Greece Golden Visa for Chinese Investors

The Greece Golden Visa has become one of the most popular European residency programs among Chinese investors. With a minimum property investment of €250,000, fast processing, no language or education requirements, and no obligation to live in Greece, the program is ideal for families looking to secure an EU base, provide top education for their children, and diversify global assets.

For many Chinese nationals, Greece offers an attractive combination of European lifestyle, safety, access to the Schengen Zone, and stable real estate opportunities at far lower entry costs compared to Portugal or Spain.
Fast EU Residency — Schengen Travel — Real Estate Investment

Greece Golden Visa

Through the Golden Visa, families receive a renewable 5-year EU residency permit, the ability to travel freely across Schengen countries, and long-term benefits for future relocation or education.
Why the Greece Golden Visa Is So Popular Among Chinese Investors
Why the Greece Golden Visa Is So Popular Among Chinese Investors
Low Entry Cost: €250,000
One of the most affordable EU residency programs
No Residency Requirement
Maintain your status without living in Greece
Schengen Access
Travel to 29 Schengen countries (90/180 rule)
Education Opportunities
Access to top EU international schools and universities
Safe EU Real Estate Investment
High-potential assets in Athens and coastal regions
Full Family Inclusion
Spouse, children up to 24 (if studying), and parents

Check Your Eligibility as a Chinese Investor

Get a free, confidential consultation from Astons’ China Golden Visa Experts
Key Facts for Chinese Applicants
Minimum Investment
Processing Time
Residency Type
Schengen Access
Physical Stay Requirement
Family Eligibility
€250,000 (property)
4+ months
5-year renewable permit
29 countries
None
Spouse, children, parents
Path to Citizenship
After 7 years of residence
Popular Cities for Chinese Investors
Athens, Glyfada, Piraeus, Thessaloniki
Fact Box

Eligibility Requirements for Chinese Nationals

Valid Chinese passport
Clean criminal record
Ability to prove legal source of funds
Property investment of €250,000+
Medical insurance (low cost)
No requirement for language, education, or business background

Investment Options for Chinese Investors

Residential Real Estate

from €250,000+

The most popular option among available: commercial-to-residential conversions or restoration of listed / heritage buildings

Premium Real Estate

from €800,000+

Applies to prime areas: Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, etc. The investment must be in one single residential property with a minimum size of 120 m².

Other Regions

Applies to properties outside prime areas. The purchase must be one property of 120+ m².

from €400,000+

Step-by-Step Process for Chinese Investors

Total timeline: 4+ months
Complete process typically takes a minimum of 4 months from initial consultation to residence permit approval
Choose between property purchase or other approved options
01
Can be signed in China — no need to travel immediately
02
Transfer Investment Funds
Funds go directly to the property seller.
03
Purchase the Property
Full legal due diligence handled by Astons.
04
Submit Application
Your case is filed electronically through the Greek immigration system.
05
Biometrics Appointment
A short visit to Greece is required at this stage.
06
step 1
step 2
step 3
step 4
step 5
step 6
Receive Residency Cards
Golden Visa issued for 5 years, renewable indefinitely.
07
step 7

Total Cost for Chinese Applicants (2025)

Education Benefits
  • Access to leading international schools in Greece
  • Smooth transition to EU universities
  • No student visa required for children after obtaining residency
Lifestyle & Safety
  • Clean environment, Mediterranean climate
  • Safe cities and family-friendly neighbourhoods
  • Healthier living conditions compared to megacities in Asia
Business Opportunities
  • Option to establish Greek/EU companies
  • Banking in the European Union
  • Strategic gateway to the EU market
Real Estate Benefits
  • Affordable entry into EU property market
  • Rising demand in Athens regeneration zones
  • Strong potential for rental income
Property purchase
€250,000+
Single Applicant: €265,000–€270,000
Family of 3: €275,000–€285,000
Property transfer tax
3%
Government fees
€2,000–€3,000
Notary
€1,000–€1,500
Legal Services
€6,000–€10,000
Main Costs
Examples:
Where Chinese Investors Prefer to Buy Property
Athens City Center (Koukaki, Kolonaki, Pangrati)
High liquidity + stable demand
Glyfada / Voula / Vouliagmeni
Luxury coastal lifestyle
Piraeus
Port district, strong rental market
Thessaloniki
Student city + high ROI
Crete / Rhodes
Tourism-driven investments

Path to Citizenship (Optional)

Year
Status
Requirements
Benefits
1st Year
Residency Begins
Buy €250,000+ property
EU residency
1-7 Years
Renew Residency
No stay requirement
Schengen freedom
7 Years
Citizenship Eligibility
Must live in Greece + pass Greek exam
EU passport

Real Estate in Greece for Obtaining Residency

Furnished Apartments with Pool in Neo Irakleio
from €260 ,000
Handover: Q1 2027
Athens, Neo Irakleio  | 1BR | 37-44  m²
Fully Furnished Apartments in Tavros
from €250,000
Handover: Q1 2028
Athens | 1-2BR | 48-71 m²
Stylish Apartments with Spacious Terraces
from €282,000
Handover: Q2 2026
Kallithea, Greece | 1 BR | 41-83 m²
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about the Greece Golden Visa program
Yes — Chinese nationals are one of the largest applicant groups.