The Greece Golden Visa Program is a well-known greece residence by investment option that allows qualified investors and their families to live in Greece and enjoy unrestricted travel throughout Europe’s Schengen Zone.
Interest in this program has skyrocketed recently – U.S. demand jumped over 50% in late 2024.
In fact, Americans received 47% more Greek Golden Visas in 2024 than the year before.
If U.S. citizens travel to Greece frequently or seek a European base, this guide provides Greece travel advice on securing a Greece Golden Visa for Americans and highlights the Golden Visa Greece Benefits that make it so attractive.
What is Greece Golden Visa Program?
Greece Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program that was first introduced in 2013 and initially required a €250,000 real estate investment. Non-EU investors and their families may be eligible for a five-year renewable residency permit through the Greece Golden Visa Program for Americans.
Today, the program remains one of Europe’s most appealing Golden Visa in Greece opportunities. It allows investors (over 18, with no criminal record) to obtain a permanent residence permit (renewable every 5 years) without any requirement to reside in Greece.
In other words, you can maintain your Greece Golden Visa status without living full-time in Greece, which is ideal for global investors.
The permit covers immediate family (spouse, children under 21, and parents) and even opens a path to citizenship after seven years of residency.
With 9,289 Golden Visa applications filed in 2024, it is evident that demand for the Greece Golden Visa Program is rising. This increase is a reflection of Greece’s ascent to prominence as a top destination for investment-based residency.
2025 Investment Opportunities and Needs
Applicants must make an eligible investment in order to be granted a Greece Golden Visa. In 2024, the program was updated to establish tiers of investment thresholds according to type and region:
Real Estate Purchases:
In high-demand areas (Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, etc.), the minimum investment is €800,000.
In other regions, the minimum is €400,000 for properties of at least 120 m².
Other options include the conversion of buildings to residential units and heritage restorations, which is still available for €250,000.
Alternatively, investors may choose a 10-year lease period for tourist accommodations or furnished residences under the Greece Golden Visa Program.
Financial Investments:
Place €500,000 in a Greek bank deposit, or invest €500,000 in Greek businesses or a closed-end fund.
Invest €500,000 in government bonds (minimum 3-year maturity) or €800,000 in Greek listed stocks/corporate bonds.
Alternatively, €350,000 in a Greek investment fund is also eligible .
New 2025 Startup Option:
Investors can now qualify for a Greece Golden Visa by investing €250,000 in Greek startups registered with Elevate Greece. Conditions include owning no more than 33% and creating at least two jobs in the first year .
This expansion adds more flexibility without replacing the real estate option, making the Greece Golden Visa for Americans an increasingly versatile pathway.
Golden Visa Greece Benefits
Key highlights of the program that are of particular interest to investors from the United States are the Golden Visa Greece Benefits:
Visa-free travel within Schengen zone: Reside in Greece and travel freely without visas throughout Schengen Countries. Virtually unrestricted travel within other Schengen countries for up to 90 days and no extra visas make European travel seamless.
Flexible Residency: Visa holders are not required to live in Greece. The U.S. or anywhere else in the world is permissible for travel, offering complete freedom.
Family Benefits: Cover your spouse along with children below 21 and both parents with one investment for five year residency and Golden Visa Greece Benefits.
Greece Golden Visa Benefits include renewable permanent residency with a 5 year period permit that is indefinitely extendable as long as the investment is maintained. The property may also be leased out while retaining the investment.
Path to Citizenship: After 7 years, you can apply for Greek citizenship which comes with an EU passport.
Quality of Life & Tax Benefits: Greece is one of the most affordable countries to live in while offering great healthcare. There are also low taxes for new residents, so it enhances the Golden Visa Greece Benefits for those who decide to settle.
How FRR Immigration Helps
At FRR Immigration, we take the hassle out of the Greece Golden Visa Program such that your transition to Greek residency is pleasant and easy. Here is how we work with U.S. investors:
Customized Consultations: Tailor-made consultations designed to ensure you confidently select the investment option best suited for you, be it real estate or any other qualifying investment.
Investment Sourcing & Due Diligence: We find reliable, qualifying investments that align perfectly with your goals, whether in real estate or financial options.
Document Preparation: Our team handles all your documentation—from proof of funds and contracts to accurate translations to keep your application smooth and stress-free.
Immigrational and Legal Affaires: Strategic collaboration with Greek immigration bodies and legal representatives to streamline submission and monitoring of your Greece Golden Visa Program application.
Support After Approval: Assistance beyond the residency approval stage, including biometric appointment scheduling, renewals, and citizenship guidance if desired.
Your Future in Greece Awaits
With unparalleled flexibility and compelling benefits, the Greece Golden Visa Program is ideal for Americans investors. Reach out to FRR Immigration today for personalized Greece travel advice and let us help you secure your European residency dream.
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Greece Golden Visa Program Sees Significant Changes in Investment Threshold
