Buying an apartment in Greece allows you to safely invest your capital, receive a stable passive rental income and obtain a European residence permit. The "Golden Visa" programme was introduced in the country in 2013. Initially, it allowed a residence permit to be obtained upon the purchase of property worth €250,000. In 2023, the minimum amount was doubled in several regions of the country. However, in the spring of 2024, the country's parliament again tightened the conditions for investors:
- The required amount cannot be divided into several properties;
- The area of the property must be at least 120 sq. m;
- The threshold for entry in Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini and other islands with more than 3,100 inhabitants will rise to €800,000;
- The threshold in other areas will be €400,000;
- The €250,000 threshold will be maintained only for properties undergoing reconstruction;
- Properties purchased under the scheme cannot be rented out on a short-term basis.
The country's authorities have introduced a transitional period until 30 August 2024 for those wishing to buy property under the old conditions. Hurry to buy an apartment or villa before the minimum threshold for obtaining a golden residence permit increases.
For those planning to move to Greece, it is worth noting that the residence permit is granted for 5 years with the possibility of renewal. At the same time, it is not necessary to reside permanently in the country.
Expenses for investors
To obtain a visa, you can buy an apartment in Greece that meets the minimum price threshold. The programme also offers several other investment options. Among them are:
- Purchase of land for further construction of a townhouse or villa;
- Purchase of a historic building for reconstruction;
- Industrial properties that can be converted into residential properties;
- Receiving property through inheritance;
- 10-year lease of a hotel or tourist residence. The minimum payment is the same as that required to buy a property in a particular region. It can cover the rent for the entire duration of the contract or be invested in the improvement or maintenance of the property;
- A timeshare for 10 years for a similar amount. It allows you to use the property for a certain amount of time each year, according to your share of the ownership. The rest of the time the property is used by other shareholders;
- Purchase of securities or opening of a deposit in bank from €400,000. Individuals can obtain residency by investing the specified amount in a company incorporated or resident in Greece, apart from holding companies and real estate investment companies.