Golden Visa Program In Greece Locks In New Checklist For Tourism Projects, Simplifying Residency Process For Foreign Investors

Published on November 13, 2025

Greece’s Golden Visa Program has introduced a new checklist aimed at streamlining the residency process for foreign investors in tourism projects. This initiative is designed to simplify the application process, making it easier for international investors to obtain residency while contributing to the country’s tourism sector. By aligning regulations and providing clearer guidelines, Greece is making significant strides in attracting investment to fuel the growth of its tourism industry and enhance economic development.

Greece has recently finalized a comprehensive checklist of required documents for residence permits under its investor program, following a new decision issued by the Ministries of Economy, Environment, Development, and Immigration. This decision clarifies the documentation needed for various types of investments, including those in complex tourist accommodations and timeshare leases, under the Golden Visa program. The new rules also specify the necessary documents for obtaining or renewing an investor’s residence permit in cases such as purchasing a residence or plot of land, constructing buildings, investing through change of use, or engaging in long-term leases in tourist accommodations or timeshare leases. This new framework will take effect from November 11, 2025, offering greater clarity and efficiency to potential investors.

The Golden Visa program in Greece allows non-EU investors to obtain residence permits in exchange for significant investments in the country. This latest update to the program provides more detailed guidelines for investors, particularly those interested in the tourism sector. It makes clear the necessary steps for acquiring residence permits for investment in real estate or tourism infrastructure, while also ensuring that these investments contribute to the growth of Greece’s tourism industry. The changes are set to simplify the application process and promote the growth of projects that may have been delayed or put on hold due to bureaucratic hurdles.

One of the key updates concerns investments in tourist accommodations, including timeshare agreements and long-term leases. For investors wishing to invest in this sector, it is now explicitly stated that they can obtain a residence permit in Greece, provided they meet certain requirements. A key requirement is that investors must submit a certificate from the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO). This certificate serves to confirm that the GNTO is aware of the timeshare lease agreement or the long-term lease in a complex tourist accommodation.

Another significant change relates to the documentation provided by the notary who drafts the lease agreement. The notary must verify several critical details, including the identities of the parties involved, the type and address of the property, the agreed rent or price, the payment method, and the existence or absence of termination clauses. Additionally, the notary must confirm whether the specific property in question has previously been used for the issuance of an investor residence permit. This ensures transparency and prevents fraudulent use of properties for multiple residence permit applications.

The lease agreement itself must have a minimum duration of five years. This period ensures that the investment is long-term and substantial, aligning with the goals of the Golden Visa program to attract investors who will contribute meaningfully to the Greek economy. Furthermore, the annual rent or price must be explicitly stated in the agreement, leaving no room for ambiguity. This requirement aims to ensure clarity in the terms of the investment and that both parties understand the financial commitments involved.

For the issuance of the initial residence permit, one notable update is that investors are not required to have completed the transfer of the contract to the Mortgage Registry or the Land Registry. Instead, it is sufficient for the investor to submit proof that a transfer request has been made, or to provide a certificate from a lawyer confirming that the process has been initiated. This flexibility significantly accelerates the application process, allowing investors to obtain their residence permits more quickly and without waiting for the completion of administrative procedures. The final proof of the transfer can be submitted at the time of renewing the permit, further streamlining the process and encouraging investment in tourism-related projects that may have otherwise been delayed by lengthy bureaucratic procedures.

In addition to the required documentation, each application for a residence permit will also require a private insurance policy, an electronic fee of 2,000 euros, and a visa if the investor does not already hold a valid residence permit within the Schengen area. This ensures that all investors are adequately covered by insurance during their time in Greece and that the legal requirements for residency in the Schengen area are met.

For investors engaging in contracts through legal entities based in Greece or other EU member states, it will be necessary to provide proof of ownership of all shares or company stakes. This requirement ensures that the individual making the investment has full control and ownership of the entity, preventing any potential issues related to fraudulent claims or indirect ownership through third parties.

These updates are expected to make the Golden Visa program more accessible and efficient, offering a streamlined process for investors who wish to contribute to Greece’s thriving tourism sector. The changes are designed to provide greater transparency and clarity, while also encouraging foreign investment that will help grow the country’s economy.

The decision also reflects Greece’s commitment to supporting the tourism industry, which is a key pillar of its economy. By facilitating investment in tourism infrastructure, particularly in complex tourist accommodations and timeshare leases, the government hopes to boost the sector and create new opportunities for both investors and local communities. With these new rules in place, Greece is positioning itself as an attractive destination for foreign investors seeking to benefit from its growing tourism market while securing a residency option within the EU.

Greece’s Golden Visa Program has unveiled a new checklist that simplifies the residency process for foreign investors in tourism projects, aiming to attract more investment and stimulate growth in the country’s tourism sector.

In conclusion, the new documentation requirements for the Golden Visa program in Greece represent a positive step forward, providing greater clarity and flexibility for investors. With the ability to more quickly process applications and more efficiently handle the required documentation, the program is poised to continue driving investment into Greece’s real estate and tourism sectors, offering significant benefits to both investors and the country’s economy.