Golden Visa de Grecia

Preguntas frecuentes

• How much to invest in the Greece Golden Visa?

  The minimum investment sum is €250,000 for renovation or conversion into residential space. The investment threshold for buying any other type of property is either €400,000 or €800,000, depending on the region.

  Program participants can choose to invest €350,000+ in economic activities, such as buying shares in investment funds, stocks, and government bonds. However, getting a residence permit this way is more challenging because the applicant has to obtain a national D visa to come to Greece. Real estate investors get tourist visas to enter the country.

• Is it possible to return the investment?

  Yes, usually after the residence permit expires or upon acquiring citizenship.

  However, to renew an investment residence permit, retaining ownership of the investment asset is essential. Therefore, the investor can sell the initial asset but must acquire another eligible one to keep and renew their residency. Such a change and the new asset must be approved by the Residence Permits Directorate of the Ministry of Immigration and Asylum.

  The Golden Visa rules allow for the long-term rental of the property: earning an income of 3–5% annually as long as the properties are owned is possible. Alternative funds can bring 4–5% of a yield annually.

• Do I need to go to Greece to get a residence permit?

  The investor visits the country to open a bank account and submit fingerprints to get a Greece residence permit. As for the rest of the procedure, an investor's lawyer can fulfil it by a power of attorney. The lawyer signs a purchase and sale agreement, submits documents for participation in the program and receives residence permit cards.

• What documents are required for the Greece Golden Visa application?

  To apply for a residence permit under the Greece Golden Visa, you’ll need to submit the following:

  • completed application form;
  • certified copy of a valid passport or recognised travel document, including a valid entry visa;
  • proof of payment for the application fee;
  • proof of payment for the residence permit card fee;
  • valid health insurance policy that covers you in Greece;
  • four printed colour passport photos, plus one digital copy on a CD.

  Additionally, you must provide supporting documents specific to your type of investment, for example, a sale and purchase agreement.

• Can Americans apply for a Golden Visa in Greece?

  Yes, US citizens may apply for a Greek residence permit by investment if they fit other requirements, such as being able to confirm the legality of income and having no criminal records.

• Is the Greek Golden Visa investment worth it?

  An investor who buys real estate in Greece gets a personal residence in this country or a profitable asset that may bring profit. Also, a Greek residence permit allows one to live in the country, travel the Schengen Area visa-free, and access quality healthcare and education.

  If your goals include moving to a warm Mediterranean country, living by the sea or travelling to European countries, the Greek Golden Visa may be a good choice.

• Who is eligible for a Greek residence permit by investment?

  An adult investor with legal income and no criminal record. Only non-EU citizens can participate in the program.

  A spouse, children under 21, and parents can get residence permits with the investor. The investor’s partner can participate in the program if the couple has signed a domestic partnership agreement and registered it in Greece.

• Do I have to buy real estate to participate in the Greece Golden Visa program?

  No, you don't. The investor can rent a hotel or sign a timeshare agreement for 10 years. There is a capital transfer option with opening a deposit account at a Greek bank. Applicants can also invest in stocks, bonds, or investment fund units.

• How can an investor obtain Greece citizenship?

  Investors need to live in the country for seven years to become Greek citizens.

  All applicants for citizenship take a written exam to confirm their knowledge of the Greek language, culture, history, geography and governmental system. They must also have no criminal records and deportations from Greece.

• Does the Greek permanent residency give the holder the right to apply for citizenship?

  Yes, but not immediately. First, the PR holder must fulfil some conditions: for example, live in the country for another 2+ years.

• Can UK citizens apply for the Greece Golden Visa after Brexit?

  Yes, UK citizens may apply for a residence permit by investment in Greece. The UK is no longer an EU member state, so Britons are allowed to participate in the Golden Visa program.

• How long does the Greek Golden Visa residence permit last?

  A Greek residence permit for investors is valid for five years. It is renewable. Also, investors who live in Greece may apply for permanent residency after these five years.

• Which regions now require higher real‐estate investments under the updated Greek Golden Visa rules?

  Property in Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and any island with more than 3,100 residents now demands at least €800,000. All other regions require €400,000.

  Only properties bought for restoration or commercial-to-residential conversion can still qualify for the €250,000 threshold.

• May I combine several smaller properties to meet the minimum investment amount?

  No. An applicant must purchase a single property of at least 120 m² that meets the regional price threshold.

  Combining multiple titles does not qualify for the Golden Visa.

• Can I include my spouse's parents in the same Golden Visa application?

  Yes. Both the investor’s parents and the parents of the spouse can be added as dependents without any age limit or proof of financial dependency. They receive residence permits with the same 5-year validity as the main applicant.

• Does holding a Greek Golden Visa automatically make me a tax resident in Greece?

  No. You become a Greek tax resident only if you spend more than 183 days in the country in a calendar year ере.

  If you do become a tax resident you may opt for a flat tax of €100,000 on worldwide income instead of progressive rates up to 45%.

• Are short-term rentals such as Airbnb permitted for Golden Visa properties?

  Golden Visa properties cannot be rented out short-term; only long-term rentals are allowed.

• Can I get Greek citizenship through the Golden Visa program?

  The Greek Golden Visa itself does not directly lead to citizenship. However, after 7 years of legal residence in Greece, you can apply for Greek citizenship by naturalisation. Applicants must demonstrate knowledge of the Greek language, history, and culture, and must have no criminal record. Greece allows dual citizenship.