Golden Visa
Greece's Golden Visa is the fastest route to legal Schengen residency available to Americans today. Approval often arrives within three to six months of filing. There is no minimum stay requirement to maintain status. The investment is real estate or capital — the residency is permanent so long as the asset is held. For families seeking European optionality without disrupting an American life, it remains exceptional.
- Minimum Investment
- From €250,000
- Processing
- 3–6 months
- Stay Requirement
- None
- Permanent Residency
- From day one
- Citizenship Eligibility
- Year 7
- Family Coverage
- Spouse + children + parents (both sides)
Speed, simplicity, and absolute zero stay required.
Among meaningful EU residencies, Greece is unique in asking nothing of your time. You may visit once for biometrics and never return — your residency continues indefinitely so long as the qualifying investment remains in place. Three generations of family — you, your spouse, your children, and parents on both sides — can be included in a single filing. The bureaucracy is faster than Portugal's; the entry threshold is lower than nearly any other Schengen residency.
No minimum days. Maintain residency permanently without ever returning after biometrics.
Files routinely process in 90 to 180 days — among the fastest in Europe.
Principal, spouse, children to age 21, and parents on both sides — one application, one fee.
Real estate routes deliver a usable, lettable, appreciating Mediterranean asset alongside the residency.
How to qualify.
Property purchase at the threshold applicable to the chosen route. Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and Aegean islands above 3,100 population sit at €800,000. All other regions sit at €400,000. The €250,000 threshold is reserved for commercial-to-residential conversions only — available anywhere in Greece regardless of location, subject to a properly permitted change-of-use. Reforms in 2024–2025 reshaped the map; we'll guide you to current eligible markets.
Investment in Greek government bonds, time deposits with a Greek credit institution, or shares of qualifying Greek funds. A property-free pathway for investors who prefer not to own foreign real estate.
Several less-common pathways exist for strategic ventures or hospitality investments. These are appropriate for a narrow profile of client; we will tell you if they fit.
- Non-EU/EEA nationality (US passport qualifies).
- Clean criminal record across all countries of prior residence.
- Demonstrable lawful source of investment funds.
- Health insurance covering Greece.
- Single visit to Greece for biometrics; no further presence required.
How we run this program.
Threshold selection, region selection, and property or capital route. Independent diligence — we earn no commissions on either side of any transaction.
Greek tax number, compliant bank account, and qualifying investment executed under Greek counsel.
Residency file submitted. Single biometrics visit to Greece for the family.
Five-year residency cards issued. Renewable indefinitely while the investment is held.
Questions worth answering candidly.
Can I really maintain residency without ever visiting?+
After biometrics, yes. Greece imposes no minimum stay. Many clients visit once and renew their cards by mail through counsel for the duration of the holding period.
What about citizenship?+
Greek naturalization requires seven years of physical residence — meaningful, not nominal. The Golden Visa is structured for those who want EU optionality and Schengen access, not necessarily a Greek passport. If citizenship is the priority, Portugal is usually the better engagement.
Did the program change recently?+
Yes. Investment thresholds were raised and tiered in 2024 and refined further in 2025 to cool overheated markets. €800,000 applies in primary areas (Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and Aegean islands above 3,100 population); €400,000 applies in all other regions; €250,000 is reserved for commercial-to-residential conversions only, available anywhere in Greece subject to a properly permitted change-of-use. We update clients on the current rules at engagement.
What's the actual experience of holding a Greek property?+
Property tax, maintenance, and a rental program if desired. We coordinate property management for clients who want a hands-off arrangement and simply hold the asset.
Compare alternatives
Considering Greece? Let's talk before you commit.
Thirty minutes with an experienced advisor. We'll tell you, candidly, whether this program is the right fit — and if it isn't, which one is.
You speak directly with an experienced advisor — not an intake associate.