Golden Visa in Greece
Greece offers a range of tax incentives aimed at attracting foreign investors and expatriates. If you are looking to invest in Europe The Greece Golden Visa Program is one of the most attractive residency options, offering a straightforward route to obtaining residency in Greece through real estate investment, intangible assets or general investment option, along with a host of benefits. At TAXWISE GREECE, we are dedicated to providing you with the necessary information and support to navigate these opportunities effectively.
Choose an Investment Option Under Greece Golden Visa Law
INTANGIBLE ASSETS – SHARES
Purchase or Acquisition of Shares, Stakes, Greek Government or Corporate Bonds
REAL ESTATE PROPERTY
INCOME PROPERTIES: Commercial Properties, Warehouses & Logistics, Plots of Land, Buildings & Hotels
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES: APARTMENT/FLAT, VILLA, MAISONETTE
GENERAL INVESTEMENT
Energy, Tourism, Food & Beverage, Export-Oriented Manufacturing, Logistics, Life Sciences, ICT
The Legal basis for a Golden Visa in Greece
Greece introduced the law No 4251/2014 that allows citizens from any non-European countries to acquire a European residence permit by investment, granting them free movement to travel within the Schengen Zone.
Benefits of the Greece Golden Visa:
How to obtain
a Greek Golden Visa through Investment: Step- by- Step Plan
Initial Consultation & Feasibility
- We conduct a preliminary review of each case in a timely manner, ensuring eligibility and compliance with the Golden Visa program’s requirements through investment.
Investment Strategy & Setup
- At this stage, we help the client choose the most suitable investment pathway based on their goals, budget, family structure, and long-term plans. In cooperation with our trusted legal and banking advisors, we then proceed with the strategic and operational setup required for the Greek Golden Visa investment.
Making the Investment
- The client completes the chosen investment—whether real estate, shares, bonds, or bank deposits—while our legal team ensures contracts are properly executed and ownership is registered.
Application Preparation
- Our team gathers all the required documents and financial proofs, and prepares and submits the Golden Visa application to the Greek authorities.
Submission & Follow-Up
- We submit the application, the investor receives a temporary residence certificate, and biometric data is collected for the family. Our team takes care of any follow-up with the authorities and financial details.
INTANGIBLE ASSETS – SHARES: Investing in bonds, mutual funds, equities
To qualify for the Greek Golden Visa program, investors must meet specific legal requirements, including the type of asset, minimum investment amount, payment structure, duration, and other key conditions. Importantly, all eligible investments must be made in Greece. To simplify this process, our accounting firm, together with our trusted legal and banking partners, provides tailored financial solutions designed to meet these eligibility criteria and ensure a smooth, compliant path to residency.
FINANCIAL INVESTMENT OPTIONS
| CATEGORIES | AMOUNT | CONDITIONS FOR THE INVESTMENT ACTIVITY |
| An Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) established in Greece or the EU | €350,000 | Exclusively investing in Greek assets. |
| A Mutual Fund (MTF) established in Greece or abroad, exclusively investing in Greek-listed shares, corporate bonds, or government bonds | €350,000 | Traded on regulated markets or MTFs operating in Greece. |
| Company Formation | €500,000 | Establish and operate a business in Greece with demonstrable national economic benefit. |
| Equity Participation in Greek Companies | €500,000 | Acquire ≥33% in a Greek company or listed shares via licensed intermediaries. |
| Greek REITs | €500,000 | Participate in capital increase of REITs investing exclusively in Greece subject to certification. |
| Private Equity / Venture Capital | €500,000 | Regulated Greek-targeted funds, with escrow/ account controls ensuring compliance. |
| Greek Government Bonds | €500,000 | Bonds with ≥3 years maturity via licensed Greek custodian. |
| Minimum Time Deposit | €500,000 | The minimum term of the time deposit should be 1 year. A standing order for the annual renewal is required. The deposit should be held at a Greek Bank. |
| Portfolio of listed securities: Including Greek government bonds, corporate bonds, or listed shares | €800,000 | Trading on regulated markets or MTFs in Greece. |
REAL ESTATE PROPERTY
The Greek Golden Visa program grants non‑EU citizens and their immediate family members the right to obtain a residence permit in Greece through investment in real estate. This permit confers the ability to reside in Greece and to travel freely within the Schengen Area. Investments in real estate not only provide a lawful basis for residency but may also generate a stable rental income.
By investing in properties from €250,000 and ensuring compliance with all applicable legal requirements, applicants may secure residence for themselves and their family. The program permits investment in any location within the territory of Greece, provided that all conditions for lawful acquisition and, where applicable, conversion to residential use are fully satisfied. This framework offers a flexible and straightforward pathway to living and investing in Greece.
The minimum investment currently is:
| AMOUNT | RESTRICTIONS | REGIONS |
|---|---|---|
| €800,000 | Single property (≥120m²) | Region of Attica, Mykonos, Santorini, the Regional Unit of Thessaloniki, Islands with a population exceeding 3,100 inhabitants |
| €400,000 | Single property (≥120m²) | Regions in mainland Greece and non-designated urban centers, with population less than 3,100 inhabitants |
| €250,000 | Converted properties from commercial/industrial to residential and listed buildings under restoration | Any location within the territory of Greece, provided that the specific conditions for conversion to residential use are fully satisfied. |
All information is correct at time of publication and may be subject to change.
GENERAL INVESTMENTS IN GREECE
Investors can obtain a Greek Golden Visa by directly participating in Greek businesses, by establishing new ventures. This allows you to contribute to the local economy while pursuing residency.
Minimum investment thresholds apply and vary depending on the program, with popular sectors including hospitality, technology, and integrated tourist resorts. These opportunities not only support Greece’s economic growth but also offer potential financial returns, making them ideal for investors seeking an active role in business alongside the benefits of residency.