Who actually qualifies for the Greek Golden Visa in 2026?

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Who needs it? Non-EU vs EU citizens
• The Investment Tiers
• Family Inclusions
• Other Important Requirements
• Tax Residency Clarification
• Stay Up to Date: Current Rules

Introduction

Everyone talks about the Greek Golden Visa — but who actually qualifies for it?

The short answer is simple: almost any non-EU citizen who can make the required investment. There’s no upper age limit, no language test, and importantly, no requirement to live in Greece. Whether you want to relocate immediately or secure a European residency for the future, the Greek Golden Visa remains one of the most attractive options worldwide.

If you want a deeper dive into the overall program, be sure to check out our Comprehensive 2026 Golden Visa Guide.

Who needs it? Non-EU vs EU citizens

Before looking at investments, let’s clarify who the program is actually for. If you’re an EU citizen, you don’t need it at all — you already have the right to live, work, and invest in Greece.

The Golden Visa is designed exclusively for non-EU citizens looking for residency in a European Union country.

The Investment Tiers

The real qualifier is the investment itself, and the amount heavily depends on where and what you buy. Greece has recently restructured its minimum thresholds. Depending on the location, the amounts are:

• €800,000 Tier: For the prime zones like Athens, Thessaloniki, and the big islands (Mykonos, Santorini, etc.).
• €400,000 Tier: For most of the rest of the country.
• €250,000 Tier: For specific conversion projects or restoring a protected historic building. (Read more about the €250k Route here).

Crucial Requirement: For the €400,000 and €800,000 tiers, the property has to be a single unit of at least 120 square metres.

You can find suitable properties that match these criteria on our Properties or discuss your options in a call with our Athens team.

Family Inclusions

One of the best features of the Greek Golden Visa is how family-friendly it is. One investment brings your whole family with you. The application covers:

• Your spouse
• Your children under 21 years of xage
• The parents of both partners

This makes it an exceptional multi-generational residency solution.

Other Important Requirements

Beyond the money and the real estate, there are standard compliance requirements you must meet:

1. Clean Criminal Record: You must provide a clean criminal record from your country of origin.
2. Valid Passport: A standard requirement for any visa process.
3. Health Insurance: You need private health insurance covering you in Greece.
4. Source of Funds: You have to definitively prove where your money comes from. This step trips up more people than the investment itself, which is why working with professionals is so important.

Tax Residency Clarification

One thing to be absolutely clear on: qualifying gets you residency, but it doesn’t automatically make you a tax resident or give you tax breaks. Getting the Golden Visa and structuring your taxes are two different steps. If you are also interested in tax optimization or other investment options, we can guide you through the process.

Stay Up to Date: Current Rules

Yes, it is true: The rules have changed several times in recent years. From the 2023 doublings to the 2024 restructuring with the 400k/800k zones, the new 2025 startup route, and the 2026 compliance updates regarding rental rules.

These rules have changed several times in recent years — this article reflects the situation as of today. If you want to know whether you’d qualify under the current rules, let’s talk. Do not rely on outdated information on the internet.

Book a call with us today, and we will evaluate your specific situation based on the absolute latest legal framework.