Buying a Golden Visa property in Greece: process and timeline
Buying a Golden Visa property takes seven steps: shortlist, tax number and bank account, legal checks, purchase at the notary, registration, online application and fingerprints. In our experience it takes about three months on average from the first call to a completed purchase and a filed application. Most steps can be done remotely with a power of attorney.
The seven steps
| Step | What happens | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shortlist. We agree your budget, route and goals, and you receive properties that fit, with full cost sheets. | Remote |
| 2 | Tax number and bank account. A Greek tax number (AFM) and a Greek bank account are opened in your name. | Remote, by power of attorney |
| 3 | Legal checks. A lawyer checks the title, permits, debts and, for conversions, the change-of-use papers. | Remote |
| 4 | Purchase. The contract is signed at a notary. The price is paid through a bank. | In Greece, or by power of attorney |
| 5 | Registration. The purchase is registered at the land registry or cadastre. | Remote |
| 6 | Application. The residence permit application is filed online. You receive a certificate of application. | Remote, by power of attorney |
| 7 | Fingerprints and card. You give fingerprints in person, then receive your permit card. | In Greece |
Shimi finds the property and coordinates the checks, the negotiation and the purchase. A partner lawyer files the residence permit application.
How long it takes
In our experience, the time from the first call to a completed purchase and a filed application is about three months on average. The main variables are how fast you choose a property, how long the legal checks take, and how quickly the bank account is opened.
After the application is filed, the official processing target is 50 to 60 days for a complete application. In recent years many cases took much longer because of a backlog. The number of pending cases fell from more than 52,000 at the start of 2025 to 29,273 at the end of July 2026, so waiting times have been coming down.
What you can do without travelling
With a power of attorney, a lawyer can open your tax number and bank account, carry out the checks, sign the purchase and file the application. The power of attorney must be signed before a Greek consulate or a notary in your country and carry an apostille. You come to Greece in person to give fingerprints for the permit card.
Paying for the property from abroad
The price must reach the seller through a Greek bank: a bank transfer, a crossed cheque or a card payment. You open a Greek bank account first, usually by power of attorney, and transfer the funds into it from your bank at home. Banks ask where the money comes from, so keep statements that show its source ready.
After the purchase
- The permit is valid for five years and can be renewed for five years at a time while you own the property.
- The same property covers your spouse, children under 21 and the parents of both spouses.
- If you want to change property, buy the new one first and get approval before you sell the old one.
[Which step usually takes longest for your clients, and one tip that saves time.]
Common questions
Can I apply without travelling to Greece?
The application itself can be filed online by a lawyer with your power of attorney. You come to Greece in person to give fingerprints for the permit card.
How long does the authority take to decide?
The official processing target is 50 to 60 days from a complete application. In recent years many cases took longer because of a backlog, which has been shrinking during 2026.
Can I sign the purchase without coming to Greece?
Yes. A lawyer with your power of attorney can sign the contract at the notary for you. The power of attorney must be signed before a Greek consulate or a notary in your country, with an apostille.