The Verdict: Clear Path
Converting a non-residential building to housing, or restoring a listed building, qualifies at €250,000 anywhere in Greece. Have the change of use and any heritage consents assessed before you buy.
This tier has no regional bands and no 120 square metre minimum. The qualifying act is the completed conversion or restoration, not the purchase. Change of use must be legally completed, and listed-building work must satisfy heritage authorities, who can be slow and can refuse. A conversion that never completes supports no permit. Short-term letting is banned.
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.