Greece

Greece's Golden Visa is one of Europe's most established and flexible residency-by-investment programmes: a 5-year, renewable EU residence permit through property or another qualifying investment, with no minimum stay requirement — making it a leading "Plan B" for people who want EU access without relocating.

Launched in 2013, the programme grants residency in exchange for a qualifying investment, most commonly real estate. Thresholds are tiered by location: €800,000 in prime areas (Athens/Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, high-population islands), €400,000 elsewhere, and a €250,000 entry point reserved for commercial-to-residential conversions or restoring a listed building (available nationwide). A newer €250,000 startup-investment route was also introduced, tied to Greece's official startup registry. Non-property alternatives exist too (bank deposits, government bonds, funds). The permit is issued for 5 years and renews indefinitely as long as you keep the qualifying investment — there is no requirement to ever live in Greece to keep the visa. Important restrictions since the 2024 reforms: Golden Visa property cannot be listed for short-term rental (Airbnb-style) or used as a registered business address — violations risk fines and permit revocation; only long-term leasing is permitted (typically yielding 3–5% annually).

Non-EU national, 18+; the qualifying investment (property, deposit, bonds, or fund, per the thresholds above); funds transferred from abroad; clean criminal record; health insurance; a visit to Greece to open a bank account and complete biometrics (the rest of the process can typically be handled by your lawyer under power of attorney).

Qualifying investment contract/proof (property title, deposit certificate, or fund/bond documents); proof of funds transferred from abroad; Greek tax number (AFM); Greek bank account; criminal record certificate (apostilled + translated); health insurance; passport photos; family relationship documents (marriage/birth certificates, cohabitation agreement for partners) for included dependants.