The Verdict: Clear Path
A financial investment qualifies for the golden visa, with no property rules attached. Choose the option you can keep in place for the life of the permit, then apply.
The options are €350,000 in a qualifying Greek mutual fund or alternative investment fund; €500,000 in a twelve-month term deposit at a Greek bank, rolled over; or €500,000 of capital in a Greek company employing at least five people.
The condition must hold for as long as you want the permit. A deposit drawn down or a company that drops below five staff puts the permit at risk, not just the return.
The permit lasts five years and renews while you keep the investment. It covers your spouse or registered partner, children up to 21 (24 in full-time study) and the parents of both spouses. There is no minimum stay. Most steps can be done under a notarised power of attorney; only the biometrics appointment needs you in person, within twelve months of filing. Law 5275/2026 left investor applications outside the 90-day decision deadline other permits have, so expect an open-ended wait.
Greece sells no citizenship. Naturalisation needs seven continuous years of actual lawful residence (article 5(1)(d) of the Citizenship Code) and the PEGP exam in Greek. A permit held from abroad counts for nothing towards those years; they start when you move.