Greece launched a new Start-up Golden Visa program in November 2025, offering foreign investors a residence permit through investments in early-stage Greek companies. This residence-by-investment pathway provides a one-year permit renewable every two years, contingent on maintaining investment and job-creation requirements.
Quick Summary
Greece’s Start-up Golden Visa requires a minimum EUR 250,000 investment in start-ups registered on the Elevate Greece platform. Investors receive a one-year residence permit renewable for two-year periods. The program mandates creating two new jobs in the first year and maintaining them for five years.
Table of Contents
- What is Greece’s Start-up Golden Visa?
- Minimum Investment Requirements
- Job Creation Requirements
- Investment Entity Structure
- Permit Duration and Renewal Process
- Five-Year Investment Hold Period
- Rights and Limitations of the Start-up Golden Visa
- Elevate Greece Platform
- Comparison with Other Greek Golden Visa Programs
- Who Should Consider the Start-up Golden Visa?
- Key Takeaways: Greece Start-up Golden Visa 2025
- Application Process Overview
- Greece’s Immigration Framework Expansion
What is Greece’s Start-up Golden Visa?
The Start-up Golden Visa is a residence permit program introduced in November 2025 that grants foreign investors residency in Greece through investments in early-stage companies. According to Fragomen, this program creates a formal pathway for investors to obtain Greek residency while supporting the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Minimum Investment Requirements
EUR 250,000 Capital Investment
The program requires a minimum investment of EUR 250,000 in a start-up registered on the Elevate Greece platform. This government-backed platform certifies eligible start-ups that meet specific criteria for innovation and growth potential.
Investment Structure Options
Investors can deploy capital through:
- Shares: Direct equity ownership in the start-up
- Equity instruments: Other qualifying equity-based investments
All investment funds must be transferred from abroad to qualify for the Start-up Golden Visa.
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Job Creation Requirements
Two Jobs in First Year
Investors must ensure their invested company creates at least two new jobs within the first year of the permit issuance. This requirement is mandatory for initial qualification.
Five-Year Job Maintenance
The two newly created positions must be maintained for a full five years from the date of creation. Failure to sustain these jobs results in denial of permit renewal.
Non-Compliance Penalties
If job creation or maintenance requirements are not met:
- Renewal rights are forfeited
- EUR 50,000 fine imposed on the investor
- EUR 50,000 fine imposed on the company
Investment Entity Structure
Greek Legal Entity Requirements
Investors using a Greek legal entity must:
- Hold 100% ownership of the entity’s shares
- Ensure the entity is properly registered in Greece
- Maintain full control throughout the investment period
Foreign Legal Entity Requirements
For investments through foreign legal entities:
- Maximum three third-country national shareholders allowed
- Each shareholder must own at least 33% of the entity
- All three shareholders can apply for the Start-up Golden Visa
- Funds must originate from abroad
Ownership Restrictions
Individual permit holders cannot:
- Control more than 33% of a company’s shares
- Hold more than 33% of voting rights in a single company
These restrictions apply regardless of the entity structure used for investment.
Permit Duration and Renewal Process
Initial Permit: One Year
The Start-up Golden Visa is initially issued for one year following approval of the qualifying investment and verification of compliance with program requirements.
Renewal Terms: Two-Year Increments
After the initial one-year period, the permit can be renewed for two-year increments provided:
- The investment remains intact
- Required jobs continue to exist
- All compliance conditions are met
- The investor maintains ownership of qualifying shares
Time Spent Outside Greece
Periods spent outside Greece do not affect renewal eligibility. There are no minimum physical presence requirements in Greece to maintain or renew the Start-up Golden Visa.
Five-Year Investment Hold Period
Mandatory Holding Period
Investors must hold their start-up shares for a minimum of five years from the date of initial investment. This holding period ensures long-term commitment to the Greek start-up ecosystem.
Share Sale and Reinvestment Rules
If an investor sells their shares before the five-year period expires:
- Reinvestment must occur within two months
- Funds must be redirected to another Elevate Greece-registered start-up, OR
- Funds must be placed in another eligible investment under Greece’s Immigration Code
Failure to reinvest within the two-month window results in loss of the residence permit.
Rights and Limitations of the Start-up Golden Visa
Residence Rights
The Start-up Golden Visa provides:
- Legal residence in Greece
- Right to live in Greece continuously or intermittently
- No minimum stay requirements
Work Rights Restriction
Important: The Start-up Golden Visa does NOT provide work authorization in Greece. Permit holders cannot be employed by Greek companies or work in Greece unless they obtain separate work permits.
Elevate Greece Platform
The Elevate Greece platform serves as the official registry for qualifying start-ups. Only companies certified and registered on this platform are eligible for Start-up Golden Visa investments.
Platform Purpose
Elevate Greece:
- Certifies innovative start-ups
- Validates business models and growth potential
- Provides transparency for foreign investors
- Ensures compliance with government standards
Investors should verify a start-up’s registration status on Elevate Greece before committing capital.
Comparison with Other Greek Golden Visa Programs
Greece’s Start-up Golden Visa differs from the traditional real estate Golden Visa in several ways:
| Feature | Start-up Golden Visa | Real Estate Golden Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Investment Type | Start-up equity | Property purchase |
| Minimum Investment | EUR 250,000 | EUR 250,000-800,000 (location-dependent) |
| Job Creation | Required (2 jobs) | Not required |
| Initial Duration | 1 year | 5 years |
| Work Rights | Not included | Not included |
Who Should Consider the Start-up Golden Visa?
The Greece Start-up Golden Visa is ideal for:
- Foreign investors interested in European start-up ecosystems
- Entrepreneurs seeking EU residence through business investment
- Investors willing to commit to five-year hold periods
- Those comfortable with active investment management
- Individuals who meet job creation requirements
Key Takeaways: Greece Start-up Golden Visa 2025
- Minimum EUR 250,000 investment in Elevate Greece-registered start-ups
- One-year initial permit renewable every two years
- Mandatory creation of two jobs in first year
- Five-year job maintenance requirement
- Five-year minimum share holding period
- Investment through Greek (100% ownership) or foreign entities (33% minimum per shareholder)
- No work rights included in permit
- EUR 50,000 fines for non-compliance
- Two-month reinvestment window if shares are sold
- No minimum physical presence requirements in Greece
Application Process Overview
While specific application procedures are managed through Greek immigration authorities, investors should:
- Identify qualifying start-ups on Elevate Greece platform
- Structure investment entity (Greek or foreign)
- Transfer EUR 250,000 from abroad
- Verify job creation compliance
- Submit residence permit application
- Maintain ongoing compliance for renewals
Greece’s Immigration Framework Expansion
The Start-up Golden Visa adds a new category to Greece’s Immigration Code, positioning the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem as a formal entry point for residency-by-investment. This program complements existing golden visa pathways while specifically targeting investors interested in innovation and business development.
- What is the minimum investment for Greece’s Start-up Golden Visa?The minimum investment required is EUR 250,000 in a start-up registered on the Elevate Greece platform.Add Image
- How long is the Greece Start-up Golden Visa valid?The initial permit is valid for one year and can be renewed every two years as long as investment and job creation requirements are maintained.Add Image
- How many jobs must be created for the Start-up Golden Visa?Investors must create at least two new jobs in the first year and maintain these positions for five years to remain eligible for permit renewal.Add Image
- Does the Greece Start-up Golden Visa allow you to work?No, the Start-up Golden Visa does not provide work rights in Greece. Permit holders need separate work authorization to be employed in Greece.Add Image
What is the minimum investment for Greece’s Start-up Golden Visa?
The minimum investment required is EUR 250,000 in a start-up registered on the Elevate Greece platform.
How long is the Greece Start-up Golden Visa valid?
The initial permit is valid for one year and can be renewed every two years as long as investment and job creation requirements are maintained.
How many jobs must be created for the Start-up Golden Visa?
Investors must create at least two new jobs in the first year and maintain these positions for five years to remain eligible for permit renewal.
Does the Greece Start-up Golden Visa allow you to work?
No, the Start-up Golden Visa does not provide work rights in Greece. Permit holders need separate work authorization to be employed in Greece.
