Path to Permanent Residency and/or Citizenship

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Residency Renewal and Permanent Residency

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Greece’s Golden Visa grants a five-year residence permit, which is indefinitely renewable so long as the investment asset—typically real estate—remains under the applicant’s ownership. There is no requirement to convert this to permanent residency, as the permit itself functions as long-term legal residence with access to health care, education, and intra-Schengen travel.

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However, applicants who seek permanent EU residency under Directive 2003/109/EC must:

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• Reside legally in Greece for five continuous years
  
• Spend at least six months per year physically in Greece
  
• Meet Greek language and cultural knowledge standards (level A2 or above)
  
• Demonstrate sufficient income and health insurance
  
  

This status confers more stability and allows for movement toward EU Long-Term Resident status, which may facilitate future residency in other Schengen countries under special provisions.

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Citizenship Eligibility

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Investors may apply for Greek citizenship by naturalization after seven years of legal and continuous residence, but only if they have:

• Spent at least 183 days per year in Greece for each of those seven years
  
• Paid local taxes and enrolled in key social systems (e.g., AMKA)
  
• Passed the Greek Citizenship Test, which includes sections on language, history, geography, and democratic principles
  
• Proven “integration into Greek society,” often supported by ties such as business operations, community involvement, or education of children in Greek schools
  
  

Children born in Greece to Golden Visa holders and attending Greek schools for six years may also apply for citizenship through jus soli principles.

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Limitations and Considerations

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Greece does not offer accelerated citizenship based purely on investment amount. Unlike Malta or Austria, the pathway is based entirely on residency and integration metrics, with no legal exemptions even for large-scale investors.

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Applicants must also be aware that dual citizenship is permitted, but they must check for any restrictions from their home jurisdiction.

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