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Golden VisaActive ProgramUpdated Mar 2026

Schengen Access from €250K — Greece Golden Visa with Real Estate

Officially: Greece Golden Visa

Greece · Southern Europe, Europe · Passport Rank #19

Europe's most affordable golden visa. Real estate from €250K with Schengen access and no stay requirement.

7.8
Score /10
156
Mobility
#19 worldwide
Min. Investment
€250,000
Processing
2-4 mo
Citizenship
7 years
Stay Required
None
Family
Included
Tax Regime
Standard

Overview

The Greece Golden Visa program offers non-EU nationals a 5-year renewable residence permit through real estate investment. Starting at €250,000 for properties outside major metropolitan areas (increased to €800,000 for Athens, Thessaloniki, and popular islands since 2024), it provides one of the most affordable entry points to EU residency. The program requires no minimum physical presence, making it attractive for investors seeking Schengen access without relocation obligations. Greek citizenship can be obtained after 7 years of legal residency.

Capital
Athens
Population
10.4M
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Language
Greek

Score Breakdown

How this program rates across 6 key dimensions

Value for Money9/10
Processing Speed9/10
Passport Strength9/10
Lifestyle9/10
Tax Advantage5/10
Family Friendly8/10
Overall Score7.8/10

Investment Options

3 qualifying investment routes available

1

Real Estate (Outside Athens/Thessaloniki)

Real estate purchase in areas outside the main metropolitan regions.

From
€250,000
2

Real Estate (Athens, Thessaloniki, Islands)

Real estate purchase in Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and other high-demand areas.

From
€800,000
3

Investment Funds

Investment in Greek mutual funds or alternative investment funds.

From
€500,000

Cost Calculator

Estimate the total cost of your application

0
Investment€250,000
Government fees€2,000
Due diligence€0
Legal fees (est.)€10,000
Estimated total€262,000

Estimates based on minimum amounts. Actual costs may vary depending on your specific situation and chosen advisors.

Eligibility Requirements

You must meet all of the following criteria to apply

  • Non-EU/EEA citizen aged 18 or over
  • Clean criminal record
  • Valid passport or travel document
  • Proof of qualifying investment in Greece
  • Valid health insurance covering Greece
  • Sufficient financial means to support yourself
  • No entry ban in the Schengen Information System

Documents Required

Prepare these documents before starting your application

Valid passport (original + certified copy)
Two recent passport-sized photographs
Proof of property purchase (title deed, purchase contract, notarial act)
Proof of payment for the property (bank transfer confirmation)
Health insurance policy valid in Greece
Criminal record certificate from country of origin (apostilled)
Medical certificate
Greek tax number (AFM)
Power of attorney for legal representative (notarized)
Marriage certificate (if including spouse, apostilled)
Birth certificates (if including children, apostilled)

Key Requirements & Benefits

Minimum Investment
€250,000
≈ $270,000
Processing Time
2-4 months
From submission to approval
Path to Citizenship
Yes, after 7 years
Physical Presence
No requirement
Live anywhere in the world
Work Rights
No work rights
Family Inclusion
Family included
Spouse, children under 21, parents of both applicant and spouse.

Application Timeline

Typical process from start to finish

1

Research & Prepare

1-2 months

Gather documents, choose investment option, and select an authorized agent.

2

Submit Application

1 month

File your application with all required documents and pay government fees.

3

Due Diligence

2-4 months

Background checks and application review by government authorities.

4

Receive Approval

+ 7 years

Receive your residency permit. Eligible for citizenship after 7 years.

Advantages

  • Lowest real estate entry point in EU (€250K outside major cities)
  • No minimum stay requirement
  • Path to EU citizenship after 7 years
  • Strong rental yields in tourist areas
  • Schengen Area access
  • Fast processing (2-4 months)
  • Beautiful Mediterranean lifestyle

Considerations

  • Athens/island prices increased to €800K in 2024
  • 7 years to citizenship (longer than Portugal)
  • No work rights with golden visa alone
  • Greek bureaucracy can be challenging
  • Standard tax rates apply to Greek-source income

Greece Passport - Visa Access

What you get with a Greece passport (Rank #19)

117
Visa Free
28
Visa on Arrival
11
eTA
26
eVisa
13
Visa Required

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Greece Golden Visa cost?

The minimum investment for the Greece Golden Visa is €250,000 (approximately $270,000). There are 3 investment options available, with amounts varying by option. Additional costs include government fees, due diligence fees, and legal/advisory fees.

How long does the Greece Golden Visa take to process?

Processing time for the Greece Golden Visa is typically 2-4 months from submission. Total timeline including preparation and document gathering is usually 4-7 months.

Does the Greece Golden Visa lead to citizenship?

Yes, the Greece Golden Visa offers a path to citizenship after 7 years of residency. There is minimal physical presence requirement.

Can I include my family in the Greece Golden Visa?

Yes, the Greece Golden Visa allows you to include family members in your application. Spouse, children under 21, parents of both applicant and spouse.

What are the tax implications of the Greece Golden Visa?

The Greece Golden Visa operates under a standard tax regime. Standard tax rules apply to residents. We recommend consulting a tax advisor for your specific situation.

How strong is the Greece passport?

The Greece passport is ranked #19 worldwide with a mobility score of 156. It provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 145 destinations, plus eTA access to 11 more countries.

Investment

€250,000
minimum investment
$270,000
Citizenship in 7 years
Family members included
No stay requirement

Interested in this program? Contact a verified immigration consultant for personalized advice.

Get Free Consultation

Source & Verification

Last verified2026-03-01
Score7.8/10
StatusActive
Official government website

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Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or immigration advice. Program terms, fees, and requirements may change without notice. Always consult qualified legal and financial professionals before making any investment or immigration decisions. PassportChoice is not affiliated with any government or immigration authority.