Greece opens up residency rights and opportunities for international investors.
- Greece counts more than 6,000 islands and islets, of which roughly 200 are inhabited.
- It has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, sunny winters.
- A European Union member since 1981 and part of the eurozone, Greece uses the euro (EUR).
Greece permits dual citizenship, so applicants can usually keep their original nationality.
The Greek passport is strong, offering visa-free access to most countries worldwide.
Residency benefits
Long-term EU permanent residence can be sought after five years of lawful residence.
Citizenship processing can be lengthy, so prepare a thorough file to avoid repeated requests.
After seven years of lawful, continuous residence, foreigners may apply for Greek citizenship.
Investment opportunities
Greece runs a Golden Visa programme granting residence to real-estate investors.
Since August 2024 the minimum investment rose to around EUR 800,000 in prime areas such as Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos and Santorini.
In many other areas the threshold is roughly EUR 400,000, with lower tiers for certain heritage-restoration projects.
Market access
Tourism contributes a sizeable share of GDP, welcoming tens of millions of visitors yearly.
- After the 2010s debt crisis, the economy has recovered and returned to growth.
- Property, especially in Athens, has rebounded strongly on Golden Visa demand and tourism.
- Farm exports include olive oil, fruit, wine and seafood.
- As an EU and eurozone member, Greece accesses the European single market.
- Labour costs are more competitive than in Western Europe, appealing to some investors.
Welfare and quality of life
Public transport in Athens includes a convenient metro, buses and trams.
Fresh food, sunny weather and a relaxed pace are big pluses.
The Vietnamese community is small but present in Athens.
Need a tailored roadmap?
Viking Global Group walks with you from paperwork to settlement. Call +849.219.219.88 or email [email protected] for a free consultation.
Related articles
- The Greece investor residency roadmap: from filing to settling
- Relocating to Greece with family: spouse and children
- Country Overview
Frequently Asked Questions
What rights does Greece residency give?
The main rights of residents are covered above.
What investment opportunities exist in Greece?
Promising sectors and channels are listed above.
How is quality of life in Greece?
Welfare and quality of life are assessed above.
Information is for reference and may change under the latest official policy. Please contact us for current regulations.
