Can Family Members Apply Under One Golden Visa?

Does the Greek Golden Visa Cover Family Members?

One of the biggest advantages of the Greek Golden Visa is that it’s not just for the main investor—it also allows family members to apply under the same investment.

This means that with a single qualifying purchase, an entire family can gain EU residency, making Greece one of the most family-friendly Golden Visa programs in Europe.

Unlike some other countries that impose restrictions on dependents, Greece has a broad definition of family members who can be included in the application.

However, there are specific rules about who qualifies, what happens when children reach adulthood, and how long family permits remain valid.

If you’re considering applying as a family, it’s important to understand exactly who can be included and how the process works.

Which Family Members Can Be Included?

The Greek Golden Visa allows multiple family members to gain residency under a single investment, making it one of the most inclusive programs in Europe.

But who exactly qualifies?

Spouse

If you are legally married, your spouse automatically qualifies under your Golden Visa.

Both opposite-sex and same-sex spouses are eligible, as long as the marriage is legally recognized.

Children Under 21

Dependent children up to 21 years old can be included in the application.

They receive their own Golden Visa permit, linked to the main applicant’s investment.

Once they turn 21, they have the option to:

• Switch to a 3-year renewable residency permit, which allows them to stay in Greece.
• Apply for permanent residency after five years.

This makes the Greek Golden Visa an attractive option for families who want long-term residency solutions for their children.

Parents & In-Laws

One unique feature of Greece’s Golden Visa is that it allows both the applicant’s parents and the spouse’s parents to apply without any additional investment.

There are no age restrictions, meaning elderly parents can qualify as long as the main investor meets the visa requirements.

This makes it ideal for families looking to relocate multiple generations under one investment.

Can Unmarried Partners Apply?

Unlike some countries, Greece does not allow unmarried partners to apply under the same Golden Visa.

Only legally married spouses are eligible.

If an unmarried couple wants to apply, both individuals must make separate investments to qualify for their own residency permits.

Greece’s family-friendly Golden Visa policy allows investors to secure EU residency for their closest relatives without needing multiple investments.

But what happens when children age out of the program?

Let’s go over that next.

What Happens When Children Turn 21?

Children included under a Greek Golden Visa retain their residency until they turn 21.

But what happens next?

Unlike spouses and parents, children do not automatically keep their Golden Visa after 21.

However, Greece offers several pathways to extend their legal stay without requiring a new investment.

Option 1: Transition to a Renewable 3-Year Residency Permit

Once a child turns 21, they can apply for a special 3-year residence permit that allows them to continue living in Greece.

This permit is renewable and keeps them legally in the country without needing a separate investment.

Option 2: Apply for Permanent Residency

If the child has lived in Greece for five consecutive years, they may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.

This allows them to stay in Greece indefinitely, even if they are no longer classified as dependents under the Golden Visa program.

Option 3: Apply for Citizenship

If the child has spent at least seven years in Greece, they may qualify for Greek citizenship through naturalization.

This requires meeting residency and integration requirements, including language proficiency.

What If a Child Doesn’t Apply for a New Visa?

If a child does not take action before turning 21, their Golden Visa status expires.

They will need to leave Greece or apply for a different type of visa to remain legally in the country.

For families considering long-term residency in Greece, it’s important to plan ahead and explore the available options before a child reaches 21 to avoid disruptions in their legal status.

Now, let’s address another key question: Do family members need to make a separate investment, or is one enough?

Let’s break it down next.

Do Family Members Need to Invest Separately?

No, family members do not need to make a separate investment to qualify for the Greek Golden Visa.

A single investment—whether it’s in real estate or another approved category—covers the main applicant and their eligible dependents.

This is one of the key advantages of the Greek Golden Visa compared to other EU programs, where some countries require additional investment for dependents.

Once the main applicant’s investment is approved, each family member receives their own individual residency permit, but their status remains linked to the main investor.

What Happens If the Family Wants to Apply Under Different Investments?

While most families apply under one investment, there are situations where:

• Spouses may choose to invest separately if they each want to maintain independent Golden Visas.
• Adult children (21+) who no longer qualify as dependents may apply separately by making their own investment.
• Extended family members (such as siblings or unmarried partners) cannot be included under one investment, so they would need separate applications.

For most investors, the single-investment structure makes Greece’s Golden Visa one of the most cost-effective ways to secure EU residency for an entire family.

However, while residency is granted to family members, it’s important to understand whether they can legally work in Greece.

Let’s explore that next.

Can Family Members Work in Greece?

The Greek Golden Visa is a residency permit, not a work permit.

This means that while family members can live in Greece, they are not allowed to work as employees for a Greek company.

However, this doesn’t mean they have no options for earning income.

There are ways to legally generate revenue in Greece, even without a work permit.

What Can Family Members Do for Income?

1. Start a Business – Golden Visa holders (including family members) can own and operate a business in Greece. This allows them to generate income as business owners, rather than employees.
2. Earn Passive Income – They can invest in rental properties, stocks, or other financial assets to earn money without being employed.
3. Work Remotely – If they work for a foreign employer or run an online business, they can live in Greece while earning income from outside the country.

What If a Family Member Wants a Job in Greece?

If a family member wants to work as an employee in Greece, they must:

• Switch to a different visa type that allows employment.
• Obtain a work permit through an employer who sponsors them.
• Consider applying for Greek citizenship, which removes all work restrictions.

Many Golden Visa holders and their families choose remote work or business ownership as a way to stay in Greece without needing a separate work permit.

Now, what about renewals?

Do family members need to renew their permits separately?

Let’s go over that next.

Do Family Members Need to Renew Their Permits?

Yes, family members must renew their Golden Visa permits just like the main applicant.

However, the renewal process is linked to the status of the primary investor.

As long as the main applicant maintains their investment, family members can continue renewing their permits without additional requirements.

The Golden Visa is valid for five years at a time, and all included family members must apply for renewal together.

This means that if the main applicant sells their investment without reinvesting, the entire family loses their residency status.

What Happens If the Main Applicant Sells the Investment?

If the primary investor sells the qualifying property or withdraws their investment without reinvesting, all linked family permits are automatically canceled.

The only way to continue residency is if:

• The main applicant buys another qualifying property or reinvests in another approved asset.
• Family members switch to a different residency permit that allows them to stay in Greece.

For this reason, many families carefully plan their long-term residency strategy before making any major investment changes.

Now, let’s wrap everything up with a final look at whether applying as a family is the right choice.

Should You Apply as a Family?

For investors looking to secure EU residency for their entire family, the Greek Golden Visa is one of the most flexible and cost-effective options available.

With a single investment, multiple generations can obtain long-term residency in Greece, making it an ideal choice for those seeking stability, travel freedom, and a future in Europe.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Children will need a new residency solution after turning 21 unless they qualify for an extension or citizenship.
• Family members cannot work in Greece under the Golden Visa, but they can start businesses or earn passive income.
• Renewals depend on the main applicant’s investment, meaning if the primary investor sells without reinvesting, all linked family permits are canceled.

For most families, these factors are manageable with the right planning and legal guidance.

Whether you’re looking to relocate, secure a second residency, or simply keep your options open for the future, applying as a family under the Greek Golden Visa program offers an excellent pathway to European residency.

Need Help Applying as a Family?

At Totsi, we specialize in helping families navigate the Greek Golden Visa process—from initial applications to long-term residency planning.

If you’re considering applying as a family, we can guide you through every step.

Get in touch today and let’s secure your family’s future in Greece.