Our firm provides a wide range of legal services in the field of immigration law. More particularly, we provide legal advice and representation before the competent authorities regarding any type of residence permit as well as for obtaining Greek citizenship.

We provide a complete package of services regarding the Greek Golden Visa Program. A Golden Visa is a citizenship by investment or residency by investment program. It is directed to wealthy foreign nationals who want to acquire residency in a certain country by investing a substantial amount of money or by purchasing a property. A Golden Visa for an EU country is particularly desirable as it allows the holder (and their family members) freedom of movement throughout the entire Schengen Zone. If the Golden Visa eventually leads to EU citizenship, then the resulting passport will offer visa-free travel to over a hundred countries in the world, depending on the issuing State.

Our Firm has vast experience in the provision of services related with the Greek Golden visa program, and we always aim to provide the highest standard of legal services to international clients who wish to invest in projects in Greece.

Our services include

In connection with the investment:

● Support the client throughout the research of properties
● Drafting a Power of Attorney
● Due diligence checks on the legal titles of the selected property at the Land Registry
● Issuance of a Greek tax registration number for the client
● Preparation of the documents for the purchase of the property or entering into timeshare agreement, coordination with notary and seller
● Review of the notarial agreement of sale and purchase of the property
● Representation at the purchase agreement, if the client is not present
● Translations and/or certifications of any documents (either internally or through the public authorities, as applicable)
● Registration of the transfer of the property at the Land Registry
● Advice and handling of any related tax issues
● Representation of client before utilities companies
● Opening of bank account for the client
● Preparation of lease agreements for the property, if the client decides to lease it

In connection with the application for the permanent residence permit for owners of real estate:

● Advice on the appropriate residence permit depending on the applicants’ requirements and status
● Advice on the procedure and documentation which is required for applying for an entry visa (where applicable) and for applying for the relevant residence permit;
● Preparation of the application file, arranging translations and certifications (where applicable), representation of the applicant before the competent authorities and submission and/ or receipt of any documents in connection with the application for residence permit;
● Advice and assistance in connection with the applications for residence permits for family members of the aforementioned applicant (where applicable).

Golden Visa 2024: New Investment Thresholds Explained

Greece’s Golden Visa program has long been a favored route for non-EU investors seeking residency in the European Union. With visa-free access to the Schengen Area and no minimum stay requirement, it offers flexibility, lifestyle benefits, and long-term investment potential. As of March 31, 2024, however, the Greek government has introduced important changes to the program — particularly regarding the minimum investment required for eligibility.

What’s New in 2024?

Under the updated regulations, the Greek government has adjusted the minimum investment thresholds based on property location. This move is designed to manage real estate inflation in high-demand areas and redirect interest to less saturated regions.
Here’s a breakdown of the new thresholds:

• €800,000 – Required for properties in high-demand areas such as Athens (Region of Attica), Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and Corfu.
• €400,000 – Applies to properties in other areas of Greece not classified as high-demand, provided the property is at least 120 m².

Are There Any Exceptions?

Yes. In certain cases, the investment requirement remains at €250,000, even in high-demand areas. These include:

• Conversion of commercial properties into residential use.
• Restoration or preservation of listed heritage buildings.

These exceptions aim to incentivize urban regeneration and the preservation of Greek architectural heritage.

Additional Restrictions to Know

To ensure the integrity of the program, additional restrictions now apply:

• The investment must be made in a single property (not multiple units).
• Short-term rentals (such as Airbnb) are not permitted for Golden Visa properties.
• Violation of the short-term rental restriction can result in revocation of the residence permit and a fine of €50,000.

Golden Visa Benefits Remain Strong

Despite the changes, the Greek Golden Visa remains one of the most attractive residency-by-investment programs in Europe. Key benefits include:

• Residency in Greece for you and your family (spouse, children under 24, and dependent parents).
• Visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone.
• No residency requirement to maintain the permit.
• Renewable every five years as long as the investment is maintained.

Is Now Still a Good Time to Invest?

Yes — but with careful planning. The increased thresholds mean that expert legal guidance is more important than ever. If you're considering acquiring property in Corfu or elsewhere in Greece to obtain a Golden Visa, our team at Corfu Law Services can guide you through the process, ensure compliance, and represent your interests from start to finish.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore how the updated Golden Visa program can work for you.

Golden Visa Enquiry