
In Europe, no law prohibits foreign citizens from buying property but certain countries have put limitations on this right.

Greece is a country with a rich cultural heritage and historical legacy, the jewel of the Mediterranean region, which annually attracts millions of tourists. The Greek government is positively inclined towards foreign investment in the country's economy and, in particular, the real estate sector.

Passport of Greece grants its holders access to 187 countries around the world. They also get the opportunity to live, work, travel, study, buy property and run a business in any EU country.

The Greek education system has three levels: primary, secondary and tertiary. Each level has two sublevels. A child of any nationality living in Greece must complete his/her primary education and the first grade of the secondary level. Tuition is provided free of charge in state schools.

Maintaining an apartment in Athens costs between 700 and 1,800 euros per month on average, while villas on the islands range from 1,500 to 15,000 euros. The main expenses are taxes and utilities.

To purchase property in Greece, investors are required to visit the country only once. The purchase procedure has seven simple steps.

Non-EU citizens can only take out mortgage loans in Greece if they hold a national residence permit.
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When purchasing a Greek property, the buyer pays either a transfer tax or VAT. The same rules apply regardless of whether the property is purchased in the name of a company or an individual.

The cost per square metre in Greece is lower than in most European countries: in some locations the price does not exceed 3 thousand euros per square metre. The price depends on the proximity to the sea, the level of infrastructure development, and transport links. Buyers can find affordable apartments in the centre of Athens for as little as 80 thousand euros, or luxury villas on the coast starting from one million euros.
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Living in Greece offers more than just a legal right to stay — it’s a chance to enjoy a mild Mediterranean climate, a lower cost of living than in most of Western Europe, and a high quality of life. Many applicants choose residence in Greece not only for work or investment but also for the relaxed lifestyle, safety, and cultural heritage that the country offers.

Investing in real estate has traditionally been one of the most dependable ways for investors to increase their wealth. However, strategic real estate investing can also open doors that few other asset classes can, while potentially producing capital growth or rental income.

In 2025, a family came to us: a married couple and their adult son. Their goal was to obtain a European residence permit. Initially, they were choosing between Cyprus and Greece. Ultimately, the Greek Golden Visa programme was chosen, primarily due to its lower entry threshold and flexible application process.

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.

In 2025, the programme continues to operate, but now applies the updated investment thresholds introduced in 2024. The government has increased the minimum amounts for the most sought-after regions and introduced stricter criteria for property selection.

Greece Golden Visa is one of the most accessible pathways to an EU residence permit (RP), starting from 250,000 euros and requiring no minimum stay. For US citizens, it offers an ideal “Plan B”: keep your US citizenship, diversify investments, and secure long‑term optionality in Europe. In 2025, the rules changed — here is everything investors must know.