EU Residency by Investment

Greece Golden Visa: EU Residency Through Property Investment

Invest from €250,000 in Greek real estate and secure a renewable 5-year EU residence permit for your whole family — no minimum stay required. BUY GREECE guides you from property search to permit in hand, with expert teams in Chicago and Athens.

The Program at a Glance

What is the Greece Golden Visa?

The Greece Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program under Law 5100/2024 that grants non-EU citizens a 5-year renewable residence permit when they purchase qualifying Greek real estate. The official investment thresholds are €800,000 in Attica (including Athens and the Riviera), Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini and islands with more than 3,100 inhabitants; €400,000 in the rest of Greece; and €250,000 for conversions of commercial buildings or restorations of listed historic properties. The permit covers your spouse, children under 21 and both spouses' parents, has no minimum stay requirement, and allows visa-free travel across the Schengen Area. Note: properties bought under these thresholds cannot be used for short-term rental. Where the €800,000 tier applies — the Attica guide → €400,000 country: the Peloponnese, coast by coast → €250,000 restorations: Monemvasia & the Mani →

2026 Investment Thresholds

How much do you need to invest?

€800,000 Tier

Prime zones

Attica (Athens & the Athens Riviera), Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini and islands with 3,100+ residents. Single property of at least 120 m².

€400,000 Tier

Rest of Greece

All other regions — including most of Crete, the Peloponnese and smaller islands. Single property of at least 120 m², often with stronger yields per euro.

€250,000 Tier

Conversions & heritage

Nationwide: convert a commercial building to residential use, or restore a listed historic property. The most affordable route into the program.

Why Investors Choose It

Golden Visa benefits

Whole family included

One investment covers your spouse, children under 21 and the parents of both spouses — at no additional investment.

No stay requirement

Keep and renew your permit without relocating. Visit Greece as much or as little as you like.

Schengen freedom

Travel visa-free across the 29 Schengen countries for up to 90 days per 180-day period.

Renewable every 5 years

The permit renews indefinitely for as long as you hold the qualifying investment.

Rental income allowed

Long-term rental of your investment property is permitted, adding yield while your asset appreciates.

Path to citizenship

After 7 years of residency and genuine ties to Greece, you may apply for Greek — and therefore EU — citizenship.

From Search to Permit

How the process works with BUY GREECE

Step 1

Strategy & budget

We map your goals to the right threshold tier and region — prime Riviera, high-yield mainland or a €250k conversion.

Step 2

Property selection

Curated shortlist from 9,000+ verified properties, with virtual tours or an accompanied visit to Greece.

Step 3

Legal due diligence

AFM tax number, independent lawyer, full title and permit checks — handled by our teams in both countries.

Step 4

Purchase & closing

Notary signing and Land Registry registration — in person or remotely via power of attorney.

Step 5

Visa application

We coordinate the residence permit application and biometrics until your Golden Visa is in hand.

Explore

Where to invest

See The Ellinikon on the Athens Riviera, or browse sea view properties and new developments across Greece.

Golden Visa FAQ

Common questions from investors

How long does the Greece Golden Visa take?

Typically 3–6 months from property selection to permit issuance, depending on the region and application volume. A blue-paper receipt issued at filing lets you stay in Greece legally while you wait.

Do I have to live in Greece to keep the visa?

No. There is no minimum stay requirement — the permit remains valid and renewable as long as you hold the qualifying investment.

Can I rent out my Golden Visa property?

Long-term rentals are permitted. Short-term (platform-style) letting is restricted for properties acquired under the current rules, so we structure your purchase around your income goals from day one.

Which family members are included?

Your spouse, children under 21 and the parents of both spouses are covered under the main applicant's investment.

Does the Golden Visa lead to EU citizenship?

Yes — after 7 years of residency and demonstrated ties to Greece, you can apply for citizenship. Read our legal guide for U.S. buyers and the full FAQ for more.

Do I have to live in Greece to keep the Golden Visa?

No. There is no minimum stay requirement — the permit remains valid and renewable as long as you hold the qualifying investment.

Which family members are included in the Greece Golden Visa?

Your spouse, children under 21 and the parents of both spouses are covered under the main applicant's investment.