Can a foreigner buy property in Greece?
Yes, foreign nationals can participate in Greek property transactions. General ability to acquire real estate, however, does not mean that a specific buyer will pass banking checks or receive an investor residence permit. Location, nationality, sanctions and permitted-use issues call for an individual review.
Start with the objective: a home, rental income or a Golden Visa. If residence is the goal, immigration counsel should establish whether you can apply before you select and reserve a property. Purchasing an apartment cannot cure a filing restriction.
Steps before ownership transfers
A Greek tax identification number, AFM, is used for tax and transaction steps; the government portal explains how to request one. The buyer then checks the seller, title record, encumbrances, permitted use and technical documentation. Confirm separately whether the bank will accept the funds and what source-of-funds evidence it needs.
The Greek digital property-transfer service describes a transaction handled with a notary and electronic documents. Before signing, establish exactly what the price includes: fit-out, furniture, land interests, debts, taxes and fees may need separate treatment. A sales brochure is not proof of clean title.
Costs beyond the asking price
Allow for the applicable transfer tax, notarial and registration charges, legal and technical checks, and ongoing ownership expenses. Tax treatment depends on the type of transaction; a new-build purchase may not be taxed in the same way as a resale. Get a transaction-specific calculation from a Greek adviser.
The government has announced a plan to raise the base residential transfer-tax rate from 3% to 15% for certain non-EU/EEA buyers. At the review date this is an announced measure, not an operative rule, and it does not apply identically to every buyer or property type. Do not buy because of a generic ‘beat the tax’ message without written tax advice.
When a purchase may qualify for the Golden Visa
The standard real-estate threshold is €800,000 in Attica and other specified areas, and €400,000 in other regions. The €250,000 threshold applies to special property categories, including eligible conversion to residential use or restoration of a listed building. Neither an asking price nor a ‘Golden Visa eligible’ advertisement proves compliance.
New investor applications in the relevant categories from Russian and Belarusian nationals remain suspended under a Greek Migration Ministry circular. A second citizenship does not by itself guarantee eligibility if Russian or Belarusian nationality is retained. Disclose every nationality and obtain written filing advice before paying a deposit.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner buy an apartment in Athens?
In principle yes, but the specific property, payment route and buyer restrictions need checking. Purchase is not a residence approval.
Do I need a Greek tax number to buy?
Greek transaction and tax steps use the AFM tax number. Gov.gr publishes the application process.
Does any €250,000 apartment qualify for a Golden Visa?
No. The €250,000 threshold is for specific property categories; ordinary regional thresholds are higher.