Greece Residency
by Investment

The Greek residence permit offers the opportunity to live, study, and do business in one of the most comfortable countries in the EU. With a minimum investment from €250,000, it can be obtained through property purchase in Greece. Most residence options — such as work, study, or other visa types — require actual relocation to the country.

The Greece Golden Visa program, however, allows investors to enjoy all the benefits of residency without the obligation to reside in Greece: visa-free travel across the Schengen Area, access to European banking services, and the ability to develop business within the EU.

€250,000

Minimum investment

From 4 months

Processing time

Get a step-by-step plan for securing Greek residency.

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Greek Residence Permit Types

Property Purchase from €250,000

An investor can obtain a Greek residence permit that allows them to live and do business in the country, as well as enjoy all the benefits of the status without the obligation to relocate.

The residence permit card is valid for 5 years and can be renewed an unlimited number of times, provided the investment is maintained.

The application may include the entire family: a spouse, children under 21, and the parents of both partners.

Eligibility options:

1

Option 1 — Real estate purchase

The investment amount depends on the region and type of property:

From €250,000 — purchase of historical buildings or properties converted from commercial to residential use, in any part of the country, including Athens and Thessaloniki.

From €400,000 — in most regions, including Halkidiki and the Peloponnese.

From €800,000 — in popular tourist areas and on the islands.

The investment amount depends on the region and type of property:

From €250,000 — purchase of historical buildings or properties converted from commercial to residential use, in any part of the country, including Athens and Thessaloniki.

From €400,000 — in most regions, including Halkidiki and the Peloponnese.

From €800,000 — in popular tourist areas and on the islands.

2

Option 2 — Investment in innovative startups — from €250,000

3

Option 3 — Purchase of shares in commercial companies — from €500,000 in national enterprises

4

Option 4 — Government bonds — purchase of securities worth €500,000 for a minimum term of 3 years

5

Option 5 — Corporate bonds — investment from €800,000

6

Option 6 — Investment funds — participation units from €350,000

7

Option 7 — Lease of tourist properties — a long-term contract for a hotel or apartments for 10 years

8

Option 8 — Starting a business — capital investment from €500,000 in a Greek company or startup project

Work Residence Permit

The status can be obtained by signing an employment contract for at least 1 year with a minimum salary of €880 per month.

A work residence permit is issued for 1–3 years. Quotas are limited, and changing employers requires reapplication.

Resident Permit for Financially Independent Persons

Ideal for individuals with passive or remote income.

A minimum monthly income of €3,500 and proof of annual savings (from €42,000) are required.

The residence permit is issued for a minimum of 1 year with the option to renew, but it does not grant the right to work in Greece.

EU Blue Card

Granted to professionals with a degree or at least five years of experience and an employment contract with an annual income of €30,000 or more.

Valid for up to 2 years, renewable for an additional 3 years. It allows changing employers and relocating within the EU together with family members.

Residence Permit for Family Reunification

Available to spouses, children, and parents of Greek citizens or residents.

Requires proof of kinship, accommodation, and income of at least €830 per applicant.

The permit is issued for the same duration as the main applicant’s residence permit and is revoked if the main applicant’s status expires. If married to a Greek citizen, one may apply for a passport after 3 years.

Residence Permit for Students and Researches

Granted to students of Greek universities, academic program participants, and researchers.

Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds for living expenses — at least €400 per month.

Issued for 1 year with the possibility of renewal; it does not count toward the citizenship period. After graduation, a 1-year residence permit for job seeking can be obtained.

Residence Permit for Digital Nomads

Designed for foreign professionals working remotely for companies outside Greece.

Requires proof of a monthly income of at least €3,500 (with a higher threshold for families).

Valid for up to 1 year and renewable.

Humanitarian Residence Permit

Issued to refugees, victims of violence, individuals with serious health conditions, or participants in legal proceedings.

The review process can take several months or even years, and decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants officially recognised as refugees are exempt from fees.

Residence Permit for Special Purposes

Intended for short-term stays — such as internships, research, medical treatment, volunteering, or religious activities.

Issued for 6–12 months and generally not renewable. The status is non-immigrant in nature.

Get a Personalised Solution for Obtaining
a Greek Golden Visa at an Office or Online Consultation

Get a Personalised Solution for Obtaining
a Greek Golden Visa

We take into account the individual specifics of your case and conduct a preliminary client reliability check.

Selection of options tailored to the needs and capabilities of each family member

Assistance with property management, bank account opening, yacht registration, and business relocation

Assessment of approval prospects under the residence permit program

Who Can Apply for Greek Residency by Investment?

Investor

  • Aged 18+
  • No criminal record

Spouse / Partner

  • Legally married spouse or recognised partner (no extra investment required)
  • No criminal record

Children

  • Up to 21 years old
  • No extra investment required

Parents

  • Parents of the investor and/or spouse
  • No extra investment required

Frequently Asked Questions about Greek Residency

What are the grounds for getting a Greek residence permit?

A Greek residence permit can be obtained through investment (Golden Visa), employment or business, university studies, financial independence, family reunification, as a digital nomad, for humanitarian reasons, as well as for internships, medical treatment, or special missions.

Can I obtain a Greek residence permit by purchasing real estate?

Yes, it is possible to obtain a Greek residence permit through investment in real estate:
– From €250,000 — for historical buildings or renovated properties converted from former commercial spaces
– From €400,000 — in most regions of the country
– From €800,000 — in the most popular tourist areas

What is the minimum investment amount required to obtain residency?

The minimum investment for the Greece Golden Visa starts from €250,000, available when purchasing a former commercial property converted into residential real estate, regardless of location in Greece. Developers often transform hotels and business centres into modern complexes with terraces, rooftop pools, and managed rental options, frequently located in high-demand areas such as the Athenian Riviera. Investors can generate passive rental income in euros, while benefiting from one of the most cost-efficient entry points to EU residency.

Astons offers a portfolio of 100+ Golden Visa–eligible properties, including exclusive off-market opportunities. Contact us to get the catalogue of available units.

How long does the process of obtaining residency take?

On average, obtaining a residence permit in Greece takes from 4 months, depending on the visa category and the efficiency of the authorities. Given the country’s well-known bureaucratic processes, professional guidance at every stage is essential — ensuring that documents are prepared correctly and helping to avoid unnecessary delays.

For investors applying under the Golden Visa program, working with experienced advisors such as Astons ensures a smooth and structured process, with full legal support at every stage.

Is it necessary to live in Greece permanently to maintain residency?

No, not for all programs. Under the Golden Visa, there is no residence requirement — the status is maintained as long as the property remains in the investor’s ownership. For other categories (such as work, study, family, financial independence, and digital nomad visas), continuous residence in Greece is required, and applicants must confirm their eligibility when renewing the permit.

Which Greek residence programs provide the right to apply for citizenship?

All Greek residence programs may eventually lead to citizenship through naturalisation, provided the applicant has resided in the country for 7 years and met the program requirements. These include the Golden Visa (investment), work residence permit, permit for financially independent individuals, family residence permit, EU Blue Card, and digital nomad visa.
For student residence permits, it is necessary to later obtain another type of residency, as the study period does not count toward the 7-year requirement.

Astons Greece Office

On-Site Team

Meet us at our Athens office or schedule an online consultation — whichever suits you best.

Extensive Property Portfolio

Our portfolio includes investment projects from the country’s top developers —apartments, villas, income-generating and commercial properties, as well as land plots.

Premium Quality Services

We offer a full range of services — from property selection, verification, and documentation, to overseeing developers’ obligations, assisting with relocation, and post-purchase services.

International Expertise

Astons is more than just a local operator.
Our experts work with investment immigration programs worldwide and can help you choose the country that suits you best.

International Expertise

Astons is more than just a local operator.
Our experts work with investment immigration programs worldwide and can help you choose the country that suits you best.

Legality and Confidentiality

  • We operate strictly within the legal framework of the program, ensuring full compliance with all regulations.
  • Your privacy is fully protected — your application and personal information remain strictly confidential.

Personalised Support

  • From the initial consultation to obtaining your residence permit, you are supported by a dedicated Astons manager who speaks your language.
  • Full legal support throughout the entire application process.

Receive Personal Advice

In a 30-minute consultation, we will:

  • Conduct an initial assessment of your case’s viability
  • Outline a step-by-step strategy tailored to your situation
  • Review the investment process and required documentation
  • Highlight key risks and potential challenges

Nasos Fousias

Head of Property Department in Greece
Head of Property Department
Contact Us Conveniently
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Astons has been awarded first place in the Real Estate Agency Single Office in Greece category of the European Property Awards 2024-2025

Approved Legal Solutions

Licensed Legal Services in Greece

  • An Astons attorney is a licensed Athens Bar Association member and authorised to provide legal services in Greece.
  • Extensive expertise in Greek law