Greek Golden Visa Program
Greece Golden Visa Program: Your Gateway to Europe
Ready to trade U.S. hustle for Mediterranean ease?
The Greece Golden Visa Program, launched in 2013, offers you and your family residency in Greece—and seamless access to 26 Schengen countries—through a smart investment. It’s your ticket to EU freedom with minimal time in-country, plus a shot at citizenship down the road. Whether you’re dodging taxes, craving stability, or eyeing a sunny retirement, Greece has you covered. Here’s the scoop with the latest 2024 real estate updates.
How Much Do You Invest?
Real estate is the star of this program, but minimums jumped in 2024 to balance demand.
Pick your tier:
- Tier 1: High-Demand Areas: €800,000 (about $850,000 USD)—covers hot spots like Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and islands with over 3,100 residents. Properties must be at least 120 square meters.
- Tier 2: Other Regions: €400,000 (about $425,000 USD)—applies to most of Greece outside prime zones, also requiring 120 square meters minimum.
- Tier 3 & 4: Special Projects: €250,000 (about $265,000 USD)—for converting commercial properties to residential (conversion done pre-application) or restoring historic/cultural buildings (restoration complete by year 5).
- Extras:
- Processing fees: €2,000 per adult, €150 per child under 21.
- Legal/property fees: €5k-$10k (taxes, lawyer, title checks).
- Total Upfront: ~$270k-$280k (Tier 3/4), ~$430k-$440k (Tier 2), ~$860k-$870k (Tier 1).
What’s the Deal?
- Investment: Buy residential or commercial real estate—houses, condos, or shops. Rent it out for income (4%-6% yields in Athens). The €250k options focus on conversions or restorations—less common but budget-friendly.
- Residency: 5-year renewable permit—no minimum stay required. Live in Greece, travel Schengen, or stay Stateside.
- Timeline:
- Apply via Intrepid Citizen—3-6 months to residency card.
- Citizenship: After 7 years with 183 days/year in Greece—passport ranks #5 (190 visa-free countries).
- Perks: Schengen access, EU residency, family included (spouse, kids under 21, parents).
How It Fits Your Life
- Digital Nomads: €400k property outside Athens—rent it, roam Schengen, work remotely with zero stay rules.
- Tax Rebels: No Greek tax on foreign income unless you relocate—€250k conversion keeps costs low pre-move.
- Retirees: €250k restored villa—$1,200/month living vs. $3k U.S., plus healthcare perks.
- Political Discontents: €400k buys Schengen now, citizenship in 7—EU stability over U.S. chaos.
- Small Business Owners: €800k in Athens—rental income + EU market access for your next venture.
Why Greece Golden Visa Over Others?
- Vs. St. Kitts ($250k-$325k): €250k ties St. Kitts’ low end, but Greece adds EU residency—lifestyle beats speed.
- Vs. Portugal Golden Visa (€250k-€500k): Greece keeps real estate alive—€400k vs. Portugal’s €500k funds, same EU perks.
- Vs. Canada SUV ($10k-$20k): No pitch, just cash—€250k-€800k secures residency faster than Canada’s 18-month PR hustle.
- Vs. Costa Rica ($12k-$150k): €400k trumps $150k for Schengen vs. Central America—EU clout in 7 years.
- Vs. EB-5 ($800k-$1.05M): €400k slashes EB-5’s $800k TEA—EU freedom vs. U.S. residency at half the price.
The Greece Golden Visa’s your EU launchpad—€250k-€800k unlocks sun, sea, and Schengen access with options for every budget. Ready to reimagine your life? Take our 60-second quiz to find your fit—unlock your world today!
Disclaimer: We’re not financial advisers—consult one. Rules can shift; check Greece’s Ministry of Migration for updates.