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Many international investors exploring European residency options ask: Is Greece citizenship by investment possible? While some countries, especially in the Caribbean, offer direct citizenship in exchange for a qualifying investment, Greece takes a different approach. This distinction often leads to confusion.
Greece does not offer immediate citizenship by investment. Instead, it provides a long-term pathway through its Golden Visa program. Investors gain residency first and, after several years of legal residence and integration, may become eligible for citizenship through naturalization. It’s a process that requires patience, planning, and a clear understanding of the legal framework.
For investors who want more than just Greek residency and are aiming for an EU passport, Greece’s program offers a real, long-term path to citizenship. This blog breaks down how that journey works, the key challenges along the way, and what’s required to successfully move from residency to full citizenship.
Table of Contents
- Does Greece Offer Direct Citizenship by Investment?
- How to Get Greek Citizenship Through Investment
- Requirements to Apply for Greek Citizenship
- Investment Options Available for Greece Residency by Investment
- Benefits and Challenges of the Greece Golden Visa Pathway
- Frequently Asked Questions About Greece Citizenship by Investment
- How Lexidy Can Support Your Greece Citizenship by Investment Journey
- Ready to Get Started?
Does Greece Offer Direct Citizenship by Investment?
In short, Greece does not offer direct citizenship by investment. Unlike some countries that grant passports in exchange for large capital contributions, Greece’s Golden Visa program provides residency only, not automatic or expedited citizenship.
The Greek Golden Visa allows non-EU nationals to obtain a residence permit for five years. This can be renewed indefinitely provided that the investment is still valid.
While this permit lets you live in Greece and travel throughout the Schengen Zone, it does not include a path to instant citizenship or voting rights.
To become a Greek citizen once you’ve gained residency, you must go through the standard naturalization process, which requires a minimum number of years of legal residence, proof of integration, and compliance with tax and legal obligations.
If your goal is an EU passport, Greece’s investment program is not a shortcut, but more of a long-term strategy.
Curious about Greece’s Golden Visa? Explore how investors can secure residency and build a long-term path to citizenship in Greece.
How to Get Greek Citizenship Through Investment
As we stated earlier, Greece doesn’t offer direct citizenship by investment. However, investing can still be the foundation for obtaining Greek citizenship over time. Here’s an example of how to eventually acquire Greek citizenship through investment:
Step 1: Obtain Residency Through the Greek Golden Visa
To obtain Greece citizenship by investment, first you must secure a Golden Visa through one of the qualifying investment routes. The most common path is purchasing real estate with a minimum threshold starting at €250,000 for certain types of properties. This grants you a renewable five-year residence permit that allows you and your family to live in Greece and travel across the Schengen Zone.
Step 2: Maintain Legal Residency
To qualify for eventual citizenship, it’s not enough to simply hold a residence permit, you must establish and maintain legal residence. This includes:
- Registering your physical address in Greece.
- Spending meaningful time in the country each year (the more, when looking to obtain citizenship).
- Renewing your permit as required and remaining compliant with investment and legal obligations.
Step 3: Apply for Citizenship After 7 Years of Residency
After 7 years of continuous legal residency, you can become eligible to apply for Greek citizenship through naturalization. To increase your likelihood of success in your application, you must demonstrate:
- Sufficient integration, including cultural knowledge and language (typically B1 level Greek).
- Tax compliance and proof of financial stability.
- Clean criminal record and good moral character.
This route may take time, but for investors committed to building a future in Greece (as well as securing an EU passport), it offers a clear legal pathway to citizenship.
Requirements to Apply for Greek Citizenship
Gaining Greece citizenship by investment isn’t automatic. After legally residing in Greece for at least seven continuous years, investors must meet several naturalization requirements that demonstrate genuine integration into Greek society.
1. Continuous Residency Requirement
To apply for citizenship, you must maintain uninterrupted legal residency in Greece for a minimum of 7 years. This means:
- Holding a valid residence permit (such as the Greek Golden Visa).
- Maintaining a permanent address in Greece.
- Filing taxes and demonstrating ties to the country.
Minimal or no physical presence, even if you have a valid visa, can disqualify you from eligibility.
2. Greek Language and Culture Knowledge
Applicants are expected to reach at least B1 level proficiency in Greek (speaking, reading, and writing). In addition to the language, you’ll need to show an understanding of:
- Greek history and cultural norms.
- Democratic values and how Greek institutions function.
This ensures applicants are active participants in Greek civic life.
3. Naturalization Test
To verify integration, Greece requires a Greek knowledge exam, which includes questions on:
- Greek language.
- History and geography.
- Society, political system, and legal rights.
Passing this test is essential, and preparation is often recommended even for fluent speakers.
Not sure if you qualify for Greek Citizenship? See what’s required and how we support your application.
Investment Options Available for Greece Residency by Investment
As you are now aware, Greece does not offer direct citizenship by investment. However, Greece does grant residency by investment through its Golden Visa program, which can eventually lead to citizenship. To qualify, applicants must make a qualifying investment in the country. Here are the main routes:
1. Real Estate Investment
The most popular path to residency is through property purchase:
| Option | Minimum Investment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Any Location | €250,000 | Invest in real estate projects such as converting commercial properties to residential use or restoring listed buildings, regardless of location. |
| Athens, Thessaloniki, or Popular Islands | €800,000 | Purchase a residential property (min. 120 m²) in urban centers or islands with over 3,100 residents like Santorini or Mykonos. |
| Other Areas of Greece | €400,000 | Invest in real estate outside the major zones. |
The property can be residential or commercial, and it may be rented out for income generation.
2. Capital Contributions to Greek Companies
Applicants may invest in a Greek business through:
| Option | Minimum Investment | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Capital Transfer | €500,000 | To increase shares of a company registered and operating in Greece. |
| Capital Transfer | €500,000 | To increase shares of a Real Estate Investment Company aiming to invest exclusively in Greece. |
| Capital Transfer | €500,000 | To acquire shares to a Venture Capital Company registered and operating in Greece and aiming to invest exclusively in Greek companies. |
This excludes real estate companies and is aimed at encouraging local economic growth.
3. Greek Government Bonds
| Minimum Investment | Details |
|---|---|
| €500,000 | Purchase Greek government bonds and hold them for at least five years. Bonds must be bought through a Greek credit institution. |
4. Bank Deposit in Greece
| Minimum Investment | Details |
|---|---|
| €500,000 | Fixed-term deposit in a Greek bank for a minimum of 12 months. Ideal for those seeking a low-maintenance investment. |
Each route offers residency rights for the investor and their family, making it a strategic first step on the path to Greek citizenship. Applicants must maintain the investment to renew the residence permit every five years.
Visa requirements can change — learn how we ensure your Greece Golden Visa is fully compliant.
Benefits and Challenges of the Greece Golden Visa Pathway
Choosing Greece’s Golden Visa as a route to eventual citizenship offers meaningful advantages. However, it’s important to approach it with a clear understanding of the long-term commitment involved.
Benefits
- Access to the EU: Residency in Greece grants visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, offering mobility for both business and leisure across 27 European countries.
- Family Inclusion: The program extends to the investor’s spouse, children up to the age of 21 (and dependent parents), making it a comprehensive solution for relocating or securing a European base for the whole family.
- Strategic Investment Opportunity: Greece’s real estate market, particularly in urban and coastal areas, has shown solid recovery and growth potential. The minimum investment threshold remains relatively low compared to other EU Golden Visa programs.
Challenges
- Citizenship Involves a Separate Process: You cannot immediately obtain citizenship in Greece by investment. Golden Visa holders must go through a standalone citizenship process that can take one to four years. Approval isn’t guaranteed, and the investment must be maintained until citizenship is granted. Only then can the investment be sold. While Greece allows dual citizenship, navigating the requirements depends on your home country’s rules.
- Long-Term Time Commitment: There is no shortcut to citizenship. Investors must legally reside in Greece for at least seven years before becoming eligible for naturalization.
- Real Integration Is Required: Unlike pure residency schemes, Greek citizenship demands genuine integration. This includes learning the Greek language, understanding the culture, and passing formal naturalization exams.
- Citizenship Is Not Automatic: Simply holding a Golden Visa and maintaining an investment is not enough. Applicants must meet all legal, linguistic, and social integration requirements, and approval is not guaranteed.
For those seeking a European passport, Greece offers a legitimate but rigorous path, rewarding those who approach it with patience, planning, and a long-term view.
Frequently Asked Questions About Greece Citizenship by Investment
Can I get Greek citizenship directly by investing in real estate?
No. Greece does not offer direct citizenship by investment. You must first obtain residency through the Golden Visa program and legally reside in Greece for at least seven years before becoming eligible to apply for citizenship.
How long does it take to get Greek citizenship through investment?
The process typically takes a minimum of 7 years of continuous legal residency. You must also demonstrate integration, including passing a Greek language and culture test.
What are the investment options for the Greek Golden Visa?
The most common option is buying real estate worth at least €250,000. Other options include capital contributions to Greek companies, government bonds, or investment funds.
Do I need to live in Greece full-time to get citizenship?
Yes, if your goal is citizenship. While the Golden Visa doesn’t require full-time residence, physical presence and integration are required for naturalization. Simply holding the visa without residing won’t qualify you for citizenship.
How Lexidy Can Support Your Greece Citizenship by Investment Journey
At Lexidy, we provide end-to-end legal and immigration support for pursuing Greece citizenship by investment, starting from residency and guiding you all the way to naturalization.
- Full-Service Support: From applying for the Greece Golden Visa to helping you prepare for the citizenship process, we handle every legal step. That includes property purchases, residency permit renewals, tax compliance, and language test preparation.
- Experience with Complex Cases: Our legal team has helped numerous non-EU investors successfully navigate Greece’s immigration system, including clients with multi-country investments, family members, and dual residency considerations.
- Strategic Legal Planning: Citizenship by investment is a long-term journey. The earlier you get legal guidance, the better your chances of avoiding delays, maintaining compliance, and meeting the strict requirements for naturalization.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you’re just exploring your options or ready to begin your application, Lexidy can help you make your path to Greek citizenship as smooth and strategic as possible.
Start your property investment journey today — speak with a lawyer who understands the Greek market. Fill out the form below to get a free consultation!