The Greek Golden Visa Program is one of the most attractive investment residency schemes in Europe. It offers a simple structure, fast processing, and a clear requirement: invest in real estate. Grekodom, as one of the leading real estate companies in Greece and Cyprus, provides full support throughout the process — from selecting the right property to receiving your residence permit.
1. What Is the Golden Visa?
The Greek Golden Visa is a residence permit granted through investment, most commonly through the purchase of real estate.
Key Benefits:
- Legal residence in Greece
- Free travel across the Schengen Area
- No minimum stay requirements
- Residence permit for the whole family (spouse, children up to 21, parents of both spouses)
- Renewable every 5 years as long as the property is retained
- Opportunity to apply for citizenship after meeting conditions
For investors who value flexibility and mobility, it is one of the most straightforward residency programs in Europe.
2. How the Golden Visa Works: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Property Selection with Grekodom
Grekodom offers a wide portfolio across Greece — Athens, Thessaloniki, Halkidiki, Crete, Kavala, Corfu, Peloponnese and more.
Investment requirements differ by region:
| Region | Minimum Investment |
|---|---|
| Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete, Corfu and other islands with more than 3,100 permanent residents | €800,000 |
| Other regions | €400,000 |
| Special project categories | €250,000 |
Example: Purchasing a €260,000 apartment in Kavala qualifies for the Golden Visa (threshold €250,000).
Step 2: Document Preparation
Required documents include:
- Passport
- Purchase agreement
- Proof of funds transfer
- Family documents (if included in the application)
Your legal representative in Greece handles most of the process, making it comfortable and efficient.
Step 3: Submission of the Application
The application is submitted to the Immigration Authority. Processing takes 6 months. A temporary residence permit is issued while the main card is being prepared.
Step 4: Residence Permit Issuance
The Golden Visa is issued for 5 years and can be renewed as long as the investor keeps ownership of the property.
3. No Requirements to Live in Greece
Unlike many other EU programs, Greece does not obligate Golden Visa holders to reside in the country.
This means:
- You may live anywhere in the world
- The property can be used for holidays or rented out
- Renewal is guaranteed as long as the property is retained
This flexibility is a key advantage for international investors.
4. Eligible Investments
Real Estate (Most Popular Option)
Includes:
- Apartments, houses, villas
- Commercial real estate (shops, hotels, offices)
- New developments and resale properties
- Plots with valid building permits
Grekodom provides a full service: property search, legal support, after-sales service, rental and management options.
5. Comparison with Other EU Residency Programs
Greece vs Portugal
| Category | Greece | Portugal |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Investment | €250–800K | €250–500K |
| Stay Requirement | None | 7–14 days/year |
| Validity | 5 years | 2 years |
| Citizenship | After 7 years | After 5 years |
| Real Estate Option | Available | Very limited |
Greece vs Spain
| Category | Greece | Spain |
|---|---|---|
| Investment Threshold | €250–800K | €500K |
| Taxes | Moderate | Higher |
| Processing Time | Fast | Slower |
| Stay Requirement | None | Minimal |
Conclusion: Greece offers one of the most flexible and accessible Golden Visa programs in Europe.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent out the property?
Yes. Many Grekodom clients combine Golden Visa with rental income.
Can I buy multiple properties?
No.
What if I sell the property?
Your permit is cancelled. The buyer may apply for a Golden Visa; however, he must purchase an additional eligible property.
Can the process be done remotely?
Almost entirely yes. Only the biometrics require personal presence.
7. Final Overview
The Greek Golden Visa is:
- Accessible from €250,000
- Flexible with no residency requirements
- Valid for 5 years with renewal
- Applicable to the entire family
- One of the fastest pathways to Schengen mobility
With thousands of successful applications, Grekodom remains one of the most trusted real estate companies assisting investors in acquiring a Golden Visa through high-quality property across Greece.
