GREECE GOLDEN VISA PROGRAMME
Overview
The Greece Golden Visa is a 5-year renewable residence permit granted to non-EU
nationals who make a qualifying investment in Greece, primarily through real estate
or other approved financial investments. It is one of Europe’s most established residency-by-investment programs
Investment Requirement
- €800,000 → Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and high-demand islands
- €400,000 → rest of Greece
- €250,000 → ONLY for:
o Commercial → residential conversion projects
o Restoration of listed/historic buildings
Must be a completed investment (not just reservation)
Eligibility Requirements
- Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen
- Valid passport + clean criminal record
- Proof of investment funds
- Greek property purchase completed
- Health insurance in Greece
- Entry visa (Type D) before applying
Processing Timeline
- Property purchase: 1–4 weeks (varies)
- Application submission: 1–2 weeks after entry
- Biometric appointment: 1–3 months backlog typical
- Residence permit decision: up to 90 days legally mandated
- Practical total timeline: 2–6 months average
Key Benefits
- 5-year renewable residency
- Family inclusion (spouse + children)
- No minimum stay requirement
- Schengen travel access
- Property ownership in Greece
Limitations
- Citizenship requires long-term residence (~7 years + integration)
- ~7 years continuous legal residence
- Greek language + integration tests required
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a non-EU / non-EEA / non-Swiss citizen
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a valid employment contract or proof of freelance work
- Earn at least €3,500/month net income
- Hold valid health insurance in Greece
- Provide proof of accommodation in Greece
- Have a clean criminal record
- Apply via Greek consulate before travel
� Applications must be submitted outside Greece (at a consulate) in most cases.
Processing Timeline
Step 1: Consular Application
- 2–6 weeks depending on embassy workload
Step 2: Visa Approval
- 1–4 weeks after submission
Step 3: Arrival in Greece
- Convert visa into residence permit
Step 4: Residence Permit Processing
- 1–3 months after arrival
Total estimated timeline:
� 1 to 3 months average (fast EU visa route)
Duration & Renewal
- Initial visa: 12 months
- Residence permit: up to 2 years
- Renewable depending on continued eligibility
� Many applicants transition into longer-term residency permits after initial period.
Key Benefits
✔ Live and Work Remotely in Greece
Stay legally while working for foreign companies or clients.
✔ Schengen Access
Travel freely across 26 Schengen countries (90/180 rule).
✔ Family Inclusion
- Spouse included
- Dependent children included
✔ Tax Incentives (Important Benefit)
Eligible applicants who become Greek tax residents may receive:
- 50% income tax reduction for up to 7 years (under conditions)
� This makes Greece one of the more tax-competitive EU nomad destinations.
Important Clarification
The Digital Nomad Visa is often confused with other Greek visas:
- Digital Nomad Visa
- Requires remote work
- €3,500/month income
- Work allowed (foreign only)
- For professionals
- Financially Independent Visa
- Requires passive income
- €3,500/month passive income
- No work allowed
- For retirees / investors
Who This Visa Is Best For
✔ Ideal for:
- Remote employees (tech, finance, marketing, etc.)
- Freelancers with international clients
- Online business owners
- Digital entrepreneurs working outside Greece
Not suitable for:
- Local job seekers
- Passive income retirees
- Entrepreneurs needing Greek clients
