Golden Visa Greece 2025 Requirements, Fees, Benefits & How to Apply

The Greece Golden Visa, managed by the Ministry of Immigration and Asylum, is booming with over 9,000 applications in 2024, a 10% jump from 2023. New rules effective August 31, 2024, introduced a tiered investment system to balance housing demand. A new €250,000 startup investment option, announced by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, also debuted in September 2024. With no minimum stay requirement and faster processing thanks to digital upgrades, 2025 is the year for Pakistanis to act!

Investment Options

• Real Estate (Zone A): Buy property worth €800,000 in high-demand areas like Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, or islands with over 3,100 residents (minimum 120m²).
• Real Estate (Zone B): Purchase property for €400,000 in other regions of Greece (minimum 120m²).
• Real Estate (Zone C): Invest €250,000 in commercial-to-residential conversions or heritage building restorations, completed within 5 years.
• Startup Investment: Invest €250,000 in Greek startups, a new option for 2025, details still rolling out.
• Financial Investments: Buy €350,000 in mutual funds or €500,000 in Greek company shares, stocks, or bank deposits.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Greece Golden Visa 2025, you must meet these requirements:

• Citizenship: Be a non-EU citizen (Pakistanis are eligible).
• Age: At least 18 years old.
• Financial Means: Prove sufficient funds for your investment (€250,000–€800,000).
• Clean Record: No criminal history, certified by Pakistani authorities.
• Health Insurance: Coverage valid in Greece and Schengen countries (€500–$1,000/year).
• No Residency Bans: Not listed as undesirable in Greece or Schengen states.

Requirements and Documents

Here’s what you need to apply:

• Valid Passport: Valid for at least 6 months for you and family members.
• Proof of Investment: Property purchase contract, startup investment agreement, or financial investment receipts.
• Criminal Record: Certified clean record from Pakistan (cost: $20–$50).
• Health Insurance: Coverage for Greece and Schengen area ($500–$1,000/year).
• Proof of Address: Utility bill or rental agreement from Pakistan.
• Translated Documents: All papers translated into Greek and notarized ($50–$100 each).
• Greek Tax Number (AFM): Obtain a non-resident tax ID before property deals (1–2 days, $50).
• Application Fee: €2,000 for the main applicant, €150 per family member.

How to Apply: Simple Steps

1. Choose Your Investment: Pick real estate (€250,000–€800,000), startups (€250,000), or financial investments (€350,000–€500,000). Firms like Get Golden Visa can suggest trusted options.
2. Get AFM & Bank Account: Apply for a Greek tax ID and open a bank account remotely (2–3 days, $50–$100).
3. Prepare Documents: Collect passport, criminal record, insurance, address proof, and investment proof, translated and certified.
4. Submit Application: Apply via the Ministry’s portal at www.migration.gov.gr or through a lawyer. Pay €2,000 fee.
5. Biometric Visit: Travel to Greece within 6 months for fingerprints and photos, bookable online.
6. Receive Visa: Get your 5-year residence card in 2–6 months, renewable if the investment is maintained.

Benefits

• Visa-Free Travel: Explore 29 Schengen countries (e.g., France, Italy, Germany) for 90 days in 180 days, no extra visas needed.
• No Stay Requirement: Live anywhere in the world; no need to reside in Greece to keep your visa.
• Family Inclusion: Bring your spouse, kids under 21, dependent adult children (21–24, unmarried), and parents of both applicant and spouse.
• Path to Citizenship: Live in Greece for 7 years (183 days/year) to apply for citizenship, granting an EU passport with visa-free access to 190 countries.
• Healthcare & Education: Access Greece’s top-tier healthcare and international schools, perfect for families.
• Tax Benefits: Pay taxes only on Greek income unless you stay over 183 days/year; double taxation treaties with Pakistan help avoid extra taxes.

Challenges to Watch

• Rising Costs: Zone A (€800,000) and Zone B (€400,000) investments are pricier than before; Zone C (€250,000) is limited to specific projects.
• Processing Delays: A backlog of 50,000 applications means some wait up to 12 months, though digital upgrades aim to cut this to 3 months by 2026.
• Property Restrictions: Golden Visa properties can’t be used for short-term rentals like Airbnb, or you risk a €50,000 fine and visa revocation.
• Startup Details Pending: The €250,000 startup option lacks full guidelines, so consult lawyers before investing.

Tips for Pakistanis

• Apply Now: Submit by December 2025 to lock in current rules before potential changes in 2026. Contact firms like Henley & Partners for guidance.
• Choose Smart: Zone C (€250,000) is cheapest but limited; Zone B (€400,000) offers more property choices.
• Stay Updated: Check www.migration.gov.gr for the latest rules and startup details.
• Budget Extra: Save $5,000–$10,000 for legal fees, translations, and travel to Greece for biometrics.
• Share the Opportunity: Spread this news on WhatsApp to help friends and family plan their European future.

What’s Next?

The Greece Golden Visa is thriving, with 3,506 applications in the first four months of 2025, on track to break 10,000 by year-end. Pakistanis can enjoy Greece’s sunny islands, rich culture, and affordable living while securing a European future. Digital upgrades promise approvals as fast as 3 months by mid-2026.