From Greek Island Homes to EU Residency

Own a stunning villa on a Greek island and unlock EU residency through Greece’s Golden Visa. With Roots Realty, finding your ideal property is simple and secure—blending lifestyle, investment, and long-term freedom in one perfect opportunity.

The Allure of Greek Island Living

Greece is home to over 6,000 islands and islets, with around 200 of them inhabited. From the famous whitewashed homes of Santorini and Mykonos to the lush, green landscapes of Corfu and Crete, each island offers its own unique charm and lifestyle.

Greek island homes offer:

• Breathtaking sea views and natural beauty

• Peaceful living with access to modern comforts

• Mediterranean cuisine, rich culture, and history

• Opportunities for vacation rentals or retirement

• Affordable property prices compared to other EU countries

For many international buyers, owning a second home or retirement villa on a Greek island is the perfect blend of luxury, lifestyle, and long-term value.

What Is the Greece Golden Visa?

The Greece Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program launched in 2013. It allows non-EU citizens to obtain a five-year renewable residence permit by investing in Greek real estate.

The key requirement? An investment in residential or commercial property with a minimum value of €250,000. However, since 2024, some high-demand areas (like central Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini) now require a €500,000 minimum investment. Island homes that fall outside these zones may still qualify at the original €250,000 threshold.

Applicants are not required to live in Greece to maintain their residency permit, and they can renew it every five years, as long as they retain ownership of the property.

Why Choose a Greek Island Property for the Golden Visa?

There are many advantages to choosing an island home over a mainland property:

1. Lifestyle – Greek islands offer a serene, healthy, and inspiring environment ideal for part-time living, retirement, or working remotely.

2. Rental Income – Islands attract millions of tourists annually. Your property can generate income through short-term rentals on platforms like Airbnb.

3. Value Growth – Coastal properties in Greece have shown steady appreciation in recent years as demand from international buyers grows.

4. Lower Entry Costs – Many island homes outside high-demand areas still qualify for the €250,000 minimum, making them more accessible than mainland urban centers.

With support from trusted real estate consultants like Roots Realty, investors can find island homes that not only meet their lifestyle goals but also comply with Golden Visa requirements.

Who Can Apply for the Golden Visa?

The Greece Golden Visa is available to:

• Non-EU nationals over the age of 18

• Property investors who meet the minimum value requirement

• Spouse and unmarried children under 21

• Dependent parents of the main applicant and spouse

No minimum stay is required, and visa holders can live in Greece or travel freely across the 26 Schengen countries, including France, Germany, Spain, and Italy.

How to Qualify Through Island Property Purchase

Here’s how the process works for buying a Greek island home and obtaining the Golden Visa:

1. Find the Right Property
   Work with licensed real estate agents like Roots Realty to identify eligible homes that meet location and pricing criteria.

2. Appoint a Legal Representative
   A local lawyer can help with due diligence, tax ID application, contracts, and managing legal processes.

3. Open a Greek Bank Account
   Required for transferring investment funds and completing the purchase.

4. Purchase the Property
   Sign the final deed of sale at a notary public. Ensure the investment meets the Golden Visa threshold.

5. Submit Golden Visa Application
   Include passport, property deeds, insurance proof, and family documentation (if applying together).

6. Receive Residence Permits
   Once approved, you’ll receive a five-year renewable permit for you and your eligible family members.

Required Documents

• Valid passport

• Passport-sized photographs

• Property purchase agreement

• Proof of payment and bank transfers

• Greek tax registration number

• Medical insurance (valid in Greece)

• Criminal background check from country of residence

Working with experienced partners ensures the application is handled correctly and efficiently.

Benefits of the Greece Golden Visa

Investing in a Greek island property doesn’t just offer a beautiful vacation retreat—it comes with powerful long-term benefits:

• Five-Year Residency – Renewable for as long as the property is held

• Family Coverage – Includes spouse, children, and parents

• No Residency Requirement – Live in Greece or just visit occasionally

• Visa-Free Travel in Schengen Zone

• Potential Path to Citizenship – Eligible to apply after 7 years of continuous residency

• Right to Rent Out the Property – Generate passive income while maintaining residency

Best Greek Islands for Golden Visa Homes

1. Crete – Greece’s largest island with stunning beaches, historic towns, and vibrant year-round life.

2. Rhodes – A medieval gem with large villas and family-friendly communities.

3. Naxos – A peaceful alternative to Santorini, offering charming homes and lower property prices.

4. Paros & Antiparos – Popular for their beauty and growing expat communities.

5. Kefalonia & Corfu – Green, mountainous islands with Italian influences and scenic views.

Each of these islands offers a different flavor of Greek life, and Roots Realty can help you find hidden gems that align with your investment goals.

Why Now Is the Time to Invest

Post-pandemic travel, digital nomad lifestyles, and a renewed interest in healthy, outdoor living have brought new attention to Mediterranean countries like Greece. Property prices are still competitive compared to Western Europe, but the market is heating up.

Additionally, changes in investment thresholds in popular cities are pushing more investors toward the islands—where prices are lower, rental demand is strong, and the visa process is just as smooth.

Wrap Up

From a charming coastal villa in Crete to a whitewashed home on Paros, Greek island properties offer more than beauty and escape—they offer residency, freedom, and opportunity. The Greece Golden Visa is one of Europe’s most flexible and accessible residency programs, and investing in an island home is a smart, lifestyle-rich path to EU access.

Whether you’re retiring in the sun, planning for your family’s future, or expanding your global presence, Greece has the perfect mix of investment value and everyday paradise.

With expert guidance from Roots Realty, your journey from a Greek island home to EU residency starts here.