Residence permit

More than 17,000 British nationals now live in Greece, attracted by the climate, relaxed pace of life, and the opportunity to stay in the Schengen Area for longer than 90 days. For UK citizens, a clear route to long-term residence is the Greece Golden Visa. The programme grants a renewable 5-year residence permit, does not impose a minimum stay requirement, and is most commonly linked to real estate investment starting at €250,000. This guide explains how the Greece Golden Visa works for British citizens after Brexit, outlines the main requirements, and highlights the key points to consider before applying.

Priscila Carvalho

Greek funds and real estate remain two of the most discussed routes under the Greece Golden Visa programme. Both can lead to the same residence status, but they differ in terms of capital threshold, investor involvement, income model and exit flexibility.  Understanding these differences helps applicants choose an option that fits their goals, timeline and preferred level of risk.

Albert Ioffe

In 2026, Greece was named the number-one retirement destination in the Annual Global Retirement Index, recognised for its climate, living costs, healthcare and welcoming lifestyle\[1\]. Foreigners can retire in Greece by obtaining residence permits through the Golden Visa and Retirement Visa.  This article explains the residency requirements in Greece and highlights locations that are commonly chosen for retirement.

Priscila Carvalho

Greece attracts American citizens with its relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle and lower cost of living. Many also choose Greece to establish a stable long-term base in Europe, benefit from asset protection, and enjoy easier travel within the Schengen Area. Today, more than 20,000 US citizens are estimated to live in Greece permanently. Americans have several legal pathways to move to Greece, including residency by investment, the so-called Golden Visa.

Eymi Castro

The Greece Golden Visa is one of the fastest ways for non-EU nationals to get residency in the EU, with a timeline of 4 months when the case is planned properly. The quickest option is investment in fund units, starting at €350,000 or a Greek bank deposit of €500,000. This guide explains the available routes and the practical steps that help keep your application smooth and fast.

Vladlena Baranova

There are nearly 70,000 valid Greek Golden Visas as of 2025, including both main investors and their family members. Greece's appeal is clear: it is one of the few EU countries where buying property can still lead to a residence permit. This lets investors secure EU status while purchasing a home on the Mediterranean for the whole family. Discover other program’s standout advantages and the exact steps to qualify.

Eymi Castro

The Immigrant Invest expert answers the most common questions about the Greece Golden Visa, including updated investment rules, family eligibility, renewal, taxation, and the application process.  Whether you are just starting to explore your options or preparing to apply, here you’ll find clear, structured information based on the latest legal framework and Immigrant Invest’s practical experience.

Elena Ruda

Greece pairs everyday liveability — sea, sun, safe cities — with EU stability and Schengen mobility. Practicalities match the appeal: filings are increasingly digital, biometrics are routine, and fast internet is standard, making it easy to work, study, or run a business. Choosing the right route to residency in Greece comes down to three levers: where income comes from, whether there is an employer, and how much capital is available. This guide matches those inputs to the main residency pathways and explains what to prepare at each step.

Eymi Castro