Greece Golden Visa for Chinese citizens
Chinese citizens are the largest group of investors in the programme: according to Greece's Ministry of Migration and Asylum, at the end of 2025 they held 9,926 valid initial permits, almost half of the total.
47.9%
According to Greece's Ministry of Migration and Asylum, December 2025: 9,926 permits held by Chinese citizens (47.9%), 3,291 by Turkish citizens (15.9%).
What is the same for everyone
- The same thresholds: €800,000, €400,000 and €250,000 depending on the area and the property type.
- A 5-year renewable permit with no minimum stay in Greece.
- A spouse, children and the parents of both spouses can be included in the application.
What matters for Chinese citizens
Entry
Chinese citizens need a Schengen visa for short trips to the Schengen area. We explain the entry and filing route for your passport and timeline.
Currency limits
In China, buying foreign currency is limited for individuals by an annual quota of about US$50,000 per person. For the amount of the threshold you need funds that are already abroad or a lawful way of moving them. Greek banks check the origin of the money and the chain of transfers.
Documents and apostille
China joined the Hague Apostille Convention in November 2023: a criminal record certificate and marriage and birth certificates are legalised with an apostille instead of consular legalisation and translated into Greek.
Paying for the deal
The payment goes by bank transfer to the seller's account and is documented. We calculate the taxes and fees of the purchase in advance in the cost calculator.
The rules of the programme are the same for citizens of all countries outside the EU and the EEA. Entry, the transfer of funds and the preparation of documents differ. Before a deal we check the details against current law.
Investment thresholds
- €800,000€800,000 is the threshold for the most sought-after locations: Attica with Athens, Piraeus and the Athens Riviera, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini and islands with more than 3,100 residents.
- €400,000€400,000 is the threshold for all regions of Greece except the most sought-after ones: the mainland outside Attica and Thessaloniki and small islands with up to 3,100 residents.
- €250,000€250,000 is the reduced threshold. It applies anywhere in Greece, including central Athens, but only to two kinds of property: premises converted to residential use and listed historic buildings being restored.
For Russian citizensFor Turkish citizensFor Ukrainian citizens
Let us review your case
Leave a request: we check the origin of funds and the entry route and select a property for the threshold.
Where to start on your own
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Do Chinese citizens need a visa to travel to Greece?
Yes, for short trips to the Schengen area Chinese citizens need a Schengen visa. After you receive the investor permit you live in Greece and move freely within the Schengen area under the rules for permit holders.
How do I move money out of China for the purchase?
The annual quota for buying foreign currency is limited, and you cannot buy a property abroad directly with it. Funds that are already outside China are normally used. We discuss the structure at the consultation together with your lawyer and bank.
Which threshold should I choose?
It depends on the area and the property type: €800,000 in Attica and popular locations, €400,000 in other regions, €250,000 for premises with a change of use and for restored historic buildings.
Does the permit lead to citizenship?
No. The investor permit does not give citizenship automatically. Naturalisation follows separate rules.