One of the most common questions about the Greek Golden Visa is:

“Can I work in Greece if I get a Golden Visa?”

The short answer?

Not as a regular employee.

The Greek Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program, not a work permit.

This means that while it grants you the right to live in Greece, it does not allow you to be employed by a Greek company.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t earn money while living in Greece.

Many investors legally generate income through business ownership, remote work, or rental income—without violating visa restrictions.

In this article, we’ll break down exactly what’s allowed and what isn’t, so you can make the most of your Greek Golden Visa.

Let’s start with whether you can take a job in Greece as an employee.

Can You Work as an Employee in Greece?

If you’re thinking about getting a job in Greece while holding a Greek Golden Visa, there’s one important rule you need to know:

Golden Visa holders are not allowed to work as employees for a Greek company.

This means you cannot be hired for a local job, whether it’s in an office, a shop, a restaurant, or any other business operating in Greece.

But why does Greece have this restriction?

Why Golden Visa Holders Can’t Work in Greece

The Greek Golden Visa is designed for investors, not job seekers.

The purpose of the program is to attract foreign capital into the Greek economy—not to compete with local workers for employment.

This is why work permits and Golden Visas are separate.

If you want a work visa, you need to go through a different residency process that requires a Greek employer to sponsor you.

That said, there are still ways to legally earn income while living in Greece with a Golden Visa.

For example:

You can work remotely for a foreign employer.
You can start a business in Greece and be involved as an owner or director.
You can generate passive income through investments or rental properties.

So, while the Golden Visa doesn’t let you get a local job, it does allow you to make money in other ways.

Next, let’s talk about starting a business in Greece with a Golden Visa.

Can You Start a Business in Greece With a Golden Visa?

If employment in Greece isn’t allowed, what about running your own business?

Good news—you can start a business in Greece while holding a Golden Visa.

While you can’t work as a salaried employee, you can own, invest in, and operate a business.

However, there are certain restrictions on how involved you can be in daily operations.

How Business Ownership Works With a Greek Golden Visa

As a Golden Visa holder, you can:

Own a business registered in Greece.
Be a shareholder in an existing company.
Receive dividends and profits from your business.
Act as a director or board member of your company.

But you cannot:

Work as an employee in your own company.
Be hired or receive a salary as a regular worker.

The key difference is that you must be an investor, not an employee.

You can manage the business from an ownership level, but you can’t take on a salaried position within your own company.

What Types of Businesses Can You Own?

There are no restrictions on what type of business you can invest in, but common options include:

Real estate companies (buying and managing rental properties).
Tourism-related businesses (hotels, short-term rentals, travel services).
Retail or online businesses (selling products/services).
Investment firms (stocks, funds, or venture capital).

Many Golden Visa holders choose to set up real estate businesses to manage rental properties, since rental income is one of the easiest ways to generate passive income in Greece.

That brings us to another question—can you work remotely for a foreign company while living in Greece?

Let’s find out.

Can You Work Remotely for a Foreign Company While Living in Greece?

If you already have a job outside of Greece and want to live in Greece while working remotely, you’re in luck.

Yes, you can work remotely for a foreign employer while holding a Greek Golden Visa.

This is one of the biggest advantages of the program—unlike work visas, which tie you to a local employer, the Golden Visa allows you to live in Greece with full flexibility while earning income from abroad.

How Remote Work Fits Within Golden Visa Rules

The employment restriction only applies to jobs with Greek companies.

Since remote work doesn’t involve a Greek employment contract, it doesn’t violate the Golden Visa terms.

Many investors already have careers or businesses outside Greece and use the Golden Visa to:

Work remotely for their existing company while enjoying life in Greece.
Run an international business without needing a separate work visa.
Freelance or consult for clients based outside Greece.

Golden Visa vs. Digital Nomad Visa: What’s the Difference?

If you’re working remotely, you might wonder whether a Digital Nomad Visa would be a better fit.

Here’s how they compare:

Feature	Greek Golden Visa	Greek Digital Nomad Visa
Work for a foreign employer?	Yes	Yes
Work for a Greek company?	No	No
Own real estate in Greece?	Yes	No
Minimum income required?	No	Yes (€3,500/month)
Path to permanent residency?	Yes	No (must switch to another visa)

If you plan to stay in Greece long-term and want flexibility in investment and residency, the Golden Visa is a better option.

The Digital Nomad Visa is more suited for temporary stays without investment.

This makes the Golden Visa an ideal solution for remote workers, since it provides long-term residency without employment restrictions.

That brings us to another key income source—can you rent out your Greek property and make money while holding a Golden Visa?

Let’s dive into it.

Can You Earn Rental Income From Your Greek Property?

One of the easiest ways to generate income in Greece with a Golden Visa is through rental income.

Unlike employment, which is restricted, renting out your property is completely legal—and for many investors, it’s the main reason they choose real estate over other investment options.

Can Golden Visa Holders Rent Out Their Property?

Yes, you can legally rent out your property in Greece while holding a Golden Visa.

There are two main ways to do this:

Long-Term Rentals (Traditional Leasing)
- Renting to local residents, expats, or students.
- Typically a 12-month lease or longer.
- Steady income with fewer management hassles.
Short-Term Rentals (Airbnb & Holiday Homes)
- Renting to tourists on platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com.
- Higher rental income, especially in tourist areas.
- Requires property management for bookings, cleaning, and guest services.

Each option has its benefits, but short-term rentals are often more profitable in high-demand locations like Athens, Crete, Mykonos, and Santorini.

How is Rental Income Taxed in Greece?

If you rent out your property, you must declare your income and pay taxes in Greece.

Rental income is taxed on a progressive scale:

Up to €12,000 per year – 15% tax
€12,001 – €35,000 per year – 35% tax
Above €35,000 per year – 45% tax

If you own multiple rental properties, you may also be subject to additional property taxes.

However, many investors find that rental income still provides strong returns, even after taxes.

Is Renting Property the Best Way to Earn Passive Income?

For Golden Visa holders, real estate rental income is the easiest way to generate passive earnings while complying with visa rules.

You don’t need work authorization since you’re not employed—you’re just earning income from your investment.
You can choose long-term stability or high-yield short-term rentals.
You benefit from property appreciation over time.

This makes rental income one of the best ways to make money in Greece without breaking Golden Visa rules.

But what about other ways to earn income legally?

Let’s look at some alternative options next.

What Are the Best Ways to Earn Money in Greece With a Golden Visa?

Even though traditional employment isn’t allowed, Golden Visa holders still have several ways to legally earn income while living in Greece.

Here are the top income-generating options that fully comply with Greek Golden Visa rules.

1. Renting Out Your Property (Best Passive Income Option)

Owning and renting out real estate is the easiest way to generate income while holding a Golden Visa.

Whether you choose long-term rentals or short-term Airbnb-style stays, rental income is fully allowed under the program.

Many investors focus on tourist hotspots like Athens, Crete, Mykonos, and Santorini, where short-term rental yields can be extremely profitable.

2. Running a Business in Greece (Allowed, But No Employment Role)

Golden Visa holders can legally own and manage a business, as long as they act as an investor or director rather than an employee.

Popular business options include:

Property management companies (to handle short-term rentals).
Boutique hotels or vacation rentals.
Tourism-related businesses (transportation, travel services).
Retail stores or online businesses.

The key rule is that you can’t be employed as a worker, but you can earn income from dividends and business profits.

3. Working Remotely for a Foreign Employer

If you’re already employed by a company outside Greece, you can continue working remotely while living in Greece.

This is a popular choice for digital nomads, remote workers, and freelancers who want the lifestyle benefits of Greece without worrying about local employment restrictions.

4. Investing in Greek Stocks, Bonds, or Businesses

If you prefer financial investments over real estate, you can:

Invest in Greek government bonds and earn interest.
Buy shares in Greek companies and receive dividends.
Participate in venture capital funds focused on Greece.

This method allows you to grow your wealth while maintaining full compliance with Golden Visa rules.

5. Holding a Bank Deposit in Greece

Golden Visa holders who qualify through the bank deposit route can earn interest on their €400,000 deposit.

While interest rates in Greece are relatively low, it’s still a safe, low-risk option for those looking for liquid investments.

Which Option is Best for You?

Your best way to make money in Greece depends on your financial goals.

If you want passive income → Rental properties are the best option.
If you want business ownership → Start a company and operate as an investor.
If you work remotely → Keep your foreign job while enjoying Greek residency.
If you prefer financial assets → Invest in stocks, bonds, or businesses.

Golden Visa holders have multiple ways to generate income without breaking the program’s employment restrictions.

So while you can’t get a job in Greece, you can still build wealth, grow investments, and enjoy financial freedom.

Now, let’s summarize everything in the final section.

Can You Legally Work With a Greek Golden Visa?

The Greek Golden Visa does not allow traditional employment, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make money while living in Greece.

Here’s what you can and can’t do under the program:

✅ You CAN:

Work remotely for a foreign company.
Own and manage a business in Greece (as an investor).
Rent out property for passive income.
Invest in Greek stocks, bonds, or businesses.

❌ You CANNOT:

Be employed by a Greek company.
Receive a salary from a job in Greece.

For many investors, this isn’t a drawback—it’s an advantage.

The Golden Visa is designed for financial independence, making it perfect for:

✔ Real estate investors who want rental income.
✔ Business owners who want to operate a company.
✔ Remote workers who already have income from abroad.

With the right approach, you can enjoy Greek residency while earning legally-approved income—all without needing a work permit.

Need Help With Your Greek Golden Visa?

At Totsi, we guide investors through every step of the process—whether you’re buying property, setting up a business, or investing in Greece.

Get in touch today and let’s find the best Golden Visa strategy for you.