Three Golden Visa thresholds
| Threshold | Where | Property |
|---|---|---|
| €800,000 | Attica (including Athens), Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, islands with more than 3,100 residents | One residential property, at least 120 m² of main areas |
| €400,000 | The rest of Greece | One residential property, at least 120 m² of main areas |
| €250,000 | Anywhere in Greece | Property converted from non-residential to residential use; no minimum size. Also the restoration of a listed building |
That is why a converted apartment in central Athens costs from €250,000 on the Golden Visa route, while a regular apartment in the same street needs €800,000.
Conditions for a converted property
- The conversion is finished, not planned. The change of use must be legally completed before you file the application. A property that could be converted later does not qualify.
- The date matters. The change of use must have taken place after 5 April 2024.
- An engineer certifies it. The completed conversion is evidenced by the prescribed engineer's certificate.
- The original use was non-residential. Offices, shops and other commercial premises; professional or industrial premises may also qualify if the statutory conditions are met.
- It is a home, not a business address. The apartment cannot be used as a company's registered seat or branch.
- One property. The investment goes into a single property; smaller units cannot be added together to reach a threshold.
- The price is paid in full before the application is filed.
Renting it out
Short-term rentals through platforms such as Airbnb or Booking are not allowed for properties bought for the Golden Visa, and neither is subletting. A breach can lead to the permit being revoked and a €50,000 fine. Long-term leases are allowed but not required.
What the permit gives
- A five-year residence permit, renewable while you keep the property.
- No minimum stay in Greece.
- Travel within the Schengen area.
- Your spouse, children under 21 and the parents of both spouses can be included.
How we check a converted property
Before you reserve a converted apartment, we check with the developer that the conversion is complete for that specific apartment. Before you buy, an independent lawyer checks the title, the permits, the change-of-use documents and the engineer's certificate. If something is missing, the apartment is not suitable and we say so.
It is important to check the documents for the specific apartment, not only for the building as a whole.