Golden Visa in Greece for Family Members in 2026
The Greek Golden Visa is one of the most favourable programmes for families seeking to obtain a European residence permit. It allows the entire family to be included in a single application, with no additional investment required. The visa is issued for 5 years with the right to extend and gives the whole family visa-free access to the Schengen area countries. Let’s have a look at what investors considering family reunification through this programme need to know.
Who Can Be Included
The law allows the main investor, their spouses, all minor children, and even the parents of both spouses to be included in the residence permit.
Spouses
The spouse of the main investor may be included in the programme without restrictions on age or nationality. For couples, the rule is that the marriage must be officially registered in the country of origin or in Greece.
Children
Minor children of an investor or a spouse may be included in the application up to the age of 21, provided they are not married. This applies to both biological and adopted children if the investor is their guardian.
- Age limit: up to 21 years old.
- Mandatory condition: not married.
- Applies to biological and adopted children if guardianship documents are available.
Parents
The Greek programme allows both spouses’ parents to be included regardless of their financial status. Unlike some European programmes, proof of financial dependence is not required. This means that retired parents living independently can be included on an equal footing with those who are completely dependent on the investor.
Rights and Limitations
The investor’s family members receive the same basic rights as the main applicant.
Key Benefits for the Whole Family
Freedom of movement within the Schengen area. All family members are entitled to visa-free entry and stay in Schengen countries. The standard limit is 90 days within any 180-day period. This makes the residence permit a reliable tool for frequent travel.
Access to education. Children are entitled to enrol in public and private schools in Greece on terms equal to those for EU citizens. This includes the possibility of enrolling in Greek universities with corresponding discounts.
Medical care. Family members can receive medical care in Greece, and compulsory private medical insurance must be taken out for the entire duration of the residence permit.
No minimum residence requirement. This is one of the main advantages of this Greek programme. Family members can retain their status without residing in Greece on a permanent basis. The visa can be used as a backup or to live in a second home without the risk of losing the right to a residence permit.
Right to Work: Who is Allowed and Who is Not
The investor’s family members do not have an automatic right to employment under the Golden Visa residence permit. This is one of the main differences from programmes specifically created for labour migration.
The residence permit for the main investor and their family is issued for investment purposes, not labour migration. This means that the right to work requires separate registration through the relevant Greek authorities and is usually linked to the conclusion of an employment contract or registration as self-employed.
However, family members may be shareholders, board members or founders of Greek companies. At the same time, they are not entitled to receive salaries as employees of these companies.
If family members plan to work, they will need a separate work permit through an employer or as a self-employed person. This requires additional paperwork and approval from the labour authorities.
Application and Documents
There are two different ways to obtain a residence permit for family members. The choice between them affects the timing, cost and complexity of the process.
Submitting Documents with the Main Investor
This is the fastest and most efficient way. When the investor prepares their application, they simultaneously compile a complete set of documents for all family members. All documents are sent to the consulate or directly to the competent authority in Greece (usually the Ministry of Migration and Asylum).
Advantages:
- All documents are reviewed at once.
- The same date of issue of residence permits for the whole family.
- Lower administrative costs.
When documents are submitted by the family, the full review cycle takes a minimum of 6 months, including time for document preparation, translation and apostille. If all documents are collected correctly and in full, the review may take less time.
Family Reunification after the Investor Obtains a Residence Permit
If family members join later, the process becomes more complicated and time-consuming. This can happen for various reasons: some family members are not yet ready to move, the documents were collected in different stages, or there have been changes in the family relationships.
Step one: submitting an application for reunification. After obtaining a residence permit, the main investor submits an application for family reunification to the competent authority in Greece. This is usually done through the regional migration office in the region where the investor is registered as a resident.
Step two: obtaining a type D visa. Based on a positive decision on reunification, family members must obtain a special long-term D visa (national long-term visa) at the Greek consulate in their country or country of residence. This visa entitles them to a long-term stay in Greece.
Step three: entering Greece and applying for a residence permit. After obtaining a D visa, family members enter Greece. Within 30 days of arrival, they must apply to the local immigration office with the documents required to obtain a residence permit card.
Step four: obtaining a residence permit card. The regional office reviews the application and issues a residence permit card. The entire process can take 2–3 months.
This route takes more time (6–9 months or more in total), requires more trips to the consulate and involves more bureaucratic steps. However, it allows for more flexibility in managing the process if family members join gradually.
List of Documents for Relatives
Each document issued abroad must be apostilled (or legalised) and officially translated into Greek.
Common documents for all family members:
- Passport (valid for at least 12 months, with at least two blank pages).
- Passport-size photographs (4–6 pieces, 40×60 mm, colour, on a white background, in accordance with Schengen standards).
- Completed applicant questionnaire (form provided by the consulate).
- Certificate of no criminal record (issued by the competent authority of the country of origin).
- Document confirming private medical insurance.
Documents confirming kinship:
- Marriage certificate or cohabitation agreement.
- Birth certificate (for children).
- Guardianship certificate (if applicable for foster children).
All documents issued outside Greece must be apostilled in accordance with the Hague Convention on the Legalisation of Foreign Public Documents. An apostille is a special stamp confirming the authenticity of the document. In addition, all documents (including marriage and birth certificates) must be translated into Greek by an authorised translator registered with the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Greek authorities do not accept translations made by online services or translators without the appropriate accreditation.
Additional Costs
Family members must pay a number of government fees and duties in addition to the main investment.
- Government fee for processing the application: €2,000.
- Residence permit card fee: €16 per card (payable upon receipt).
- Mandatory private health insurance: €300—1,200 per year per person, depending on age and the insurance package selected. The insurance must be valid throughout Greece.
- Apostille and translation of documents: €10—30 per document (depending on the volume and speed of processing).
- Consular fee for applying for a D visa: €90 per visa.
Long‑Term Perspective
After receiving their residence permits, family members should learn the obligations they have assumed and the opportunities available to them.
Extension of Status and Retention of Residence Permits
Residence permits are issued for 5 years and can be extended for another 5 years, provided that the investment is maintained (the property remains in the investor’s ownership). For family members, the extension is automatic if the family status on the basis of which they were included in the programme is maintained.
For example, if a spouse obtains a residence permit, they can renew it as long as they remain married to the investor. If the marriage is dissolved, the status may be lost.
Children are automatically excluded from the programme when they turn 21 and if they are not students. After that, they must transition to another status or invest independently.
Tax Residency Status
If a family member spends 183 days or more in Greece during a calendar year, they become a tax resident of Greece. Tax residents pay tax on their worldwide income (everything earned in any country), not just income earned in Greece.
For families whose members work abroad or have income in other countries, this may create a risk of double taxation. However, Greece has concluded double taxation agreements with most countries. Before staying in the country for a long time, it is recommended to consult with a tax specialist.
Having a residence permit does not make the applicant a tax resident. Tax status is determined by specific time period spent in the country.
Path to Greek Citizenship
The investor’s family members can apply for Greek citizenship through the naturalisation process.
Requirements:
- Legal residence in Greece for at least 7 years.
- Greek tax resident status during this period.
- Knowledge of the Greek language at B1 level or higher.
- A stable source of income (employment, business).
- Participation in public life and no serious criminal offences.
- Successful completion of an exam on Greek culture and history.
The naturalisation process requires active participation in Greek life, but for families planning long-term residence, it remains a realistic and achievable goal.
Greece Golden Visa for Children
Upon reaching the age of 21, the child loses their dependent status and can no longer remain on the main investor’s residence permit. However, the programme provides for a preferential transition period.
If the child continues full-time education in Greece, they are entitled to apply for an independent residence permit for up to 3 years — maximum until reaching the age of 24.
This status allows them to legally reside in the country, but cannot be extended after the age of 24. At the end of this period, it is necessary to switch to another immigration status.
Conditions for obtaining a residence permit:
- Valid student status at a recognised Greek educational institution.
- Certificate from the educational institution confirming enrolment and full-time study.
- Valid medical insurance.
- Documents similar to the basic package for a residence permit.
Own Residence Permit Through New Investment
One way to stay in Greece on a residence permit after 24 years is through independent investment. In this case, the child becomes the main applicant and must meet the current investment requirements of the programme.
Current investment thresholds for the Greek Golden Visa:
- €800,000 — for the purchase of residential property with an area of at least 120 m² in Athens, Thessaloniki and on the major islands.
- €400,000 — for the purchase of residential property with an area of at least 120 m² in less developed regions.
- €250,000 — for investments in the conversion of commercial properties into residential properties or the restoration of architectural monuments.
This format provides a full independent residence permit with the same rights and opportunities as those of the main investor. Moreover, adult applicants can include their own families in their application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this is one of the main advantages of the Greek programme. The parents of both spouses can be included in the application without age restrictions and without the requirement to prove financial dependence.
Children can be included in the main application only if they are under 21 years of age and unmarried. However, after the age of 21, students can obtain a three-year residence permit, valid until the age of 24, provided they continue their full-time studies at a Greek educational institution.
Family members do not automatically receive the right to work under the Golden Visa. This type of residence permit is issued for investment purposes, not labour migration. However, family members may be founders, shareholders or members of the board of directors of Greek companies. To work as an employee, a separate work permit is required, which is obtained through the employer. For self-employment, registration as a sole trader and notification of the tax authorities is required.
The initial residence permit is issued for 5 years. It can also be renewed for 5 years, provided that the investment and family status are maintained. The residence permit card must be renewed before it expires, usually 2–3 months in advance. The renewal process is simplified for family members: their cards are renewed together with the main investor’s card.
No, there is no mandatory residence requirement. This is one of the key advantages of the Greek programme. Family members can use their residence permit as a long-term plan for temporary residence without risking losing their status. However, if they plan to obtain Greek citizenship, a minimum of 7 years of physical presence in Greece and tax resident status are required.
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