Step-by-Step: How to Book Your Golden Visa Appointment in Greece
Securing the Greece Golden Visa isn’t just about money — the application steps, documentation, and timing matter. This article gives you a clear, actionable roadmap from deciding to apply through to receiving your residency permit (and what to expect along the way).
Step 1: Decide the Investment Route
Choose whether you’ll go real estate (in a high-demand zone, lower-zone, or via restoration/conversion), or via financial instruments (bonds, funds) or the startup route. Your budget, timeline, and goals (residency, income, citizenship later) guide this. Look carefully at location, zone, and restrictions (e.g. size minimums, permitted use).
Step 2: Property / Investment Identification & Due Diligence
Find a property or investment that qualifies — check zone maps, square-meter rules (≥ 120 m² for many properties), whether property is protected or needs restoration/conversion.
If using the €250,000 route (conversion/restoration), ensure permits, restoration plan, engineering/architectural reports are in place.
Hire a local lawyer or consultant for title checks, zoning, building status, permits etc.
Step 3: Financial Arrangements
Open a Greek bank account (if required).
Transfer funds / pay deposits / initial purchase agreements under conditions that will ensure eligibility (for example, deposit deadlines under transitional rules).
Prepare for ancillary costs: taxes (property transfer tax, VAT, legal/notary fees), maintenance, engineering/reporting etc.
Step 4: Prepare & Submit the Visa Application
Compile required documentation: passport, proof of investment, proof of clean criminal record, health insurance, any permits for conversion/restoration or status as a listed property etc.
Submit through Greek immigration / migration authority. May include biometric data.
Pay applicable fees.
Step 5: Wait for Approval & Receive Residence Permit
Processing time: usually between 2-6 months, depending on completeness of application, location, investment type.
Once approved, you will receive a 5-year residence permit, which can be renewed as long as investment (or its qualifying conditions) remains valid.
Step 6: Maintain & Renew / Consider Citizenship
Maintain the investment (own the property, or have the restoration/conversion maintained etc.).
Be aware that renewal requires that the qualifying investment still complies with rules (e.g. zone, permitted uses).
For citizenship: after 7 years of residence (legal stay), with some integration (language, culture, sometimes minimum stay) one may apply.
Tips for Booking the “Appointment” / Dealing with Authorities
Use a legal representative if you can’t be present in Greece; much can be done via power of attorney.
Ensure all documents that are not in Greek are translated and apostilled / legalized where necessary.
Engage local experts early (lawyers, architects, engineers), especially for conversion or restoration projects, to ensure compliance.
Conclusion
Getting the Greece Golden Visa is absolutely feasible in 2025 provided you plan carefully: pick the right investment route, ensure your documentation is in order, and allow for possible wait times and bureaucratic requirements. If you follow these steps, you’ll minimise delays and maximise your chances of approval.
