Advantages of the Golden Visa
- Visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area
- There is no obligation to live permanently in Greece.
- Residence permit for the whole family
- Access to European schools and universities
- Possibility of applying for Greek citizenship later
- Long-term perspectives within the European Union
- The possibility of later living, studying, or doing business in other EU countries such as Germany.
The residence permit is granted for five years and can be extended indefinitely as long as the investment remains.
Requirements, Documents and Process of the Greece Golden Visa Program
The Greece Golden Visa Program allows investors and their families to obtain a European residence permit through a qualified investment in Greece.
Requirements
- Valid passport
- Minimum investment according to current legislation
- Proof of full payment of the investment
- Clean criminal record
- Health insurance valid in Greece
- Proof of the source of investment funds
Required Documents
- Passport copies of all applicants
- Passport photos
- Property purchase agreement or proof of investment
- Greek tax identification number
- Health insurance
- Criminal record certificate
- Family documents (marriage certificate, children’s birth certificates)
- Power of attorney for a lawyer in Greece (optional)
All documents must be officially translated and some documents must be certified with an Apostille.
Process Overview
- Selection of the suitable property or investment
- Opening a Greek tax number and bank account
- Signing the purchase agreement and completing the full payment
- Submission of the Golden Visa application
- Issuance of the so-called “White Paper” (temporary residence certificate)
- Travel to Greece for biometric registration (fingerprints and photos)
- Issuance of the 5-year residence permit
After the full payment and application submission, investors first receive a temporary document called the “White Paper.” With this document, the applicant can already travel to Greece and legally enter and exit the country, even before the final residence card is issued.
Processing Time
Depending on the case and documentation, the entire process usually takes between 3 and 6 months. In some cases, processing may take longer. The biometric appointment in Greece is usually the only in-person appointment required.
Benefits of the Golden Visa
- Visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area
- No obligation to permanently reside in Greece
- Residence permit for the entire family
- Access to European schools and universities
- Possibility to apply for Greek citizenship in the future
- Long-term opportunities within the European Union
- Possibility to later live, study, or conduct business in other EU countries such as Germany
The residence permit is granted for five years and can be renewed indefinitely as long as the investment is maintained.

