Golden Visa: Required Documents for Investor Residence Permit
The Greek government has officially published the updated list of required documents for granting a residence permit to third-country nationals under the country’s Golden Visa program. The Joint Ministerial Decision (JMD) 214926/2025 is issued pursuant to Articles 20 and 136 of Law 5038/2023, which reshapes the framework for the entry and residence of non-EU investors in Greece.
The new decision revises the documentation, procedures, and conditions necessary for obtaining an investor residence permit, introducing stricter verification mechanisms aimed at strengthening oversight and ensuring the authenticity of investments.
Strengthening Legitimacy and Transparency
The updated JMD focuses on safeguarding legality, transparency, and the substantive nature of investments. Through a more rigorous and evidence-based control system, the government aims to reinforce the credibility of the Golden Visa scheme and reduce cases where residence permits are misused for purposes unrelated to genuine investment activity in the Greek economy.
Updated Documentation Requirements
A key aspect of the decision is the modernization of the documentation file each applicant is required to submit. Beyond the essential identification documents and proof of investment, the new framework introduces an explicit obligation to provide:
- A certificate verifying the origin of the invested funds
- Bank transaction records demonstrating the lawful source and transfer of the capital used for the investment
Applicants may still authorize a representative to submit the application file on their behalf.
Category-Specific Requirements
The decision also differentiates required documents depending on the type of investment. Whether the applicant invests in real estate, corporate shares, bonds, deposits, or other forms of capital participation, each category now includes specific, tailored documentation requirements.
The intention behind this differentiation is to ensure complete traceability of all financial transactions and to deter fictitious or indirect investment schemes that fail to contribute meaningfully to the national economy.
Enhanced Document Authenticity Checks
A strong emphasis is placed on verifying the authenticity of submitted documents. Relevant authorities must conduct cross-checks through the banking system, the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE), and the Hellenic Cadastre (National Land Registry) to confirm the accuracy of submitted information and the actual completion of the investment. Α defined timetable for processing applications is introduced, while renewal of the permit is made explicitly conditional on the investor’s continued ownership of the investment asset and compliance with associated tax obligations.
Digital Transformation of the Process
One of the most innovative elements of the new JMD is the digitalization of the application and monitoring process. A specialized electronic platform operated by the Ministry of Migration will allow investors and their advisors to submit and track documentation online. This digital shift is expected to shorten processing times, enhance transparency, and improve communication between applicants, legal representatives, and government administration.
A Modernized and More Robust Golden Visa Framework
Overall, the new JMD aims to modernize the institutional framework of the Golden Visa program while maintaining Greece’s appeal as a destination for investment migration. Through stricter documentation rules, enhanced verification procedures, and a move toward digital administration, the program gains greater institutional robustness and strengthens its competitive position compared to similar schemes across the European Union.
Law Office Stathaki can help you apply for a Golden Visa investor’s residence permit and navigate this process with professional and to-the-point advice. Contact us today here.
