Before comparing figures, understand the logic: this is a renewable residence permit tied to a maintained investment, not a purchase of status. That framing prevents most expensive mistakes.
The main investment categories
- Real estate — the most used route; thresholds vary by region, with higher minimums in high-demand areas
- Capital contribution to a company operating in the country
- Financial instruments — deposits, bonds or fund units where permitted
- Strategic or productive investment with job-creation conditions
The regional variation in thresholds is the part that misleads buyers. A lower threshold usually marks a lower-demand area — cheaper to enter, harder to let and harder to exit. The saving at purchase can cost more later.
Conditions that apply throughout
- The asset or capital must be maintained for as long as the permit depends on it
- Health insurance covering the full permit period
- Clean criminal record for all adult applicants
- Funds must be traceable to a lawful source and transferred through banking channels
The last condition has to satisfy two separate parties: the immigration authority and the receiving bank, which apply different standards. Banks apply anti-money-laundering rules and are often the stricter of the two.
What the permit does and does not give
- Gives — residence for the family, and travel within the Schengen area subject to stay limits
- Does not automatically give — the right to work locally, which depends on the permit category
- Does not give — the right to live and work in another EU country; that belongs to citizens
- Does not by itself deliver citizenship; that requires real residence over time
Point three is the most common misunderstanding among buyers, and it is worth confirming in writing before committing capital.
Three technical checks before any deposit
- Is the property legally compliant — no unpermitted extensions, no outstanding charges
- Does the property meet the threshold in that specific location
- What happens to the permit if the asset is sold or its value falls
Check the current rules
Thresholds and regional bands in this programme have been revised more than once. Any article without a date is unusable — confirm the current position in writing with a lawyer before planning around a number.
Frequently asked questions
Why are lower thresholds risky?
They usually mark lower-demand areas — cheaper to buy but harder to let and harder to resell.
Who has to be satisfied on source of funds?
Both the immigration authority and the receiving bank; banks apply anti-money-laundering rules and are often stricter.
Does the permit allow living elsewhere in the EU?
No — that right belongs to citizens, not to residence permit holders.
Can published thresholds be relied on?
Only if dated and confirmed — the bands have been revised more than once.
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
- Study in Greece as a path to residency
- Scouting Greece before deciding to relocate
- Investment & Residency
Frequently Asked Questions
How much to invest for Greece?
Minimum amounts are detailed above and may change by policy.
Can my family be included?
Most programmes include family, as detailed above.
Information is for reference and may change under the latest official policy. Please contact us for current regulations.
