Most people assume that to get a Greek Golden Visa, you must buy real estate.

But that’s not true.

While buying property is the most common route, Greece also offers alternative investment options for those who:

✔ Prefer to keep their money liquid instead of tied up in real estate.
✔ Don’t want the hassle of managing property.
✔ Are looking for other ways to qualify without buying a home.

So, can you really get a Greek Golden Visa without buying property?

Yes.

But there are different rules, investment amounts, and restrictions.

In this guide, we’ll break down all the non-property investment options—and help you decide if they’re right for you.

Let’s start with Greek government bonds—one of the most secure alternatives.

Option 1: Investing in Greek Government Bonds

If you don’t want to buy property, Greek government bonds offer an alternative way to qualify for the Golden Visa.

But how does it work?

Here’s what you need to know.

How Much Do You Need to Invest?

To qualify through government bonds, you must invest at least:

€400,000 in Greek government bonds with a minimum maturity of 3 years.

This means:

✔ You hold the bonds for at least 3 years before selling.
✔ The investment must be made through a Greek financial institution.

Pros & Cons of the Government Bond Route

Lower risk – Bonds are backed by the Greek government.
No need to manage property – No maintenance, tenants, or real estate taxes.
Clear exit strategy – You can sell after 3 years.

Higher investment requirement – €400,000 is more than the €250K minimum for real estate.
Capital is locked for years – You can’t withdraw your funds early.
Limited returns – Bond yields are often lower than real estate rental income.

Who Should Choose This Option?

Greek government bonds might be a good choice if you:

✔ Prefer a hands-off investment instead of managing real estate.
✔ Want a low-risk option backed by the government.
✔ Don’t mind locking up your money for at least 3 years.

But if you want more liquidity, other options might be better.

Next, let’s look at the bank deposit route—another way to get a Golden Visa without buying property.

Option 2: Bank Deposit Route

Another way to get a Greek Golden Visa without buying property is by placing a large fixed-term deposit in a Greek bank.

At first glance, this might seem like an easy, low-effort option.

You don’t have to deal with real estate, tenants, or property maintenance.

You just park your money in a bank, and that’s it.

But there’s more to it than meets the eye.

How Does the Bank Deposit Route Work?

The Greek government allows investors to qualify for the Golden Visa by depositing at least €400,000 into a Greek bank account.

But there’s a catch—this money must be locked in a fixed-term deposit for at least 12 months.

This means you can’t withdraw it during that time, and you must prove that the funds were legally obtained.

Once the deposit period ends, you can either renew the term or move the money elsewhere.

But if you withdraw the funds, you risk losing your residency permit unless you reinvest through another qualifying route.

Why Do Some Investors Choose This Option?

One of the biggest advantages of the bank deposit route is simplicity.

Unlike real estate, there’s no need for property searches, negotiations, legal checks, or ongoing maintenance.

You don’t have to worry about fluctuating property values or dealing with tenants.

For people who prefer to keep their money liquid and safe, this can be appealing.

You’re not locked into an asset that may take time to sell if you ever decide to exit the program.

Instead, you can withdraw the funds after a year—if you choose to give up the visa.

But there’s a downside.

Is a Bank Deposit Really the Best Way to Get a Golden Visa?

While the bank deposit option seems straightforward, it has significant drawbacks compared to real estate investment.

First, it requires €400,000, which is much higher than the €250,000 minimum investment for property purchases in most regions.

If you’re looking for the most affordable way to qualify, this is not it.

Second, it doesn’t generate any meaningful returns.

Greek banks offer relatively low interest rates, meaning your money just sits there with little to no profit.

Real estate, on the other hand, provides the opportunity for both capital appreciation and rental income.

And finally, even though your deposit is held in a bank, it’s still tied up for a year.

If you need access to those funds sooner, you don’t have that flexibility.

So while this option might work for certain investors—especially those who want zero involvement in asset management—it’s not necessarily the best route for most applicants.

If you’re looking for an alternative that could offer better returns, the next option might be more appealing: investing in Greek businesses.

Option 3: Investing in Greek Businesses

If you’re looking for a Greek Golden Visa without buying property, another option is to invest in Greek businesses.

This route is different from the others because, instead of parking money in a bank or buying government bonds, you’re putting your funds into the real economy—which comes with both opportunities and risks.

How Does the Business Investment Route Work?

To qualify for a Golden Visa through business investment, you need to invest at least €400,000 into one of the following:

Shares in a Greek company that is actively operating in the country.
Venture capital funds or private equity funds that focus on Greek businesses.
Corporate bonds issued by a Greek company.

The goal behind this route is simple.

Instead of just giving residency to passive investors, Greece wants to attract foreign capital that directly benefits its economy.

Who Chooses This Route?

Most applicants who take the business investment path are either:

Investors who want higher potential returns than government bonds or bank deposits.
Entrepreneurs who already have business interests in Greece.
People who want an alternative investment but prefer not to manage real estate.

But there are things to consider.

What Are the Risks?

Unlike government bonds or bank deposits, business investments don’t guarantee your principal.

If you invest in a company or fund, there’s always the risk of market fluctuations.

A stock or fund that looks promising today might not perform well in the future.

Also, while this route might sound attractive for those wanting an active investment, it can be more complex than real estate.

Finding the right investment, handling compliance, and meeting the legal requirements for eligibility can take more effort than simply buying a property.

And just like the other non-property routes, the minimum investment is €400,000, which is significantly higher than the real estate threshold of €250,000 in most areas.

Is This a Better Option Than Real Estate?

For some investors, business investment can be a strong alternative to buying property.

If you have experience in the financial markets and are comfortable with risk, this route might generate better returns than simply holding money in a bank.

But for most people looking for a straightforward way to get a Golden Visa, real estate still remains the preferred option.

That brings us to another common question: can you get a Greek Golden Visa by renting a property instead of buying?

Let’s find out.

What About Renting Instead of Buying?

Many people who want to move to Greece ask the same question:

“Can I qualify for a Greek Golden Visa by renting a property instead of buying one?”

The short answer?

No.

The Greek Golden Visa program is strictly an investment-based residency scheme, and renting a property does not count as an investment.

But while renting alone doesn’t qualify you, there are some workarounds if you prefer not to buy property.

Why Doesn’t Renting Qualify for a Golden Visa?

The logic behind the Golden Visa program is that Greece wants to attract foreign investment, not just new residents.

Unlike other residency options that require proof of income, the Greek Golden Visa is strictly for those who contribute to the economy through investment.

Real estate ownership meets this goal because it generates property taxes, supports local businesses, and boosts economic activity.

Renting, on the other hand, doesn’t inject new money into the economy in the same way.

You might be paying a landlord every month, but you’re not making a long-term investment in the country’s infrastructure or business environment.

Is There a Way to Qualify Without Buying?

If you don’t want to buy property but still want to live in Greece, there are two main alternatives:

Use One of the Non-Property Investment Options – Instead of buying a home, you could qualify for a Golden Visa through government bonds, business investments, or a bank deposit. This allows you to keep your funds liquid while still meeting the program’s investment requirements.
Consider Other Residency Programs – If your goal is simply to live in Greece (without necessarily getting a Golden Visa), other residency options exist. For example, Greece has a Digital Nomad Visa and a Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa, both of which allow long-term residency for those with stable income sources.

But if you’re set on the Golden Visa, then some form of investment is required.

The question is whether real estate or an alternative investment makes the most sense for you.

That leads us to an important question—is skipping real estate a good idea, or is property still the best investment?

Let’s take a closer look.

Should You Skip Property Investment?

Now that we’ve covered the non-property investment routes, you might be wondering:

“Is skipping real estate actually a good idea, or is property still the best way to get a Greek Golden Visa?”

The answer depends on what you’re looking for.

Why Real Estate is Still the Most Popular Route

Most applicants choose property investment for one simple reason: it’s the most affordable option.

In many areas of Greece, you can qualify with just €250,000, while non-property investments require at least €400,000.
Real estate provides tangible value—you own a physical asset that can be used, rented, or resold.
Unlike bonds or bank deposits, property can generate passive income if rented out.
Greece’s real estate market has been growing, meaning investors could see long-term capital appreciation.

For many, buying property is not just about getting a residency permit—it’s also a smart financial move.

When Does it Make Sense to Skip Real Estate?

While real estate is the most common option, there are cases where a non-property investment might be the better choice.

If you don’t want to manage a property or deal with rental logistics, an alternative investment is hands-off.
If you’re more comfortable with financial assets, investing in government bonds or funds could make more sense.
If you already have a business interest in Greece, the business investment route could be more aligned with your goals.

But for most people looking for the simplest and most affordable way to qualify for a Golden Visa, real estate remains the best option.

Which Option is Right for You?

If you’re unsure whether to buy property or invest through another route, the best approach is to compare your financial goals with what each investment type offers.

If you want the lowest investment threshold and a tangible asset, property is the best choice.
If you prefer liquid investments and don’t mind a higher minimum amount, bonds or bank deposits could work.
If you want potentially higher returns and have experience in business, investing in Greek companies might be appealing.

No matter which route you take, the important thing is to make an informed decision—and if you need guidance, there are experts who can help you through the process.

That brings us to the final question—is a non-property Golden Visa right for you?