How to Get a Golden Visa in Greece in 2024

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October 21, 2024

The Golden Visa program

The Greek Golden Visa program allows non-EU nationals to obtain a residency permit in Greece by purchasing property. Since the 5th of April 2024, according to the new law 5100/2024 (Government Gazette A’ 49/05-04-2024), the minimum value requirement of the property investment has increased to €800,000. The said property must also equal to at least 120 square meters, whereas in the previous legislation related to the Golden Visa program, there was no requirement concerning the size of living areas. The investment must be made in a single property, including for undivided joint ownership purchases per individual.

Please note that the new minimum property investment value only applies to these areas:

  • Attica 
  • Thessaloniki 
  • Central Macedonia 
  • South Aegean and islands with over 3.100 residents

In the remaining regions of Greece and islands with below 3.100 residents, the minimum value of the property must be equal to 400,000 EUR. The same requirements apply, concerning co-ownership per individual and investments made in a single property. You can still be eligible for the Golden Visa and make an investment worth €250,000, only with certain exceptions. See your eligibility in our other article here.

If you’re interested in going down this path, you can now apply for the Golden Visa scheme completely remotely. Additionally, you can sign a Power of Attorney without visiting Greece, provided it is certified or authorized by a Greek Consulate. See our Services page for more details information related to the Golden Visa Program.

Benefits of the Greek Golden Visa Program:

  • Valid for five years
  • Grants free travel across the Schengen region without a visa
  • Allows you to add dependent children (under 21), dependent parents and spouse

When you receive a Golden Visa, your family can reside in Greece or maintain their residence in your native country while using the permit as required. With its connections to other European countries, Greece serves as an exceptional hub for travel. Furthermore, it provides an exceptional standard of living, which includes healthcare, shopping, scenic wonders, sporting activities, cultural gatherings, a sunny climate, and a multitude of private English-language schools and universities. Holding a Greece Golden Visa grants you access to the same health and educational entitlements as Greek citizens.

One of the key perks of obtaining the Golden visa permit is the validity of the visa for a generous five-year period, providing long-term stability and the opportunity to establish a home away from home. This extended validity also reduces the administrative burden associated with frequent renewals.

Moreover, the Golden Visa facilitates hassle-free travel within the Schengen region, eliminating the need for a separate visa when exploring the diverse European countries that are part of this agreement. This seamless mobility opens up a world of possibilities for both business and leisure, making Greece an ideal gateway to the cultural and historical treasures of Europe.

The inclusivity of the program is another noteworthy advantage. Not only does it cover the primary investor, but it also extends benefits to their immediate family members. Spouses, dependent children under the age of 21, and even dependent parents are eligible to share in the advantages offered by the Greek Golden Visa. This inclusiveness allows families to make collective decisions about their place of residence and education, fostering a sense of unity and familial well-being.

The flexibility granted by the Golden Visa is particularly appealing. Families can choose to reside in Greece or maintain their primary residence in their home country while utilizing the permit as needed. This flexibility ensures that families can tailor their living arrangements to suit their unique preferences and circumstances, making the Greek Golden Visa a truly adaptable solution for diverse expatriates.

For detailed information on how to apply for a Greek Golden Visa, you can book a consultation call with us here.

Required Paperwork and Additional Cost

The “Golden” visas cost €500, which is paid and obtained through the “e-Paravolo” platform and and an additional €16 for the issuance of the card.

To apply, you will need to show these documents:

  • Two copies of the application document
  • Four recent color passport-type photos
  • Copy of valid passport recognized by Greece
  • Proof of private health insurance i.e. Insurance contracts that are signed outside of Greece, provided that they explicitly mention that they cover the interested party for the duration of their stay in Greece; or insurance contracts signed in Greece
  • Motion from the Ministry of Development and Investments regarding the type and amount of the investment.

Application Process

In order to apply for the Golden Visa program and residency, you must appoint a lawyer to walk through the process, since you are prone to making errors if you were to go about it without any legal assistance. Generally, the lawyer will be able to provide assistance with:

  • Preparation of Golden Visa application files. 
  • Submission of the applications files by the lawyer before the Ministry.
  • Issue of blue papers (temporary residency paper)
  • Arranging the biometrics appointment

Regarding the biometrics appointment, the main applicant has to come to Greece to register his or her fingerprints with the local Greek authorities.

Additional Questions

Who Qualifies for the Greek Golden Visa Program?

The Greece Golden Visa belongs to the investor, along with their spouse (if they are married), and children up to the age of 24, and the dependent parents of both partners. This permit remains valid, provided the purchaser maintains ownership and must be renewed every five years.

Is the Golden Visa the same as obtaining Greek Citizenship?

The Golden Visa is not the same as obtaining Greek Citizenship, since it is a residency program by investment. The Golden Visa program allows you to live and reside in Greece for a minimum of 5 years, before renewing the permit, while obtaining Greek Citizenship through naturalization grants you the right to live or work in any other EU country, therefore, to freely travel, reside, study and work within the 28 countries of the EU, as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

If you're interested in applying for a Greek Golden Visa, or if you would like to obtain more information, please visit our services page.