Golden Visa in Greece: Conditions, Benefits, and Procedure
Since 1992, Feod Group has been providing a wide range of immigration, corporate, and legal services in Greece and other EU countries.
Legal assistance in obtaining the Golden Visa in Greece
Investment and financial consulting
International tax planning
Legal and business services
Golden Visa Program in Greece: Key Provisions.
What is the Golden Visa in Greece?
The Greece Golden Visa Program is an official government initiative that grants a residence permit in Greece for five years (renewable every five years) through investments in the Greek economy.
The program allows foreign investors to obtain Greek residency by investing in real estate, Greek companies, government bonds, or bank deposits.
Since its launch in 2013, the Golden Visa has become a popular pathway for immigration to Greece and an excellent opportunity for those aiming to secure permanent residency in the European Union.
Moreover, the Golden Visa can be a stepping stone toward Greek citizenship. After seven years of residence in the country, you can apply for naturalization and obtain a Greek passport, which offers all the rights of an EU citizen.
In 2025, Greece’s residency-by-investment program ranked first in the global ranking of the most attractive investment migration programs. According to a report by global consulting firm Henley & Partners, the “Golden Visa Greece” program topped the residency investment ranking for the first time, scoring 73 out of 100 possible points.
For nine consecutive years, Portugal’s program held the leading position, but in 2025, it dropped to third place, sharing the spot with Italy (both with 70 points). This shift reflects the growing interest of international investors in the opportunities offered by Greece, as well as the competitiveness of its immigration policy.
Investing in Greece through the Golden Visa Program is not only a smart way to grow your capital but also a pathway to gaining residency in one of Europe’s most desirable countries.
Benefits of the Greece Golden Visa:
The Greece Golden Visa provides access to European residency with a 5-year residence permit, free movement within the Schengen Zone, and the opportunity to obtain citizenship after seven years. The program covers the investor’s family and offers robust legal protection, quality infrastructure, and prospects for passive income.
5-Year Residence Permit
The Greek residency card is issued for five years with the option for renewal. Unlike many other programs, there’s no need for annual renewals.
Residency for the Entire Family
Along with the investor, the residence permit extends to the spouse, unmarried children, and the parents of both the investor and their spouse. This makes the Golden Visa program particularly appealing for families seeking to relocate to the EU.
Flexibility to Reside or Not Reside in Greece
After obtaining the Golden Visa, you can choose to live in Greece permanently or visit for leisure. There’s no requirement to reside in Greece continuously to maintain the residence permit. This flexibility makes the program ideal for those who value freedom of movement or have a primary residence in another country.
Pathway to Citizenship
After seven years of residence in Greece, foreign investors can apply for Greek citizenship. The Greek passport is among the most powerful in the world, granting visa-free access to 188 countries.
Remote Application Process
You can select and purchase property in Greece and complete the residency application process remotely, without needing to be physically present. A single visit is required only to provide biometric data.
Stable Legal and Investment Climate
Greece offers a stable legal system and investment environment, ensuring property rights and investor interests are well-protected. This stability builds confidence among international investors considering Greece for property purchases and investment opportunities.
How to Obtain the Greece Golden Visa: Investment Options
Obtaining a Greece Golden Visa is achieved through investments in the country’s economy. The program offers several investment routes, each providing a pathway to a residence permit. Choosing the right investment option requires a careful approach, professional guidance, and consideration of your goals, financial capacity, and preferences.
1. Real Estate Investments
Purchasing real estate in Greece is the most popular investment option for obtaining a Golden Visa. It is attractive due to its stability and potential for profitable returns. However, in 2024, changes to the program introduced new minimum investment thresholds:
€800,000 for real estate (minimum 120 sqm) in high-demand areas such as Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and islands with populations exceeding 3,100.
€400,000 for properties (minimum 120 sqm) in other regions of Greece.
€250,000 for purchasing and fully restoring properties of historical or cultural significance.
€250,000 for converting commercial or industrial properties into residential use (conversion must be completed before applying).
2. Greek Government Bonds
Investing at least €400,000 in government-issued bonds with a minimum holding period of five years. Investors must retain the bonds for the specified duration to qualify for the program.
3. Real Estate Investment Funds (REIF)
Investments in funds exclusively dealing with real estate within Greece. These funds pool capital for property acquisition, construction, or management. The minimum investment is €400,000.
4. Company Shares
Purchasing shares in Greece-registered companies operating in the real estate sector. These companies may specialize in construction, management, or property rentals. The minimum investment is €400,000.
The companies must be officially registered and comply with Greek legal requirements.
5. Bank Deposit in Greece
Opening a deposit account in a Greek bank with a minimum deposit of €400,000. The investor earns interest on the deposit as determined by the bank.
Get more information about Upcoming Changes in 2025
The Greek government plans to introduce further updates to the Golden Visa program in 2025, including a new investment option: investments in startups starting from €250,000.
Our team of experts is ready to help you choose the best investment option that aligns with your goals and capabilities. We provide comprehensive legal support at every stage of obtaining your Greece Golden Visa!
Step-by-step Procedure for Obtaining the Greece Golden Visa
The process of acquiring a Greece Golden Visa involves several key stages, each requiring careful preparation and adherence to legal formalities.
1. Preliminary Check (Due Diligence)
The preliminary check, known as Due Diligence, is a crucial step in preparing for a Greece Golden Visa. It ensures the success of the case and minimizes potential risks. This stage involves a detailed analysis of the applicant’s documents and the origin of their funds to verify compliance with Greek legislation and program requirements.
Legal professionals review documents and data to ensure alignment with the program’s requirements and Greek laws.
2. Choosing an Investment Route
Selecting the right investment option is a critical part of the process. The program offers multiple investment paths leading to residency. The most popular choice is real estate investment, but other options include investments in government bonds, shares, investment funds, or bank deposits in Greece.
For real estate investors, there are two approaches:
A personal visit to Greece to inspect properties.
Remote selection through a representative.
You can grant power of attorney to a lawyer in Greece, allowing them to act on your behalf to purchase property and submit your application for a 5-year residence permit.
At this stage, it’s essential to determine not just the investment asset but also the strategy aligned with your financial goals and long-term plans. Feod Group lawyers offer comprehensive support at every stage—from analyzing investment opportunities to ensuring legal compliance and overseeing the entire process.
3. Gathering and Preparing Documents
This step involves collecting all necessary documents for the investment and residency application. Since each case is unique, the required documents may vary depending on the applicant’s situation. Typically, these include:
Financial documents.
Criminal record clearance.
Health insurance.
Proof of marital status and family dependency (if applicable).
Feod Group assists with completing government forms, translating and certifying documents, and managing the payment of required fees and duties.
4. Submitting the Residence Permit Application
The residence permit application is submitted online by your attorney, who represents your interests in Greece. This eliminates the need for your physical presence during the submission process and accelerates the timeline.
Once the application is submitted, immigration authorities begin the review process. If approved, you will receive a temporary document allowing you to stay in Greece. You will also be informed of the date for providing biometric data, which requires you and your family to visit Greece in person.
Biometric data collection includes a photo, fingerprints, and a signature, all necessary for issuing the resident card.
5. Receiving the Greece Resident Card
After completing all stages, you will receive a plastic resident card confirming your residency status in Greece.
The card can be collected in person in Greece or sent to your attorney, who can forward it to your country of residence.
The resident card is valid for 5 years and can be renewed as long as the investment is maintained.
Feod Group lawyers and Greek attorneys provide full support throughout the process, ensuring assistance with all legal matters at every stage of obtaining your Greece Golden Visa!
Taxes for Investors in Greece and Tax Residency Status
Obtaining a Golden Visa does not automatically make you a tax resident of Greece. This means you are not required to pay taxes on income earned outside the country if you live in Greece for less than 183 days a year. In this case, your tax obligations remain in your country of residence, and you are not subject to Greek taxation.
If you decide to become a tax resident of Greece by residing in the country for more than 183 days a year, you will need to file an annual tax return and pay taxes in Greece on your worldwide income. For new tax residents, Greece offers three alternative tax regimes to make the tax burden more predictable and beneficial:
For Investors: A flat tax of €100,000 per year on total foreign-sourced income. This regime is valid for up to 15 years and allows for the inclusion of family members for an additional fixed tax.
The choice of tax status is up to the investor and depends on your financial and personal circumstances. If you plan to live in Greece permanently, it may be advantageous to become a tax resident and take advantage of one of the available tax regimes. Alternatively, if you prefer to remain a non-tax resident and avoid filing income declarations in Greece, you must adhere to the established limits on your stay in the country.
Contact us for a consultation on tax matters. We’ll help you make an informed decision and choose the most suitable strategy tailored to your needs and goals!
TAX CONSULTATION
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If you have any questions, please contact us.
Legal Services by Feod Group for Obtaining a Greek Golden Visa
Consultations on Choosing the Best Golden Visa Program: Tailored advice on selecting the most suitable Golden Visa program within the European Union, based on the client’s individual needs and investment capabilities.
Comprehensive Legal Support: Assistance at every stage of the residency process, including document preparation and communication with immigration authorities.
Investment and Financial Consulting: Identification of the most advantageous investment opportunities that meet the requirements of the Golden Visa program.
Tax Optimization: Guidance on tax planning to accommodate the new residency status and investment assets, including strategies for minimizing tax liabilities.
Legal and Business Services: Support with company registration, legal advice, contract drafting, and other legal procedures essential for business operations and life in Greece.
Greece Golden Visa - FAQ
How to Obtain a Greek Golden Visa in 2025?
To acquire a Greek Golden Visa in 2025, you must make an investment in the country’s economy by choosing one of the available options:
Real Estate Purchase: From €250,000 to €800,000, depending on the region and type of property.
Investment in Government Bonds, Shares, or Funds: Starting from €400,000.
Bank Deposit: Open a deposit account in a Greek bank with a minimum of €400,000.
New Option for 2025: Investments in startups starting from €250,000.
Process
Preliminary Document Check (Due Diligence): Ensures compliance with legal requirements and program conditions.
Selecting the Investment Route: Choose the most suitable option for your goals.
Document Preparation and Submission: Compile and file all required paperwork.
Biometric Data Submission: Provide fingerprints, photos, and signatures during a personal visit to Greece.
Receiving Residency Card: Obtain your Greek residency permit.
Duration of the Greek Golden Visa
The initial Golden Visa is valid for 5 years, with the option to renew for another 5 years if the investment is maintained.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Greek Golden Visa?
The process typically takes 3 to 7 months, depending on the investment route, document preparation speed, and the workload of Greek immigration authorities.
Can You Get Greek Citizenship Through Investment?
Direct citizenship through investment is not available. However, foreign investors can obtain residency via the Golden Visa program and, after meeting specific requirements, apply for citizenship after 7 years of residency.
Can the Greek Golden Visa Be Processed Remotely?
Yes, most steps can be handled remotely with the assistance of a local attorney. A personal visit to Greece is required only once, to submit biometric data.
Elena Georghiou is the founder of Feod Group, a company that has been successfully operating since 1992. With over 30 years of experience, she specializes in corporate law, international taxation, immigration law, investment, and financial consulting....
Elena Georghiou is the founder of Feod Group, a company that has been successfully operating since 1992. With over 30 years of experience, she specializes in corporate law, international taxation, immigration law, investment, and financial consulting.
Since 1992, Feod Group has been providing a wide range of legal, business and immigration services in Europe, the USA and other countries of the world.
The company has accredited western lawyers, experts in various fields of law and jurisdictions of the world.
Having offices in Europe and the USA, Feod Group provides rapid paperwork and maximum customer comfort.
We provide our clients with related services, such as relocation and adaptation abroad, organizing family relocation abroad, enrollment of children in schools and many other services.
