EU Gateway

Frequently asked

Quick answers to the questions we hear most.

What is the Greek Golden Visa?+

A residence-by-investment programme launched in 2013. Make a qualifying investment in Greece — typically real estate — and receive a five-year, renewable residency permit for your whole family.

Who is eligible to apply?+

Any non-EU national over 18 with traceable, legitimate funds and a clean background screening (KYC and OFAC).

Do I need to live in Greece?+

No. There is no minimum-stay requirement. You can visit as often or as little as you like, provided you keep the qualifying investment.

What are the minimum investment amounts?+

The thresholds depend on the route you choose. Your consultant will walk you through current figures during the first call — they were updated in 2024 and may be revised again.

  • Real estate — multiple tiers based on location and property type.
  • Startup capital — direct investment in approved Greek startups.
  • Investment funds — Greek-regulated funds, AIFs, or government bonds.
Can I rent out my Golden Visa property?+

Long-term rentals are permitted. Short-term holiday lets are restricted on Golden-Visa-qualifying properties — confirm the rental strategy with your lawyer before purchase.

What additional costs should I expect?+

Beyond the headline investment, budget for property transfer tax, notary and registration fees, legal fees, and a small per-applicant government fee. Your consultant gives you a full line-item estimate before any commitment.

How long does the application take?+

Three to six months from contract to biometric residency card. A temporary "blue receipt" is usually issued within sixty days and grants Schengen travel while the card is produced.

Do I need to travel to Greece?+

Most of the work is done by your lawyer under Power of Attorney. You only need to visit Greece once, to give biometric data (fingerprints and photo).

What documents will I need?+

A valid passport, apostilled birth and marriage certificates, a clean criminal record, proof of source of funds, Greek private health insurance, and a Power of Attorney to your lawyer. Your consultant prepares the full checklist.

Which family members can I include?+

Your spouse or registered partner, children up to 21 (extendable to 24 if in education), and parents on both sides — all on a single application.

What happens when my children turn 21?+

If they are still in full-time education, residency can be extended to 24. After that, they transition to a different permit category — student, work, or their own Golden Visa.

Can I work in Greece?+

You cannot be employed by a Greek company on the Golden Visa alone. You can, however, own and operate a business in Greece, work remotely for non-Greek employers, and earn rental and investment income.

Can I travel freely in Europe?+

Yes. Your Greek residency card grants visa-free travel within the entire Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day window.

Healthcare and schools?+

Permit holders access Greek public healthcare and schools on the same terms as other legal residents. Most clients combine private health insurance with the public system.

When can I apply for Greek citizenship?+

After seven years of legal residence in Greece. Unlike the residency permit, citizenship requires actual physical presence for the majority of those years, plus a Greek-language test and a civics exam. Greece allows dual citizenship.

How long is the residency permit valid?+

Five years, renewable indefinitely in five-year increments — for as long as the qualifying investment is maintained.

Still wondering?

Every case is different. Send a question, or book a confidential call with a consultant — usually answered within 24 hours.

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