Discover Greece: Invest, Live, Enjoy

​Frequently asked questions

• How to immigrate to Greece?

  You can immigrate to Greece by applying for a residence permit.

  One of the most popular options is the Golden Visa, which grants residency by investment. The process takes 4 months or more and requires a minimum contribution of €250,000, typically through purchasing property.

• Can I work in the EU with Greek residency?

  A Greek residence permit does not automatically allow you to work in other EU countries. It grants the right to live in Greece and travel freely within the Schengen Area.

  To work in another EU country, you would need to meet its local employment or visa requirements.

• Is it possible to get a Greek residency by investment?

  Yes, Greece offers a Golden Visa program for non-EU nationals who invest at least €250,000. Common options include buying real estate, leasing tourist properties, or investing in funds. The residence permit is valid for 5 years and can be renewed indefinitely.

• Can I include my family in the Golden Visa application?

  Yes, you can include close family members in your application. This includes your spouse, your children under 21, and your parents. All eligible family members receive residence permits under the same investment.

• How much to invest in Greece to get PR?

  To qualify for a residence permit, the minimum investment is €250,000. This amount applies to properties intended for renovation or conversion. For standard real estate purchases, the minimum can be €400,000 or €800,000, depending on the location.

  The investor may obtain permanent residency after 5 years of living in Greece.

• Will I be taxed in Greece?

  You’ll only be taxed in Greece if you become a tax resident. Standard income tax can reach up to 44%, but wealthy individuals can opt for a flat annual tax of €100,000.

• Can I become a citizen after getting a Greek residence permit?

  Yes, citizenship is possible after seven years of living in Greece. Applicants must show knowledge of the Greek language and integration into society. Dual citizenship is allowed, and a Greek passport grants visa-free access to 177 countries.

• Can I apply for the Greece Golden Visa without visiting Greece?

  Yes, most steps of the Greece Golden Visa process can be completed remotely. Property selection, tax registration, bank setup, and document submission can all be done through a Power of Attorney. The only in-person requirement is for biometrics.

• Do I need to visit Greece for biometrics?

  Yes, all applicants must visit Greece to provide biometric data. This includes fingerprints and a digital photo and must be done within six months of submitting the application.

• Can I buy multiple properties to qualify for the Golden Visa?

  No, under the updated 2024 rules, only one property may be purchased per application.

• Do I need a Greek bank account to apply for the Golden Visa?

  Yes, a Greek bank account is required to complete the investment and pay related taxes. Most banks require in-person identity verification, but many steps can be handled remotely via Power of Attorney.

• Can I finance the property purchase with a loan?

  No, Greek law prohibits financing the qualifying investment with a mortgage from a Greek bank. However, you may use a loan from a foreign bank if the full amount is transferred to Greece and paid in full for the property.

• Are there any income requirements for the Greece Golden Visa?

  No, there are no minimum income requirements. However, you must prove the legal origin of the investment funds and cover all related costs independently.

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

  Applicants must submit a valid passport, proof of investment, health insurance, clean criminal record, and supporting documents for family members, such as marriage and birth certificates.

• Can I invest in under-construction properties?

  Yes, under-construction properties qualify if they meet the program rules. For the €250,000 option, the application can be submitted as soon as the change of use is officially certified and ownership is registered — even if renovations are ongoing.

• Is it mandatory to stay in Greece to maintain the Golden Visa?

  No, there is no minimum stay requirement to retain the Greece Golden Visa. You only need to maintain the qualifying investment and renew the permit every 5 years.

• Can I rent out the property purchased for the Golden Visa?

  Yes, but only for long-term rentals. Short-term rentals like Airbnb are strictly prohibited and may result in permit cancellation and a €50,000 fine.

• What happens if I sell the property?

  If you sell the property and do not reinvest in another eligible asset before the next renewal, your residence permit will be cancelled. You must hold a qualifying investment at all times.

• What is the income tax rate in Greece for Golden Visa holders?

  The income tax rate for residents ranges from 9 to 44%, depending on income level.

• What is the process for applying for the Greece Golden Visa?

  The process involves seven key steps: passing Due Diligence, making a qualifying investment, submitting the application, attending a biometric appointment, and receiving the residence card. Most steps can be done remotely.

• Can I include parents in the Golden Visa application?

  Yes, both the investor’s and their spouse’s or partner’s parents may be included, regardless of financial dependency, as long as they meet other basic requirements.

• What are the benefits of the Greece Golden Visa?

  Key benefits include visa-free travel across the Schengen Area, residency for up to three generations, no relocation or language requirement, potential rental income and favourable tax options, and path to citizenship after seven years of residence.

• How long is the Greece Golden Visa valid?

  The residence permit is valid for 5 years and can be renewed indefinitely, provided the investment is maintained and legal conditions are met.

• How long does it take to get the Greece Golden Visa?

  The full process typically takes around 4+ months. The longest step is the issuance of the residence card, which may take up to 12 weeks after biometrics are submitted.