Startup Visa
Greece
Last updated: December 24, 2025
1 year (renewable)
$2,500
4–6 months
High
About this Visa
This visa lets non-European investors buy a stake in a Greek startup and live in Greece. You invest €250,000 in a startup registered with Greece's official startup registry. In return, you get a residence permit that lets you and your family live in Greece with Schengen travel rights. The visa is different from other Greek investment visas because it's tied to a real business. Your visa renewal depends on the startup creating jobs. If the startup fails to create 2 full-time jobs in the first year, your visa won't be renewed. You don't get automatic work rights in Greece—you can't work as an employee. But you can manage your own business.
Key Benefits
- Live in Greece for you, your spouse, children, and parents
- Schengen travel—visa-free access to 27 European countries
- No residency requirement—you don't have to spend a minimum number of days in Greece each year
- Family members get the same permit—spouse, children under 21 (or 24 if studying), and dependent parents all included with no extra cost
- Access to healthcare and schools—use Greek public or private healthcare; enroll children in Greek schools
- Path to citizenship—after 7 years of living in Greece, you can apply for Greek citizenship
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- 18 years old or older
- A citizen of a non-EU country (if you're from the EU, you can't apply)
- Able to provide €250,000 from your own legitimate funds
- In good health (confirmed by medical exam)
- Have no serious criminal record
- Startup must be registered with Greece's official startup registry (Elevate Greece)
- Startup must be less than 8 years old
- Startup must have fewer than 250 employees
- Startup must have annual revenue under €50 million
- Startup must work in tech, sustainability, life sciences, or innovation sectors
- Must create at least 2 full-time jobs at the startup within year 1
- Must keep those jobs for at least 5 years
- Must keep your €250,000 investment for at least 5 years
Financial Requirement
You must invest €250,000 in a Greek startup. This money must come from outside Greece (from your own foreign bank account). You must keep this investment for at least 5 years. If you sell your stake before 5 years, you must reinvest the €250,000 in another startup within 2 months—or you lose your visa.
Documents
- Valid passportAt least 6 months remaining validity
- Bank statementsProving you have €250,000 available
- Proof of money transferMoney transferred from a foreign bank to Greece
- Investment contractContract showing your investment in the startup
- Startup registration proofProof the startup is registered in Greece's official startup registry
- Criminal record certificateFrom your home country
- Medical exam resultsTB test, blood work
- Health insuranceCoverage in Greece
- Family documentsIf including family: marriage certificate, children's birth certificates. All documents must be officially translated to Greek and stamped with Apostille certification.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.