Greece Golden Visa zones: €800,000, €400,000 or €250,000
Attica (including all of Athens and Piraeus), the Thessaloniki regional unit, Mykonos, Santorini and islands with more than 3,100 residents need €800,000. The rest of Greece needs €400,000. In both cases it must be one property of at least 120 m². Converted commercial buildings and restored listed buildings qualify at €250,000 anywhere.
Zone A: €800,000
A standard property needs at least €800,000 in these areas:
- The whole Attica region. This includes all of Athens and Piraeus, the northern and southern suburbs, the whole coast from Varkiza to Sounio, and the islands that belong to Attica.
- The Thessaloniki regional unit.
- Mykonos and Santorini, whatever their population.
- Any island with more than 3,100 residents.
Zone B: €400,000
Everywhere else in Greece needs at least €400,000. This covers most of the mainland outside Attica and Thessaloniki, such as the Peloponnese, Halkidiki, Central Greece and Epirus, and the smaller islands.
The rules that apply in both zones
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| One property | The full minimum must be in a single property. Two apartments of €400,000 each do not make €800,000. |
| 120 m² | At least 120 m² of main floor area, for a built property or one with a building permit. |
| Co-ownership | Spouses and registered partners count as one investment. Other co-owners each need a share worth the full minimum. |
| Use | Long-term rental allowed. Short-term rental of under 60 days not allowed. |
The €250,000 exception
Two kinds of property qualify at €250,000 in any zone, including central Athens, with no 120 m² minimum:
- A building converted from commercial use, such as offices or shops, to residential use. The conversion must be completed before you apply.
- A listed building restored or reconstructed for residential use.
Read the full guide to the €250,000 route before you choose it. It has its own risks.
How to check the zone of an island
The €800,000 rule for islands depends on population. Mykonos and Santorini are named in the law. For any other island, the population figure decides. Listings and agents sometimes label an island with the wrong zone, so we confirm the zone of every property with a lawyer before you make an offer.
Which zone suits which investor
| If you want | Look at |
|---|---|
| To live in or near Athens, or to rent to the Athens market | Zone A at €800,000, or a €250,000 conversion in Athens |
| The lowest total entry cost | The €250,000 conversion route |
| A family home by the sea outside the big centres | Zone B at €400,000 |
"Most of my clients choose properties in areas with steady demand, in places that are known as good areas."
Common questions
Is Piraeus in the €800,000 zone?
Yes. Piraeus is part of the Attica region, so a standard property there needs €800,000.
Can two spouses each own half of the property?
Yes. Spouses and registered partners can co-own the property and the investment counts as one. Other co-owners each need a share worth the full minimum.
Does the 120 m² rule apply to the €250,000 route?
No. The 120 m² minimum applies to the €400,000 and €800,000 routes only.