Greece Golden Visa Application Process Step by Step

A clean Greece Golden Visa file is mostly sequencing. The families who lose months usually bought first and checked the zone later, or filed with incomplete police certificates. Below is the order I use with clients, aligned with the stages BRIDGES publishes for the programme (about four to six months from a complete submission to the card).

Step 1. Preliminary check

We map citizenship, family composition, source of funds and the goal (card only, eventual move, school year, parents on the file). From that we pick the threshold zone and a realistic all-in budget. This is also where we say if another EU residence route fits better.

Step 2. Property shortlist and due diligence

Only one property can meet the threshold. Before any reservation fee we check:

• title and encumbrances;
• whether the unit sits in an €400,000 or €800,000 zone (or qualifies for €250,000 conversion/restoration);
• main area of at least 120 m² where that rule applies;
• developer or seller documents for off-plan stock;
• that short-term letting was not the seller’s business model you planned to copy.

Step 3. Tax number, bank account and the purchase

You obtain an AFM (Greek tax number), open a bank account when the bank accepts the compliance pack, and complete the notarial purchase with payment by bank transfer. Much of this can run under a power of attorney. I still insist the family understands the contract in translation before signing authority is used.

Step 4. Migration filing

Documents go to the migration service through the Ministry of Migration e-services channels used for investor permits. The pack typically includes:

• proof of the qualifying investment;
• the €2,000 state fee;
• medical insurance for each person on the application;
• police clearance certificates;
• civil status documents with apostille and translation;
• proof of lawful source of funds.

Exact forms sit on the ministry’s Golden Visa pages and change; we always pull the current checklist on the filing week.

Step 5. Biometrics and card issue

Fingerprints and photos are taken in person. After approval you receive the five-year residence card. BRIDGES cites a typical four to six months from filing a complete set.

Step 6. After the card

Register practical matters you actually need (utilities, long-term lease management, tax filings on rental income). Diary the renewal window before the five years end. Selling the property while you still need the status is how families accidentally cancel their own permits.

Parallel tracks that save time

Document collection for every adult and child should start in Step 1, not after the notary date. Police certificates expire. Couples who wait until after the purchase often sit idle for weeks waiting on one apostille.

For who can be on the file and which papers each person needs, see family members and documents. For money, see costs and fees.

Last checked 15 Oct 2026.