The Greece Golden Visa has become one of Europe’s most attractive residency-by-investment programmes — offering investors and their families a simple, secure, and affordable route to European residency. Combining Greece’s rich culture and lifestyle with access to the EU, the programme has drawn thousands of applicants from around the world since its introduction in 2013.
Whether you’re looking to relocate, retire, or diversify your global investments, the Greek Golden Visa offers flexibility, freedom, and the potential for long-term financial growth. Here’s everything you need to know about how the programme works, its benefits, and why Greece continues to be one of the leading destinations for investors seeking a European residency solution.
What Is the Greece Golden Visa?
The Greece Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment programme that grants a five-year renewable residence permit to non-EU nationals and their families who invest in the country.
Initially introduced to attract foreign capital and stimulate the real estate sector, it has evolved into a gateway for investors seeking EU mobility, asset diversification, and long-term lifestyle benefits.
In exchange for a qualifying investment — most commonly in real estate — investors receive the right to live, work, and study in Greece and enjoy visa-free travel across the Schengen Area.
Greece Golden Visa Requirements (2025 Update)
The programme has undergone several changes since its inception, most recently with updates introduced in 2023–2024 to reflect market conditions and regional demand.
As of 2025, the key requirements are as follows:
1️⃣ Investment Options
A. Real Estate Investment:
- The standard minimum investment is €250,000, one of the lowest thresholds in Europe.
- However, in high-demand regions such as Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini, the minimum has risen to €500,000.
- The property can be residential or commercial, and investors may purchase one or multiple units to meet the threshold.
B. Alternative Investment Routes:
- Investment of at least €400,000 in Greek government bonds or shares in Greek companies.
- A deposit of €400,000 or more in a Greek bank.
- Participation in a venture capital or private equity fund investing exclusively in Greece.
2️⃣ Family Eligibility
One of the most appealing aspects of the Greek Golden Visa is that it covers the entire immediate family, including:
- The main applicant and spouse or registered partner.
- Children under 21 (extendable to 24 if financially dependent).
- The parents of both the investor and the spouse, regardless of age.
This makes it one of the most family-friendly investment visa programmes in Europe.
3️⃣ Residence Requirements
Unlike other European programmes, Greece imposes no minimum stay requirement. You are not required to live in Greece full-time — making it ideal for investors who want flexibility while maintaining global mobility.
The Benefits of the Greece Golden Visa
The appeal of the Greece Golden Visa lies in its combination of lifestyle advantages, investment potential, and accessibility.
1️⃣ Visa-Free Travel Across Europe
Holders of the Golden Visa can travel freely throughout the Schengen Zone, which includes 27 European countries, without additional visas or border restrictions. This is particularly valuable for international businesspeople, retirees, and global citizens seeking greater travel flexibility.
2️⃣ Access to Greek and European Residency
While the Golden Visa grants Greek residency, it also provides a gateway to European life. Residents enjoy the right to live, study, and access healthcare in Greece — and after seven years of residency, investors may be eligible to apply for Greek citizenship, unlocking EU citizenship and full mobility rights.
3️⃣ No Residency Requirement
Unlike Portugal’s Golden Visa (which now requires a minimum presence in the country), Greece does not require you to spend any specific time there. You can maintain your status simply by keeping your investment active and renewing your permit every five years.
4️⃣ Investment Security and Opportunity
Greece’s real estate market continues to grow, with property prices rising steadily over the past five years. The country’s tourism sector — one of the strongest in Europe — has further boosted the market, especially in urban and coastal areas.
Investors benefit from:
- High rental yields in tourist and student areas.
- Strong capital appreciation potential.
- The ability to sell the property after five years, provided the visa is no longer needed.
5️⃣ Family Stability and Lifestyle Benefits
The Golden Visa ensures that you and your family enjoy the security of EU residency, access to quality healthcare and education, and the Mediterranean lifestyle that makes Greece such a desirable place to live.
From world-class beaches to vibrant cities and low living costs, it’s a country that blends lifestyle and opportunity perfectly.
The Application Process: Step by Step
Applying for the Greece Golden Visa is a straightforward process, but it must be handled carefully to ensure compliance and efficiency.
Step 1: Choose Your Investment
Select your preferred investment route — typically a property purchase or financial investment. Blacktower’s advisers can introduce you to trusted local partners for due diligence, legal review, and property selection.
Step 2: Prepare Documentation
Gather and legalise key documents, including your passport, proof of funds, clean criminal record, and proof of health insurance.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Applications are submitted through the Greek Immigration Authority either in person or via a legal representative.
Step 4: Obtain Your Residence Permit
Once approved, you’ll receive your five-year renewable residency permit — typically within three to six months. You and your family can then travel freely throughout the Schengen Zone.
Step 5: Renew and Maintain Your Investment
The permit is renewable every five years, provided you maintain your investment. There are no language, residency, or education requirements, making it one of the most accessible residency schemes in Europe.
Comparing Greece to Other European Golden Visa Programmes
| Country | Minimum Investment | Residency Requirement | Citizenship Eligibility | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greece | €250,000–€500,000 | None | 7 years | Lowest entry threshold; full family inclusion |
| Portugal | €500,000+ | 7 days/year | 5 years | Shortest citizenship route |
| Spain | €500,000 | Visit once/year | 10 years | Large real estate market |
| Malta | €690,000+ | Residency required | 12–36 months | Path to direct EU citizenship |
| Cyprus | €300,000+ | Visit once every 2 years | 7 years | Fast application process |
Greece continues to stand out for its low investment minimum, flexibility, and family coverage — making it a top choice for investors seeking long-term residency and security.
How Blacktower Can Help
At Blacktower Financial Management, we specialise in helping international investors and expatriates navigate Europe’s residency and investment landscapes.
Our advisers provide:
- Independent financial and tax planning advice to structure your investment efficiently.
- Access to trusted legal and property professionals in Greece.
- Guidance on cross-border wealth management for global investors.
- Succession and estate planning to protect your assets for future generations.
With nearly 40 years of experience supporting international clients, we ensure that your Golden Visa investment is not only compliant but also aligned with your long-term financial goals.
Secure Your Future in Greece
The Greece Golden Visa offers more than residency — it’s a bridge to financial growth, personal freedom, and a life enriched by European opportunity. Whether you’re seeking mobility, stability, or a Mediterranean lifestyle, the programme remains one of the most accessible and rewarding in the world.
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Speak to one of Blacktower’s international financial advisers to discover how the Greece Golden Visa can help you secure your financial future and a life of freedom in Europe.