Greece Golden Residency Permit Program

Investors obtain Greece Golden Visas by purchasing residential or commercial properties valued at €250,000+. Another option is to lease tourist accommodation or enter into a timeshare agreement.

Besides real estate investments, there is an option to invest in local companies' capital, purchase securities and government bonds, or open bank deposits. In these cases, the minimum investment amount is €500,000.

Buying shares of mutual and alternative investment funds requires at least €350,000.

Residence permits are issued to the investor’s family: spouse, children under 24, and parents.

There is no requirement to pass exams in Greek language or history. Living in Greece is only necessary if the investor plans to apply for citizenship.

Greece has been granting Golden Visas since 2014.

Benefits of the Greece Golden Visa

1. Visa-free travel to the Schengen countries

Greek residents can spend up to 90 days out of 180 in any Schengen country without a visa.

2. Straightforward path to residency for the entire family

Golden Visa applicants are not required to take exams in Greek language, history, or culture. Residence permits are granted to the investor’s family, including the spouse or registered partner, children, and parents.

3. Passive income and returnable investments

Investors may rent out their properties on long-term leases. The average yield on Greek properties is 3—5% per annum.

Maintaining ownership of the investment is mandatory when extending the residence permit. The property can be sold after the residence permit expires or upon acquisition of citizenship, which is possible 7 years later.

4. Moving to Greece and creating a “safe haven”

The residence permit allows the holder to visit Greece anytime, even when the borders are closed to tourists.

Relocating to the country is a right, not an obligation; renewing the residence permit only requires maintaining the investment. However, to be eligible for citizenship in Greece, one must spend at least 183 days per year in the country.

5. EU citizenship in 7 years

The Golden Visa is valid for 5 years and can be renewed an unlimited number of times.

Foreign nationals can obtain citizenship in Greece if they have spent at least 183 days per year in the country for 7 years. Applicants must demonstrate they have no criminal record or deportations and pass a written exam on the Greek language, culture, history, geography, and governance.

Greece allows its citizens to hold multiple passports. There is no need to renounce previous passports unless required by the country of first citizenship.

6. Tax optimisation

If foreign investors become Greek tax residents, they can use benefits. The investor pays a flat tax on their global income — €100,000 per annum. The investor’s close relatives can also take advantage of the benefit and pay €20,000 per annum.

Without the exemptions, the global income tax is levied on a progressive scale of up to 45%.

7. Access to quality healthcare and education

Residents of Greece can get medical treatment or education in this country. Also, they can use their right to visit other Schengen countries visa-free to take short courses or visit clinics.