Greece Golden Visa: New Investment Thresholds and Zone Changes

Greece recently announced revisions to its Golden Visa program, introducing new investment thresholds and modifying the geographic zones where different amounts apply. For foreigners considering Greek residency through investment, these changes are significant—they directly affect how much you need to invest and where.

Let’s break down the key updates in plain terms.

The Greek government has set different minimum investment amounts depending on the location of the property or investment. Here’s a summary:

• High-demand areas (e.g., central Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini): The minimum investment has been raised to €800,000.
• Other regions (most of the country): The threshold is now €400,000.
• Properties converted from commercial to residential use: A minimum of €250,000 applies, but only for properties that were originally commercial (offices, shops, etc.) and are being converted to residential.

These thresholds apply to real estate purchases. For those choosing the fund route (investing in Greek government bonds, real estate investment companies, or other eligible funds), the minimum remains €400,000.

If you’re planning to apply for the Golden Visa, here’s what you need to consider:

• Budget planning: The new thresholds mean that investing in prime locations will require significantly more capital. If your budget is around €250,000, you’ll need to look at commercial-to-residential conversions or consider the fund route.

• Location strategy: Areas outside the high-demand zones still offer the €400,000 threshold, which may be more accessible. Many of these regions, such as parts of the Peloponnese, Crete, or the Ionian islands, have strong rental potential and quality of life.

• Fund route: The €400,000 fund investment remains an option for those who prefer not to buy property. This can include Greek government bonds, shares in real estate investment companies, or other approved vehicles. We always advise consulting with a legal professional to ensure your chosen fund meets the program’s criteria.

• No change to the minimum stay requirement: The Golden Visa still does not require you to live in Greece. You only need to visit once every five years to renew your biometric data.

• Family inclusion: Your spouse, children under 21, and parents can still be included in the application.

• Path to citizenship: After seven years of holding the Golden Visa, you may apply for Greek citizenship, provided you meet residency and language requirements.

These revisions mean that careful planning is more important than ever. Whether you’re considering a real estate purchase or the fund route, we recommend getting professional guidance early.

At FastGreece, our lawyer network handles the full range of services for foreigners: obtaining your AFM (tax number), opening a Greek bank account, preparing powers of attorney, and managing your Golden Visa application from start to finish. We work with experienced attorneys who stay up to date with regulatory changes.

If you’re unsure which investment path suits your situation, we can connect you with a legal advisor for a consultation. The first step is simple: you can start with us by reaching out through our contact page or applying online.