Program Type
Residence by investment, commonly known as the Greece Golden Visa.
Residence by Investment
Greece Golden Visa
A structured residence pathway for qualifying foreign investors seeking Greek residence and regional mobility.
This WIMA program brief summarizes key Greece residence by investment information, including qualifying investments, family eligibility, renewal considerations and the long-term citizenship pathway.
EUR 250KSpecialized real estate route
5 YRSRenewable permit cycle
regionalRegional travel access
7 YRSPotential citizenship route
Overview
Residence Access Through Investment
Greece offers a residence by investment route for non-EU nationals and eligible family members through qualifying investments in real estate, financial instruments or approved capital structures.
Regional Mobility
Successful applicants can benefit from travel access across the regional short-stay area.
Renewable Residence
Residence permits may be renewed every five years if requirements remain satisfied.
Rental Potential
The investment property may be rented, subject to applicable program and local rules.
Shareholding Income
Investors may hold shares and receive dividends, but employment in Greece is restricted.
Investment Options
Real Estate Thresholds
The Greece Golden Visa includes several real estate thresholds depending on asset type, location and qualifying use.
Figures are summarized within WIMA's Greece residence review and should be verified before client advice.
EUR 250,000
Specialized Projects
Commercial-to-residential conversions or listed building restorations, regardless of location or property size.
EUR 400,000
Single Property Route
Property purchase in Greece using one asset with a minimum size of 120 sqm.
EUR 800,000
High-Demand Zones
Applies to Athens, Thessaloniki and islands with populations above 3,100 inhabitants.
Alternative Routes
Financial and Lease-Based Options
In addition to direct real estate purchases, the program includes lease, deposit, bond, share and fund-based investment options.
10-Year Accommodation Contract
Hotel accommodation or furnished tourist residence leases from EUR 400,000 or EUR 800,000.
Greek Credit Institution
Fixed-term deposit of at least EUR 500,000 with an eligible Greek bank.
Company or Investment Vehicle
Capital contribution from EUR 500,000 into specified Greek companies or investment structures.
Bond Route
Greek government bond purchase from EUR 500,000 with at least three years remaining maturity.
Listed Securities
Shares, corporate bonds or bond route traded on Greek regulated markets from EUR 800,000.
Greek-Focused Funds
Mutual or alternative investment funds from EUR 350,000 where the mandate is dedicated to Greece.
Eligibility
Applicant and Family Requirements
The Greece Golden Visa is structured for non-EU nationals who make and maintain a qualifying investment and satisfy application documentation requirements.
The page does not replace legal, tax, immigration or investment advice.
Foreign Investor
The program is aimed at investors outside the applicable regional framework.
Eligible Dependents
Married spouse, children under 21, and parents of the main applicant and spouse.
Core File
Passport, investment evidence, health insurance, criminal record and supporting documents.
Maintain Investment
The qualifying investment must be retained for residence permit renewal.
Procedure
Application Journey
WIMA outlines a four-stage process: visit Greece, choose the preferred property or route, submit the application and complete final verification.
Visit Greece
Initial visit, local review and program orientation.
Select Investment
Choose the property, lease, deposit, securities or fund route.
Submit Application
Prepare documentation and file the residence application.
Final Verification
Complete WIMA review, due diligence and issuance steps.
Processing times may vary. Applicants and advisers should confirm current timelines, fees, documentation and filing procedures with qualified Greek counsel or authorized professionals.
Long-Term Pathway
Citizenship After Residence
After seven years of residence, applicants may be eligible to apply for Greek citizenship through naturalization under the Greek Nationality Code.
Close Ties Required
Applicants must demonstrate meaningful financial and social integration in Greece.
Knowledge Assessment
Naturalization includes an exam covering adequate Greek language knowledge.
FAQ
Greece Residence Questions
Answers are summarized for professional reference and should be checked against current Greek rules.
What is the Greece Golden Visa?
It is a residence by investment program granting Greek residence to qualifying investors and eligible family members.
What is the minimum investment?
WIMA lists EUR 250,000 for specialized real estate projects such as conversions or listed building restorations.
Is physical residence required?
WIMA states there is no specific residence requirement, but the qualifying investment must be maintained for renewal.
Can family members be included?
Yes. The program may include the spouse, dependent children and qualifying parents.
Program Intelligence
Greece Residence by Investment
Use this page as a structured WIMA-style program summary for professional review, client education and jurisdiction comparison.
WIMA review note: WIMA Greece Golden Visa page, accessed June 27, 2026.