The Greece Golden Visa program does not grant investors an automatic work permit on its own. The work and commercial activities of Golden Visa holders are evaluated within the scope of Greece’s current immigration and labor legislation. The legal basis of the program is predominantly regulated within the framework of the Greek Immigration Law (Law 4251/2014 and related amendments).
Although the right to work as a salaried employee is not granted under the Golden Visa, it is possible for investors to establish their own companies and engage in commercial activities in Greece. In this context, Golden Visa holders can establish a company in Greece, become a partner in an existing company, or serve on a company’s board of directors. The Greek government also considers such investments among the factors supporting economic growth.
The newly enacted Law No. 5239/2025 (“Fair Work for All”) aims to digitalize the Greek labor market and simplify administrative processes. Within the scope of this modernization, it is aimed to make registration and notification processes, particularly those carried out via the ERGANI II system, more transparent and accessible. These regulations also contribute to facilitating administrative procedures for foreign investors who want to establish a company in Greece.
Investors who establish a company or become a partner in a company in Greece are subject to the country’s tax legislation and social security obligations. In addition, if personnel are employed within the business, compliance with Greece’s anti-discrimination and labor law regulations, particularly laws numbered 4443/2016 and 4808/2021, must be ensured.
As a result, Golden Visa holder investors can operate as company partners in the Greek market, make investments, and take an active role in company management. Current legal regulations also adopt an approach that supports the participation of foreign investors in economic activities.
