The 5 Most Frequently Asked Questions About the Golden Visa

The Greek Golden Visa is one of the best-known residency-by-investment programs in Europe. Below, we answer the 5 most frequently asked questions we receive from prospective investors.

1. How long does the residence permit last?

The initial permit is valid for five years and is renewable for another five, provided the property remains in the investor's ownership. There is no limit on the number of renewals.

2. Are family members also covered?

Yes. The permit covers:

• Spouse or partner in a registered civil partnership.
• Children up to 21 years old, with the option of extension up to age 24 for those continuing their studies.
• Parents of both spouses, with no age limit.

No additional investment is required to cover family members.

3. Am I allowed to work in Greece?

The Golden Visa does not grant the right to salaried employment in Greece. However, the investor may be a shareholder or director in a Greek company and receive dividends or management fees.

In addition, the permit allows for the establishment and operation of a business in Greece.

4. Do I have to live in Greece permanently?

No. There is no physical presence requirement. The investor can live in another country and visit Greece only when they wish, while retaining their permit.

This flexibility is one of the main reasons for the Greek Golden Visa's popularity compared with other European programs that require a minimum stay.

5. Can I obtain Greek citizenship?

The Golden Visa is not a naturalization program — it does not lead directly to a Greek passport. After seven years of continuous legal residence in Greece, the investor may apply for Greek citizenship through the standard naturalization process, which includes language and history examinations.

For those primarily interested in a passport, the Golden Visa is a first step — not an immediate solution.

Next Steps

At Residences, we work with specialized legal and tax advisors to guide every investor through the entire process — from property selection to the issuance of the permit. Contact us for a personalized discussion.

The content of this article is for informational purposes and does not substitute for specialized legal, tax, or investment advice. Regulations may change — confirm with the competent authorities before making an investment decision.