Real estate investment remains one of the most established and attractive routes under the Greek Golden Visa Programme. At the same time, for international investors whose plans do not include purchasing property, Greek law provides a flexible and complementary option: acquiring mutual fund units with an acquisition value of at least €350,000 in an eligible mutual fund.
The Type B.4 Permit: Your Fast-Track to EU Residency
Under Article 99 of Law 5038/2023, third-country nationals may, subject to specific conditions, obtain a five-year Greek residence permit through a qualifying financial investment.
The permit may be renewed for further five-year periods, provided that the qualifying investment is maintained and all legal requirements continue to be met.
This route may be particularly suitable for investors seeking:
- Professional Management: The investment is managed by a licensed and
supervised fund manager within a regulated framework. - Potential for Investment Diversification: Exposure to eligible financial
instruments in accordance with the investment policy of the selected mutual
fund. - An Alternative Investment Structure: A complementary route that does not
require the residence permit to be linked to the acquisition or management of
real estate.
Key Takeaway: The mutual fund route does not compete with the real estate Golden Visa. Instead, it offers an additional and flexible option, allowing each investor to choose a structure that reflects their personal needs, investment profile and long-term objectives.
A Clear & Transparent Path: How to Qualify
To qualify for a Type B.4 residence permit, the investment must meet specific legal and regulatory requirements, including:
- Minimum Investment Amount: The acquisition of mutual fund units with a
purchase value of at least €350,000. Entry fees and other charges are not
included in this minimum amount. - Origin and Transfer of Funds: The investment must be made using funds transferred from abroad to Greece, in accordance with the applicable legal requirements.
- Fund Size: The mutual fund must have total assets of at least €10 million.
- Licensing and Supervision: Both the mutual fund and its manager must be licensed and supervised by the competent regulatory authorities.
- Eligible Investment Strategy: The fund must invest exclusively in eligible shares, corporate bonds or Greek government bonds that are admitted to trading or traded on regulated markets or multilateral trading facilities operating in Greece.
- Official Inclusion: The mutual fund must be included in the official list maintained by the competent authorities.
What Does the Residence Permit Offer?
The Type B.4 residence permit provides a comprehensive range of benefits:
- Right of Residence: The right to reside legally in Greece.
- Schengen Area Travel: Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area for short stays, subject to the 90-day limit within any 180-day period.
- Family Inclusion: The possibility of including eligible family members, such as a spouse or registered partner, eligible unmarried children and direct ascendants, subject to the applicable legal requirements.
- No Minimum Physical Presence Requirement: Renewal every five years without a minimum physical presence requirement in Greece, provided that the qualifying investment is maintained and all applicable conditions continue to be met.
Note: The permit does not grant the right to work in Greece, nor does it automatically lead to Greek tax residency or citizenship.
A Growing Presence in the Market
The availability of specially designed investment products from major Greek banking groups has increased the visibility of this route within Greece’s investment migration market.
It is a regulated investment route that may offer practical flexibility to international investors seeking an alternative way to obtain a Greek residence permit.
Why Top Investors Choose Georgaki & Partners Law Firm
Obtaining a Golden Visa through a mutual fund is more than a simple financial transaction. It requires careful legal review, proper documentation and close coordination between banks, fund managers, professional advisers and the competent Greek authorities.
Georgaki & Partners Law Firm creates a clear legal roadmap for each investor and
their family by providing:
- Legal Due Diligence: Comprehensive legal review of the eligibility of the mutual fund and the proposed investment structure.
- AML and Source of Funds Support: Legal assistance in collecting and preparing documentation relating to the lawful source and transfer of investment funds, in cooperation with the responsible financial institutions.
- Multi-Stakeholder Coordination: Direct liaison with banks, fund managers and licensed investment and tax advisers.
- Full Application Management: Complete preparation, submission and monitoring of the residence permit application and future renewals.
Plan Your Investment in Greece
The team at Georgaki & Partners Law Firm combines extensive experience with international expertise, providing accurate and consistent legal guidance at every stage of the process.
Ready to secure your family's future in Europe with a smart, managed investment?
Contact our team to arrange a private consultation and discuss your investment migration strategy.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general information purposes only. It does not constitute personalized legal, tax or investment advice or a recommendation to purchase any financial product. Investments in mutual funds involve investment risk. The value of fund units may rise or fall, and neither the return of the invested capital nor any specific investment return is guaranteed. The eligibility of each investment and applicant must be assessed individually under the applicable legal and regulatory framework.