Golden Visa

The Greece Golden Visa Program

 

Greece’s Golden Visa: A Decade of Success Enters a New Era


With new legislation taking effect on September 1, 2024, the Greek Golden Visa program is entering a bold new chapter. Our mission is to provide you with clear, reliable, and up-to-date information so you can navigate these changes confidently and seize exciting new investment opportunities. We’re here to ensure you feel informed, secure, and empowered throughout your journey.

Updated Investment Requirements: Know Your Options

The Greek government has introduced key updates to the Golden Visa program. While the minimum investment remains €400,000 in many areas, some high-demand regions now require €800,000. Here’s what you need to know:

Minimum €800,000 Investment Areas:

  • The entire Attica region, including Athens

  • Thessaloniki and the Central Macedonia region

  • The islands of Mykonos and Santorini

  • The South Aegean region, as well as any island with a population over 3,100.
    This includes a comprehensive list of 32 islands:
    Crete, Euboea, Rhodes, Corfu, Lesbos, Chios, Zakynthos, Salamina, Kos, Kefalonia, Samos, Lefkada, Syros, Naxos, Kalymnos, Lemnos, Paros, Thassos, Aegina, Tinos, Ikaria, Andros, Leros, Karpathos, Skiathos, Milos, Skopelos, Spetses, Kythira, Patmos, Poros, and Alonissos.

Key Investment Rules (Applicable in All Zones):

  • The investment must be made in a single property.

  • The property must have a minimum area of 120 m².

  • Short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnb) are strictly prohibited; only long-term leases are allowed. We’ll support you in ensuring compliance—note that violations can lead to significant penalties.

  • The property cannot be used as a business office or branch; it must serve a residential purpose to qualify.

€250,000 Investment Options

1. Commercial‑to‑Residential Conversions
You can qualify by purchasing commercial property and converting it into a residential dwelling—even in high-demand areas—at the €250K threshold. No minimum size requirement for €250K options—they’re exempt from the 120 m² rule.

2. Restoration of Listed or Historic Buildings
If you buy a property with historical/cultural significance and fully restore or reconstruct it, the Golden Visa can be obtained at this lower level.

Why Choose the Greek Golden Visa? Your Path to European Freedom and Security

The Golden Visa offers more than residency—it opens the door to long-term security, financial potential, and personal freedom:

  • Visa-Free Travel Across Schengen: Effortless access to all 27 countries in the Schengen Area.

  • No Residency Requirement: Enjoy full flexibility with no obligation to live in Greece to retain your visa.

  • Permanent Residency Stability: Your residence permit is unlimited—it does not expire, offering peace of mind for the future.

  • Rental Income Opportunity: Eligible properties can be rented out long-term, providing an additional revenue stream.

  • Family Inclusion: Your spouse, children, and dependent parents are all covered under your visa.

  • Path to Citizenship: After seven years of residency, you may apply for Greek citizenship and a European passport, securing dual nationality and greater global mobility.

Our Law Firm provides the following services in a very realistic way, always providing the truth about the process, costs, timelines, without any hidden information nor unpleasant surprises:

  • Power of attorney draft
  • Pre contract property’s deeds check at the local Mortgage office
  • Issuance of Greek tax number
  • Opening a bank account in Greece
  • Communication with the seller’s attorney
  • Pre contract preparation draft according to residence application terms
  • Attendance on date of the signing of the final contract completely finalized and settled accordingly at the notary’s office
  • Registration of the agreement with the competent Land Registry, in order for the actual Transfer of Deed to take place and receipt of the relevant Certificate
  • Golden Visa applications filled in and accordingly signed
  • Arrangement of an appointment for the biometric data before the competent Decentralized Authority
  • Accompany the client during that day of appointment
  • Receipt of the residence permit and forward them via regular post to you accordingly
  • Legal advice until the completion of the procedure
  • skype / zoom / teams meeting

A Power of Attorney shall suffice, and we can do all the paperwork and the purchasing of your real estate on your behalf, without the need to travel, until the appointment for biometrics. You or your dependents don’t have to enter Greece during or prior to the application process.