Greece Golden Visa (GIRP)
The Greece Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program granting residency to non-EU citizens with property investments starting from €400,000. Options include €800,000 in prime areas like Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, or Santorini, or €400,000 in other regions. Benefits include family residency, Schengen travel, and a pathway to EU long-term residence.
Greece Golden Visa (GIRP) Benefits
Residency and Family Inclusion
- Member of EU/Schengen.
Dependents included:
- Spouse.
- Children under 21.
- Parents of the investor and spouse.
Travel and Quality of Life
- Right to reside indefinitely in Greece.
- High standard of education and healthcare, and children have access to free education.
- Free travel within Schengen zone 90 days out of every 180 days.
- Right to establish a business.
Ease of Access
- Fast processing, typically within 6-9 months.
- No physical residency requirement.
- No language requirement.
- Can apply for Greek citizenship after 7 years subject to meeting actual residency and language requirements.
- No wealth tax.
- Low property tax.
- No education or management/ business experience required.
- The GIRP is valid for 5 years and can be renewed.
Greece Golden Visa Requirements
- The applicant must be a Non-EU citizen.
- The applicant must be over 18 years old & in good health.
- Must have medical insurance.
- Make a qualifying real-estate investment which must be held for the entire duration of the residence permit.
Greece Golden Visa Investment Options
Property Investment
- Minimum investment of €800,000 in a property in the entire Administrative Region of Attica (includes Piraeus and most of the capital region), the Regional Units of Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, islands with a population of over 3,100 inhabitants; or
- Minimum investment of €400,000 in a property in other areas
- The investor must buy a single property with a minimum area of 120m2, and can’t offer the property for short-term rentals.
- The investor can qualify for a minimum investment of €250,000 if the investor converts commercial properties to residential use; or restore listed buildings of historical or cultural significance, regardless of size or location.
Greece Golden Visa (GIRP) Process
Processing time 6 Months
Due Diligence And Application
- Select property in Greece and sign Power of Attorney.
- Complete property purchase.
Approval And Investment
- Book submission date in Greece for application.
- Lawyer submits application documents and obtains temporary residence permit (TRC) for applicant which is valid for 1 year.
- The applicant and dependents must visit Greece to submit biometrics within the validation period of TRC.
Residency
- Approval of the residence permit is typically granted within 2 months.
- May renew every 5 years providing the investment is still held.
Contact us
With over 30 years of immigration experience, each of Harvey Law Group’s lawyers carefully studies each client’s needs, resources and determines the immigration solution that best aligns with our client’s vision and values.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Greece Golden Visa?
The Greece Golden Visa, also known as the Greece Investment Visa, is a residency-by-investment program that allows non-EU nationals to secure Greek residency through qualifying investments.
How much do I need to invest to get the Greece Golden Visa?
The minimum investment depends on the location. You can invest €250,000 in certain special real estate projects, €400,000 in most areas, or €800,000 in prime regions like Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and islands with more than 3,100 residents.
Which areas require the €800,000 investment?
The €800,000 investment applies to the Administrative Region of Attica (including Piraeus and most of Athens), Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and other islands with populations over 3,100.
Which areas qualify for the €400,000 investment?
All other regions outside the prime zones are eligible with a €400,000 property investment.
Can I invest in ways other than real estate?
Yes! The program also allows investments in financial instruments, such as Greek government bonds, capital market instruments, and shares in approved companies, providing flexibility beyond real estate.
Who can be included in my application?
The Golden Visa isn’t just for you. You can include your spouse, children, and even dependent parents, making it a family-friendly option for residency in Greece.
How long is the residency permit valid?
Holders receive a five-year renewable residency permit. There’s no minimum stay requirement, so you don’t have to live in Greece full-time to maintain it.
Can I travel in Europe with this visa?
Absolutely! The Greece Golden Visa allows visa-free travel across the entire Schengen Area.
Which cities and regions are popular for investment?
Athens, Thessaloniki, and Crete are the most popular. Athens is in high demand for property appreciation, Thessaloniki offers strong student rental demand, and Crete and other islands provide great seasonal rental income opportunities.
How popular is the program?
It’s very popular. In 2024 alone, the program received over 9,200 applications, generating €2.32 billion in investments, showing how attractive it is for global investors.