Greece Residency by Investment

Greece grants a 5‑year, renewable residence permit to non‑EU/EEA investors who make qualifying investments in real estate or financial assets. The permit covers close family, has no minimum-stay requirement to maintain it, and allows visa‑free movement within the Schengen Area. It is a residency program (not citizenship), but long‑term residents who genuinely live in Greece can pursue permanent residence and, later, citizenship through ordinary naturalization.

Eligible investments (verify current thresholds and zones, as rules were updated in 2023/2024):

- Real estate: purchase property at or above the applicable minimum (thresholds vary by location and may be higher in high‑demand areas). Title must be unencumbered; payment from traceable, lawful funds. Long‑term leasing is generally allowed; short‑term rentals may be restricted in some zones—confirm current rules.

- Long‑term lease: 10‑year lease of hotel/tourist accommodation or furnished tourist residences meeting program criteria.

- Financial assets: typically from €400,000 in eligible instruments such as a term deposit with a Greek bank, Greek government/corporate bonds, shares/units in Greek REICs/AIFs—maintained for the duration of the permit.

Who you can include:

- Spouse (or partner under a recognized cohabitation agreement), unmarried children under 21 (extensions possible to 24 subject to study/dependency rules), and the parents of either spouse/partner.

Key benefits:

- 5‑year residence card, renewable as long as the investment is maintained; no language or residency requirement for renewal.

- Schengen mobility, access to Greece’s lifestyle, healthcare, education, and property market.

- Pathway to long‑term residence and citizenship if you relocate and meet physical‑presence and integration requirements (citizenship usually requires ~7 years’ legal residence plus exams).

Process and timeline:

- Pre‑screening, tax number, and (if needed) bank account; legal and technical due diligence on property/investment.

- Execute the investment; submit application (power of attorney allowed). Biometrics must be given in person.

- Processing commonly takes 2–6 months after a complete filing; applicants receive a temporary certificate for travel within Greece.

Tax note: Residence permits do not make you tax resident by default. Separate tax rules apply (e.g., non‑dom regimes); obtain advice. Policies and thresholds change—always confirm the latest official requirements before proceeding.