For investors in Turkey
The Greek Golden Visa for Turkish investors
Greece grants a five-year residence permit when you buy qualifying property. Istanbul to Athens is about an hour and a half of flying, the permit covers your close family, and there is no minimum stay requirement.
For Turkish passport holders the permit replaces Schengen visa applications: you travel across the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Questions buyers actually ask
Can I travel in Europe with the permit?
Yes. The permit allows travel across the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, with no visa applications.
Can I keep my business in Turkey?
Yes. There is no requirement to relocate or to spend any minimum time in Greece. The permit renews for as long as you own the property.
Is my family included?
Yes. Your spouse, children under 21, and the parents of both spouses receive permits under the same investment.
Will I owe Greek tax?
Holding the permit does not make you a Greek tax resident. Tax residency follows physical presence, generally 183 days or more per year. Rental income earned in Greece is taxed in Greece.
How do I buy from Turkey?
Through a power of attorney. Your Greek lawyer completes the purchase and files the application while you stay in Turkey. One visit is needed for biometrics.
Investment thresholds in 2026
- €800,000Minimum in Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini and the large islands.
- €400,000Minimum everywhere else in Greece.
- €250,000For a commercial building converted to residential use, or a listed building under restoration. These two routes carry no location restriction and no minimum size.
- 120 sqmAt the €800,000 and €400,000 tiers the purchase must be a single property of at least 120 square meters.
- Rental ruleGolden Visa property cannot be rented short term. The fine is €50,000 per breach. Long-term rental is allowed.
The process, step by step
- Choose the propertyCompare the asking price with district-level data and check the realistic rental yield before you commit.
- Hire an independent Greek lawyerThe lawyer verifies the title, the building permits and any outstanding charges on the property.
- Pay the deposit and sign a power of attorneyThe power of attorney lets your lawyer complete every later step while you are at home.
- Complete the purchaseThe deed is signed before a notary. Funds must arrive by bank transfer with a documented origin.
- File the residence applicationYour lawyer submits the application to the Ministry of Migration together with the purchase documents.
- Give biometrics in GreeceOne short visit for fingerprints and a photo.
- Receive the permitA five-year residence permit, renewable for as long as you keep the property.
A realistic timeline
Plan in months. A typical search and purchase takes 1 to 3 months. The residence application then takes another 3 to 6 months to process, including the biometrics appointment.
Once the application is filed you receive a temporary certificate that lets you stay in Greece legally while you wait for the permit.
The main taxes you pay
- 3.09%Transfer tax on resale property, paid once at purchase.
- ENFIAThe annual Greek property tax. The amount depends on the property's size, age and zone value.
See the data before you choose
Ruaa scores every eligible listing on yield, value, risk, growth and location, with district-level price data behind each number. Start with the live listings, or send us the properties you are already considering for an eligibility review.