Greece’s “Golden Visa” program enables nationals of non-EU/EEA/Swiss countries to acquire a residence permit by investing in Greek real estate or other approved investment categories. This permit confers significant benefits, including free movement within the Schengen Area, and can be renewed as long as the investment is maintained. Moreover, after a certain number of years, investors may also be eligible to apply for Greek citizenship, provided they meet the legal criteria.
The most common form of investment under Greek law is the purchase of real estate. Historically, the minimum purchase amount was set at 250,000 euros. However, following recent developments, this threshold has increased to 500,000 euros in certain central and high-demand areas. The required investment amount may be reached through the purchase of one or multiple properties. Alternative investment routes also exist—such as buying shares listed on the Greek stock exchange, bonds, or mutual fund units—but real estate acquisition remains the most popular option.
Obtaining the Golden Visa is relatively straightforward if all legal requirements are carefully observed. First, the investor must execute a notarial deed for the property purchase, which is then registered at the competent Land Registry or Cadastre Office. The prospective investor then submits an application to the Ministry of Migration and Asylum, providing the necessary supporting documents (proof of property ownership, medical certificates, etc.). Once the application is approved, a residence permit is issued—typically valid for five years—which can be renewed for as long as the investment is maintained.
The benefits enjoyed by Golden Visa holders extend beyond visa-free travel within the Schengen zone. They can also bring family members (spouse, children, parents) to Greece under the family reunification right. Additionally, after seven years of legal residence, an investor may be eligible to apply for naturalization, assuming all conditions set out in the Greek Nationality Code are fulfilled.
In a dynamic investment environment, the Golden Visa program remains an attractive vehicle, both for those who wish to settle permanently in a European country and for those seeking a stable, potentially profitable investment in Greek real estate or other sectors of the economy. At Ratio Legal, we provide comprehensive legal support at every stage of the process—from finding the right property and conducting thorough title searches to preparing and filing the application for obtaining the Golden Visa.
