Greece Golden Visa 2026: Requirements, Costs & Timeline for Hong Kong Investors

August 30, 2026 | Greece Immigration

Greece’s Golden Visa remains one of the most accessible pathways to European Union residency available to Hong Kong investors in 2026, offering a five-year renewable residence permit in exchange for a qualifying investment — with no requirement to live in Greece full-time. This guide breaks down the current thresholds, the process, and what’s changed this year.

What is the Greece Golden Visa in 2026?

The Greece Golden Visa is a residence-by-investment program that grants a renewable five-year EU residence permit to non-EU/EEA nationals who make a qualifying investment in Greece — most commonly real estate, but also government bonds, shares, or (new in 2026) an approved startup investment. Holders gain visa-free travel across the Schengen Area and can include immediate family members on the same application.

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What are the current investment thresholds?

Investment requirements now vary significantly by location and property type:

€800,000 — for property in high-demand regions, including the entire Attica region (Athens), Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and other islands with a population over 3,100.
€400,000 — for property in most other regions of Greece.
€250,000 — for the purchase and conversion of historic or listed buildings, and for conversions of industrial buildings into residential use.
All qualifying properties must be a minimum of 120 square metres.

Is there a non-real-estate route?

Yes. As of early 2026, Greece introduced an additional pathway: an investment of approximately $259,000 (roughly €250,000) into startups listed on Greece’s national startup registry, Elevate Greece. This sits alongside the long-standing option of a €400,000 investment in government bonds or listed shares. For investors who don’t want to manage a physical property, this is worth serious consideration.

Why are Hong Kong investors looking at Greece right now?

Full Schengen Area access for travel and, in many cases, a pathway toward broader EU mobility.
No minimum stay requirement — unlike many EU residence programs, you are not obligated to live in Greece to maintain the permit.
Family inclusion — spouses, dependent children, and in some cases parents can be included on one application.
A relatively lower entry threshold compared to other EU golden visa programs still operating, several of which have closed the real estate route entirely (e.g. Portugal).

Step-by-step process and realistic timeline

Initial consultation and eligibility review — assessing investment options against your goals (residency only vs. eventual citizenship path).
Document preparation — clean criminal record certificate, proof of funds, health insurance, and supporting documentation, apostilled/translated as required.
Investment selection and execution — property purchase, bond/share investment, or startup investment via Elevate Greece.
Application submission to Greek immigration authorities.
Biometrics and permit issuance.

Common mistakes non-EU applicants make

Purchasing property that doesn’t meet the post-2024 regulatory framework, leading to compliance issues discovered only at the application stage.
Underestimating the total cost — beyond the investment threshold, applicants should budget for transfer taxes, legal fees, and translation/apostille costs.
Assuming the golden visa is a direct path to citizenship — it is a residency permit; naturalization has separate, longer requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my family be included in a Greece Golden Visa application?

Yes — spouses and dependent children can typically be included under the same investment.

Do I need to live in Greece to keep my Golden Visa?

No. Unlike some EU programs, Greece does not impose a minimum stay requirement to maintain the residence permit.

How does the Greece Golden Visa compare to Cyprus or Canada programs?

The Greece Golden Visa offers EU residency through qualifying investment and is particularly attractive for investors seeking flexibility with relatively limited physical-presence requirements, while Cyprus offers a permanent residence route with a €300,000 qualifying investment. Canada does not have a comparable passive-investment Golden Visa, instead focusing on skilled, business, and other active immigration pathways for those intending to establish themselves in Canada.

Why you should choose Simard & Associates as your Immigration Lawyer?

Global mobility decisions deserve thoughtful analysis. If you’d like to explore your options further, our team can provide structured, expert guidance based on current policy and your long‑term objectives.

At Simard & Associates, we bring expertise, dedication, and a personalized approach to every immigration case. With a proven track record of success, we guide you through the complexities of immigration law with confidence and care. Our team is committed to providing tailored solutions, ensuring your application process is smooth, efficient, and stress-free. Whether you’re pursuing residency, citizenship, or visas, Simard & Associates is your trusted partner for achieving your immigration goals.

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