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Golden Visa Greece — Application Process & Required Documentation

Golden Visa Greece: Application Process Overview

Understanding the precise legal framework is crucial, but equally important is navigating the application process itself. This section outlines the general steps for applying for the Golden Visa and details the essential documentation required, as governed by the Immigration Code and relevant Ministerial Decisions.

The Greek Golden Visa application typically involves the following stages, regardless of the chosen type of investment. Issuing a Power of Attorney to a legal representative is strongly advised, given the formalism and procedural complexity involved, as well as the investor's inability to be present in the country for more than three months at a time. The precise order varies and many actions overlap. Application processing per law takes two months, but this may vary.

Steps one to three are thoroughly covered under the Property Law section and also apply to all types of investments, with the necessary minor adjustments.

1
Appointment of Legal Representative
2
Tax Identification Number Issuance
3
Completion of Investment
4
Collection of Documentation
5
Submission of Application
6
Temporary Residence Certificate
7
Biometric Data Capture (in person)
8
Approval and Permit Issuance

Golden Visa Greece: Step-by-Step Application Process Breakdown for Investors

Power of Attorney (minimum mandate)

The following mandate enables a fully remote process both for the main applicant and any family if applicable, except for biometric data submission where presence is required:

⚫︎ Tax Identification Number issuance
⚫︎ Legal due diligence on properties or financial instruments
⚫︎ Execution of notarial deeds or financial contracts
⚫︎ Investment registration with the competent authority and tax office
⚫︎ Document translation
⚫︎ Golden Visa application submission
⚫︎ Communication with Greek authorities

Collection of Documentation

All investment-related documentation must be gathered for submission with the Golden Visa application, demonstrating full and unconditional payment. Additionally, applicants must also gather all necessary personal documentation from their country of origin and have them apostilled in accordance with the Hague Convention prior to having them translated, as well as issue additional documents relevant only to Golden Visa applications.

Temporary Residence Certificate

Upon submission, a confirmation of filing is issued. It:

⚫︎ Confirms lawful stay in Greece
⚫︎ Allows exit and re-entry to Greece
(Temporary Residence Certificate)
⚫︎ Does not – yet – permit free travel within the Schengen Area

Biometric Data Capture

The main applicant and any family members applying as dependants must appear in person at the designated authority in Greece to submit:

⚫︎ Fingerprints
⚫︎ Digital photograph

This is the only step that requires the applicant's physical presence in Greece for investing and applying for a Golden Visa.

Approval and Permit Issuance

Once reviewed and approved, a five-year renewable residence permit is issued. This grants:

⚫︎ Legal residence in Greece
⚫︎ Full mobility within the Schengen Area

Golden Visa Greece: Key Required Documentation for the Application

Document requirements may vary based on investment type and applicant nationality. All documents issued by foreign authorities must be apostilled (under the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention) prior to being translated. Siblings are not eligible to apply as dependants of each other under the Golden Visa framework. However, they - and by extension their families - may apply independently or as co-investors, provided that each applicant meets the full minimum investment threshold individually. Below are the essential categories.

Golden Visa Greece: Main Applicant Typical Documentation

Documents proving the investment
Valid Passport
Application Form
Biometric Photographs
Proof of investment funds
(provenance for AML)
Health Insurance Policy covering medical care in Greece

Financial Investments

Documents proving the completion of investment

⚫︎ Real Estate

◍ Notarial purchase contract (title deed)
◍ Registration with the Land Registry / Cadastre
◍ Certificate by the notary confirming identity of payor and payment method
◍ Copy of E9 property declaration

⚫︎ Financial Investments

◍ Certificates from authorised financial institutions
◍ Proof of acquisition and current custody

Proof of Funds

Supporting documentation may include:

⚫︎ Bank statements
⚫︎ Tax returns
⚫︎ Business documents

Specific requirements:

⚫︎ Real Estate: The payment method and identity of the payor must be declared to the notary.
⚫︎ Start-up Investments: Funds must originate from abroad.

Family Members Documents
(Spouse, Children, Parents)

Required Documents

⚫︎ Valid Passport
⚫︎ Residence Permit Application Form
⚫︎ Biometric Photographs
⚫︎ Health Insurance Policy

Proof of Kinship

◍ Marriage certificate, birth certificate, or equivalent
◍ Civil union certificates accepted where legally recognised

Family Members Eligibility

Children under 21 may be included as dependants if unmarried.

No dependency condition or age restriction applies to parents of either spouse.

Golden Visa Greece: Application Process FAQ

What are the main steps in the Golden Visa Greece application process?

The process includes: investment completion, document submission, temporary certificate issuance, biometric data capture in Greece, and final permit approval. A power of attorney is recommended due to procedural complexity.

What documents are required for the main applicant?

Required documents: valid passport, application form, biometric photos, health insurance, investment proof, and fund source documentation. All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated.

Do family members need separate documentation?

Yes, family members need: passport, application form, photos, health insurance, and kinship proof (marriage/birth certificates). Children under 21 included as dependants if unmarried.

What is the apostille requirement for Golden Visa documents

All foreign documents must be apostilled under the 1961 Hague Convention before Greek translation. This validates document authenticity for Greek authorities. Non-apostilled documents are rejected.

When is physical presence required during the application process?

Physical presence required only for biometric data capture (fingerprints and photos) at Greek authorities. All other steps including investment and application can be completed remotely via power of attorney.