Greece Residency
by Investment

How do I get a Residency Permit For Greece?

On 18th April 2013, Greece introduced Law 4146/2013 giving non-EU citizens and their family members the right to obtain Residency Permits by making significant investments in Greece as follows:

1. Purchase a real estate property worth at least €250,000; or
2. Make a capital investment of at least €400,000 in a company registered in Greece; or
3. Make a €400,000 investment in Greek government bonds; or
4. Make a €400,000 investment in bonds or shares of real estate investment companies; or
5. Make a €400,000 deposit in a Greek bank; or
6. Sign a lease agreement with a hotel or tourist establishment for at least 10 years; or
7. Make an €800,000 investment in corporate or government bonds.

Can my company buy real estate?

You can apply for a Residency Permit if you have a property in Greece valued over € 250,000, provided you own 100% shares in the purchasing company.

Can I lease the property?

The real estate you acquire can be leased; however, for the visa to remain valid, the leases/contracts must be ongoing.

What are the key benefits of a Greek Residency Permit?

The Greek Residency Permit provides several advantages, including:

• no expiry date (however, the visa must be renewed every five years)
• visa-free travel within Europe’s Schengen Area.
• no requirements to reside in Greece.
• you can bring your family
• the right to indefinitely reside and settle in Greece.
• eligibility to apply for citizenship after seven years of residence.
• ability to hold shares and receive income from the dividends of a company registered in Greece.

Who is classed as a ‘family member’?

A ‘family member’ for the purposes of obtaining a Residency Permit includes:

• spouses
• the other spouse or partner with whom a third-country national has a cohabitation agreement in Greece
• the direct unmarried descendants of the spouses, who are under the age of 21
• the direct unmarried descendants of the supporter or of the other spouse/partner, provided that their custody has been legally entrusted to the sponsor (for his/her children) and to the other partner (for his/her children), under 21 years of age
• the direct relatives of the spouses in the ascending line.

Does a Residency Permit allow me to work in Greece?

Different categories of Residence Permits exist, as well as various types of permit within each category. Employment rights depend on the type of permit issued.  Our team can advise you on the right permit for your needs.

For more information about obtaining a Greek Residency Permit, please feel free to contact us: