non-EU citizens

Your Gateway to Property Ownership and Residency in Crete

Crete is one of the most desirable destinations for international property buyers. 

For citizens coming from outside the European Union (such as the USA, Canada, Australia or the UK), Greece offers a welcoming property market alongside a world-class residency program.

Here is what you need to know about purchasing property and securing legal residency as a non-EU citizen.

Standard Entry and Visa Rules

• Visa-Free Countries: Citizens of countries like the USA, Canada, Australia or the UK can enter Greece without a visa and stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
• Other non-EU Nationalities: Buyers from other nations will require a valid Schengen visa to enter the country. You can verify the latest entry rules on the official website of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Long-Term Living: If you plan to relocate permanently to Crete outside the Golden Visa program, you must apply for a specific residence permit at the Greek Consulate in your country of origin before traveling.

The Greece Golden Visa Program

The Greece Golden Visa is one of Europe’s most successful residency-by-investment programs. It grants a 5-year renewable permanent residence permit to the investor, their spouse, children up to 21 years old and parents.

Following the latest legislative updates, the program operates under the following criteria for the island of Crete:

• The Investment Threshold: The minimum real estate investment required in Crete is 800.000 euro.
• Single-Asset Rule: The entire 800.000 euro must be invested in a single property. Combining multiple cheaper properties to reach the threshold is no longer allowed. Size Requirement: The purchased property must have a minimum interior living area of 120 m².
• Rental Restrictions: Properties acquired for the 800.000 euro Golden Visa scheme can be rented out long-term, but they are strictly prohibited from being used for short-term holiday rentals (such as Airbnb or subleasing).
• No Stay Requirement: There is absolutely no requirement to live in Greece to maintain your visa. You can keep it indefinitely as long as you retain ownership of the property.
• Resale & Transfer: You have the right to sell the property to another non-EU citizen, transferring the 5-year residency permit along with the deed.

Top Benefits of a Greek Permanent Residence Permit

Securing a Golden Visa in Crete unlocks extraordinary lifestyle and financial advantages:

• Schengen Freedom: Travel freely without visa checks across all countries within the European Union's Schengen Zone.
• Low Cost of Living: Enjoy a premium Mediterranean lifestyle at a significantly lower cost compared to Central and Northern Europe.
• European Education: Your children gain access to top-tier, English-speaking private international schools linked directly to global universities. Furthermore, as permanent residents, they qualify for lower EU tuition fees.
• Lucrative Investment: Benefit from a booming real estate market with rising property prices, solid capital gains and strong long-term rental yields.

Why Choose Crete? (The Mediterranean Dream)

• 320 Days of Sunshine: Experience beautiful weather all year round.
• Breathtaking Landscapes: From 16.000 km of coastline to 428 Blue Flag beaches and rugged, majestic mountains.
• World’s Healthiest Diet: Indulge in exquisite, locally produced olive oils, wines and authentic Cretan cuisine.
• Warm Hospitality: Live among friendly, welcoming locals in a safe and deeply relaxed environment.
• Modern Infrastructure: Easy access to advanced medical facilities, professional legal services and excellent domestic and international flight connections.

At QPS, we specialize in guiding international investors through every legal, financial and administrative step to make Crete your home or your next profitable investment.

Contact the QPS Team today to discover properties that perfectly align with your investment and lifestyle goals.