Golden Visa Work Rights in Greece: Complete Guide for Investors

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Understanding Greece’s Golden Visa Program

Navigating the complexities of residency-by-investment programs can feel like deciphering ancient Greek itself. If you’re considering Greece’s Golden Visa as your gateway to European residency, understanding your working rights isn’t just a detail—it’s fundamental to planning your new life.

Greece’s Golden Visa program, launched in 2013, offers non-EU nationals a residency permit in exchange for significant investment in the Greek economy. The program has become increasingly popular, with over 11,500 main applicants receiving approval by 2023, making it one of Europe’s most successful residency-by-investment schemes.

Before diving into work rights, let’s quickly outline what makes the Greek Golden Visa attractive:

• Minimum investment threshold of €250,000 in real estate
• Family inclusion (spouse, dependent children, and parents)
• Minimal stay requirements (just once every five years)
• Pathway to citizenship after 7 years of residency
• Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area

The question that often remains unanswered in the glossy brochures, however, is straightforward yet crucial: Can you actually work in Greece once you obtain this coveted Golden Visa?

Can Golden Visa Holders Work in Greece?

Here’s the direct answer: Yes, Golden Visa holders can legally work in Greece. However, there are nuances and conditions that merit deeper understanding.

Unlike some investment residency programs that restrict employment rights, Greece offers Golden Visa holders comprehensive working rights within its borders. This includes:

• The right to take employment with Greek companies
• The ability to establish and run businesses
• The freedom to practice regulated professions (subject to recognition of qualifications)
• Access to self-employment opportunities

According to Greek Law 4251/2014 (Immigration Code), specifically Article 20, paragraph 6, individuals who obtain residence permits through investment activity are granted access to exercise economic activity. This provision specifically covers Golden Visa holders.

Maria Kontou, a senior immigration attorney at Athens Legal Partners, explains: “The Greek Golden Visa is particularly attractive because it combines minimal physical presence requirements with full working rights. Many investors appreciate this flexibility compared to other European programs that place restrictions on employment.”

How Working Rights Compare to Other Residents

Golden Visa holders enjoy nearly identical working rights to other legal permanent residents in Greece, with a few subtle differences:

Work Rights for Family Members

A distinctive advantage of the Greek Golden Visa is that these working rights extend to included family members. Your spouse and adult children (upon reaching working age) have equal access to employment opportunities. This family-inclusive approach sets Greece apart from several competing programs.

Consider this practical scenario: An investor from China obtains a Golden Visa through a €300,000 real estate purchase in Athens. Both the investor and their spouse can immediately pursue professional opportunities—whether that means joining Greek companies, establishing new businesses, or working remotely for international employers while legally residing in Greece.

Legal Pathways to Work for Golden Visa Holders

Let’s explore the specific pathways through which Golden Visa holders can engage professionally in Greece.

Traditional Employment

Golden Visa holders can enter traditional employment relationships with Greek employers without additional work permits. This process mirrors that of any Greek or EU citizen:

1. Find suitable employment opportunities
2. Undergo the company’s hiring process
3. Sign a Greek employment contract
4. Register with the tax authorities (obtain AFM – Tax Identification Number)
5. Register with social security (EFKA)

While language barriers may present practical challenges in certain sectors, major urban centers and international companies often offer English-speaking environments. Industries particularly receptive to international professionals include:

• Tourism and hospitality
• Technology and startups
• Shipping and maritime services
• Education (especially language teaching)
• Multinational corporations with Greek offices

Remote Work and Digital Nomadism

Greece has positioned itself as an emerging digital nomad destination. Golden Visa holders enjoy a significant advantage: they can legally work remotely for foreign employers or clients while residing in Greece. This arrangement requires:

• Registration with Greek tax authorities
• Understanding of tax residency implications
• Compliance with Greek income reporting requirements

Dimitris Papaioannou, a tax consultant specializing in expatriate taxation, notes: “Golden Visa holders who work remotely must carefully consider their tax residence status. After 183 days in Greece within a 12-month period, they typically become Greek tax residents, triggering worldwide income taxation—though tax treaties may provide relief from double taxation.”

Remote work has become particularly attractive since COVID-19, with Greece implementing digital nomad-friendly policies. Golden Visa holders are well-positioned to benefit from these developments while enjoying greater residency security than those on temporary digital nomad visas.

Entrepreneurship and Business Ownership Options

Many Golden Visa holders are natural entrepreneurs, and Greece offers fertile ground for business establishment.

Establishing a Greek Business

As a Golden Visa holder, you can establish various business entities, including:

• Individual Enterprise (Atomiki Epicheirisi): Simplest structure, suitable for solo entrepreneurs
• Private Company (IKE): Flexible limited liability structure with minimum capital of €1
• Limited Liability Company (EPE): More formal structure requiring minimum capital of €4,500
• Société Anonyme (AE): Most comprehensive corporate structure, suitable for larger operations

The establishment process typically involves:

1. Business plan development
2. Name approval through the Athens Chamber of Commerce
3. Articles of Association drafted by a lawyer
4. Registration with the General Commercial Registry (GEMI)
5. Tax registration and VAT number acquisition
6. Opening business bank accounts
7. Registration with relevant social security institutions

Case Study: Michael, a Canadian technology entrepreneur, obtained his Golden Visa through a €270,000 property investment in Thessaloniki in 2019. Within six months, he established an IKE focused on software development, hiring five local engineers. “The combination of competitive operating costs, access to talented developers, and the freedom to run my business without additional permits made Greece an ideal location,” Michael explains. “The Golden Visa provided the stability I needed to make long-term business commitments.”

Investment Expansion Opportunities

For those who entered Greece through real estate investment, expanding your portfolio offers both business opportunities and lifestyle enhancements:

• Vacation rental management of your qualifying property
• Additional real estate investments in emerging areas
• Hospitality ventures (boutique hotels, guest houses)
• Agricultural investments (olive groves, vineyards)

The Greek government actively encourages Golden Visa holders to deepen their investment footprint, sometimes offering additional incentives through development laws and EU-funded programs.

Limitations and Restrictions to Consider

While Greece offers generous working rights to Golden Visa holders, several practical and legal considerations merit attention.

Professional Recognition Challenges

Regulated professions in Greece—including medicine, law, engineering, and accounting—require recognition of qualifications. This process can be complex and time-consuming, involving:

• Verification of foreign credentials
• Possible additional examinations
• Greek language proficiency requirements
• Registration with professional bodies

Dr. Elena Mavromatis, who transitioned her medical practice from Australia to Greece after obtaining a Golden Visa, shares: “The qualification recognition process took nearly 18 months. While challenging, the professional association provided clear guidelines. I used this transition period to improve my medical Greek vocabulary and familiarize myself with the local healthcare system.”

Practical Labor Market Realities

Beyond legal rights, practical considerations include:

• Language barriers: While English is widely spoken in tourism and technology sectors, Greek proficiency expands opportunities substantially
• Salary expectations: Greek wages average significantly lower than those in Northern Europe or North America
• Market knowledge: Local business networks and market understanding require time to develop
• Cultural workplace differences: Greek business culture emphasizes personal relationships and may operate more flexibly than some expatriates expect

Employment challenges are most pronounced for those seeking senior corporate positions, where competition with locals who have established networks can be significant. Entrepreneurship and remote work often provide more immediately accessible paths.

How Greece Compares to Other Golden Visa Programs

Greece’s approach to working rights for Golden Visa holders stands out among European competitors. Let’s compare:

Greece’s combination of relatively low investment threshold, comprehensive working rights, and clear citizenship pathway creates a compelling proposition for investors seeking European opportunities.

Andreas Christou, founder of European Residency Advisors, observes: “What makes Greece particularly attractive is the immediate access to employment and entrepreneurship coupled with minimal physical presence requirements. This allows investors to transition their professional lives gradually rather than forcing an immediate relocation.”

Application Process and Documentation

To leverage Greece’s Golden Visa work rights, you first need to successfully navigate the application process.

Essential Application Steps

1. Investment selection and execution: Purchase qualifying real estate or make alternative eligible investments
2. Initial visa application: Apply for an entry visa from your home country
3. Residency application submission: After arriving in Greece, submit your Golden Visa application
4. Biometrics and interview: Complete in-person appointment requirements
5. Residency permit issuance: Receive your residency card, typically valid for 5 years

Working Rights Documentation

Once you’ve obtained your Golden Visa, establishing your working presence requires:

1. Tax registration (AFM): Visit your local tax office with your residency permit to obtain this essential identifier
2. Social security registration (AMKA): Register at a Citizen Service Center (KEP) or EFKA office
3. Bank accounts: Establish Greek banking relationships to facilitate employment or business operations
4. Employment contract: For traditional employment, formalize your position with proper documentation
5. Business registration: For entrepreneurs, complete the necessary entity formation process

Pro Tip: While not strictly required, obtaining a Greek tax residency certificate can simplify your employment and business interactions, particularly when dealing with international income streams.

Success Stories and Case Studies

The abstract concept of Golden Visa work rights becomes concrete through the experiences of those who’ve successfully navigated this path.

The Corporate Executive: Ahmed’s Story

Ahmed, a senior financial analyst from Egypt, invested €280,000 in an Athens apartment in 2019, obtaining Golden Visa status for himself, his wife, and two teenage children. Initially maintaining his position at an international bank through remote work, he eventually leveraged his network to secure a position as CFO at a Greek shipping company.

“The transition wasn’t without challenges,” Ahmed explains. “I initially underestimated the importance of learning Greek, which limited my opportunities. After six months of intensive language study, doors began opening more readily. The Golden Visa provided the security my family needed during this professional transition.”

Ahmed’s wife, previously a teacher, found opportunities in international schools in Athens, where her English proficiency was valued. Their children successfully integrated into the Greek education system, becoming fluent in Greek within their first year.

The Entrepreneur: Sophia’s Vision

Sophia, a Canadian with Greek heritage, utilized the Golden Visa program to reconnect with her roots while establishing a technology consulting business. Her initial €250,000 investment in a property on Paros provided the residency security she needed to focus on business development.

“I established an IKE and began with remote consulting for my existing North American clients while gradually building a European client base,” Sophia recounts. “The relatively low operating costs in Greece allowed me to be competitive while maintaining strong margins. Three years in, I’ve hired four Greek employees and expanded to a small office in Athens while maintaining my island home as a personal residence.”

Sophia credits the Golden Visa program with providing the stability necessary for long-term business planning. “Unlike temporary work permits, I knew I had at least five years of guaranteed residency, renewable indefinitely. This allowed me to make commitments to clients and employees without fear of sudden immigration issues.”

Your Golden Opportunity: Strategic Implementation Guide

With the knowledge that Greece’s Golden Visa offers comprehensive working rights, how can you strategically plan your professional transition? Consider this actionable roadmap:

Before Securing Your Golden Visa

1. Conduct professional landscape research: Investigate employment markets or business opportunities in your sector within Greece
2. Begin qualification recognition processes: If you’re in a regulated profession, initiate credential verification early
3. Develop language skills: Start Greek lessons—even basic proficiency creates significant advantages
4. Build professional networks: Connect with industry associations and expatriate groups in your target region
5. Structure investments strategically: Consider how your qualifying investment might complement your professional goals

First 90 Days After Obtaining Your Golden Visa

• Complete essential administrative steps (tax numbers, social security registration)
• Establish banking relationships with institutions that support your professional needs
• Join relevant chambers of commerce or professional associations
• Consult with an accountant familiar with expatriate taxation
• Formalize your employment or business structure

Considerations for Long-Term Success

Working successfully in Greece as a Golden Visa holder requires balancing immediate opportunities with long-term integration:

• Cultural integration: Embrace Greek business practices and social customs
• Professional development: Pursue continuing education relevant to the Greek market
• Strategic networking: Cultivate relationships with both locals and international professionals
• Contribution mindset: Focus on how your skills and experiences can add value to the Greek economy
• Flexibility: Maintain adaptability as both regulations and market conditions evolve

Remember that your Golden Visa isn’t merely a residency document—it’s a platform for professional reinvention and expansion. With proper planning and realistic expectations, it can open doors to opportunities that blend European lifestyle benefits with meaningful professional engagement.

How might your professional expertise find new expression in the Greek context? The answer to this question becomes your personal roadmap for leveraging your Golden Visa’s working rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to speak Greek to work in Greece with a Golden Visa?

Greek language proficiency is not legally required for Golden Visa holders to work, but it significantly expands your opportunities. Major urban centers and international companies often operate in English, particularly in tourism, technology, and shipping sectors. However, for customer-facing roles, regulated professions, and deeper integration into the Greek business community, Greek language skills become increasingly important. Consider investing in language learning as part of your professional development strategy—even basic conversational ability opens doors and demonstrates commitment to integration.

Can my family members work if included in my Golden Visa application?

Yes, family members included in your Golden Visa application receive the same working rights as the main applicant. This typically includes your spouse and dependent children (who can work once they reach legal working age, which is 15 in Greece with restrictions, and fully at 18). Parents and parents-in-law included in the application also receive these rights, though they may be of retirement age. Each family member receives their own biometric residence permit card, which serves as sufficient documentation of their right to work in Greece without requiring additional work permits or authorizations.

How does taxation work if I’m employed while holding a Golden Visa?

Golden Visa holders working in Greece become subject to Greek income tax on their Greek-sourced income from day one. However, you only become a full tax resident (subject to worldwide income taxation) after spending more than 183 days in Greece within a calendar year. As a tax resident, you’ll file annual tax returns reporting global income, though tax treaties may prevent double taxation. Employment income is taxed progressively from 9% to 44%, plus solidarity contribution and local taxes. Social security contributions (approximately 15.33% for employees and 24.81% for employers) are mandatory for employment relationships. Consulting with a tax professional familiar with expatriate taxation is highly recommended to optimize your tax position.

Article reviewed by Theodore Whitaker, Cross-Border Real Estate Broker | Global Transaction Facilitator, on May 15, 2025