Greece does not offer a direct citizenship-by-investment program that grants a Greek passport simply in exchange for an investment. Instead, non-European Union (EU) and non-European Economic Area (EEA) citizens can obtain residency through investment via the Greece Golden Visa Program and may later apply for Greek citizenship through the standard naturalization process if they meet the required conditions.

The Golden Visa provides long-term residency rights in Greece through qualifying investments, while citizenship requires additional requirements, including actual residence, language ability, and integration into Greek society.

1. First Step: Greece Golden Visa (Investment Residency)

The Greece Golden Visa is available to non-EU/EEA nationals who are at least 18 years old, have a clean criminal record, and make an eligible investment in Greece.

The program provides a renewable residence permit and allows investors and eligible family members to live in Greece.

Main Investment Options

€800,000+ Real Estate Investment

A higher investment threshold applies to certain high-demand areas, including:

• The wider Attica region, including Athens
• Thessaloniki
• Mykonos
• Santorini
• Greek islands with populations exceeding 3,100 residents

The property investment must generally involve a single property with a minimum surface area of 120 square meters.

€400,000+ Real Estate Investment

This option applies to many other areas of Greece outside the high-demand zones. The property must generally:

• Be a single property
• Have a minimum size of 120 square meters

€250,000 Real Estate Investment

A lower threshold remains available for specific categories, including:

• Commercial properties converted into residential use
• Restoration projects involving officially protected historical buildings

These investments are designed to encourage urban regeneration and preservation of Greece’s architectural heritage.

Alternative Investment Options

Investors may also qualify through certain financial investments, including:

• €350,000+ Investment Funds: Investment in approved Greek mutual funds or alternative investment funds.
• €500,000+ Bank Deposit: A fixed-term deposit placed in a Greek bank for at least one year, subject to renewal requirements.

Family Members Included in the Golden Visa

One of the advantages of the Greek Golden Visa is that the residence permit can extend to eligible family members, including:

• The investor’s spouse or registered partner
• Dependent children under the age of 21
• The investor’s parents and spouse’s parents

This makes the program attractive for families seeking European residency and access to Greece’s lifestyle, education, healthcare, and travel opportunities within the Schengen Area.

2. The Path from Residency to Greek Citizenship

Holding a Golden Visa does not automatically lead to Greek citizenship. Investors who wish to obtain a Greek passport must apply through the country’s naturalization process and satisfy additional legal requirements.

Residence Requirement

Applicants generally must demonstrate seven years of legal residence in Greece before applying for citizenship. Actual physical presence in Greece is essential, as simply holding a residence permit without living in the country is usually insufficient for naturalization.

Applicants are generally expected to establish meaningful ties with Greece, including:

• Living in the country for the required period
• Participating in social and economic life
• Maintaining a stable personal and professional connection with Greece

Language, History, and Culture Examination

Applicants must successfully pass examinations covering:

• Greek language skills
• Greek history
• Geography
• Culture and civic knowledge

The purpose of these requirements is to demonstrate integration into Greek society.

Proof of Integration

Citizenship applicants must show evidence of genuine integration, which may include:

• Employment or business activity in Greece
• Knowledge of Greek society and institutions
• Social connections and participation in community life
• Compliance with Greek laws and tax obligations

Benefits of Greek Citizenship

Successful naturalization provides access to the rights of a Greek and EU citizen, including:

• A Greek passport
• Freedom to live, work, and study throughout the European Union
• Visa-free or simplified travel to many countries worldwide
• Access to EU economic and educational opportunities

Important Considerations

The Greece Golden Visa is primarily a residency-by-investment program, not an immediate citizenship route. Investors interested in obtaining Greek nationality should carefully plan their long-term residence strategy, as citizenship depends on meeting naturalization requirements rather than investment alone.

Because immigration laws and investment thresholds may change, applicants should seek advice from qualified Greek immigration lawyers or authorized advisors before making investment decisions.