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Vardikos & Vardikos: Your Gateway to Europe through Greece’s most trusted Golden Visa residency programme

Why the Greek Golden Visa programme remains the most attractive and affordable residency investment option in Europe

Published: Wed 30 Jul 2025, 11:00 AM

  • By:
  • Christos Vardikos, Attorney at Law | Vardikos & Vardikos | Attorneys at Law, Tax Consultants

The Greek Golden Visa Programme continues to be the most successful, competitive, and cost-effective residency-by-investment scheme in Europe. With the lowest investment threshold starting from €250,000 for real estate acquisitions, €500,000 for a fixed-term deposit or government bonds, or €350,000 for shares in mutual funds (AIFs), it offers unparalleled value and flexibility for investors and families seeking access to the European Union.

Applicants are only required to make a single visit to Greece to complete their biometric registration for the residence permit. Furthermore, there is no minimum stay requirement to maintain or renew the permit, which makes it an ideal option for global investors with diverse travel schedules. An additional benefit is that even minors are eligible to apply as main applicants, broadening the program’s inclusivity for families.

Among the available investment routes, the €500,000 fixed-term deposit stands out for its simplicity and security. This option provides a straightforward process with a guaranteed capital return, offering investors peace of mind. Moreover, the fixed deposit route can later be converted into a property-based Golden Visa if desired, giving applicants additional flexibility to adjust their investment over time.

Despite the appeal of the fixed-term deposit, the majority of applicants still prefer the real estate option. In this case, it is highly advisable to engage an independent local lawyer to conduct thorough due diligence, assist with bank account setup, and oversee the entire transaction. This approach helps investors avoid all-inclusive packages promoted by various agents or intermediaries, which may not fully safeguard their interests.

The Greek real estate market is currently positioned at an optimal entry point. While the official minimum investment threshold for properties in the Athens area stands at €800,000 with a minimum surface area of 120 square meters, a number of reclassified former industrial or commercial spaces converted into residential properties are now available for as low as €250,000 with no minimum surface requirement. This offers a unique opportunity for savvy investors to obtain remodeled properties in central Athens with clear title deeds, minimal risk of construction delays, and full eligibility for the Golden Visa.

Demand for the Greek Golden Visa remains high, particularly among residents of the UAE. A significant number of applicants choose to apply using their alternative citizenships, such as those from the Caribbean. Our longstanding affiliation with the Consulate of Dominica and the Embassy of Antigua in Athens streamlines the documentation process, offering our clients a seamless and efficient application experience.

In specific cases, we are able to guarantee a Golden Visa processing time as short as three months, enabling our clients to bypass the usual bureaucratic delays and long backlogs. This rapid turnaround is yet another advantage that sets our services apart.

For more information and legal support tailored to your investment goals in Greece, visit: www.vardikos.com