Greece’s Golden Visa grants EU residency but not automatic tax residency; tax residency arises mainly when spending 183+ days in Greece or when the center of vital interests is in Greece, and taxation differs depending on whether the holder is a non-tax resident or a tax resident. Golden Visa holders who are non-tax residents are taxed only on Greek-sourced income (for example, Greek rental income at progressive bands), while those who become Greek tax residents are taxed on worldwide income at progressive rates, subject to double tax treaties and special regimes where applicable.
Residence vs tax residency
- Golden Visa residence is a legal right to live in Greece and move within Schengen; tax residency is a fiscal status determined by presence and personal/economic ties under Greek law and international standards.
- The Golden Visa has no minimum-stay requirement to maintain the residence permit, so holding the permit alone does not create tax residency; tax residency follows statutory tests like the 183-day rule and the center of vital interests test.
Golden Visa ≠ automatic tax residency
- Greece’s program allows indefinite renewals without a minimum stay, which means a resident card can be kept by simply maintaining the qualifying investment, with no automatic shift to tax resident status.
- Tax residency is triggered by objective criteria, not by the immigration category; Golden Visa holders remain non-tax residents until they meet the presence or vital-interests tests and formally register as tax resident with the tax office.
When tax residency changes
- Spending 183 days or more in Greece in a calendar year generally makes an individual a Greek tax resident; days of arrival and departure count, and the threshold can be reached with non-consecutive days.
Taxation if not tax resident
- Non-tax residents are taxed only on Greek‑source income; for property owners this includes rental income from Greek real estate taxed at progressive bands currently 15 percent up to €12,000, 35 percent from €12,001 to €35,000, and 45 percent above €35,000, typically on net rental income after deductible expenses.
Taxation if tax resident
- Greek tax residents are subject to Greek income tax on worldwide income at progressive rates; common brackets for residents include 9 percent, 22 percent, 28 percent, 36 percent, and 44 percent bands depending on income levels, alongside social contributions and surcharges where applicable.
- Registration steps typically include obtaining a Greek Tax Identification Number, registering with the local tax office, and filing annual returns; double tax treaties may mitigate double taxation for cross‑border income streams.
Property and rental specifics
- Both tax-residents and non-tax-residents pay tax on Greek rental income at progressive bands of 15 percent, 35 percent, and 45 percent by income tier.
Practical planning notes
- Golden Visa holders benefiting from Schengen mobility can keep Greek residence without becoming Greek tax residents, but once living primarily in Greece, a formal tax residency change and worldwide reporting obligations apply.
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