ResidencyGreece
A five-year European residence rooted in Greek property, with a clear seven-year road to citizenship.
Greece invites non-European investors to settle in one of the Mediterranean's most storied destinations by committing to qualifying real estate. The programme grants a renewable five-year residence permit to the investor and immediate family, and because Greece sits inside the Schengen Area, that permit unlocks travel across the bloc without the friction of repeated visa applications.
What sets the Greek route apart is how light the lifestyle obligations are. Holders are not required to live in the country to keep their permit active; the card renews on the simple condition that the qualifying property remains in the investor's name. That makes it a practical choice for families who want a European foothold without uprooting careers or schooling elsewhere.
For those who do decide to put down deeper roots, Greek law opens a path to full citizenship after seven consecutive years of genuine residence. CBIProgram guides each applicant from property selection through biometrics and renewal, translating the legal detail into a straightforward, well-sequenced plan.
- Residence requirement: None
Program law
Greek residence by real estate investment was established by Law 4146/2013 and Article 36A of Law 3386/2005, with current investment categories set by Article 100 of Law 5038/2023 as amended (effective 1 September 2024). Citizenship after seven years is governed by Law 4251/2014 as amended by Law 4332/2015.
Key benefits
Schengen Mobility
Residence in Greece lets holders move freely across the Schengen Area, staying up to ninety days in any rolling six-month window in other member states.
No Residence Obligation
There is no minimum-stay rule to maintain the permit; it renews indefinitely for as long as the investor continues to own the qualifying property.
Whole-Family Coverage
A single application can extend residence to a spouse, children under twenty-one, and dependent parents on both sides of the marriage.
Route to Citizenship
Seven consecutive years of genuine residence, combined with a language and integration test, open the door to Greek and therefore European citizenship.
Fees & costs
Investment options
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Residential real estate (prime zones) — Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini and islands with populations above 3,100. | EUR 800,000 |
| Residential real estate (other regions) — Areas of Greece outside the designated high-demand zones. | EUR 400,000 |
| Conversion or restoration property — Industrial buildings unused for five years and converted to housing, or listed buildings restored to use. | EUR 250,000 |
Government fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Main applicant permit fee | EUR 2,016 |
| Dependant aged 16 and over — Charged per qualifying family member. | EUR 166 |
| Dependant under 16 — Charged per qualifying minor. | EUR 16 |
Process & timeline
Sign the retainer, settle the first professional fee, and shortlist qualifying property, all of which can be handled remotely.
Transfer purchase funds and transaction taxes, then submit the residence file together with the government and processing fees.
On approval, the investor travels to Greece to give biometric data before the residence card is produced.
The five-year residence permit is issued, covering the investor and all included family members.
Eligibility
- Holds citizenship of a country outside the EU and EEA
- Is at least eighteen years of age
- Completes a qualifying real estate investment at or above the applicable threshold
- Can demonstrate a clean criminal record and sufficient financial means
- Carries health insurance valid in Greece for the investor and dependants
- Has travelled to Greece at least once prior to submitting the application
Required documents
All applicants
- Certified copy of a valid passport
- Schengen visa
- International health insurance with full hospitalisation cover in a Greek public hospital for the full stay
- Birth certificate translated into Greek or English and legalised by the Greek Consulate
- Proof of accommodation or an invitation letter
- Three passport-size photographs
Main applicant
- Utility bill confirming the residential address, translated and consulate-legalised
- Evidence of employment or company ownership showing income and work address, translated and legalised
- Bank statements covering the previous six months
Married couples
- Marriage record or certified certificate translated into Greek or English and legalised by the consulate
- Certified, consulate-legalised divorce document where a prior marriage was dissolved
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to live in Greece to keep the residence permit?
No. The permit renews without any minimum-stay requirement, provided you continue to own the qualifying property. Physical presence only becomes relevant if you later pursue citizenship.
What is the lowest amount I can invest?
The entry point is EUR 250,000, reserved for conversion and restoration properties. Standard residential purchases start at EUR 400,000, rising to EUR 800,000 in the highest-demand zones such as Athens, Thessaloniki and the popular islands.
Can my family be included?
Yes. One application can cover your spouse, children under twenty-one, and dependent parents and parents-in-law, each receiving their own residence card.
How does the permit lead to citizenship?
After seven consecutive years of genuine residence, spending at least 180 days a year in Greece, you may apply for citizenship. You will also need to pass an integration test covering the language, history and culture of the country.
Does the permit give me access to the rest of Europe?
Yes. As a Schengen member, Greece lets permit holders travel freely within the area and stay up to ninety days in any six-month period in other member states.
What happens if I sell the property?
Selling the qualifying property ends the basis for renewal, so the residence permit can be lost. The investment must remain in place for as long as you wish to keep the residence status.
Information last verified: 2026-10-29 · Official programme data
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