The eight steps

  1. Consultation and property selection. A free consultation with an Epirus Assets specialist. We discuss your goals, budget, region and type of property. Then we prepare a selection of the most suitable Golden Visa properties.
  2. Lawyer and property check. You choose a lawyer and sign a power of attorney for the transaction. The lawyer gets you a Greek tax number and runs the legal due diligence on the property.
  3. Reservation and deposit. You sign a preliminary agreement and pay a 10% deposit. It reserves the property and sets the payment schedule.
  4. Preparing the transaction. An engineer issues the technical certificate. The lawyer makes the final check of the documents. The notary prepares the purchase contract.
  5. Payment. You pay the rest of the price in one payment or in 2–3 instalments. Taxes, notary and registration fees are paid at the same time.
  6. Signing and registration. The final purchase contract is signed. Your ownership is registered with the Hellenic Cadastre.
  7. Golden Visa application. The lawyer collects the documents and files the application. You receive confirmation of filing.
  8. Biometrics and residence permit. You travel to Greece to give biometrics. After that, you receive the so-called blue certificate. Then the Golden Visa residence card is issued.

Before you apply

  • The full price must be paid before the application is filed.
  • For a converted property, the change of use must already be legally completed and certified by an engineer.
  • Every family member needs health insurance valid in Greece.

Who is included

Your spouse or registered partner, children under 21 and the parents of both spouses can be included in the application. One property covers the whole family.

Documents you usually need

  • Valid passports for every family member.
  • Marriage and birth certificates to prove family ties, with apostille and official translation. The lawyer arranges the translations.
  • Health insurance for every applicant.
  • The purchase contract and land registry certificate, prepared during the purchase.

The exact list depends on your citizenship and family. The lawyer gives you a checklist at the start and runs the legal process for you, including translations.

How long it takes

Choosing and buying a property usually takes a few weeks, depending on how quickly the documents are ready. After the application is filed, processing by the authorities typically takes several months. There is no minimum stay in Greece, before or after the permit is issued.

Renewal

The permit is valid for five years and is renewed for another five while you still own the property. Short-term rentals are not allowed; long-term leases are.