Ways to Invest in
Greece
Five ways to build your future in Greece.
Greece's Golden Visa is one of Europe's best-known residency-by-investment programs, granting non-EU/EEA citizens a renewable residence permit through a qualifying investment. It is not citizenship by investment — but with real estate, restoration, conversion, timeshare, and start-up routes to choose from, there is a pathway suited to almost every kind of investor. Thresholds and conditions have shifted with recent reforms, so getting the details right matters.
The Five Pillars of Greece's Golden Visa
Greece runs five distinct investment routes toward the same 5-year renewable residence permit. Most are property-based, but the qualifying threshold, the type of asset, and the work involved vary a great deal — from a straight real-estate purchase to restoring a listed building, converting commercial space, backing a start-up, or entering a long-term timeshare agreement.
Real Estate Purchase (Most Popular)
€250,000–800,000, by regionThe route chosen by most applicants. €800,000 applies in prime areas such as much of Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini; €400,000 covers most other regions; €250,000 is reserved for special categories such as listed buildings or qualifying commercial-to-residential conversions. Recent reforms also restrict many properties to a single qualifying purchase and limit short-term rentals.
Timeshare Investment
Minimum 5-year agreementInstead of purchasing property outright, investors can qualify through a long-term tourist accommodation or timeshare agreement, provided it runs at least five years and meets the statutory investment conditions. Less common than direct ownership, but a genuine non-ownership route to the same permit.
Startup Investment Visa
From €250,000 into a qualifying startupA newer, entrepreneurship-focused pathway distinct from the classic property-based Golden Visa. Typically requires a minimum €250,000 investment into a qualifying startup under the national framework, along with business and job-creation requirements, and carries different permit validity and renewal rules.
Listed Historic Building Restoration
€250,000 minimumOne of the least expensive real-estate routes. Requires buying a listed heritage building, completing its restoration according to Greek regulations, and maintaining compliance to keep the permit at renewal.
Commercial-to-Residential Conversion
€250,000 minimumPurchase an eligible commercial property and legally convert it to residential use. The conversion must meet all regulatory requirements before the investment qualifies for the Golden Visa.
Compare the five pathways at a glance
These are five distinct investment routes into the same Golden Visa — not options within one application. Actual thresholds and eligible zones change with reform; confirm current status with a licensed Greek immigration lawyer.
| Pathway | Investment style | Typical investment | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Purchase | Property ownership | €250,000–800,000, by region | Investors seeking rental property and residency |
| Timeshare Investment | Non-ownership accommodation | Minimum 5-year agreement | Investors preferring a non-ownership accommodation model |
| Startup Investment Visa | Active, entrepreneurial | From €250,000 into a qualifying startup | Investors interested in entrepreneurship |
| Historic Building Restoration | Property + restoration | €250,000 minimum | Investors seeking the lowest qualifying threshold |
| Commercial-to-Residential Conversion | Property + conversion | €250,000 minimum | Investors seeking the lowest qualifying threshold |
A Golden Visa does not automatically lead to citizenship — that is a separate process generally requiring around seven years of legal residence, physical-presence requirements, and demonstrated Greek language and integration. Recent reforms have raised prime-area real-estate thresholds and added restrictions such as single-property rules and short-term rental limits, so confirm current figures with a licensed Greek immigration lawyer before applying.
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Your step-by-step journey through the Golden Visa
The exact requirements vary by pathway — a timeshare agreement looks different from a listed-building restoration — but every route runs through this same ten-step spine, from choosing your investment to collecting your residence permit.
Select the investment route
Decide between real estate, historic restoration, commercial conversion, timeshare, or the startup investment pathway — based on your budget, appetite for renovation or entrepreneurship, and desired investment style.
Obtain a Greek Tax Number (AFM)
You'll need a passport and, if using a lawyer, a power of attorney. Your lawyer can often obtain the AFM on your behalf before you ever set foot in Greece.
Open a Greek bank account
Required for transferring investment funds, paying taxes, and completing the purchase. Banks will perform identity and source-of-funds checks at this stage.
Verify the property or investment
Before investing, verify ownership, check for mortgages or liens, confirm zoning and planning compliance, review tax obligations, and confirm the property qualifies under current Golden Visa rules. An experienced Greek lawyer is strongly recommended here.
Transfer investment funds through the banking system
Money should move through the banking system with clear documentation of its lawful source. Keep bank transfer receipts, purchase agreements, and tax payment receipts for the application file.
Sign, register, and pay applicable taxes
For property purchases, sign the purchase contract before a notary, register the property, and pay applicable taxes and fees to finalize the transaction.
Assemble your application documents
Typical documents include passport, visa (if required), application forms, proof of investment, health insurance, biometric photographs, criminal record documentation, and government fee receipts. Exact requirements depend on the investment category.
Submit the application to Greek immigration authorities
Applications go through the Greek immigration authorities. In many cases, a lawyer acting under a valid power of attorney can handle much of the process on your behalf.
Attend your biometrics appointment
You'll normally attend an appointment to provide fingerprints, a signature, and a photograph as part of finalizing your application.
Receive the residence permit
Processing times vary, but official guidance for several Golden Visa procedures indicates roughly 50–60 days once a complete application is accepted, though actual timelines can differ.
What the Golden Visa offers beyond the paperwork
5-year renewable permit
A residence permit valid for five years and renewable indefinitely, provided you retain the qualifying investment and meet applicable requirements.
Family included
Spouse, eligible children, and in many cases dependent parents can usually be included on the same application as the principal investor.
Visa-free Schengen travel
Move freely throughout the Schengen Area for short stays, without needing a separate visa each time you travel within Europe.
No minimum stay requirement
Unlike many residency programs, there is no minimum number of days you must spend in Greece each year to keep the Golden Visa active.
A potential path to citizenship
Legal residents who later meet Greece's separate residence, physical-presence, language, and integration requirements can apply for citizenship — commonly after around seven years.
Keep this guide handy
Download the full pathway breakdown, comparison table, and step-by-step process as a single branded PDF you can save, print, or share with your advisor.
This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal, tax, or immigration advice. Investment thresholds, eligible zones, government fees, and processing times change; confirm current figures with a licensed Greek immigration lawyer and the Visa Helperz Team before applying.