Greek Golden Visa without property: deposits, bonds and funds

Many people think the Greek Golden Visa always means buying a flat. In fact, the law offers other routes: you can put your money into financial instruments and get the same 5-year residence permit. Clients who do not want to deal with renovations, tenants and property tax often ask me about this, so this guide is for them.

The options

• Units in investment funds — from €350,000. Mutual or alternative funds that invest in Greek assets. The lowest entry point.
• A fixed-term deposit in a Greek bank — from €500,000. The bank keeps renewing it for as long as the permit is valid.
• Greek government bonds — from €500,000, with at least three years left to maturity.
• Shares and corporate bonds on the Greek stock exchange — from €800,000.
• A start-up through the Elevate Greece platform — from €250,000. Your stake is capped at 33%, and the company must create at least two jobs and keep them for the whole permit period.

What the permit gives you

• 5 years, renewable while the investment is kept.
• The whole family: spouse, children under 21 and the parents of both spouses, with no age limit.
• No requirement to live in Greece. You come when it suits you and travel freely in the Schengen area.
• It does not allow you to take a job in Greece — it is an investor permit.

What it costs

The government fee is €2,000 for the main applicant and €150 for each adult family member, plus €16 for the card. Children under 18 pay nothing. Translations, apostilles, health insurance and a lawyer come on top.

Property or finance — which to choose

A flat works and pays rent; a deposit just sits there.

If you want to live by the sea, rent out a home or simply like bricks and mortar, property pays off better: entry is now €250,000 (for converting a commercial building into housing or restoring one), €400,000 or €800,000 depending on the area. If you value simplicity and do not want to manage a property, a fund or deposit is easier. But remember that money in a deposit or bonds is locked in for the whole permit, and the return is usually lower than rent.

My advice

First decide what matters more to you: income and your own home, or as little hassle as possible. Then check the option with a Greek lawyer, because the programme rules change and the bank or fund must qualify for the Golden Visa. I am happy to help you sort it out and, if you choose property, to find homes that qualify.