Greece’s Golden Visa program grants a five-year renewable residence permit to qualifying investors and permits family inclusion under defined rules. This makes the program ideal for families seeking European residency, education options, and healthcare access while retaining flexible residence obligations. Below is a researched guide to what the five-year permit covers, who you can include, and practical caveats to plan for. Wise+1
The core offer: a 5-year renewable residency permit
Successful Golden Visa applicants obtain a residence permit valid for five years, which can be renewed provided that the qualifying investment is maintained and renewal conditions are met. Importantly, Greece does not enforce a strict annual minimum stay to keep the permit (unlike some other programs), which gives investors freedom to live elsewhere while retaining EU residency privileges. Investment Migration Council+1
Who can be included in the application?
Standard family members commonly included:
- Spouse or registered partner (documented marriage/partnership).
- Dependent minor children — typically children under 21 (some sources and providers note that children who are students or financially dependent may be covered up to higher ages under certain interpretations; confirm via counsel).
- Dependent parents of the applicant and the spouse (subject to dependency evidence). Immigrant Invest+1
Load-bearing claim (family inclusion & permit length): The permit covers the main investor and eligible family members and is valid for five years, renewable as long as the investment conditions remain satisfied. Global Citizen Solutions+1
What rights does the residence permit give?
- Right to live and access public services: Golden Visa holders may reside in Greece and — depending on local municipal and social insurance requirements — access public healthcare and education services (practical access may require registration with national health services or local authorities). Wise
- Visa-free short-term travel across Schengen: As residents of an EU Schengen state, holders generally enjoy business/leisure travel to Schengen countries without requiring separate visas for short stays (see article 3 for practical limits). Harvey Law Group
- No formal work permit automatically: The standard residency-by-investment permit does not grant a right to work in other Schengen states. For employment in Greece, specific work authorisations or visas may still be required depending on circumstances. Nomad Gate
Renewal & continuity — what to plan for
- Maintain the qualifying investment — to renew the permit you must keep ownership/hold the qualifying investment. For renovation/conversion projects, authorities usually expect the refurbishments to be completed within specified periods (often within five years). greekcitizenship.net
- Document retention: Keep deeds, tax receipts, construction completion certificates, and all documents used for the original application. These are essential when renewing.
- Non-residency for tax purposes: Holding a Golden Visa does not automatically create Greek tax residency. Tax residency is typically determined by spending more than 183 days per year in Greece or by other tax rules; investors should consult tax advisors. Immigrant Invest
Education & healthcare practicalities
- Education: Residency gives access to Greek public schooling for included children; private international schools are also readily available in major cities. Admission processes differ, so plan school applications early.
- Healthcare: With proper registration (and sometimes local contributions), residents can access Greece’s public healthcare system; many expats also choose private health insurance for faster access and wider coverage. Wise
Citizenship pathway: what to expect
Golden Visa residency can be a stepping stone to potential Greek citizenship, but citizenship is not automatic. Naturalization usually requires several years of continuous legal residence (often seven years), language proficiency, cultural integration, and sometimes a 183-day-per-year physical presence requirement for the naturalization period. If citizenship is your end goal, plan for long-term physical presence and integration steps. Nomad Gate
Practical advice for families
- Get a clear written checklist of documents required for each family member (IDs, birth/marriage certificates, translations, apostilles).
- Plan schooling and healthcare registration early — both systems require registration steps that take time.
- Consult a tax advisor to understand when residency status might trigger tax obligations in Greece or your home country.
Bottom line: The Greece Golden Visa’s five-year permit plus family inclusion offers significant, flexible benefits for families: a path to European residency without onerous stay rules, access to education and health systems, and the opportunity to pursue citizenship later — but careful planning and professional advice make the difference between a smooth process and avoidable complications. Global Citizen Solutions+1