Residence in Greece under the Golden Visa Programme — one of Europe's most established residency-by-investment schemes for internationally mobile individuals and families.
Greece's Golden Visa Programme, introduced in 2013, remains one of Europe's most established residency-by-investment schemes. Designed for third-country nationals, it offers long-term residence rights in exchange for qualifying investments, while maintaining a high degree of flexibility across multiple asset classes.
Applicants may qualify under two primary routes — the Real Estate Investment Route and the Alternative Investment Route — across a flexible range of qualifying investments.
Applicants must complete a qualifying real estate investment. The applicable thresholds now vary depending on location.
EUR 250,000 for properties located within designated specialised real estate investment zones.
EUR 800,000 for properties in Athens, Thessaloniki, or islands with a population exceeding 3,100 residents.
EUR 400,000 for properties in all other regions of Greece. This tiered structure reflects increased demand in prime areas while preserving accessibility in emerging locations.
For investors seeking diversification beyond property, Greece offers several financial and capital market options.
A lease or time-share agreement with a minimum duration of 10 years, over property qualifying as hotel accommodation or furnished tourist residences, valued at EUR 400,000 or EUR 800,000 depending on location.
A fixed-term deposit of at least EUR 500,000 in a Greek credit institution, offering a lower-risk alternative to market-linked investments.
A minimum of EUR 500,000 in Greek government bonds with a remaining maturity of at least three years, acquired through a Greek financial institution.
A minimum EUR 500,000 contribution to a Greek real estate investment company investing solely in Greece, an investment in closed-end or mutual funds established in Greece, or a capital contribution or bond subscription in listed Greek companies.
At least EUR 800,000 in shares or bonds listed on Greek exchanges, including both government and corporate instruments.
A reduced threshold of EUR 350,000 for mutual funds investing exclusively in Greek regulated markets, or EU-based alternative investment funds dedicated to Greece.
Greece offers two distinct tax regimes for Golden Visa holders. Locally sourced income remains taxed under standard rates in both cases.
Applicants opting for standard taxation are subject to Greece's progressive income tax rates on worldwide income, ranging from 9% to 44% depending on income levels.
Alternatively, individuals may elect a flat annual tax of EUR 100,000 on foreign-sourced income, regardless of amount — extendable to additional family members for EUR 20,000 per person annually.
Residence permits are initially granted for five years and are renewable for further periods of five years, provided the qualifying investment is maintained.
The main applicant may include the following dependents in the application.
A married spouse of the main applicant.
Children under 21 years of age.
Parents of the main applicant.
Parents of the married spouse.
Successful applicants are able to travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, without the need for a separate visa.
After seven years of residence, applicants and their family members may become eligible to apply for Greek citizenship — subject to genuine close connecting ties with Greece, successful integration into Greek society, and adequate knowledge of the Greek language.
Contact us to explore Greece's Golden Visa Programme and relocation advisory tailored to your situation.
