Submit the Application: Prepare and file your Golden Visa application with the necessary documentation.

Complete Final Verification:Undergo the final review and approval process to secure your residence permit.

The duration of the Residence Permit is for 5 years. There is no minimum stay requirement and the Residence Permit can be renewed for another 5 years each time, provided that the applicant still owns the property.
Persons holding a Residence Permit do not have the right to work in Greece, however, they can own/set up a business in Greece.
The members of the applicant’s family may also request individual Residence Permits. They must however submit separate applications. Their own permit expires on the same date that the applicant’s permit expires. Qualifying family members include spouse and all children under 21 years of age. Children 21 years and over can qualify if studying and dependent. The Greek Residency Program was recently extended to the parents of both the applicant and his/her spouse.
Residence Permit is generally issued within 2 months from the day on which the application is submitted.
If the applicant comes from a country whose citizens are required to get an entry visa in order to come to Greece, he/she needs to obtain this entry visa before applying for a residence permit.

Resident Permit is issued for 5 years. It is easily renewable every 5 years as along as applicant holds the property
Property can be rented out to generate income
Resident permit can be obtained within 2-3 months
Spouse and children under the age of 21 years can be included in the application
Right to live in Greece. Applicant cannot work but can own and operate a business
No minimum stay requirements
Can apply for citizenship after seven years of obtaining Resident Permit and living in Greece
Can dispose off property after acquiring citizenship
Free travel to other Schengen countries without a visa for up to 90 days in each 6-month period
With the residency card, applicant and all qualifying family members can travel across the EU Schengen visa zone with ease.
Applicant and family members have access to health or education services, just like any Greek citizen.