Fees and processing times
How long does the Greek Golden Visa take, and what does it cost beyond the property?
Beyond the property price, budget the state application fee of €2,000 for the investor with lower fees for family members, transfer tax of 3.09% on resale properties, and combined legal, notary and registry costs that commonly run 1.5% to 2.5% of the price. From filing to decision commonly takes several months and varies sharply by region and backlog, and the filing certificate keeps your stay in Greece legal for the whole wait.
The cost stack, itemised
Transfer tax on resale property is 3.09% of the price. New builds can fall under VAT rules instead, which changes the arithmetic and is worth checking per property. Notary, lawyer and land registry together commonly add 1.5% to 2.5%. The state fee for the investor's permit is €2,000, family members pay lower fees that differ by age, and children under 18 are treated more lightly. Fee schedules move, so have your lawyer confirm the current figures before you wire anything.
Annual ownership then carries ENFIA, the Greek property tax, which depends on the property's zone value and size.
The timeline, honestly
The purchase itself moves at the speed of due diligence and the land registry, commonly weeks to a few months. After filing, the permit decision depends on the region and its backlog: some offices decide in a few months, others take most of a year. Published averages hide that spread. Two things soften the wait: the filing certificate keeps your stay legal, and the permit's five-year clock starts from issue, not from filing.
Questions buyers actually ask
What is the government fee?
€2,000 for the investor's permit. Family members pay lower fees that differ by age. Confirm current figures with your lawyer, since schedules change.
How long until I have the permit?
Commonly several months from filing, with wide variation by region and backlog. You can stay in Greece legally on the filing certificate while it is pending.
What taxes come with the purchase?
Transfer tax of 3.09% on resales, or VAT treatment on some new builds. Ownership then carries the annual ENFIA property tax.
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