Conversions & Listed Buildings
Access the €250,000 property threshold through a qualifying change of use or listed-building investment. These are specialised routes with different completion requirements.
Overview
Route information is set out below.
Requirements
Choose the appropriate specialised property route
Non-residential to residential conversion
Acquire a qualifying property for at least €250,000. The lawful change of use to residential must be completed before the residence application. Confirm the property’s planning history and the required engineer’s certification.
Listed-building restoration
Acquire a qualifying listed building or qualifying part/property for at least €250,000. Complete the required restoration or reconstruction before the first renewal; the listed status and applicable technical conditions must be documented.
- The €250,000 exception can apply regardless of location; it is not a general discounted threshold for ordinary homes.
- Confirm the single-property requirement and legal eligibility. The standard 120 m² rule does not generally apply to these specialised exceptions.
- Maintain the qualifying ownership for residence renewal. A sale can affect your and your family’s permits; obtain advice before disposing of the asset.
- Short-term letting is prohibited. Converted properties also cannot be used as a business headquarters or branch under the applicable rules.
Initial application essentials
- The main applicant must satisfy the applicable third-country-national and adult-investor requirements, with a valid passport and lawful entry or the permitted representation procedure.
- Document the qualifying investment, payment trail and source of funds. Provide appropriate health insurance covering Greece and the required civil-status/background documents.
- Complete the required Greek translations and legalisation, investment certification and biometric formalities. There is no general Greek-language test for initial investor residence.
- These permits do not in themselves authorise ordinary salaried employment. Confirm the activity permitted under your specific category before working.
- Investment minimums exclude government, legal, document, transaction and ongoing investment costs. Obtain a route-specific written budget.
Who can be included?
Spouse or civil partner
A qualifying spouse or legally recognised civil partner can apply. Provide the required relationship evidence, translations and legalisation.
Children under 21
Eligible unmarried children under 21 can be included, subject to parentage and custody requirements. Children approaching 21 should assess the available independent permit arrangements.
Parents and ascendants
The applicable investor-family rules cover direct ascendants of the investor and spouse or partner. Each person needs the required supporting documents and insurance.
Individual permissions
Family members submit the necessary applications and their permits are linked to the investor’s status. Do not assume the investment permit grants unrestricted employment rights.
Process and Procedure
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Assess the route and family
Confirm the appropriate investment category, nationality and each family member’s eligibility. Plan the full funding and document requirements. Arrange a property-selection visit to Greece and coordinate the application and final-verification appointments with your adviser.
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Verify the specialised property
Check title, planning permissions, approved use and the purchase structure. For conversions, verify completion before applying; for listed buildings, document status and the restoration plan.
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Complete the qualifying investment
Follow the prescribed payment process and obtain the ownership, banking, company or official certification documents required for the selected category.
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Submit the residence applications
Prepare translated/legalised records and insurance. Submit through the applicable ministry procedure, using a properly authorised representative where permitted.
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Complete biometrics and receive a decision
Attend required biometric appointments and answer further requests. Processing depends on the authority, route and file; no fixed issue date is guaranteed.
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Maintain the investment and renew
Keep the required investment and insurance, meet any restoration or employment commitments, and submit renewal evidence in time. Family status and permitted activity must remain compliant.
Renewal and Citizenship
Potential nationality after seven years
Naturalisation may become possible after seven years of qualifying continuous lawful residence, subject to the residence category and all other conditions. Holding an investment permit while living abroad is not enough.
Language and knowledge
The naturalisation knowledge certificate normally involves Greek at B1-equivalent level and knowledge of Greek history, geography, culture and institutions. Exemptions or alternative evidence depend on the applicant.
Integration and assessment
Applicants must demonstrate genuine economic and social integration, suitable conduct and the required ties to Greece. Approval and timing are assessed individually.
Residence versus citizenship
A Greek investor permit permits residence under its conditions and Schengen short visits. EU citizenship rights arise only if Greek nationality is granted. Dual nationality is permitted in Greece, subject also to your existing nationality’s rules.
Residence status does not automatically qualify you for a special tax regime. Tax residence and any preferential treatment require a separate assessment.
