Investment Based Business Residence Permit

This residence route is divided into structured investment categories:

Business Establishment / Operation Route

• Minimum investment: €500,000+
• Must involve:
  o Establishment of a new company in Greece, OR
  o Expansion of an existing foreign business into Greece

The investment must demonstrate positive impact on national development and
employment
Always verify the latest requirements with a competent representative before
submission

Strategic / Corporate Investor Route

• Applies to executives, shareholders, or directors of investing companies
• Up to 3 residence permits may be granted per investment entity depending on capital
  structure

Executive Entry Provision

• Up to 10 foreign executives may be granted entry/residence under supporting work
  categories (EU Blue Card, intra-company transfer, etc.) tied to the investment project

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Non-EU / non-EEA / non-Swiss nationality
• Minimum 18 years of age
• Clean criminal record
• Proof of legally sourced investment funds
• Approved business or investment plan
• Demonstrated economic benefit to Greece
• Valid Type D national visa before arrival

� Approval is granted only after review by the Greek Ministry of Migration and
Investment authorities

Approved Investment Types

Eligible investment activities may include:

• Establishment of commercial companies in Greece
• Expansion of foreign businesses into Greece
• Industrial or manufacturing investments
• Tourism and hospitality developments
• Technology and innovation enterprises
• Large-scale service operations

The key requirement is economic contribution (jobs, GDP impact, or strategic value

Processing Timeline

Step 1: Pre-Approval Stage

• Business plan submission & review: 1–3 months

Step 2: Visa Stage

• Type D visa issuance: 4–8 weeks

Step 3: Residence Application

• Submission in Greece upon arrival

Step 4: Government Review

• Evaluation period: 2–4 months

Total estimated timeline:

� 3 to 6 months (average processing time)

Key Benefits

✔ Legal Residence in Greece
Live in Greece while actively managing your investment.

✔ Business Operations

• Establish or manage a Greek company
• Hire staff (depending on structure)
• Operate across EU markets via Greece base

✔ Family Inclusion

• Spouse included
• Dependent children included

✔ Pathway to Long-Term Residency

• Eligible for permanent residence after continuous legal stay
• Possible citizenship pathway after ~7 years (subject to integration requirements)

Important Clarification

This permit is often confused with the Greek Golden Visa, but they are
fundamentally different:

Golden Visa

• Passive real estate investment
• No work required
• €400K–€800K real estate
• Easier residency approval

Investment-Based Business Permit

• Active business investment
• Business operation required
• €500K+ business investment
• Strict evaluation process

Who This Program Is Best For

✔ Ideal for:

• Entrepreneurs expanding into the EU market
• Investors planning long-term business operations in Greece
• Companies relocating regional headquarters
• High-capital founders seeking EU residency through business activity

Not suitable for:

• Passive investors
• Small startups with low capital
• Individuals seeking quick or guaranteed residency

Summary

The Investment-Based Business Residence Permit is a high-value Greek
immigration route designed to attract serious foreign investors and active
entrepreneurs.

• Minimum investment: ~€500,000+
• Processing time: ~3–6 months
• Requires active business operations
• Includes family residency
• Strong long-term EU residency pathway