Residence Permit for Financial Investments (Type B.4)

Greek legislation allows third-country nationals to obtain a residence permit in Greece by making specific types of financial investments. This permit, known as “B.4 Residence Permit for Investment Activity,” is issued for five years and can be renewed as long as the investment is maintained. The framework is designed to attract foreign capital, strengthen the national economy, and at the same time provide investors and their families with the opportunity for legal residence in Greece.

One option is to contribute at least €500,000 to a Greek company in order to acquire shares through a capital increase or to purchase corporate bonds issued by the company. These securities must be admitted to trading on regulated markets or multilateral trading facilities operating in Greece. The investment is made through a Greek bank or licensed investment firm, and the securities are recorded in the investor’s account in the Greek Central Securities Depository.

Another route is participation of at least €500,000 in a Real Estate Investment Company (REIC) that invests exclusively in Greece. This is achieved by acquiring shares during a capital increase, with the investment and retention verified by official company certificates.

Investors may also choose to place at least €500,000 in Venture Capital Companies (ECES) or Venture Capital Funds (AKES) that channel resources exclusively into Greek businesses. For staged payments, special escrow accounts are required, while for AKES a dedicated account must be opened solely for receiving and distributing the invested funds.

Government bonds are also eligible, provided the investor acquires Greek sovereign bonds worth at least €500,000 with a minimum remaining maturity of three years. Custody must be maintained with a Greek bank, which issues the relevant certificates.

For those who prefer banking products, a time deposit of at least €500,000 in a Greek bank is possible, with a minimum term of one year and automatic renewal. Spouses, partners or close relatives up to the second degree may be co-holders of this deposit.

Another pathway is the acquisition of shares, corporate bonds, or Greek government bonds with a minimum purchase value of €800,000. These transactions must be carried out through a Greek intermediary or bank and managed via a dedicated account used exclusively for this purpose, ensuring that the value of the investment remains stable.

It is also possible to invest at least €350,000 in units of a mutual fund that invests exclusively in Greek shares, corporate bonds, or government bonds. The fund must have total assets of at least €10 million and be licensed by the competent supervisory authority. If it is based outside the EU, its authority must be a member of IOSCO and have a cooperation agreement with the Hellenic Capital Market Commission.

Finally, investors may contribute at least €350,000 in units or shares of an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) established in Greece or another EU member state, provided it invests exclusively in Greece. Both the AIF and its manager must be licensed or registered with the competent supervisory authority, while the funds are held in a dedicated bank account in Greece and used solely for the purposes of the AIF.

Investments can be made by individuals or legal entities. If a Greek company makes the investment, the residence permit may be granted to the third-country national who holds 100% of its shares. If a foreign company invests, up to three individuals may qualify, provided each holds at least 33% of the company’s share capital.

The B.4 permit is valid for five years, renewable under the same conditions, but it does not grant access to employment in Greece. Investors may liquidate their investment and, within two months, reinvest the funds in another eligible category or in real estate without losing their residence rights. Up to three different investments can be combined, with the minimum total determined by the highest threshold among them.

This residence route is aimed at high-net-worth individuals seeking to diversify their portfolios in a European market, families wishing to secure residence status in Greece, and international entities or funds looking for a stable, well-regulated environment in which to allocate capital.

Our office responsibly undertakes all procedures for obtaining a residence permit through financial investments. We provide comprehensive support in Greek, English, and Russian, covering everything from the choice of investment category and coordination with banks and intermediaries to the consular process and final issuance of the permit. With extensive experience in investment migration, we guide our clients safely and reliably at every step.