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 weeks

Shortlist 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 properties

02Engage a lawyer & get your AFM

1-2 weeks

Grant 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 weeks

Transfer 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 weeks

Your 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 months

The 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 regions

The 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

indefinitely

Renewal 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 early
    Apostilles and certified translations of marriage/birth certificates take weeks in some countries - order them while you are still property hunting.
  • Keep every banking receipt
    Proof that funds travelled through the banking system is a filing requirement, not a formality.
  • Plan around the 2027 tax change
    Non-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 trip
    Families often schedule the fingerprint appointment around a holiday - one trip, two purposes.
  • Budget beyond the threshold
    Transfer tax, notary, registry and legal fees add roughly 6-10% on top of the property price.

Start 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.

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