Greece Golden Visa, Greece Residency by Investment (RBI), Greece Investment Residence Permit (GIRP), Greece Investor Visa, Greece Investment Visa, Greece Economic Residency, Greece GIRP, Greece Real Estate Investment, Greece Property Investment, Greece Second Residency, Greece tax, Greece Citizenship, Greece Dual Citizenship, Greece Permanent Residency (PR)

Greece
Golden Visa - Residency by Investment (RBI) Program 2025
A Complete Guide

Minimum: EUR 250,000 +

Processing Time: 6 - 9 months

Return to Golden Visa (Residency by Investment) Countries 2025

Introduction

The Greece Golden Visa program is one of Europe's most attractive Greece Residency by Investment (RBI) options. It offers non-EU investors the opportunity to obtain the Greece Investment Residence Permit (GIRP) through Greece Real Estate Investment or other qualifying financial investments. As of 2025, updates to the Greece Investor Visa program have introduced tiered investment thresholds to enhance its appeal.

With its strategic geographic location, rich historical significance, and favourable Greece tax system, Greece has established itself as a premier destination for investors seeking Greece Second Residency. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the Greece Investment Visa, including financial requirements, eligibility criteria, benefits, and application procedures. Whether you are an entrepreneur, retiree, or simply seeking an alternative residency option, the Greece Economic Residency pathway presents a secure and attractive opportunity.

Country Profile

Greece, located in Southern Europe, is a member of both the European Union and the Schengen Area, making it an ideal location for those seeking Greece Second Residency. It boasts a rich cultural heritage, breathtaking coastlines, and a favourable Greece tax regime for foreign investors. The country’s strategic position offers easy access to European, Asian, and Middle Eastern markets, making it a prime destination for both business and lifestyle investments.

Additionally, Greece is known for its high-quality healthcare system, reputable educational institutions, and growing economy. The Greek government has consistently introduced policies to attract foreign investment, making Greece Property Investment an attractive option for those looking to secure a Greece Investment Residence Permit (GIRP).

Official Name: Hellenic Republic
Capital: Athens
Population: Approximately 10.4 million (as of recent estimates)
Area: 131,957 square kilometres (50,949 sq. mi)
Location: A country in southeastern Europe, located on the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula, bordering the Aegean, Ionian, and Mediterranean Seas.
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Official Language: Greek
Spoken Languages: Greek (predominantly), English, French
Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET), UTC +2; Daylight Saving Time: UTC +3
Driving Side: Right
Climate: Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Average temperatures range from 50°F (10°C) in winter to 90°F (32°C) in summer.
Government: Parliamentary republic
Major Industries: Tourism, shipping, food processing, textiles
Main Exports: Petroleum products, medicines, aluminium, fish
Famous For: Ancient ruins like the Acropolis, islands like Santorini and Mykonos, Olympic Games origin
Motto: "Ελευθερία ή Θάνατος" ("Freedom or Death")

Financial Requirements

In 2025, the financial entry points for the Greece Golden Visa have been adjusted based on property location:

Zone A Areas: A minimum Greece Property Investment of €800,000 is required in key locations such as Athens, Thessaloniki, and certain large islands.

Zone B Areas: Investors can qualify with a Greece Real Estate Investment of €400,000 in other urban and tourist-friendly regions.
Zone C Areas: A minimum investment of €250,000 applies when converting commercial properties into residential units or restoring historic buildings.

Beyond real estate, investors can also obtain a Greece Investment Visa by investing in Greek businesses, government bonds, or alternative financial instruments approved by the Greek government. These investment thresholds ensure that the Greece Investment Residence Permit (GIRP) remains a competitive and attractive option for international investors.

General Requirements

To qualify for the Greece Residency by Investment (RBI) program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be a non-EU/EEA citizen.
Be at least 18 years old.
Hold a clean criminal record.
Obtain health insurance valid in Greece.
Provide proof of legal investment funds.
Complete the required investment in one of the approved sectors.

Unlike other programs, the Greece Economic Residency scheme does not require investors to live in Greece to maintain their residency status. However, those interested in Greece Permanent Residency (PR) and Greek Citizenship must reside in the country for a minimum of seven years and demonstrate integration into Greek society. Greece Dual Citizenship is permitted.

Family Inclusion

The Greece Investor Visa extends to the main applicant’s immediate family, including:

Spouse.
Dependent children under 21.
The applicant’s and spouse’s parents.
Unmarried partners in long-term relationships (subject to documentation).

This inclusion ensures that families can enjoy the benefits of Greece Second Residency together. Furthermore, children under 21 can later extend their residency or apply for Greece Permanent Residency (PR) and Greek Citizenship under separate provisions. Greece Dual Citizenship is permitted.

Benefits

Holding a Greece Investment Visa comes with numerous advantages:

Residency Rights: Live, work, and study in Greece with access to high-quality public and private services.
Visa-Free Travel: Move freely within the Schengen Zone without additional visa requirements.
No Residency Requirement: Investors do not need to reside in Greece to maintain their Greece GIRP.
Income Potential: The ability to generate rental income from the Greece Real Estate Investment.
Pathway to Greece Permanent Residency (PR) and Greece Citizenship: Investors may apply for Greek Permanent Residency (PR) and Greek Citizenship after seven years, subject to residency requirements. Greek Dual Citizenship is permitted.
Favourable Greece Tax System: Greece offers special tax regimes for new residents, making it financially attractive.
Affordable Cost of Living: Compared to other European countries, Greece offers a lower cost of living, making it a financially smart choice for long-term investment.

Process & Procedures

The application for the Greece Investment Residence Permit (GIRP) involves the following steps:

Select Investment: Choose a qualifying Greece Property Investment or financial investment option.
Legal Preparation: Engage legal experts for due diligence, contract drafting, and compliance verification.
Complete Investment: Finalize the purchase, register ownership, or complete the required financial transfer.
Submit Application: Apply for the Greece Investor Visa with all necessary documentation, including proof of funds, investment contracts, and medical insurance.
Biometric Data Collection: Provide biometric data in Greece at an authorized immigration office.
Residency Permit Issuance: Receive the five-year renewable permit.

Processing times for the Greece Economic Residency program are approximately 60 days, making it one of Europe’s fastest residency-by-investment options. Renewal of the Greece GIRP is contingent on maintaining the investment, with no additional residency requirements.

Conclusion

The Greece Golden Visa remains one of the most compelling Greece Residency by Investment (RBI) programs in Europe. Whether seeking Greece Second Residency for lifestyle, business, or tax optimization, the Greece Investment Visa provides a gateway to EU residency with minimal requirements.

With an updated tiered investment structure, visa-free Schengen travel, and no minimum stay obligations, the Greece Investment Residence Permit (GIRP) offers unparalleled benefits for global investors in 2025. Additionally, Greece’s welcoming environment, stable real estate market, and attractive tax incentives make it a leading choice for investors looking to establish long-term residency, Permanent Residency (PR) and future citizenship in the European Union.

If you are considering applying for the Greece Golden Visa, now is the perfect time to take advantage of this opportunity and secure your residency in one of Europe’s most desirable destinations.

FAQs

The Greece Golden Visa program, also referred to as Greece Residency by Investment (RBI), is one of the most sought-after residency programs in Europe. It grants non-EU investors and their families the right to reside in Greece by making a qualifying investment, mainly through Greece Real Estate Investment. This Greece Investment Residence Permit (GIRP) provides visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, making it a highly attractive choice for global investors.

1. What is the Greece Golden Visa?

The Greece Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program that allows non-EU/EEA citizens to obtain a five-year renewable Greece Investment Residence Permit (GIRP) by making a qualifying investment in Greece. The most common investment route is through Greece Property Investment, though other financial investments are also eligible.

Key Benefits of the Greece Golden Visa:

Fast-track residency (3–5 months processing time)
No minimum stay requirement (ideal for non-residents)
Visa-free travel across the Schengen Zone
Greece Second Residency with the option for Greece Permanent Residency (PR) and Greece Citizenship after 7 years. Greece Dual Citizenship is permitted.
No residency obligation for renewal
Attractive Greece tax benefits for new residents and investors

2. What are the latest investment requirements for the Greece Golden Visa?

As of 2025, the Greek government has increased investment thresholds for the Greece Investment Visa, with different requirements based on property location. Investment Thresholds for Greece Real Estate Investment:

a) €800,000 Investment Zone (Major cities & islands with 3,100+ residents)

Covers Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and other high-demand areas
Investors must purchase a single property of at least 120 sqm
No option to combine multiple smaller properties

b) €400,000 Investment Zone (All other areas in Greece)

Available outside the high-demand zones
Investors must buy a single property of at least 120 sqm

c) €250,000 Special Cases

Commercial-to-Residential Conversions: Investing in commercial properties converted into residences
Historical Building Restoration: Investing in a heritage-listed property, with renovation required

This update aims to balance investment across Greece while encouraging Greece Economic Residency in developing regions.

3. What types of investments qualify for the Greece Investment Visa?

Besides Greece Property Investment, investors can also qualify through:

Long-Term Leasing & Timeshares: Leasing a hotel unit or tourist residence for 10+ years, or;
Capital Contribution: Investing €500,000 + in a Greek real estate investment company, mutual fund, or closed-end investment firm, or;
Greek Bonds & Shares: Investing in Greek government bonds or shares in Greece-based companies

4. What are the key differences between the Greece Golden Visa, Greece GIRP, and Greece Investor Visa?

Greece Golden Visa → Most popular term referring to the overall residency-by-investment program
Greece Investment Residence Permit (GIRP) → Official name of the residence permit granted to investors
Greece Investor Visa → Alternative name used to describe the investor-based residency process

Regardless of terminology, all programs fall under Greece Residency by Investment (RBI) regulations and provide the same residency benefits.

5. Who is eligible for the Greece Golden Visa?

To qualify for the Greece Golden Visa, applicants must:

Be a non-EU/EEA citizen
Be at least 18 years old
Make a qualifying Greece Investment Residence Permit (GIRP) investment
Hold valid health insurance covering Greece
Have a clean criminal record

The program extends to immediate family members, including:

Spouse
Children under 21 years old
Parents of both the applicant and spouse

6. What are the tax benefits for Greece Golden Visa holders?

One of the most attractive aspects of the Greece Golden Visa is its flexible tax system for non-residents. Investors can choose from several Greece tax regimes, including:

Non-Domiciled Tax Resident Regime:
- Flat annual tax of €100,000 on global income
- Available for up to 15 years
- Perfect for High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs)

Greece Real Estate Investment Tax:
- 24% VAT applies only on new properties (after 2006)
- No VAT on resale properties
- Low annual property tax (~0.1% – 1%)

Zero Wealth or Inheritance Tax for non-residents on foreign assets

For investors considering Greece Economic Residency, these tax incentives make it an appealing second residency choice.

7. Can I rent out my property under the Greece Investment Visa?

Yes, Greece Investment Visa holders can rent out their properties, generating passive income through long-term rentals. However:

Short-term rentals (Airbnb, etc.) may be restricted in high-demand areas
Long-term rental income is fully allowed

This flexibility makes Greece Property Investment a highly profitable option for international investors.

8. Is there a minimum stay requirement to maintain the Greece Investment Residence Permit (GIRP)?

No. The Greece Golden Visa has no minimum stay requirement, making it ideal for investors who do not wish to relocate full-time. However:

For Greek Permanent Residency (PR) and Greek Citizenship eligibility, investors must live in Greece for at least 7 consecutive years. Greek Dual Citizenship is permitted.
Must spend 183+ days per year in Greece to qualify for naturalization

9. How long does the application process take?

The Greece Golden Visa application typically takes 3–5 months from submission to approval. Steps include:

Select an eligible investment (e.g., Greece Real Estate Investment)
Sign a pre-agreement & pay deposit
Submit application & biometric data
Receive temporary residence permit
Approval & Greece Investment Residence Permit (GIRP) issued

Processing times depend on property location, document completion, and government workload.

10. Can Greece Golden Visa holders apply for Greece Permanent Residency (PR) and Greece Citizenship?

Yes. Greece offers a direct path to Greek Permanent Residency (PR) and Greek Citizenship, but investors must:

Live in Greece full-time for 7 years
Spend at least 183 days per year in Greece
Pass a Greek language & culture test

Once granted, Greek citizenship allows full EU rights, including freedom to live and work anywhere in the EU. Greece Dual Citizenship is permitted.

Conclusion: Is the Greece Golden Visa Worth It?

The Greece Golden Visa remains one of Europe’s best Residency-by-Investment (RBI) programs, offering visa-free travel, no stay requirements, profitable real estate investment, and tax advantages.

If you’re considering Greece Economic Residency, investing in Greece Property Investment can secure you and your family a permanent European residency solution.

For 2025 applicants, it’s essential to act before further price increases impact eligibility.

Greece Golden Visa - Residency by Investment (RBI) Program 2025 A Complete Guide