Greece Golden Visa for UAE and GCC Investors
The GCC Investors Hub — your gateway to eligibility, investment routes, documents, family coverage and country-specific guides for the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman.
Quick Facts for GCC Investors
Short, straight answers to the questions we hear most from UAE, Saudi and wider GCC investors.
Can UAE and GCC residents apply?
Yes. Any GCC national or GCC resident of any nationality can apply — there are no nationality restrictions on the Greek Golden Visa.
Is permanent relocation required?
No. The investor residence permit has no minimum-stay requirement under the current rules, so you do not need to live in Greece to maintain it, provided the qualifying investment and the other legal conditions continue to be met. This applies to the Golden Visa investor permit only; other residence routes, tax residence and citizenship are separate questions.
Can the process begin from the UAE?
Yes. Consultation, eligibility review, document preparation and property selection can all be handled from our UAE representative office or remotely.
Can family members be included?
Yes. One qualifying investment covers the main applicant, spouse, children up to 21 (an independent 3-year permit is available at 21, subject to conditions), and both sets of parents.
Is Arabic-speaking support available?
Yes. Our Gulf representative and supporting advisors assist clients in Arabic and English throughout the entire process.
Are multiple investment routes available?
Yes. Real estate is €800,000 in prime zones (Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini and larger islands), €400,000 elsewhere, or €250,000 for a commercial-to-residential conversion or heritage restoration. Financial and business routes are also available from €350,000, chosen based on your goals.
Choose Your Country
Guidance for your specific market, with country pages for the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman.
GCC Citizens vs GCC Residents & Expatriates
Eligibility is based on your nationality, not where you live — but the two groups prepare their applications a little differently.
GCC Citizens
UAE, Saudi, Qatari, Kuwaiti, Bahraini and Omani nationals.
- UAE, Saudi, Qatari, Kuwaiti, Bahraini and Omani nationals all apply on identical terms — no nationality restrictions.
- One investment covers spouse, children up to 21 (an independent 3-year permit is available at 21, subject to conditions), and both sets of parents.
- Diversify wealth into a real, income-producing EU asset alongside Gulf holdings.
- Gain a second European base for travel, healthcare and education while keeping your primary residence in the Gulf.
- Manage the entire process remotely, by Power of Attorney, with a single short trip for biometrics.
- Every step can be handled in Arabic, from first consultation to post-approval support.
GCC Residents & Expatriates
Non-GCC nationals living and working in the Gulf.
- Nationality and country of residence are treated separately — you apply based on your own passport, not your GCC country of residence.
- Many of our Gulf clients are non-GCC nationals — Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, British and other expatriates living in the UAE, Riyadh or Doha.
- Documents are typically required from both your country of nationality (passport, birth/marriage certificates) and your GCC country of residence (proof of address, residence visa, bank statements).
- Proof of GCC residence — a valid residence visa, Emirates ID or utility bill — helps streamline the eligibility review and communication.
- Civil documents generally need translation into Greek and legalisation (apostille or consular legalisation) before submission.
- The entire preparation stage, including document coordination, can be run from the UAE or wherever you currently reside in the GCC.
Built for Investors Based in the Gulf
The essentials, in brief — then explore your country-specific guide below.
No Relocation Required
There is no minimum stay requirement. You keep living and working in the UAE, Riyadh or Doha while holding Greek residency for your whole family.
A UAE Presence
Our Gulf-based representative means you can speak with our team in your own time zone, before ever travelling to Greece.
Arabic-Speaking Support
Our founder and Gulf representative work between Greece and the UAE, and are supported by advisors who can assist in Arabic throughout the process.
Extended Family Covered
One investment secures Greek residency for the investor, spouse, children up to 21 (an independent 3-year permit is available at 21, subject to conditions), and both sets of parents — a structure that fits extended Gulf family arrangements particularly well.
A Real, Tangible Asset
Unlike citizenship-by-investment donation programmes, your capital is placed in Greek real estate or financial instruments that you own, can rent out, and can sell — the residency comes attached to a real, income-generating asset.
A Base Between East and West
Athens sits within a 4-hour flight of the Gulf and within the Schengen Area — a practical hub for business travel, education, and family time across Europe.
Why Work With Golden Visa Greece
Two offices, one coordinated team — built specifically to support investors based in the Gulf.
UAE Office
A representative office in Ras Al Khaimah (RAKEZ) puts our team in your time zone.
Athens Office
An Athens-based team coordinating the process on the ground in Greece.
Arabic-Speaking Advisors
Consultations, documentation and ongoing support available in Arabic and English.
Legal Coordination
Direct coordination between our UAE and Athens teams keeps your application moving on one timeline.
Property Sourcing
A curated shortlist of qualifying properties matched to your budget and investment goals.
Due Diligence
Legal and technical checks on a property are recommended before you commit any funds; the scope is confirmed in your engagement.
Investment Support
Guidance across real estate, financial and business investment routes.
Family Application Management
One coordinated application file covering every included family member.
Property & Renewal Support
Ongoing property management and permit renewal support long after approval.
Ways to Invest
A summary of every qualifying route. Each links through to the full detail page.
Your Application Process From the GCC
Ten steps from first consultation to post-approval support — most of it completed remotely.
- 01
Initial Consultation
A first conversation with our UAE office, in Arabic or English, to understand your goals.
- 02
Eligibility Assessment
We confirm eligibility for you and your family based on nationality, residence and investment budget.
- 03
Investment Route Selection
Compare real estate, financial and business routes and choose the one that fits your plans.
- 04
Document Preparation
We issue a checklist and coordinate documents from both your home country and your GCC country of residence.
- 05
Legal Coordination
Our Athens legal team runs due diligence and prepares the Power of Attorney and application file.
- 06
Investment Completion
Funds are transferred to your Greek bank account and the qualifying investment is completed.
- 07
Residence Application
The Golden Visa application is filed with the Greek authorities on behalf of you and your family.
- 08
Biometrics
One short visit to Greece — typically just a few days — to submit biometric data.
- 09
Residence Card
A residence card is issued for each approved family member; timing depends on authority processing.
- 10
Post-Approval Support
Ongoing help with renewals, property management, and eventually the path to citizenship.
Documents & Coordination From the GCC
What we typically need from your country of nationality and your GCC country of residence.
Passport
Valid passport copies for every family member included in the application.
Proof of GCC Residence
Residence visa, Emirates ID or equivalent, and a recent utility bill or tenancy contract.
Civil Documents
Birth and marriage certificates for the investor and any included family members.
Source of Funds
Bank statements and supporting evidence showing the origin of the investment funds.
Translation
Certified translation into Greek for all foreign-language documents.
Apostille / Legalisation
Apostille or consular legalisation of civil documents, as required by the issuing country.
Nationality Documents
Documents issued in your country of citizenship, such as your passport and civil records.
Residence Documents
Documents issued in your GCC country of residence, confirming your current address and status.
Family Coverage
One qualifying investment can support residence for eligible family members, subject to the conditions in current law.
Spouse
A spouse or partner (including under a co-habitation agreement concluded in Greece) may be included and receive their own residence permit, subject to the conditions in current law.
Children
Children under 21 are covered; from age 21 an independent 3-year permit may be available, subject to conditions.
Parents
Parents of the main applicant can be included under the same qualifying investment.
Parents-in-Law
Parents of the spouse can also be included, reflecting extended Gulf family structures.
Adding Family Later
Family members not included at the outset can typically be added to an existing Golden Visa later.
Education
Residence in Greece generally opens the way to Greek and international schools; each school sets its own admission requirements.
Residence Rights
Every included family member holds their own independent, renewable Greek residence permit.
Work Rights
The Golden Visa grants residence rights; work rights in Greece are a separate consideration we can advise on.
Our UAE Office
How Our UAE Office Supports You
Our UAE presence supports clients across the UAE and the wider GCC with real-time consultations, in person or remotely.
More than a local address — a working extension of our Athens legal and investment team.
Book ConsultationStelios Antellis
Founder
Stelios Antellis is the Founder of Golden Visa Greece and a strategic figure connecting Greece, the UAE and international investors — a professional with wide international exposure across investment, renewable energy, strategic cooperation, and cross-border business development.
Elham Naddaf
UAE Representative
Based in the UAE, supporting clients across the Gulf region with real-time investment consultation services.
Initial Consultation
A first, no-obligation conversation to understand your goals and outline the right route.
Arabic & English Support
Every conversation and document can be handled in Arabic or English, as you prefer.
Investor Qualification
We confirm eligibility for you and every family member you want to include.
Document Coordination
We collect, check and organise documents from both the UAE/GCC and your country of nationality.
Investment Planning
We help you compare real estate, financial and business routes against your budget and goals.
Athens Legal Team Liaison
Your UAE contact stays in daily communication with our Athens lawyers so nothing gets lost between offices.
Ongoing Support
After approval, the same office remains your point of contact for renewals and any follow-up questions.
Knowledge & Guides
The core guides every GCC investor should read before applying.
Most Asked Questions
Do UAE residents need to relocate to Greece to keep the Golden Visa?
No. The investor residence permit has no minimum-stay requirement under the current rules, so you do not need to live in Greece to maintain it, provided the qualifying investment and the other legal conditions continue to be met. This applies to the Golden Visa investor permit only; other residence routes, tax residence and citizenship are separate questions.
Is there local support for GCC-based investors?
Yes. We operate a representative office in Ras Al Khaimah (RAKEZ Business Zones) and have a dedicated UAE-based advisor supporting clients across the Gulf with real-time, in-person or remote consultations.
How long does the process take from the UAE?
No single timeline applies to every case. Consultation, eligibility review, property selection and paperwork can largely be handled remotely, and biometrics are provided in person in Greece. Timing varies with the route, the transaction, document readiness and authority processing.
Does the investment cover the wider family under GCC family structures?
Yes. One qualifying investment covers the main applicant, spouse or partner, children up to 21 (an independent 3-year permit is available at 21, subject to conditions), and both sets of parents.
Which investment routes are available to GCC investors?
The same routes available to any non-EU investor: real estate at €800,000 in prime zones (Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini and larger islands), €400,000 elsewhere, or €250,000 for a qualifying conversion or restoration — plus financial and business routes from €350,000, chosen based on your goals and budget.
More Questions From GCC Investors
Explore More Questions for GCC Investors
How Greece Compares
See how the Greek Golden Visa stacks up against other residency and citizenship programmes.
Latest Updates
Recent law, threshold and market developments relevant to Golden Visa investors.
Investor Resources
Guides and tools to help you prepare before your first consultation.
Residence in Greece with Clear Guidance
Speak with our team about the Golden Visa and other residence pathways. Athens or UAE team available.