Greece GoldenVisa
Thresholds EUR 250/500/800k
- What it is
- The Greek Golden Visa — a residence permit for buying real estate
- Where it applies
- Greece, an EU and Schengen country
- Cost
- From €250,000; higher in Athens, Thessaloniki and on the popular islands
- Duration
- Processing usually takes 2-3 months
- Can you prepare
- Yes: choose the region and property, assemble the funds file
In plain words
The Greece Golden Visa is Greece’s residence permit programme for investment in real estate. By buying a home, you and your family receive a five-year renewable residence permit, the right to live in the country and to travel freely in the Schengen area. You are not required to live in Greece permanently.
The entry threshold depends on the region. The base is from €250,000 in certain areas, but in popular locations (Athens, Thessaloniki, islands such as Mykonos and Santorini) the thresholds are higher — €400,000 and €800,000. This is designed to spread investment around the country rather than concentrate it in the capital.
The Greek Golden Visa is valued for its speed, a threshold that is modest by EU standards and the fact that permanent residence in the country is not required. Over time, with actual residence, the road leads to permanent residence and citizenship through naturalisation.
Why people choose the Greek Golden Visa
What the Greek Golden Visa gives
- Principal applicant
- Spouse and children
- Sometimes parents
- Property purchase
- From €250,000
- The threshold depends on the region
- A 5-year residence permit
- Schengen 90/180
- Minimal presence
- Path to permanent residence
- Path to citizenship
- Rental income
How to obtain the Greek Golden Visa
- 01Choosing the region and property
- 02Checking the title and land registry
- 03Property purchase
- 04Filing the application
- 05Residence card
What you need to know
- The threshold depends on the region: €250,000 / €400,000 / €800,000
- Permanent residence in Greece is not required
- The residence permit is granted for 5 years, renewable
- The property must be held for the whole term of the status
- A Golden Visa is a residence permit, not citizenship
Thresholds by region
- Certain areasfrom €250,000The base threshold in regions with lower demand.
- Large citiesfrom €400,000Parts of mainland Greece and growing locations.
- Athens, Thessaloniki, the islandsfrom €800,000The capital, the second-largest city and the popular islands.
The threshold depends on the region and the type of property. On top come property taxes, legal support and government fees. We calculate the exact budget for the chosen location and family composition.
Timelines
- Processing time
- Usually 2-3 months
- Who issues it
- The Greek migration service
- Residence
- Permanent residence in the country is not required
- To citizenship
- Through actual residence and naturalisation
Common mistakes
- Buying a property without checking the title and Golden Visa eligibility
- Not accounting for the higher threshold in Athens and on the islands
- Confusing a Golden Visa with citizenship
- Selling the property early and losing the status
- Delaying the application — thresholds are revised
What this means for a BRIDGES client
We choose a property for your budget and goal — Schengen, rental income or a second home — check the title and Golden Visa eligibility and take you through the deal and filing end to end, so that you obtain Greek residence without delays.
Frequently asked questions
01 /How much does the Greek Golden Visa cost?
From €250,000 in certain areas. In Athens, Thessaloniki and on the popular islands the thresholds are higher — €400,000 and €800,000. Plus property taxes and fees.
02 /Do you need to live in Greece?
No, permanent residence is not required for the Golden Visa. But if the goal is future citizenship, actual residence and naturalisation will be needed.
03 /Does the Greek Golden Visa give citizenship?
Not straight away. It is a residence permit; a passport may come later, through years of actual residence and naturalisation.
04 /Can you work on the Greek Golden Visa?
The status gives the right to live in the country; the conditions on employment are confirmed separately. In the Schengen area it gives travel, not work in other EU countries.
05 /Can the property be sold?
While the Golden Visa is in force, the property usually has to stay in your ownership — it is the basis of the status. Selling early may cost you the visa.
06 /Who can be included in the application?
The spouse, children (often up to 21-24) and in some cases dependent parents. The exact composition is confirmed for the programme.
See also
Read next
This material has undergone editorial review by BRIDGES.
Want Greek residence through real estate?
We will choose a property for your budget and goal, check the title and take you through the deal and filing end to end.