Greece Golden Visa 2026: Who Can Apply? Age and Requirements

The Greece Golden Visa remains one of the world's most accessible investment-residency programs, offering non-EU investors and their families free movement in Greece — and indirectly across the Schengen area. But the answer to "who can apply" is not just about age and citizenship; which family members can be included, their own age and dependency conditions, and which documents must support the process all matter greatly. In this comprehensive guide we cover all eligibility criteria in force as of 2026 in detail, and share common misconceptions.

General Eligibility Criteria for the Main Applicant

The source-of-funds documentation and due diligence process in particular have been applied increasingly rigorously in recent years; preparing all bank records, income declarations and company documents completely and in order before applying is critical for a smooth process.

Age Requirements: Main Applicant and Family Members

Main applicant: Must be at least 18; this is a clear lower limit with no exceptions. Someone under 18 cannot be an independent applicant but can be included as a dependent child on a parent's application.

Spouse / registered partner: Must be of age (18+). This category covers legally married spouses as well as registered partners and same-sex partners under Greek law.

Dependent children are assessed in three tiers:

• Under 21: Unmarried children can be included directly; no additional condition.
• Aged 21-24: Can stay if included before turning 21, a full-time student and financially dependent; the permit renews automatically each year.
• 24 and over: No longer a "dependent" and leaves the program; must apply for a separate permit in their own right.

In practice the most common problem is applying very close to the child's 21st birthday; even if the permit is approved, the physical card may not be issued. It is therefore recommended to complete the application at least a few months in advance for children approaching 21.

Parents: The parents of both the main applicant and spouse can be included with no upper age limit and no proof of financial dependency — making the program especially attractive for multi-generational families.

Scope of Family Members

The practical result is that a four-person core family plus the parents of both sides — up to eight people — can obtain residency with a single investment.

Documents Required for the Application

Every document obtained abroad must be translated into Greek and carry an apostille. The most common reasons for rejection/delay are incomplete source-of-funds documentation and incorrectly apostilled documents — special attention to these two points is recommended.

The Difference Between the Golden Visa and Citizenship

The Golden Visa is not a citizenship-by-investment program; it only provides a renewable residence permit. Under Greek Citizenship Law, if the investor spends at least 183 days a year physically in Greece over 7 years and meets language/integration criteria, they can apply for ordinary naturalisation. The two processes are independent. Golden Visa holders cannot work in salaried employment without a separate work permit; however, they can set up a Greek company, become a shareholder or serve as a director.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can apply for the Greece Golden Visa?
Citizens of any country outside the European Union or European Economic Area who are at least 18 and have a clean criminal record can apply. In addition, the applicant must document the legal origin of the investment funds and successfully pass a state-level due diligence check. Nearly all non-EU citizens — including from the US, UK, Canada, China, India, Türkiye and Gulf states — are theoretically eligible; however, the Greek authorities reserve the right to reject certain applications on national-security grounds.

2. What is the minimum age requirement for the Golden Visa?
The minimum age for the main applicant and spouse/registered partner is 18; someone below this cannot be an independent applicant. It is different for dependent children: unmarried children under 21 can be included directly, while those aged 21-24 can stay if they are full-time students, remain financially dependent and were included before turning 21. There is no upper age limit for parents.

3. Which nationalities cannot apply for the Golden Visa?
Citizens of EU and EEA member states cannot apply, as they already hold free-movement rights within the EU. Otherwise any nationality can theoretically apply, but the Greek authorities assess each application separately and may reject those they consider a risk to national security, public order or international relations.

4. Can my child who turns 21 stay under the Golden Visa?
Yes, but under certain conditions. The child must have been included before turning 21 and received a permit, be a full-time student and remain financially dependent. As long as these are met, the permit renews each year until the child turns 24. After 24 the child is no longer a dependent and must make a separate application in their own right.

5. Do I automatically become a Greek citizen with the Golden Visa?
No, the Golden Visa is not a citizenship-by-investment program and only provides a renewable residence permit. Naturalisation is a completely separate process requiring at least 183 days a year of physical residence in Greece over 7 years, plus proof of language and social integration. Most holders choose the program for free movement in the EU without a residency obligation; citizenship remains an optional, long-term choice.

Note: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. As current regulations may change frequently, we recommend consulting a licensed immigration advisor or our law office before applying.