How does Golden Visa (Residence Permit for Investors) work in Greece, and who qualifies?

The Golden Visa (Residence Permit for Investors) is Greece's flagship residence-by-investment route, granting a renewable five-year permit for a qualifying investment — most commonly real estate. Following the 2024 reform (Law 5100/2024), real-estate thresholds are tiered by location: a higher tier for high-demand areas such as Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini and larger islands; a mid tier elsewhere; and a reduced tier for converting commercial property to residential use or restoring listed buildings. Real-estate purchases must be in a single property and fully paid before you apply. Financial options such as bonds, deposits or shares are also available.

The permit covers your family and has no minimum-stay requirement, which makes it attractive for mobility. You will need a clean criminal record and valid health insurance, and you must maintain the investment to keep the permit. Two important limits: short-term (Airbnb-style) rental of a Golden Visa property is prohibited, and the permit grants residence — not access to employment in Greece.

The application fee is EUR 2,000 for the main applicant and EUR 150 per adult family member. Because the official ministry's English Golden Visa page has at times lagged behind the 2024 legislative changes, always confirm the current thresholds and rules against Law 5100/2024 and the migration.gov.gr portal before committing funds. ACME can help you assess which investment tier and option fit your goals.