Citizenship by Investment in Greece: Residence Comes First

Greece is one of Europe’s sunniest countries which is why it attracts large numbers of tourists all year round, however, it also represents a good investment destination for those interested in starting a business in tourism.

Those interested in buying a golden visa/citizenship by investment will be glad to know that in 2013 the Greek government decided to create a program for foreign citizens willing to move to Greece by making a substantial investment. During the first phase of the program, citizenship is not granted under the Golden Visa Program, however, it is possible to acquire permanent residency through investment.

Below, our specialists can offer information on how to buy a golden visa in Greece in 2026. Foreign citizens can rely on us if they are interested in golden visa countries with such advantageous programs, such as Cyprus.

Changes in the existing Golden Visa Program in Greece

Article 100 in the law providing for the creation of the Golden Visa program has been updated so that minimum investment requirements for purchasing real estate in Greece were raised. It also provides for a tiered investment structure. Specifically:

investments in the Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and other islands with a population of more than 3,100 people were increased to a minimum of 800,000 euros;
on the other hand, investments in the rest of the country were set at a minimum value of 400,000 euros.

Through this last measure, the Greek government wants to expand investment possibilities for interested parties. The program also targets urban redevelopment and cultural heritage, as incentives have been created for those who restore historically significant buildings and transform commercial buildings into residential ones.

Our local specialists can offer more information on the current Golden Visa Scheme applicable in Greece. Receiving a golden visa does not ensure citizenship in Europe. You must really reside in a certain EU State for a predetermined period of time in order to obtain citizenship there using a golden visa. However, there are also citizenship by investment countries that allow for direct citizenship. Many of them are located outside Europe.

We can also help those who want to obtain golden passports in Greece.

Conditions under the Golden Visa Scheme in Greece in 2026

Those interested in applying for a golden visa which will lead to permanent residency and then citizenship by investment in Greece should know that they can choose between one of the following investment categories:

they can invest at least 500,000 euros in a business registered in Greece, however, the company cannot be involved in real estate or portfolio investment;
they can invest at least 500,000 euros in a real estate company which invests in Greece, the purchase of shares in such a company is also possible;
they can buy shares in companies investing exclusively in Greece (the shares must be worth at least 400,000 euros);
they can purchase government-issued bonds with at least 3 years' residual maturity worth at least 500,000 euros;
they can also invest in bank deposits of a minimum value of 500,000 euros for at least 12 months;
they can also purchase shares or bonds traded on the Greek Stock Market of at least 800,000 euros;
they can purchase shares in alternative investment funds worth at least 350,000 euros.

If you plan on buying a golden visa in Greece with the purpose of obtaining golden passports, our local agents can help you. We can also assist if you are interested in golden visa programs in other European countries.

If you have any questions on the program associated with other golden visa countries in 2026, our agents can offer updated details.

How to obtain Greek citizenship by investment based on a golden visa

Even if the Greek Golden Visa Program does not lead directly to citizenship by investment, it should be noted that this scheme can ease access to a Greek passport. For example, persons applying for permanent residency in Greece under regular conditions must live and work in this country for at least 7 years before applying for naturalisation. Those relocating to Greece under the Golden Visa Scheme are subject to the same naturalisation rules (generally 7 years of lawful residence, actual presence and a Greek language/civics exam), so the Golden Visa does not shorten the period.

It should also be noted that under the Golden Visa Program, the temporary residence permit is issued for a period of 5 years and can be renewed.

Please feel free to ask our experts in immigration through investments for other citizenship by investment countries. We can help those interested in acquiring a golden visa/citizenship by investment in countries such as Italy, Malta, and Portugal.

The advantages of buying a golden visa in Greece in 2026

Greece has streamlined the eligibility requirements in response to the pandemic, allowing applicants to apply online for a residency permit and purchase a house without physically visiting the country. The investor can visit the nation for fingerprinting, which is the only need, within a year of the acquisition date. The usual processing time for a resident permit is 3 to 6 months.

Greece is a popular tourist destination, therefore renting out buildings is one way for an investor to make money from their property. The average annual rental yield for real estate in Athens is 4.5%. The investor must register an account to formally receive money from the property and to cover maintenance costs.

Applying for a golden visa in Greece has several advantages, even if does not lead directly to citizenship by investment. Among these advantages we mention the following:

Greece offers more investment options compared to other European countries which provide for golden visas;
the processing time of a golden visa application is usually 3 to 6 months, after which the residence permit is issued;
the applicant can also bring other family members to Greece, such as the spouse and children;
the other requirements related to buying a golden visa for Greece are quite relaxed.

In order to obtain a golden visa/citizenship by investment in Greece in 2026, the applicant will only need a clean criminal record and medical insurance.

A golden visa in Greece can be obtained with the help of our specialists under the conditions imposed in 2026. No matter the type of investment you choose, you can rely on our specialists.

The Greek naturalization process

The applicant may file for citizenship through the naturalization process in accordance with the Greek Nationality Code (Law 3284/2004) after living in Greece for 7 years. This procedure can only be completed if the candidate can show that he/she has developed strong ties to Greece and that he/she has been successfully assimilated into Greek society on a social and economic level.

In order to confirm that the candidate has acquired sufficient mastery of the Greek language, the naturalization process also involves an exam. For detailed information on how to obtain Greek citizenship through the investment pathway, you can rely on our golden visa agents who can also offer support in preparing the application documents.

If you have any questions related to acquiring permanent residency followed by citizenship by investment in Greece, please contact us. We can guide you through various advantageous citizenship by investment countries all over the world.