Greece Golden Visa

Renewal & the Citizenship Path

The permit renews every five years for as long as you keep the investment - and if you ever decide to actually live in Greece, it becomes a direct route to an EU passport.

Your Permit

What the Golden Visa gives you - and what it doesn't

Rights included

Live in Greece - full-time or never

Reside as much or as little as you want; zero days required.

Visa-free Schengen travel

90 days per 180-day period in other Schengen countries.

Own & run a business

You may own and manage a Greek company and take dividends.

Public education access

Children can attend Greek public and private schools.

Healthcare access

Via your private insurance; public system access if you become a contributor.

Long-term rental income

Let the property long-term while keeping the permit.

Limitations to know

No salaried employment in Greece

You cannot take a job with a Greek employer; remote work for foreign employers is fine.

Not an EU-wide residence

It covers Greece plus Schengen travel - not the right to settle in other EU states.

No short-term letting

Airbnb-style rental of the GV property is prohibited, with heavy fines.

Tied to the investment

Sell without a qualifying replacement and the permit lapses at renewal.

No automatic citizenship

Citizenship requires actual residence - see the path below.

Renewal every 5 years - the checklist

—Still own the qualifying investment (land registry certificate)

—Valid health insurance for all family members

—Same state fees as the original application

—Children 21-24: short-term extension permit available

—No residence days, language test or interview - ever

—Handled remotely by your lawyer under PoA

The Long Game

From Golden Visa to Greek citizenship

The Golden Visa itself never requires you to live in Greece - but if you do settle here, it becomes a direct path to an EU passport. Greece allows dual citizenship, and a Greek passport grants the right to live and work anywhere in the European Union.

The years count from when you make Greece your genuine home - this is where the minor-child strategy pays off, as children schooled in Greece build residence years and language naturally.

7 years of genuine residence

At least 183 days per year physically in Greece, as a tax resident.

Language & integration

B1-level Greek plus knowledge of history and culture (citizenship exam).

Demonstrated ties

Economic and social ties: employment, schooling, community participation.

EU passport

Dual citizenship permitted - no need to renounce your original nationality.

At a Glance

Golden Visa vs. tax residency vs. citizenship

	Golden Visa	+ Tax residency	Citizenship
Days in Greece required	None	183+/year	183+/year for 7 years
Schengen travel	90/180 days	90/180 days	Unlimited (EU citizen)
Live & work anywhere in EU	No	No	Yes
Greek taxation	Greek income only	Worldwide (or non-dom €100K flat)	Worldwide (if resident)
Language requirement	None	None	B1 Greek
Voting rights	No	No	Yes

Next chapter: Statistics

Keep Reading

More from the Golden Visa Guide

The Complete Guide

What the programme is, key benefits, and where to start.

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Requirements & Eligibility

Who qualifies, which family members are included, and the documents you need.

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Investment Options

The €250K / €400K / €800K real-estate tiers and every alternative route.

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Step-by-Step Process

The 7 steps from property selection to permit card - mostly remote.

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Costs & Taxes

Government fees, transaction costs, the 2027 tax change, and ongoing taxation.

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Where to Buy

Athens, the islands, Crete - zones, thresholds and live eligible listings.

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Statistics & Trends

Permits issued, investment volume, top nationalities and 2026 trends.

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FAQ

Short answers to the questions investors actually ask.

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Start Your Golden Visa Journey

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Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal, tax or immigration advice. Programme rules change - notably the announced 2027 transfer-tax increase, which is not yet legislated. Always verify current requirements with a licensed Greek lawyer before investing. Last updated: October 2026.