Reform of Greece’s golden visa program in 2026: what will change
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Greece updates its Golden Visa rules in 2026: new residence permit validity calculation, faster procedures, simplified renewals. Full details from Visa Dan.
Greece is preparing for important changes to its immigration legislation. As early as January 2026, a reform of the Golden Visa program is planned, aimed at addressing the backlog of applications and improving administrative procedures.
In this article, we explain the essence of the changes, who they affect, and what new advantages investors can expect.
In this article, we explain the essence of the changes, who they affect, and what new advantages investors can expect.
Key changes to the golden visa program
1. New Method for Calculating the Residence Permit Validity Period
- Previously, the five-year validity period of the Golden Visa started from the date of application submission, which reduced the actual validity of the residence permit due to long processing times.
- From 2026, the validity period will begin from the date the residence permit card is issued, ensuring applicants receive the full five-year residence period.
- As of July 2025, more than 49,000 applications remained pending.
- The reform is aimed at reducing these delays and increasing the transparency of the review process.
- Fewer steps will be required for residence permit renewals and family reunification.
- Procedures will become simpler and faster without compromising the quality of application reviews.
What will remain unchanged
Timelines for Permanent Residence and Citizenship
- The Golden Visa will still allow applicants to apply for permanent residence after 5 years and for citizenship after 7 years.
- These timelines continue to be calculated from the date the initial application is approved, not from the date the residence card is issued.
- Therefore, the reform does not affect citizenship eligibility timelines.
Required documents for application
(The overall structure of the program remains unchanged)
- Passport
- Proof of investment (e.g., real estate purchase agreement)
- Police clearance certificate
- Medical insurance
- Photographs and application form
- Documents for family members (if applying for family reunification)
Timelines and fees
- Processing time (after the reform): faster timelines are expected; exact figures will be announced after the law is adopted
- Government fee: from €2,000 for the main applicant
- Investment threshold: from €250,000 in real estate (current thresholds may change — stay updated)
Advantages of the reformed program
- A full five-year residence permit starting from the date of card issuance
- Faster and easier renewal procedures
- More predictable application processing
- Family reunification with reduced bureaucracy
Conclusion
The reform of Greece’s Golden Visa program is a step toward investors and applicants who previously faced bureaucratic delays. The new approach will make the program more transparent, efficient, and attractive.
If you are planning to apply for a Golden Visa in 2026, now is the right time to start preparing.
Contact Visa Dan for a personalized consultation — we support clients at every stage of obtaining residence permits and citizenship in Greece and beyond.
If you are planning to apply for a Golden Visa in 2026, now is the right time to start preparing.
Contact Visa Dan for a personalized consultation — we support clients at every stage of obtaining residence permits and citizenship in Greece and beyond.
Why do customers choose Visa Dan?
Visa Dan is an international company with a strong legal team and experience in assisting more than 1,000 clients. We offer:
- Individual selection of solutions and strategies for obtaining a residence permit.
- Complete transparency and support at every stage.
- A strong team in Europe: lawyers, translators, operators, notaries.
- Support until you receive your ID card, as well as assistance with renewal and integration in the country.
The Visa Dan team will help you navigate this journey from start to finish. Get personalized advice and start your new life in 2025!