Can You Rent Out Golden Visa Property in Greece? Rules for 2026

A common question from buyers: can the property that gives the residence permit also earn rent? The answer is yes for long-term letting and no for short-term letting. This guide sets out the rule, the penalty and what to check before you buy.

The rule

A property acquired for the grant or renewal of the Golden Visa permit may not be let short-term under the sharing-economy framework (platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com), and it may not be sublet. A breach can lead to revocation of the permit and a fine of €50,000. Long-term letting is permitted, and there is no obligation to let the property at all (IBA, September 2026, on Article 100 of the Migration Code as amended by Law 5100/2024).

What counts as long-term

The sources do not give a single number of months in the passages we reviewed, so do not rely on a rule of thumb. Ask your lawyer to state in writing which lease length and form the authorities accept, and keep the signed leases.

Which properties the ban applies to

The restriction is not retroactive. It does not apply to properties acquired under the previous regime or completed within the transitional period. It does apply to a property bought now to qualify, in any of the three levels: €800,000, €400,000 or €250,000.

Income and tax

Rent from a Greek property is taxed in Greece as rental income. Our article on property taxes in Greece lists the scale: 15% up to €12,000 a year, 35% from €12,001 to €35,000 and 45% above that. Budget for it in your yield calculation.

Practical checklist

1. Choose a property in a building and area where long-term tenants are easy to find.
2. Put the intended use in the purchase documents and with the manager.
3. Do not list the property on short-term platforms, even for a few weeks.
4. Keep leases, rent payment records and the property manager's reports.
5. Check the rule again before you renew: rules changed in 2024 and may change again; see the timeline of changes.

For the cost of buying and holding the property, use the calculator.

This material is informational and is not legal or tax advice.