The criteria for the Greek residency by investment program is as follows:

Due Diligence: Greece is a very privacy-forward program that implements the least intrusive due diligence requirements of EU programs. The program is comparatively lenient, requiring a clean background check and investment funds transferred from a licensed bank to a Greek bank account.

Investment Options: The Greece residency program is real estate based – requiring a real estate purchase. Properties can be used for personal use or to generate rental income.

Health: Applicants must provide proof of health insurance that covers everyone while in Greece.

Investment Threshold: The Greek Golden Visa has three investment zones: the most popular areas, such as Athens, Thessaloniki, and the Greek Islands require a minimum investment of €800,000 [approx. $867,000]. All other areas require a minimum investment of €400,000 [approx. $435,000]. Properties for conversion or restoration start at €250,000 [approx. $278,000].

Investment Hold: To keep and renew the Greece Golden Visa, the investment must be maintained. However, if Golden Visa holders acquire Greek citizenship, they are no longer obligated to maintain their investment.

Physical Presence: Applicants are required to visit Greece to submit biometrics, however there are no additional requirements to be physically present in the country and relocation is not mandatory.

Greece offers the most affordable EU Golden Visa along with a streamlined application process – approval from only 6 months.

Investors must purchase real estate, and the required minimum investment starts at only €250,000 – depending on the region and the type of property.

The Greek residence permit is renewable in five-year intervals for as long as property ownership is maintained.

Option 1 / €250,000 minimum investment
Conversion or Historical Restoration projects The property can be located anywhere in Greece and be any size Conversion of commercial property to residential – must be completed before the Golden Visa application can be submitted Restoration of Listed Buildings (officially registered as having historical or cultural value) – must be completed within 5 years of Golden Visa approval

Option 2 / €400,000 minimum investment
For property in most regions of Greece, for example, in Halkidiki and the Peloponnese. The investment must be made in a single property which is at least 120 square meters in size

Option 3 / €800,000 minimum investment
Forproperty in Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and islands with populations of more than 3,100 residents The investment must be made in a single property which is at least 120 square meters in size

Important Program Notes
All investment options are cash payments made via bank transfer from an accredited bank or financial institution & must be paid in full All investment options require additional processing fees, legal fees, and taxes Golden Visa properties may only be rented out on the long-term rental market