Introduced in 2013, Greece's Golden Visa program allows non-EU citizens to obtain residency by investing in real estate. Originally requiring a minimum of €250,000, the program has evolved as of September 1, 2024, into a two-tier system based on geographic zones.
Tier 1: €800,000 Applies to popular and high-demand areas such as Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and islands with over 3,100 residents.
Tier 2: €400,000 Covers all other regions in Greece, making the program more accessible and supporting a more balanced national investment.
In both cases, the investment must be in a single property of at least 120 square meters and cannot be used for short-term rentals such as Airbnb.
€250,000 Exceptions: Some properties still qualify under the original minimum investment:
The program offers valuable advantages such as the right to live in Greece, visa-free access to Schengen countries, and access to quality healthcare and education. Residence permits are issued for five years and can be renewed indefinitely if the investment is maintained. Investors must visit Greece at least once every five years.
Residency benefits extend to close family members, including spouses, children under 21, and both the investor's and their spouse's parents.
After residing in Greece for seven years, investors may apply for Greek citizenship, gaining full access to EU rights including broader travel, employment, and business opportunities.