Quick answer
The Greece Golden visa requires a minimum investment of €400,000+. Government processing typically takes 3–6 months. A spouse and dependants can usually be included in one application. There is no minimum stay requirement.
At a glance
- Minimum investment
- €400,000+
- Government minimum, before official costs.
- Processing time
- 3–6 months
- Typical timeline once a complete file is submitted.
- Visa-free destinations
- 186
- Destinations without a prior visa. Access can change.
- Family inclusion
- Yes
- Check which dependants qualify before you apply.
- Residency requirement
- No minimum stay
- Minimum time in the country to keep your status.
Official sources: Increase of the minimum real estate investment for the golden visa (accessed 1 October 2026); Golden visa (listed real property): initial issuance (accessed 1 October 2026); Permanent golden visa (change of use): initial issuance (accessed 1 October 2026); Greece adjusts golden visa program (accessed 1 October 2026); Residence permits for investors (golden visa) (accessed 21 October 2026)
Last reviewed 1 October 2026 by Citizen Sure editorial team
Figures are pending review by a qualified adviser. Always confirm current rules with the official source before investing.
Service fees are not shown here: your adviser prepares a written quote for your family and route. Government and due diligence fees are paid to the authority.
The Greece Golden Visa route grants a residence permit to investors who make a qualifying investment and meet the eligibility and background-check requirements. It is designed for families who want a lawful base in Greece while keeping their existing nationality. Key facts at a glance: minimum investment from €400,000+; typical processing time 3–6 months; stay requirement: no minimum stay; travel document access to 186 destinations without a visa in advance. Spouses and children can usually be included, subject to the programme's dependant rules. Every application is reviewed against source-of-funds and source-of-wealth evidence, police records and international screening databases. Preparing clean, certified and translated documents up front is the single biggest factor in avoiding delays. Programme rules, investment thresholds and government fees change frequently. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice — confirm the current requirements with a qualified adviser before you commit funds.
Is this programme right for you?
The Greece Golden visa tends to suit applicants when most of these apply.
- You can commit at least €400,000+ to a qualifying investment
- You can plan around a processing time of 3–6 months
- You want your spouse and children in the same application
- You do not plan to live there full time
Investment options
Official minimums for each qualifying route. Government and third-party costs are listed as estimates and change with family size.
Who is eligible
- Main applicant aged 18 or over
- Clean criminal record and successful due diligence checks
- Lawful, documented source of funds
Residence permit for real estate investors under Law 4251/2014, articles 20 and 20B. The official page sets no minimum stay in Greece. On renewal the property must still be owned by the applicant and copies of all passport pages used during the last permit are required.
What the authority asks for
- Completed residence permit application form
- Four recent passport photos, also supplied in digital form
- Certified copy of a valid passport with a valid national visa
- Private health and accident insurance policy
- Notary certificate for the property purchase or lease contract
- Certificate of encumbrance from the land registry or cadastre
- Proof of registration of the property with the land registry
Family members
- Spouse or partner
- Children under 18
- Adult children in full-time study
Timeline
Typical steps from first call to approval.
Eligibility assessment
We review your goals, family profile and source of wealth, and confirm which investment options fit.
Documents and due diligence
We prepare certified, translated documents and pre-screen the file against the government's checks.
Investment and submission
You complete the qualifying investment through regulated channels and the application is filed.
Approval and issuance
After approval, permits or passports are issued and we plan renewals and next steps with you.
Official fees on the Migration Ministry page: a 2,000 euro electronic fee on renewal and 16 euros to print each residence permit card. Your adviser confirms the initial application fees for your family.
Documents checklist
The core documents most applicants prepare. Your adviser gives you the complete list for your nationality and family.
- Valid passport for every applicant
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Police clearance from countries of residence
- Proof of address
- Source of funds and source of wealth evidence
- Bank reference letters
- Medical certificate and health insurance where required
- Certified translations and apostilles
Benefits
Lawful residence
A residence permit in Greece for you and your family.
Light presence rules
Stay requirement: no minimum stay.
Family inclusion
Spouses and children can usually be included in one application.
186
Visa-free and visa-on-arrival destinations
Open the visa-free mapTax overview
Some tax regimes may apply depending on your residence.
General information only, pending review by a tax adviser. Your tax position depends on where you are resident, not only on your new status.
Renewal and citizenship path
The permit is renewed at set intervals while you keep the qualifying investment. Permanent residence or citizenship may follow under national law, usually after longer residence and integration requirements.
Confirm the current renewal terms with the official source before you commit.
Pros and cons
Strengths
- Five-year residence permit
- The property is an asset you keep
- No minimum stay is stated on the official procedure pages
Things to weigh
- Minimums rose in 2024 to €800,000 in the main markets and €400,000 elsewhere
- Short-term letting of the property is not allowed
- The permit does not give the right to work
Risks and due diligence
Plan for these points before you transfer any funds.
- The main applicant and adult dependants go through background and source of funds checks.
- Applications can be refused, and some investment routes are not refundable.
- Thresholds, rules and visa free access can change at short notice.
- Work only with licensed agents and verify property or fund titles independently.
Investing through property?
Our property partners can show developments that qualify for this route. Ask your adviser before you commit to any purchase.
Not sure this is the right route?
Answer a few questions and see which programmes fit your budget, family and timeline.
How it compares
| Programme | Minimum investment | Processing time | Visa-free destinations | Residency requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greece Golden visa | €400,000+ | 3–6 months | 186 | No minimum stay |
| Portugal Golden visa | €500,000 | 6–8 months | 186 | 7 days/yr |
| UAE Golden visa | AED 2,000,000 | 7–10 working days (Dubai) | 180 | No minimum stay |
| Malta Citizenship by investment | Closed (2025) | 12–14 months | 186 | 12 months |
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum investment for the Greece Golden visa?
The official minimum is €400,000+. Government, due diligence and third-party costs are extra and depend on family size.
How long does the Greece Golden visa take?
Government processing typically takes 3–6 months once a complete application is filed. Preparing documents usually adds a few weeks.
Can I include my family?
Yes. A spouse and dependent children can usually be included; some programmes also accept dependent parents.
Do I need to live there?
No minimum stay is required to obtain or keep the status.
Do I get my investment back?
It depends on the route. Contributions are not refundable. With property, bond, deposit or fund routes you keep the asset and can usually sell or redeem it after the holding period.
How many destinations can Greece Golden visa holders visit without a visa?
186 destinations, based on current published data. Access can change, so check before you travel.
Does Greece Golden visa make me tax resident?
Holding the status alone does not make you tax resident. Tax residence depends on where you live and on each country's rules, so take independent tax advice.
Can Greece Golden visa lead to citizenship?
The permit is renewed at set intervals while you keep the qualifying investment. Permanent residence or citizenship may follow under national law, usually after longer residence and integration requirements. Confirm the current renewal terms with the official source before you commit.
What checks are part of a Greece Golden visa application?
The main applicant and adult dependants go through background and source of funds checks. Applications can be refused, and some investment routes are not refundable.
Explore further
Related programmes, guides and tools for the Greece Golden visa.