Investment Route Guide
Grecia Golden Visa Through Property, From Iran
Iranian families use the Greek golden visa for a secure European residence. What is different from Iran: sanctions mean funds cannot move from Iranian banks, so the investment must come from documented money held abroad; documents go through Iranian legalisation; and Greek banks apply enhanced checks.
Updated 1 ottobre 2026
Quick answer
Iranian citizens can get a Greek golden visa by buying property worth €400,000 or more (€800,000 in Athens, Thessaloniki and the most popular islands). Because of sanctions, funds must come from accounts outside Iran with a documented source. Iran is not in the Apostille Convention, so documents are legalised. A Schengen visa is needed to enter Greece for biometrics.
As of 1 ottobre 2026
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Short visits | Schengen visa needed, even for viewing tripsSource · checked 2 ottobre 2026 |
| Documents | Full legalisation: your country is not in the Apostille ConventionSource · checked 2 ottobre 2026 |
| Double tax treaty | We confirm this for your case |
| Minimum | €800,000 in Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini and larger islands; €400,000 elsewhere; €250,000 for commercial-to-residential conversion or listed buildings (Santorini and other border areas need a permit for non-EU buyers)Source |
What is different from Iran
Funds from outside Iran
International transfers from Iranian banks are not possible under sanctions, so the purchase is paid from accounts held abroad. Greek banks apply enhanced due diligence to Iranian clients; clear evidence of how the money was earned is essential.
Legalised documents
Iranian civil documents and the criminal record certificate are translated by an official translator, certified by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and legalised by the Greek embassy, then translated into Greek.
Nationality
Iran does not recognise the renunciation of Iranian nationality in most cases; the golden visa gives residence, not citizenship.
Routes open to you
Figures are statutory minimums from official sources. Official fees are estimates and change; our own fees are quoted for your case.
Golden visa through property
Investors buying residential property, with family included.
- Minimum
- €800,000 in Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini and larger islands; €400,000 elsewhere; €250,000 for commercial-to-residential conversion or listed buildings (Santorini and other border areas need a permit for non-EU buyers)
Not sure which route fits?
An adviser checks your eligibility from Iran and replies within one working day.
Step by step from Iran
Set the budget by area
Choose the tier: €800,000 in Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini and larger islands; €400,000 elsewhere; €250,000 only for commercial-to-residential conversions or listed buildings. Each property must be at least 120 m² for the higher tiers. Santorini and other designated border areas need a defence-ministry permit for non-EU buyers.
Get a Greek tax number and account
A lawyer can obtain your AFM tax number and open a Greek bank account under power of attorney.
Buy and register the property
Sign with a notary, pay from an account abroad through a Greek bank, and register the title. Short-term rental of golden visa property is not allowed.
Enter Greece and give biometrics
Apply for a Schengen visa (in Iran or your country of residence), travel to Greece and give biometrics.
Receive the five-year permit
The permit is renewable every five years while you keep the property; there is no minimum stay.
Documents and legalisation
Iran is not in the Apostille Convention, so public documents need the full chain: attestation by the issuing authority and the foreign ministry, then legalisation by the Grecia embassy or consulate. Translate them with a sworn translator where required.
You will usually need a police certificate from Iran and from every other country you have lived in recently.
Where to apply
The application is filed in Greece (usually by a lawyer under power of attorney); you must be in Greece legally for biometrics.
Tax: what to check before you move
General information, not tax advice. Tax points on this page are awaiting review by a tax specialist.
Buying property for residency
Off-plan and resale property can qualify when the developer, price and title meet the programme rules. We work with offplanproperty.com for off-plan projects, and with Belgrave Estates for relocation and resale searches, and check every purchase against the residency rules before you commit.
Sources and review
Last updated 1 ottobre 2026
Parts of this page are awaiting review by our legal team; we confirm every point for your case before you apply.
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Frequently asked questions
Can Iranians get the Greek golden visa?
Yes, Iranian citizens are not excluded, but banking and source-of-funds checks are stricter.
Can I pay from an Iranian bank account?
No. Payments must come from accounts outside Iran because of sanctions.
Can I open a Greek bank account?
Usually yes, with enhanced checks; we prepare the documentation the bank will ask for.
Does the permit allow me to work in Greece?
No, the golden visa does not include the right to work as an employee.
Which route suits me best?
It depends on your goal: living in the country, a second passport, tax planning or a base for your family. The routes on this page are ranked by fit for people moving from your country.
How long does it take to move?
Timelines depend on the route, the completeness of your file and government processing. Each programme page shows its published processing range.
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