Greece

Citizenship by Investment Overview

Investment

Minimum specialized real estate investment of EUR 250,000

Key Benefit

Freedom of travel to Greece and Europe’s Schengen Area

Key Advantages of the Greece Golden Visa Program

Visa-free travel within Europe’s Schengen Area
No requirement to reside in Greece
Unlimited expiry date of residence permit
Opportunity to rent out the investment property
Residence applicable to the whole family (married spouse, children under 21 years old, and parents of the main applicant and spouse)
Eligibility to apply for citizenship after seven years of residence
Ability to hold shares and receive income from the dividends of a company registered in Greece (but not to be employed in Greece)

Requirements of the Greece Golden Visa Program

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.

The program’s qualifying options include a real estate investment in one of the following investment zones:

EUR 250,000: Specialized real estate investment allocated towards the conversion of commercial properties into residential use or the restoration of listed buildings, regardless of location or size
EUR 400,000: For the purchase of properties in Greece, the investment must be made in a single property with a minimum size of 120 sqm
EUR 800,000: For the purchase of properties in Athens, Thessaloniki, and islands with more than 3,100 inhabitants

Alternatively, select one of the following qualifying options:

1. A 10-year time-sharing or lease agreement for hotel accommodation or furnished tourist residences with a value of at least EUR 400,000 or EUR 800,000, depending on the threshold zone
2. A fixed-term deposit of at least EUR 500,000 with a Greek credit institution
3. A capital contribution of at least EUR 500,000 in a public limited real estate investment company that invests exclusively in Greece, increasing its share capital; or in a closed-end investment company or mutual fund; or in a Greek-based company for share capital increase or bonds issued for trading on regulated Greek markets or multilateral trading facilities
4. Purchase of Greek government bonds worth at least EUR 500,000 with a remaining maturity of at least three years, through a Greek credit institution
5. Purchase of shares, corporate bonds, or Greek government bonds traded on regulated Greek markets or multilateral trading facilities, with an acquisition value of at least EUR 800,000
6. Purchase of shares or stocks with an acquisition value of at least EUR 350,000 in a mutual fund exclusively investing in shares, corporate bonds, or Greek government bonds traded on regulated markets or multilateral trading facilities in Greece, or in an alternative investment fund established in Greece or another EU member state, solely dedicated to investing in Greece

Procedure for Greece Residence by Investment

Step 1: Visit Greece

Step 2: Choose the preferred property

Step 3: Submission of the application

Step 4: Final verification

Citizenship in Greece

After residing in Greece for seven years, the applicant may apply for citizenship according to the Greek Nationality Code (Law 3284/2004) via the process of naturalization. This process can only be achieved if the applicant can demonstrate that they have established close ties with the country and that they have successfully integrated into Greek society, both financially and socially. The naturalization process also entails an exam to verify that the applicant has obtained an adequate knowledge of the Greek language.

Greece Residence by Investment Program Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Greece Golden Visa Program?

The Greece residence by investment program, also known as the Greece Golden Visa Program, offers residence to individuals and their families through significant investments in the country.
What are the investment options available for the Greece Golden Visa Program?

Investment options include real estate purchases, capital investments in Greek businesses, and contributions to government bonds.
What are the benefits of obtaining Greek residence through investment?

Benefits include the right to live and study in Greece, visa-free travel within Europe’s Schengen Area, and access to a rich cultural heritage.
What is the minimum investment required for the Greece Golden Visa Program?

The minimum investment starts at EUR 250,000 for specialized real estate projects.
How long does it take to process an application for the Greece Golden Visa Program?

Processing times for residence by investment applications may vary. Please contact us to find out more.
Can family members be included in the Greece residence by investment application?

Yes, the main applicant can include their spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents in the application.
What are the residence requirements for the Greece Golden Visa Program?

There are no specific residence requirements, but a suitable investment needs to be maintained to renew the residence permit.
What documents are required for the Greece Golden Visa Program application?

Required documents include a valid passport, proof of investment, health insurance, a clean criminal record, and other supporting documents.
Is it possible to obtain Greek citizenship through the residence by investment program?

Yes, after maintaining residence for seven years, investors may be eligible to apply for Greek citizenship.
What is the process for applying to the Greece Golden Visa Program?

Applicants must choose a qualifying investment, submit the application with the necessary documents, and undergo a due diligence process.

Country Information

Greece’s warm Mediterranean climate, desirable lifestyle, and cosmopolitan cities, coupled with the country’s strong industries, have led many wealthy individuals and families to make this country their second home.

Population:	10.5 million
Languages:	Greek
Economy:	Service- and industrial-based
Currency:	Euro

Living in Greece

Situated at the junction of Europe, Asia, and Africa, Greece is regarded as the cradle of democracy and the birthplace of western civilization. The country’s history dates back to 800 BCE and has significantly influenced the language, arts, philosophy, politics, and physical pursuits of the modern world. Remnants of Greece’s illustrious past can still be seen in its capital city Athens, which still retains the city’s ancient landmarks.

Consisting of a mainland on the Balkan peninsula and thousands of islands spread throughout the Aegean and Ionian seas, Greece has become a major European business center and is regarded as one of the world’s top holiday destinations.

Greece’s warm Mediterranean climate, world-renowned gastronomy, and cosmopolitan cities, coupled with the country’s exquisite beaches and authentic local traditions and hospitality, have led many upwardly mobile individuals to make this country their second home.

As a member state of the EU, Greece offers its residents and citizens a number of reassuring benefits including high levels of safety and security, excellent education opportunities, robust healthcare options, and a dependable rule of law.

Explore Greece Real Estate Opportunities

Investing in international property opens the door to lifestyle benefits, portfolio diversification, and potential residence or citizenship opportunities.

DLB Global provides access to carefully selected real estate opportunities across some of Greece’s most desirable destinations. Each offering unique advantages — from strong investment potential to strategic mobility benefits.

Ready to Explore Your Global Opportunities?

Let DLB Global guide you in securing the right investment, residence, or citizenship solution. Connect with our experts today and start your journey with confidence.