Greece Golden Visa & Property Investment in Paros and Antiparos
Greece's Golden Visa program has become one of Europe's most sought-after residency-by-investment schemes — and Paros and Antiparos sit at the heart of where international buyers are looking. But the two islands carry different investment thresholds under the current rules, and understanding this distinction is essential before you make any decisions.
This guide covers the current program rules as of 2026 and what they mean specifically for buyers in Paros and Antiparos.
What is the Greece Golden Visa?
The Greek Golden Visa grants non-EU citizens a five-year renewable residence permit in exchange for a qualifying investment in Greece — most commonly real estate. Launched in 2013, the program has issued over 31,000 permits to date and remains one of Europe's most attractive residency pathways.
Key benefits include visa-free travel across all 26 Schengen Area countries, no minimum stay requirement to maintain the permit, the ability to include your spouse, children up to age 21 (or 24 if in full-time education), and both sets of parents on a single application, and a pathway to Greek citizenship after seven years of lawful residence.
The 2024 Rule Change: Investment Tiers
Following Law 5100/2024, which came into effect on 1 September 2024, Greece introduced a location-based tier system for real estate investments:
Tier 1 — €800,000: Applies to the Region of Attica (Athens and Piraeus), Thessaloniki, and all islands with a permanent population exceeding 3,100 residents. The property must be a single residential unit of at least 120m² with a valid building permit. You cannot combine two smaller properties to reach the threshold.
Tier 2 — €400,000: Applies to all other regions of Greece — mainland areas and islands with fewer than 3,100 permanent residents. The same single-property, minimum 120m² rules apply.
Tier 3 — €250,000: Available only for commercial-to-residential property conversions or the restoration of listed/heritage buildings, anywhere in Greece. The conversion must be completed before applying.
Important restriction: Properties used to qualify for the Golden Visa cannot be rented on a short-term basis (Airbnb-style). This ban was introduced as part of the 2024 reforms.
Paros: Tier 1 — €800,000 Minimum
Paros has a permanent resident population of 14,520 according to the 2021 census — far above the 3,100 threshold. This places Paros firmly in the Tier 1 category, meaning the minimum qualifying investment for the Golden Visa is €800,000 for a single residential property of at least 120m².
This aligns Paros with destinations such as Mykonos, Santorini and Athens. It reflects the island's status as one of the Cyclades' most desirable and internationally recognised addresses — and the sustained demand that comes with that.
Antiparos: Tier 2 — €400,000 Minimum
Antiparos is a different story entirely. With a permanent population of just 1,265 residents according to the 2021 census — well below the 3,100 threshold — Antiparos falls into the Tier 2 category. The minimum qualifying investment here is €400,000, exactly half the Paros threshold.
This makes Antiparos one of the most strategically interesting Golden Visa locations in the Cyclades. The island sits less than two kilometres from Paros, shares the same ferry connections, airport access and Aegean lifestyle, yet qualifies at a significantly lower investment level. For buyers who value tranquillity, privacy and authenticity — and who are also thinking about residency — Antiparos deserves serious consideration.
The Buying Process in Greece
Whether you purchase in Paros or Antiparos, the process for foreign buyers follows the same steps:
Obtaining a Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM) is required before any property transaction. You will need a Greek bank account, and it is essential to engage a local civil engineer for a technical inspection of the property and a notary for the final deed. Legal due diligence on title, planning permissions and building compliance is non-negotiable — particularly for older properties or those with significant land.
Processing times for Golden Visa applications have improved considerably. As of 2025, the average processing time is approximately three months, down from 18 months previously. You are required to travel to Greece at least once during the process to provide biometrics and collect your residence permit card. The remainder of the process can be handled remotely through a power of attorney.
Additional Costs to Budget For
The property purchase price is not the only cost. Budget for property transfer tax (typically around 3%), notary fees, legal fees, civil engineer fees, real estate commission fees and land registry costs.
Pathway to Citizenship
After seven years of lawful residence in Greece, Golden Visa holders may apply for Greek citizenship. This requires demonstrating physical presence in Greece, language proficiency, a civic knowledge test, and tax residency. For investors who genuinely spend time on the island and integrate into local life, it is a natural long-term horizon.
Talk to Us
Stay in Paros has extensive experience guiding international buyers through property purchases on both Paros and Antiparos. Our network includes trusted attorneys, civil engineers and notaries with specific expertise in transactions involving foreign buyers.
If you are considering a property investment in the Cyclades — whether for the Golden Visa or simply to own a piece of these islands — we would be glad to help.
*This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Golden Visa regulations can change. We strongly recommend consulting a qualified Greek immigration lawyer before making any investment decisions.