Greece Golden Visa
The Application Process
Since December 2020 nearly everything can be handled remotely through a lawyer with power of attorney - the only mandatory visit is for biometrics. Typical end-to-end timeline: 3-4 months.
Step by Step
From first viewing to permit card
01Choose your property
1-3 weeksShortlist eligible properties with our team - remotely via video tours or in person on a viewing trip. We pre-check tier eligibility (zone, size, price) for every candidate so there are no surprises at the notary.
Browse eligible properties02Engage a lawyer & get your AFM
1-2 weeksGrant power of attorney - from this point almost everything happens without you. Your lawyer performs due diligence on the title (liens, encumbrances, planning status), obtains your Greek tax number (AFM) and opens a Greek bank account.
03Transfer funds & sign
3-6 weeksTransfer the funds from your foreign account - the paper trail through the banking system is itself a legal requirement. Sign the notarial purchase contract, pay the transfer tax, and register the title at the land registry.
04File the Golden Visa application
1-2 weeksYour lawyer submits the application with proof of investment to the Ministry of Migration. You immediately receive a temporary residence certificate (the "blue paper") - you are legal in Greece from this moment.
05Biometrics visit
scheduled in 2-4 monthsThe one mandatory trip to Greece: fingerprints and photo at the migration office for everyone over 6 years old. Must happen within 12 months of filing; a single short visit covers the whole family.
06Review & permit issuance
up to 12 months in busy regionsThe ministry reviews the file. Processing is faster outside Attica; the temporary certificate keeps you fully covered while you wait. The 5-year permit cards are then issued for the whole family.
07Renew every 5 years
indefinitelyRenewal requires only that you still own the investment and hold valid insurance - no residence days, no language test, same fees. Many investors are now on their second or third renewal.
Remote by Design
What can be done without visiting Greece
- Property selection - video tours, drone footage, our local team
- Power of attorney - signed at a Greek consulate or apostilled
- AFM (tax number) and bank account - via your lawyer
- Purchase contract - signed by your lawyer under PoA
- Application filing - entirely by your lawyer (since Dec 2020)
- Renewals - handled remotely as well
The only mandatory personal presence: the biometrics appointment (step 05) - one short family visit.
Practical Tips
What experienced applicants get right
- Start the paper trail earlyApostilles and certified translations of marriage/birth certificates take weeks in some countries - order them while you are still property hunting.
- Keep every banking receiptProof that funds travelled through the banking system is a filing requirement, not a formality.
- Plan around the 2027 tax changeNon-EU transfer tax is set to jump from 3% to 15% in July 2027 - completing the purchase earlier locks in the lower rate.
- Combine biometrics with a viewing tripFamilies often schedule the fingerprint appointment around a holiday - one trip, two purposes.
- Budget beyond the thresholdTransfer tax, notary, registry and legal fees add roughly 6-10% on top of the property price.
Keep Reading
More from the Golden Visa Guide
What the programme is, key benefits, and where to start.
ReadWho qualifies, which family members are included, and the documents you need.
ReadThe β¬250K / β¬400K / β¬800K real-estate tiers and every alternative route.
ReadGovernment fees, transaction costs, the 2027 tax change, and ongoing taxation.
ReadAthens, the islands, Crete - zones, thresholds and live eligible listings.
ReadKeeping the permit, Schengen rights, and the 7-year route to an EU passport.
ReadPermits issued, investment volume, top nationalities and 2026 trends.
ReadShort answers to the questions investors actually ask.
ReadStart Your Golden Visa Journey
25+ years on the ground in Greece. We'll match you with eligible properties, introduce vetted lawyers, and walk with you from the first viewing to the permit card - in English, German, French or Greek.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal, tax or immigration advice. Programme rules change - notably the announced 2027 transfer-tax increase, which is not yet legislated. Always verify current requirements with a licensed Greek lawyer before investing. Last updated: October 2026.