Greece Golden Visa in 2026: tiers, timeline and who it suits

A clear overview of Greece's Golden Visa after recent reforms — the investment tiers, what makes it attractive, and the profile it fits best.

What the Greece Golden Visa is

Greece's Golden Visa is an investment-based residence route: you invest a qualifying amount and, in return, obtain residence for you and your family with a very low physical-residence requirement. It is popular with investors who want EU and Schengen access without relocating full-time.

After recent reforms, the required investment varies by tier and by location — higher in high-demand areas, lower in less-pressured regions — with a real-estate track and a fund-based option. Because the rules have changed and continue to be adjusted, treat any figure as subject to the current framework.

Why investors choose it

The main draws are minimal residence (you don't have to live in Greece to keep it), family inclusion (spouse, children and often parents), and access to the EU and the Schengen area. It is one of the lower-friction ways to hold an EU residence permit as a non-EU national.

It is generally weaker for citizenship unless you build genuine, long-term residence — so if a passport is your main goal, weigh it against routes designed for that. Our comparison pages put Greece side by side with alternatives.

Who it suits (and who it doesn't)

It suits investors who have the capital, want an EU/Schengen base with minimal residence, and value including their family. It is less suited to people on a tight budget (income-based EU routes like Portugal's may fit better) or whose primary goal is a fast passport.

This is general information, not legal advice. Amounts, eligible investments and timelines depend on current rules and professional due diligence.

Related routes

Common questions

No — the Golden Visa's appeal is its very low physical-residence requirement. Building toward citizenship, however, generally needs genuine residence.

Typically yes — a spouse, children and often parents can be included, which is a major reason families choose it.

No — it varies by tier and location and has changed with recent reforms. Treat any figure as subject to the current rules and confirm for your case.

Find your best-fit route

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This is general route-matching information, not legal advice. Requirements vary by applicant, location and current rules; a professional review is recommended.