Greece Residency by Investment

According to the Greek Immigration Legislation, non-EU nationals can acquire a residence permit in Greece, either by owning real estate property or by investing in Greece. These types of residence permits are preferred by non-EU citizens mostly due to the swift issuance procedure, the resulting rights (including visa-free travelling within the Schengen area), the current low real estate prices, and the long permit validity.

Other benefits are:

• The fact that there is no requirement to reside in Greece

• 5 -year duration of the residence permit & renewal for as long as the investment stands

• Residence can be applicable to the whole family (spouse, children and parents of the main applicant and spouse)

• A residence permit holder is eligible to apply for citizenship after seven years of residence in Greece (conditional)

• Property Purchase: Invest in real estate with a minimum value of EUR 400,000, plus applicable taxes. Alternatively, investments of at least EUR 800,000 are required for properties located in Mykonos, Santorini, Thessaloniki, and most municipalities in Athens.
• Lease Agreements: Enter a 10-year lease for hotel accommodation or furnished tourist residences within tourist complexes (refer to Article 8 of Law 4002/2001).
• Time-Sharing Agreements: Engage in a 10-year time-sharing agreement for hotel accommodation as per Law 1652/1986.

• Capital Transfer:
  • Place a term deposit of at least EUR 500,000 in a Greek credit institution for a minimum duration of one year, with a standing order for renewal.
• Capital Contribution:
  • Invest a minimum of EUR 500,000 in a Greek-based company (excluding portfolio and real estate investment companies) for acquiring shares in a share capital increase or bonds that are listed on regulated markets or multilateral trading systems in Greece.
  • Contribute at least EUR 500,000 to a real estate investment company (under Article 21 of Law 2778/1999) focusing exclusively on investments within Greece.
  • Make a capital contribution of at least EUR 500,000 to a closed-end investment company (Article 5 of Law 2367/1995) or a closed-end mutual fund (Article 7 of Law 2992/2002) that plans to invest exclusively in Greek-based businesses.

• Government Bonds:
  • Purchase Greek government bonds with a minimum value of EUR 500,000 and a residual maturity of at least three years, managed by a Greek credit institution acting as the custodian.
• Corporate Bonds and Shares:
  • Buy shares or corporate bonds with a minimum value of EUR 800,000, traded on regulated markets or multilateral trading systems in Greece.
  • Acquire units worth at least EUR 350,000 in a mutual fund registered in Greece or another country, intending to invest exclusively in Greek shares, corporate bonds, and/or government bonds.
  • Purchase units or shares with a minimum value of EUR 350,000 in an alternative investment fund based in Greece or another EU country, focusing solely on Greek real estate investments (conditional).

By meeting these investment criteria, non-EU nationals can benefit from the attractive opportunity to reside in Greece, enjoying the rich cultural heritage and strategic location within Europe.

3-4 months

Non-EU citizens who purchase real estate or invest in other ways (company shares, mutual funds, bonds, etc.) in Greece.

Investing in start-ups

During the Thessaloniki International Fair in September 2024, the Greek Prime Minister announced a new investing option: it will now be possible to grant a five-year “golden visa” residence permit to those who invest funds of at least €250,000 in Greek start-ups. The details are yet to be specified, but this new amendment in the golden visa legislation will most definitely open a whole new world of investing opportunities in Greece.