Greece Golden Visa Cost, Requirements & Benefits

This visa allows non-EU nationals to obtain a five-year residence permit by investing up to €250,000 in Greek real estate or other eligible assets with the added benefit of visa-free travel across the Schengen Zone.

Benefits

1. European Residency:
   • Live, study, and travel across Greece with ease.
2. Visa-Free Schengen Travel:
   • Enjoy unrestricted travel across 26 European countries.
3. Investment Opportunities:
   • Own property in one of the most popular real estate markets in Europe.
4. Family Inclusion:
   • Bring your spouse, children, and dependent parents under one application.
5. No Stay Requirement:
   • You don’t need to live in Greece permanently to maintain your visa.
6. Path to Citizenship:
   • You will be eligible for Greek citizenship after seven years of residency.
7. Duration:
   • 5 years (renewable).

Eligibility Requirements

For the Greece Golden Visa, must meet the following requirements:

1. Minimum Investment:
   • €250,000: Real estate investment in most areas of Greece
   • €500,000: Real estate investment in high-demand areas like Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos
2. Age:
   • Applicant must be 18 years old.
3. Clean Criminal Record:
   • No criminal history in your home country or Greece.
4. Valid Passport:
   • Having a valid Passport for the duration of your stay.
5. Health Insurance:
   • Comprehensive health insurance covers your stay in Greece.
6. Source of Funds:
   • Proof that investment funds are obtained legally.

Required Documents

Here’s a checklist of the documents you’ll need:

• Valid Passport
• Visa Application Form (completed and signed)
• Proof of Investment (property purchase agreement or other qualifying investment)
• Proof of Funds Like bank statements or other financial documents.
• Property Registration Certificate (if investing in real estate)
• Health Insurance Certificate (covering your entire stay in Greece)
• Criminal Record Certificate (clean background check from your home country)
• Passport-sized photos (as per Greek visa photo requirements)

How to Apply?

1. Choose Your Investment:
   • Decide on your qualifying investment — most commonly real estate worth at least €250,000.
2. Visit Greece (Optional):
   • While not mandatory, visiting Greece to view properties and manage paperwork can be helpful.
3. Sign a Purchase Agreement:
   • Finalize your investment and sign the necessary property purchase documents.
4. Submit Your Application:
   • File your visa application at the Greek consulate or embassy in your home country.
5. Provide Biometrics:
   • Once in Greece, submit biometric data (fingerprints) at the local migration office.
6. Receive Your Golden Visa:
   • After approval, receive your five-year residence permit, renewable upon maintaining your investment.

Success Rate

• The Greece Golden Visa program boasts a high approval rate of 90% to 95%, provided applicants meet all investment and documentation requirements.

Cost and Fees

1. Minimum Investment:
   • €250,000–€500,000 (depending on property location)
2. Application Fee:
   • Approximately €2,000 per adult applicant
3. Legal and Notary Fees:
   • €1,000–€2,000
4. Property Taxes:
   • Approximately 3% of the property value

Earning Potential

If you invest in Greek real estate, there’s strong potential for rental income, especially in tourist hotspots like Athens, Crete, and Santorini. Average rental yields range from 3% to 7% annually, with higher returns in high-demand areas. Greece’s booming tourism industry makes short-term rentals particularly profitable.

What is the Greece Golden Visa?

The Greece Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program launched in 2013 to attract foreign investors and boost the country’s real estate market. By making a qualifying investment, usually in real estate, non-EU citizens receive a renewable five-year residence permit. While this visa doesn’t grant the right to work in Greece, it offers significant lifestyle, travel, and financial benefits.

After Receiving the Golden Visa

After gaining approval and settling in Greece:

1. Renew Your Visa:
   • Every five years, provided you maintain your investment.
2. Explore Residency Options:
   • You’re eligible for permanent residency after five years and citizenship after seven years of continuous stay.

Tips for Investors

1. Research High-Growth Areas:
   • Locations like Athens and Crete offer high rental yields and future property appreciation.
2. Work with Professionals:
   • Hire experienced real estate agents and legal consultants to streamline your investment and application process.
3. Plan for Taxes:
   • Understand Greek property taxes and maintenance costs before purchasing.