FAQ about the Gold Visa

The Greece Golden Visa Program is a residence-by-investment program launched in 2013 that enables non-EU nationals and their family members to obtain permanent residence permits in Greece. The residence permits may be renewed every five years.

After August 31st of 2024, the new Limits will be:
Tier 1 | 800,000 EUR: Real estate investment in Attica, Piraeus, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and islands with populations over 3,000 (Ithaca, Skopelos, Skiathos, Tinos, Andros, Paros, Aegina, Naxos, Syros, Lefkada, Kos, Samos, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Lesvos, Corfu, Rhodes, and Evia).
Tier 2 | 400,000 EUR: All other regions of Greece.
Investment must be made in a single property of at least 120 sq.m. Investors can no longer buy multiple smaller properties that together qualify for the Visa.

The Schengen Agreement, signed on June 14, 1985, is a treaty that led most European countries to abolish their national borders, creating a Europe without internal borders — the “Schengen Area.”

It currently consists of 26 European countries operating as a single travel zone with common visa policies and external border controls. These include: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Residency permits are granted upon purchasing property as an individual. The property must have a value of at least €250,000.

For Northern, Central, and Southern Athens (excluding Piraeus), as well as Santorini, Mykonos, and Thessaloniki, the minimum is €500,000.

From September 2024: Tier 1: €800,000 | Tier 2: €400,000 (single property, 120 sq.m minimum).
If the property is acquired via a company, the applicant must own 100% of the shares.

Only spouses can share the investment and jointly own the property, provided the total value meets the required threshold (€250,000 or €500,000 depending on area). Each co-owner must invest at least €250,000 (€500,000 for special zones).

From September 2024: Tier 1: €800,000 | Tier 2: €400,000 (single property, 120 sq.m minimum).

Yes. If the property purchase contract is €500,000 or more, and ownership is split 50%-50%, both families can obtain Residency Permits. In general, each €250,000 investment grants one permit (or €500,000 in designated areas).

From September 2024: Tier 1: €800,000 | Tier 2: €400,000 (single property, 120 sq.m minimum).

Visit the Greek consulate in your country and apply for a special-purpose visa to Greece. You must prove you have sufficient funds for the property purchase, verified by your bank.

Essential documents (officially issued and translated into English):
– Proof of home permanent address
– Mobile phone bill
– Proof of profession and annual income
– Proof of funds such as bank statements

The following passport holders do not need a visa: Vatican City, San Marino, Andorra, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guatemala, El Salvador, USA, Japan, Israel, Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Barbados, Bahamas, Brunei, New Zealand, Nicaragua, South Korea, Honduras, Uruguay, Panama, Paraguay, Seychelles, Singapore, and Chile.

All others need a “Type D” national visa — contact the Greek consulate in your country.

Yes. Transfer tax: 3% (since Jan 1, 2014).
Notary: ~1%.
Lawyer (optional but recommended): ~1%.
Land registry: 0.5–0.7%.
These fees depend on property value and are separate from the contract price.

Yes, as long as the total value equals or exceeds the minimum investment (€250,000 / €400,000 / €800,000 depending on area).
From September 2024: Only a single property purchase of at least 120 sq.m qualifies for the Visa.

Spouses (21+ years old) and unwed children under 21 qualify. Dependents receive residence permits of the same duration as the main applicant. Unmarried partners are not eligible.

Your Greek lawyer does. Greek Exclusive Properties can recommend trusted legal partners. The lawyer manages the full process — application, documentation, and collection of the residence permit. A temporary one-year receipt is issued after submission, followed by the final permit (~2 months later).

No. You can apply independently, but Greek Exclusive Properties provides experience, speed, and complete guidance throughout the process.

The proof of property purchase and valid health insurance covering medical expenses in Greece.

The Golden Visa is valid for five (5) years and can be renewed indefinitely, as long as the property investment is maintained.

Not directly. However, after seven (7) years of continuous residence in Greece, you may apply for Greek citizenship, provided you demonstrate ties to the country and basic knowledge of Greek language and culture.

Yes. Residence permit holders and their families enjoy the same rights to public education as Greek citizens and must have health insurance for medical coverage.

Yes, under regulations of the Ministry of Transport that apply to non-EU citizens.

Yes. Residency holders can travel visa-free within the EU and Schengen Area: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Czech Republic, and Finland, plus Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.

You must obtain a tax registry number (AFM) and declare your property via the E9 form. Property owners pay an annual ENFIA tax based on size and location.

Yes. Greek Exclusive Properties cooperates with top local management companies offering full-service options: cleaning, maintenance, rentals, renovations, and more.

– Visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone.
– Family inclusion: spouse, children under 21, and dependent parents.
– No requirement to live in Greece to renew the permit.
– Option to rent out your property.
– Eligibility for citizenship after 7 years of residence.
– Access to EU market, education, and healthcare.
– Live, work, and invest freely in Greece.

Yes, after 7 years from the issuance of your residence permit, under certain conditions. Your lawyer can assist with the citizenship process.

No. Even with a power of attorney, you must visit Greece at least once (passport entry stamp) before submitting your residency application, and later attend the biometric appointment for fingerprint and photo collection.

– 3.09% Property Transfer Tax
– Lawyer’s fee (~1%)
– €2,200 government fee (for 2 persons)
– €200 private health insurance (for 2 persons)
– Notary (~1%)
– Land registry fee