Buying Property in Greece:
Step by Step
Buying property in Greece as a foreigner is a transparent process that typically takes 2 to 4 months. The key is proper preparation of your documents and local bank account.
Essential Pre-requisites
Get a Tax Number (AFM)
The AFM is your key to the Greek financial system. It is mandatory for purchasing, paying taxes, and connecting utilities. It can be issued remotely via a lawyer with Power of Attorney.
Open a Local Bank Account
For the Golden Visa, a transparent financial trail is mandatory. A local account is needed to pay taxes and transfer funds to the seller. Greek banks have strict AML (Anti-Money Laundering) rules.
The Golden Visa Process
From consultation to residency: a clear, structured path covering property verification, legal support, application submission, and status renewal.
Consultation
We discuss your goals, budget, family composition, timelines, and real estate expectations.
What Happens
The first step is to define why you want the Greece Golden Visa: family residency, Schengen mobility, property investment, a long-term plan, or a combination of these.
What the Client Gets
A preliminary understanding of the route and clear next steps.
Route Selection
We determine the most relevant investment threshold: €250k, €400k, or €800k.
What Happens
The route depends on the property category, location, size, budget, and current program requirements.
What the Client Gets
Clarity on your potential investment route prior to property selection.
Property Shortlist
We compile a curated list of developer properties tailored to your budget, region, and chosen route.
What Happens
This list only includes properties that can be considered for the Golden Visa after verifying their eligibility, current price, availability, and deal structure.
What the Client Gets
A targeted shortlist of highly relevant projects, not a generic catalog.
Eligibility Check
We verify the location, property category, surface area, documentation, legal status, and deal structure.
What Happens
This is a critical checkpoint before reservation. A property can only proceed once the applicable threshold and program rules are fully satisfied.
What the Client Gets
Confirmation on whether the property qualifies for your specific Golden Visa route.
Reservation
Once preliminary checks are passed, the property can be reserved under the developer's terms.
What Happens
Prior to reservation, we finalize the price, availability, payment terms, timelines, project documents, and route applicability.
What the Client Gets
Secured reservation terms for an eligible property.
Legal Due Diligence
Lawyers audit the property documents, transaction structure, ownership titles, and encumbrances.
What Happens
This includes verifying legal documentation, land registry/cadastre records, contracts, asset status, payments, and full compliance with program regulations.
What the Client Gets
A comprehensive legal audit of the property and transaction before final purchase.
Purchase
The property purchase or qualifying investment is finalized according to the chosen route.
What Happens
This stage covers contract signing, payments, notarial acts, transaction registration, and securing proof of investment.
What the Client Gets
Confirmed investment basis required for the subsequent visa application.
Application & Biometrics
The application file is prepared and submitted, and applicants attend their biometric appointments.
What Happens
The dossier includes applicant and family documents, proof of investment, insurance, fee receipts, property documentation, and any other requested materials.
What the Client Gets
Official application submission and completion of mandatory biometric procedures.
Residence Permit & Renewal
Upon approval, a 5-year renewable residence permit is issued.
What Happens
Renewal hinges on maintaining the investment basis and continuing to meet program requirements. Future immigration paths are considered separately.
What the Client Gets
Legal residency in Greece and a clear plan for ongoing support.
Timelines and specific steps may vary depending on the property, chosen route, documentation, family composition, and government processing times. Most preparation can be done remotely, though the biometric appointment typically requires physical presence.