practice areas
"Golden Visa" for Greece

Q&A

It is the granting of a five-year residency visa in Greece, potentially leading to the acquisition of Greek citizenship, to citizens of third countries (outside the E.U.) legally entering or living in Greece and buying real estate property in the country exceeding 500.000 Euros (for properties located in the center of Athens and the Northern and Southern suburbs, in Thessaloniki, Mykonos and Santorini) and 250.000 Euros for properties located in the rest of the country.

Yes, it can be renewed every five years, provided the property stays under the ownership of the visa holder throughout the duration of visa, irrespective whether the holder had been physically present in Greece or not.

Yes, and the new owner is entitled to a visa; however, the seller’s visa will be revoked.

Yes, but it can also be under the joint name of the spouses, or even under the name of a legal entity, the shares of which belong to the applicant by 100%

The latter, provided that its value had been or currently is at least 250.000 Euros.

Yes, long term (10 years or more) leases of hotels or tourist resorts and time-sharing leases, of equivalent rent value (of 500.000 Euros or 250.000 Euros, depending on where the property is located) paid up.

Through a personal non-transferable bank check or a bank transfer to the seller’s account in Greece. Details of payment should be mentioned in the conveyance Deed.
It can be either.
Fine, provided that the total value of the land and the contract with the developer/builder, exceeds 500.000 Euros or 250.000 Euros (depending on where the property is located).
Yes, provided the threshold of 500.000 Euros or 250.000 Euros (depending on where the property is located)is met for each one.
For properties where the 500.000 Euros is applicable, the value of 500.000 Euros applies for the purchase of a single property. For properties located in other areas of Greece, more than one properties can be bought of value of more than 250.000 Euros, irrespective of whether they are characterized as residential, commercial, property to be renovated, or even vacant land.
It can be rented out or get a mortgage on it.
Yes, including the spouse, children of either spouse under 21 years of age and the (spouses’) parents.
Yes, including the spouse, children of either spouse under 21 years of age and the (spouses’) parents.
Yes, the visa holder and the family members may travel in the European Union Schengen area for up to 3 months every 6 months time period with multiple entrances.
No, but he can set up a company as a shareholder or be a CEO.
A clear criminal record, private hospital/medical insurance and evidence of family status (for the family members). Foreign documents need to be “apostil” certified or consularised and translated into Greek by the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs or a qualified Greek lawyer.
Approximately two months or more after the accomplishment of the purchase and the submission of the full file to the competent Public Authority.

It is not compulsory but lawyers may definitely assist the procedure to become effective and fast.

John Tripidakis is one of a very few lawyers registered with the Athens Bar who is entitled to practise Greek law in Australia as an “Australian Registered Foreign Lawyer” and is not entitled to, and does not practise Australian law.

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