How long does the Greece golden visa take to process?

Processing typically takes 3-6 months from a complete application with confirmed investment. Delays are most commonly caused by incomplete investment documentation or a backlog in biometrics scheduling — engage a local lawyer to keep the file moving.

Do I need to live in Greece to keep the golden visa?

No minimum stay required to maintain the residency permit. This is a defining feature of golden visa programs — the legal basis for residency is the investment, not day-to-day presence, which is why requirements are far lighter than standard immigration visas.

Can the Greece golden visa lead to citizenship?

Yes, after 7 years of maintaining the investment and residency status, subject to language and other naturalization requirements set by Greece.

Can I include my family in a Greece golden visa application?

Most golden visa programs, including Greece's, allow the primary investor to include a spouse and dependent children under the same application for an additional per-dependent fee. Check the official source for the current family-inclusion rules and any age limits on dependent children.

Is the Greece golden visa investment refundable?

This depends entirely on the route chosen. Real estate and fund/bond investments can generally be sold or exited after the required minimum holding period (subject to market risk), while direct government contribution fees are typically non-refundable. Verify the specific refundability terms for your chosen route at https://www.immigration.gov.gr/ before committing funds.

What documents are required for the Greece golden visa?

Standard requirements include: a valid passport, proof of the qualifying investment (bank transfer records, property deed, or fund subscription), a clean criminal record certificate (apostilled), comprehensive health insurance, proof of accommodation, and completed application forms. Requirements can change — always confirm the current list at https://www.immigration.gov.gr/.

Golden Visa

Greece Golden Visa 2026

From USD 260,000 · Processing 3-6 months · Citizenship in 7yrs

Official Sources OnlyExpert ReviewedUpdated July 12, 2026Free Visa Guide

Written & reviewed by

Marco Oliveira

European Immigration Specialist

Specialist in Schengen visas, EU Blue Card, and European permanent residency pathways.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Visa rules change frequently — always verify current requirements at the official government immigration website before applying. This site does not provide legal or immigration advice.

💰

USD 260,000+

Min. Investment

⏱️

3-6 months

Processing Time

🪪

5 yrs

Path to PR

📍

No minimum stay required…

Physical Presence

Greece Golden Visa: Complete 2026 Guide

Greece's golden visa program, Greece Golden Visa, allows foreign investors to obtain residency (and eventually citizenship after 7 years) through a qualifying financial investment starting at USD 260,000.

Physical presence requirement: No minimum stay required to maintain the residency permit — one of the lightest requirements among active golden visa programs.

Qualifying Investment Routes

$EUR 800,000 real estate in Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and other high-demand areas (raised from EUR 500,000 in 2024)
$EUR 400,000 real estate elsewhere in Greece
$EUR 250,000 for a single conversion of a commercial property into residential use

How to Apply — Step by Step

Choose your investment route

Select from Greece's qualifying routes: EUR 800,000 real estate in Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and other high-demand areas (raised from EUR 500,000 in 2024)

Engage a licensed local lawyer

Golden visa applications in Greece require local legal representation to structure the investment correctly and handle the residency permit application in parallel.

Complete the investment

Transfer the minimum USD 260,000+ (or local currency equivalent) through the qualifying route, retaining all transaction documentation for the application file.

Submit biometrics and application file

Attend a biometrics appointment (where required) and submit your passport, proof of investment, health insurance, clean criminal record certificate, and application forms.

Receive approval and residence card

Processing takes 3-6 months. Once approved, you'll receive a residence permit card, which must be renewed periodically while maintaining the qualifying investment.

Track your path to permanent residency or citizenship

Citizenship eligibility opens after 7 years, subject to meeting no minimum stay required to maintain the residency permit.

Greece Golden Visa FAQs

Always verify current investment thresholds and requirements at the official source before committing funds: https://www.immigration.gov.gr/

Compare Other Golden Visa Programs

← All Golden Visa Programs Greece Retirement Visa →Greece Visa Guide →