Selling a Golden Visa Property in Greece: What Happens to the Permit

Buyers plan their exit as well as their entry. If the property is what supports the permit, selling it raises a question: what happens to the residence? This guide explains the logic and the points that need a lawyer's written answer.

The permit rests on the investment

The Golden Visa is a renewable five-year permit that depends on holding the qualifying investment. A sale ends the basis on which the permit was granted, so the safe assumption is that you should not sell before you have a plan for the permit. How your case is treated at the next renewal, and whether replacing the property is accepted, depends on the rules in force and on the office. Ask for the answer in writing.

Cases with extra limits

• Restoration of a listed building (€250,000 level). The property cannot be sold before the restoration is complete, and a transfer in breach of this is void. If the restoration is not completed before the first renewal after five years, the permit is revoked and a €150,000 fine applies (IBA, September 2026). See the €250,000 route.
• Conversion (€250,000 level). The change of use has to be completed before the application and shown by an engineer's certificate, so the property you sell later must keep its status until then.

Tax on the sale

Selling is a taxable event in Greece: transfer tax paid by the buyer and capital gains rules. IMI Daily reports that the 15% capital gains tax on property has been suspended until 31 December 2026, with no renewal decided as of 23 October 2026, so check the position when you plan to sell. Also read property taxes in Greece.

Ask these questions before you buy

1. If I sell, how long do I keep the permit, and can I replace the property with another one?
2. What documents prove that I still hold the investment at renewal?
3. How easy is it to resell this type of property, and at what discount?
4. How will the new 15% transfer tax for non-EU buyers, if it becomes law, affect my buyer pool? See what is known.

Plan the exit first

A property that is easy to resell, in an area with steady demand, makes the exit easier. Compare areas in the Athens districts guide and the selected projects.

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