Get quote & Book


Greek Golden Visa: A Guide for UK Citizens

For UK citizens looking for a way to secure European residency, the Greek Golden Visa has become an attractive option. Greece offers one of the most accessible residency-by-investment programs in Europe, providing a straightforward path to a five-year renewable residence permit.

But while the Golden Visa sounds simple on paper, the process is full of details that many applicants overlook. Between investment regulations, legal paperwork, and tax obligations, the system isn’t always as clear-cut as it seems.

Understanding the basics is important, but knowing how to navigate the process smoothly is what really makes the difference. Here’s what UK citizens need to know about the Greek Golden Visa—and why getting it right the first time matters.

What Is the Greek Golden Visa?

The Greek Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program that grants a five-year residence permit to non-EU nationals who invest in real estate in Greece. Unlike other visa options, the Golden Visa has no minimum stay requirement, making it a popular choice for those who want EU residency without committing to living in Greece full-time.

On the surface, the process seems straightforward: invest in Greek real estate, submit your application, and get your residency permit. But here’s what many UK citizens don’t realise, not every property qualifies, and not every investor is approved as quickly as they expect.

Who Is Eligible for the Golden Visa?

The Greek Golden Visa is open to any non-EU national who meets the investment requirements. For UK citizens, this means that Brexit has made the program more relevant than ever.

To qualify, an applicant must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Invest in qualifying Greek real estate.
• Hold valid private health insurance for Greece.
• Have a clean criminal record.

There’s no strict income requirement, and family members can be included in the application, making it a strong option for those looking to secure EU residency for an entire household.

But while the criteria seem simple, the approval process can be unpredictable. Greek authorities assess each application carefully, and minor paperwork issues can cause frustrating delays or even rejections.

Investment Requirements: What Qualifies?

The standard minimum investment is £215,000, which must be spent on one or multiple properties. However, in some high-demand areas including Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos, this threshold is increasing to £680,000.

This is where many UK buyers make mistakes. Not every property meets the program’s requirements, and failing to check eligibility before investing can lead to denied applications and wasted time.

To qualify, the property must:

• Be residential (commercial properties do not count unless converted).
• Meet legal and zoning requirements.
• Have a clear ownership title with no outstanding disputes.

For buyers unfamiliar with the Greek market, choosing the right property can be the hardest part of the process. Many UK citizens turn to Totsi Golden Visa Consultants for help identifying qualifying investments, handling legal due diligence, and ensuring that their purchase meets all Golden Visa regulations.

Why Many Golden Visa Applications Get Delayed

The Golden Visa process isn’t automatic. Many UK applicants assume that as long as they meet the investment requirement, their application will be approved quickly. That’s not always the case.

Here are the most common reasons applications get stuck:

• Incomplete Paperwork – Greek authorities require precise documentation, and even small mistakes can lead to processing delays.
• Banking & Payment Delays – Transferring funds internationally to complete the investment can take longer than expected, and some payments may require additional verification.
• Legal Issues with the Property – Some properties have outstanding debts, inheritance disputes, or unregistered modifications that can block the application.
• Processing Backlogs – Some regions receive a higher volume of applications, leading to months-long waiting times before approvals are granted.

For UK citizens, navigating Greek legal and financial requirements can be frustrating without expert guidance.

Taxes & Financial Considerations

The Greek Golden Visa is attractive because it doesn’t require tax residency in Greece. However, owning property in Greece still comes with financial obligations.

Golden Visa holders must pay:

• Property Transfer Tax – Standard rate of 3.09%% of the purchase price.
• Annual Property Tax (ENFIA) – Based on location and home value, due every year.
• Rental Income Tax – If the property is rented out, owners must file a Greek tax return and pay tax on rental earnings.

Understanding these costs in advance helps avoid financial surprises. For official tax regulations, the Greek Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) provides tax information for foreign investors.

Relocating to Greece: Planning Your Move

Securing a Greek Golden Visa is an important step, but it does not cover the practical side of relocating. Many UK citizens assume that moving their belongings to Greece will be straightforward, only to face unexpected complications with customs, transport logistics, and import regulations.

Post-Brexit, shipping personal items between the UK and Greece is no longer as simple as hiring a moving van. Customs clearance, potential import duties, and transportation challenges can add delays and extra costs if not handled properly.

Working with a company that specialises in UK-Greece relocations can make the process much easier. VanOne provides professional moving services, ensuring that everything from furniture to personal belongings is transported efficiently. Understanding the logistics of moving to Greece in advance can help avoid unnecessary delays and expenses, allowing for a smooth transition once residency is secured.

Is the Greek Golden Visa Right for You?

For UK citizens, the Golden Visa offers a straightforward way to secure European residency, but it’s not the right choice for everyone. The process requires careful planning, financial commitment, and an understanding of Greek bureaucracy and tax laws.

For those who want a hassle-free path to securing residency, working with professionals can make all the difference. At Totsi, they help UK citizens navigate the property market, handle Golden Visa applications, and ensure that every step is managed smoothly, so you don’t waste time on avoidable setbacks.

Applying for the Golden Visa should be an opportunity, not a bureaucratic headache. With the right approach, securing Greek residency can be a seamless and rewarding process.