Greece Golden Visa: Age Limits for Dependents and What You Need to Know

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Table of Contents

• Introduction to Greece’s Golden Visa Program
• Age Limits for Dependents: Current Regulations
• Qualifying as a Dependent: Requirements Beyond Age
• The Application Process for Family Members
• Investment Options and Property Considerations
• How Greece Compares to Other Golden Visa Programs
• Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
• Looking Ahead: Potential Program Changes
• Your Golden Visa Journey: A Strategic Roadmap
• Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction to Greece’s Golden Visa Program

Navigating immigration pathways can feel like deciphering an ancient Greek scroll—complex, filled with unfamiliar terms, and carrying significant consequences if misinterpreted. Greece’s Golden Visa program stands out as one of Europe’s most attractive residency-by-investment options, but the details regarding dependents often create confusion, particularly when it comes to age limits.

Launched in 2013 during Greece’s economic recovery period, the Golden Visa program offers a five-year renewable residence permit to non-EU nationals who make qualifying investments in Greek real estate. Since its inception, the program has evolved significantly, with over 9,500 main applicants receiving golden visas, bringing approximately €2.8 billion in investment to the Greek economy.

But here’s where many families hit a roadblock: understanding exactly which family members qualify as dependents under the program’s regulations. Let’s be clear—this isn’t just administrative minutiae. For families with young adults or elderly parents, these age limits can be the deciding factor between a unified family relocation or a fractured living arrangement across continents.

Age Limits for Dependents: Current Regulations

The Greek Golden Visa program has specific age thresholds that determine which family members can be included as dependents on a primary applicant’s residency permit. Let’s break down the current regulations:

Children as Dependents

For the primary investor’s children, the age limit rules are structured as follows:

• Children under 21 years: Automatically qualify as dependents
• Children aged 21-24: May qualify as dependents if they are financially dependent on the main applicant and enrolled in full-time education
• Children over 24 years: Generally do not qualify as dependents and must apply for their own independent residence permit if they wish to reside in Greece

Maria, a Russian entrepreneur who recently obtained her Golden Visa, shares her experience: “My 22-year-old son was completing his Master’s degree when we applied. We needed to provide extensive documentation proving his student status and financial dependence on me. It wasn’t automatic, but with proper documentation, his application was approved alongside mine.”

Parents and In-Laws as Dependents

The Greek Golden Visa program also allows for the inclusion of the main applicant’s parents and parents-in-law as dependents, regardless of their age. However, there are specific requirements:

• They must be financially dependent on the main applicant
• Documentation proving the family relationship is required
• Evidence of financial support must be provided

Unlike some other residency programs, Greece does not impose an upper age limit on parents or in-laws, making it particularly attractive for investors planning to relocate with multiple generations of their family.

Spouse or Civil Partner

The spouse or registered civil partner of the main applicant has no age restriction and automatically qualifies as a dependent, provided the marriage or civil partnership is legally recognized in Greece or properly authenticated if performed abroad.

Qualifying as a Dependent: Requirements Beyond Age

Meeting the age criteria is just the first step. To successfully include family members as dependents, additional requirements must be satisfied:

Proving Financial Dependency

For dependents who are at the edge of age limits (particularly adult children aged 21-24), proving financial dependency becomes crucial. Greek authorities typically look for:

• Bank statements showing regular financial transfers from the main applicant to the dependent
• Evidence that the dependent does not have significant independent income
• Tax returns showing the dependent as financially reliant on the main applicant
• Affidavits or declarations of financial support

Immigration attorney Dimitris Papanikolaou advises: “Start documenting financial dependency at least 6-12 months before application. Sporadic or last-minute transfers rarely satisfy the authorities. We need to demonstrate a pattern of genuine financial support.”

Documentation Requirements

For all dependents, regardless of age, the following documentation is typically required:

• Valid passport with at least six months validity remaining
• Birth certificates (for children) or marriage certificates (for spouses)
• Criminal record certificates from their country of residence
• Medical insurance covering their stay in Greece
• Proof of family relationship to the main applicant (may require apostille or legalization)

Each document not in Greek requires official translation by a certified translator or the Greek consular authorities.

The Application Process for Family Members

Including dependents in your Golden Visa application follows a specific process that requires careful attention to timing and documentation:

Simultaneous vs. Subsequent Applications

Dependents can be included in one of two ways:

1. Simultaneous Application: Dependents apply together with the main investor from the outset
2. Family Reunification: Dependents apply after the main investor has already received their residence permit

The simultaneous application route is generally more streamlined but requires having all family documentation prepared alongside the investment process. Family reunification allows for more flexibility but involves additional administrative steps.

Here’s the experience of Alexander, a Canadian investor who brought his family to Athens: “We initially applied just for myself and my wife, as our 23-year-old daughter was finishing her studies in Canada. Six months after receiving our permits, we added her through family reunification. The process required additional documentation about her student status, but having established our relationship with the immigration office made things smoother.”

Biometric Data Collection

All dependent family members, regardless of age, must provide biometric data (fingerprints and digital photographs) as part of the application process. This typically requires physical presence in Greece at some point during the application, though initial applications can often be submitted through Greek consulates abroad.

For children under 14 years old, the fingerprinting requirement is typically waived, though they still need to be physically present for the application processing.

Investment Options and Property Considerations

The foundation of the Greek Golden Visa is the qualifying investment, with real estate being the most popular option. When planning for a family application, certain investment considerations become particularly important:

Minimum Investment Requirements

The standard minimum investment amount for the Greek Golden Visa is €250,000 in real estate. Importantly, this threshold does not increase based on the number of dependent family members included in the application. The same €250,000 investment qualifies the main applicant and all eligible dependents for residence permits.

However, recent changes to the program have introduced geographic variations in the minimum investment amount:

• €500,000 for properties in central Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and other high-demand areas
• €250,000 for properties in all other regions of Greece

Family-Friendly Property Considerations

When investing with family dependents in mind, certain property features become more important:

• Property size: Larger families naturally require more space, potentially increasing the investment above the minimum threshold
• Location proximity: Properties near international schools are advantageous for families with school-age children
• Multi-generational considerations: Accessibility features may be important for elderly dependent parents

Marina Christodoulou, a real estate advisor specializing in Golden Visa investments, notes: “We’re seeing more investors choosing properties in the northern suburbs of Athens because of the concentration of international schools and healthcare facilities. For families with multiple dependents, especially across generations, proximity to these services often outweighs other considerations.”

Many investors find ideal properties in the greater Athens area, combining practical family needs with solid investment potential. Athens property remains particularly attractive due to its combination of modern amenities, cultural significance, and investment growth potential.

How Greece Compares to Other Golden Visa Programs

To truly understand the value proposition of Greece’s dependent regulations, it’s important to compare them with other popular Golden Visa programs:

As the comparison shows, Greece offers a competitive middle ground on age limits for dependent children while being particularly generous regarding the inclusion of parents and in-laws, with no upper age restriction as long as financial dependency can be demonstrated.

Comparative Visualization: Child Age Limits Across Golden Visa Programs

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Despite the relatively straightforward regulations, families often encounter specific challenges when including dependents in Golden Visa applications:

Edge Cases and Special Situations

Several common scenarios create complications for dependent applications:

1. Children turning 21 during the application process: Applications are generally considered based on the age at submission, but delays can push dependents over the age threshold
2. Divorced parents: When only one parent is applying for the Golden Visa, including children as dependents typically requires notarized consent from the other parent
3. Non-traditional family structures: Legal guardianship arrangements or adoption documentation may require additional authentication

Immigration consultant Elena Koutsoukou shares: “We had a client whose son turned 21 two weeks before their application was approved. The authorities initially questioned his eligibility, but we successfully argued that his status should be determined as of the application date, not the approval date. Having precedent cases documented helped tremendously.”

Strategies for Borderline Cases

For adult children near the age limits, strategic preparation can significantly improve chances of approval:

• Advance planning: Begin financial dependency documentation 12+ months before application
• Educational enrollment: Secure and document full-time educational enrollment well in advance
• Legal consultations: For borderline cases, obtain written legal opinions supporting eligibility
• Alternative pathways: For dependents who clearly fall outside the age parameters, explore independent study visas or other residency options

These approaches helped the Ivanov family from Ukraine, who shared: “Our daughter was 23 and finishing medical school when we applied. We worked with our attorney to compile extensive documentation of her studies and financial dependence. We also prepared a backup plan for a student visa if needed. Fortunately, her dependent status was approved, but having alternatives reduced our stress significantly.”

Looking Ahead: Potential Program Changes

The Greek Golden Visa program has undergone several modifications since its inception, and understanding potential future changes is crucial for family planning:

Recent Policy Updates

The most significant recent change came in 2023 with the geographical differentiation of investment thresholds, raising the minimum investment to €500,000 in high-demand areas while maintaining the €250,000 requirement elsewhere.

However, the dependent age limits have remained relatively stable, with only minor procedural adjustments. The current political climate in Greece remains supportive of the program, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasizing its importance for economic development.

Anticipated Future Developments

Based on European trends and expert analysis, several potential developments may affect family applications:

• Harmonization with EU standards: There is growing pressure for standardization of investment migration programs across the EU, which could affect dependent definitions
• Enhanced due diligence: More rigorous background checks for all family members, potentially extending processing times
• Digital nomad integration: Potential pathways between digital nomad visas and Golden Visa programs, creating new options for young adult family members

Dr. Nikolaos Papadopoulos, Professor of Immigration Law at the University of Athens, predicts: “While investment thresholds may continue to adjust based on market conditions, the fundamental family unification principles underlying dependent eligibility are unlikely to change dramatically. If anything, we may see more flexibility for adult children as European demographics continue to shift toward later independence.”

Your Golden Visa Journey: A Strategic Roadmap

Successfully navigating Greece’s Golden Visa process with family dependents requires strategic planning and precise timing. Here’s your actionable roadmap:

1. Assessment Phase (3-6 months before application)
   • Evaluate each family member’s eligibility against current regulations
   • Begin documenting financial dependency for borderline cases
   • Consult with an immigration specialist about specific family circumstances
   • Explore alternative pathways for family members who may not qualify as dependents
2. Preparation Phase (2-3 months before application)
   • Gather and authenticate all required documentation
   • Complete translations and legalizations
   • Secure appropriate health insurance for all family members
   • Begin property search with family needs in mind
3. Application Phase
   • Complete property acquisition
   • Submit application with all dependent documentation
   • Schedule biometric appointments for all family members
   • Maintain valid status (e.g., through visitor visas) while application is processed
4. Post-Approval Phase
   • Establish residency patterns that maintain permit validity
   • Plan for permit renewals well in advance of expiration
   • Monitor program changes that might affect renewal conditions

Remember: The most successful Golden Visa families approach the process not as a bureaucratic hurdle but as a strategic investment in their family’s future mobility and opportunity. By understanding the nuances of dependent eligibility and planning accordingly, you can create a pathway that keeps your family together through this important transition.

As you consider your family’s Golden Visa journey, ask yourself: Which family members are essential to include in your relocation plans, and how can you structure your timeline to maximize everyone’s eligibility? The answers to these questions will form the foundation of your personalized application strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child who turns 21 during the application process still qualify as a dependent?

Generally, eligibility is assessed at the time of application submission, not approval. If your child is under 21 when you submit the application, they typically remain eligible even if they turn 21 during processing. However, significant processing delays can complicate matters. To mitigate risks, submit well before your child approaches the age threshold and consider securing documentation of full-time education as a backup qualification strategy for children aged 21-24.

Are there different requirements for adopted children or stepchildren?

Adopted children and stepchildren can qualify as dependents under the same age limits as biological children, but additional documentation is required. For adopted children, you’ll need to provide the official adoption papers with apostille or legalization. For stepchildren, you must submit both the birth certificate showing the biological parent and marriage certificate connecting you to that parent. In both cases, all documents must be officially translated to Greek. The Greek authorities may also request additional proof of financial dependency or guardianship.

If my parents don’t financially depend on me, can they still qualify for the Golden Visa program?

Parents who are not financially dependent on the main applicant cannot qualify as dependents under the family reunification provision of the Golden Visa. However, they have two alternative options: They can make their own qualifying investment (minimum €250,000 in real estate) and apply as primary investors, or they can apply for a separate long-stay visa based on family ties, which has different requirements. The second option doesn’t offer the same benefits as the Golden Visa but provides a legal pathway to stay in Greece with family members who hold Golden Visas.

Article reviewed by Jasna Jovanovic, Real Estate Asset Manager | Bridging Profitability and Community in Mixed-Use Spaces, on May 5, 2025