Greek €100,000 Flat Tax Regime: Complete Guide for High Net Worth Individuals

Requirements to Qualify for the Greek Flat Tax

To access the Greek €100,000 flat tax regime, applicants must meet the following conditions:

1. Prior non-residency: Not have been a Greek tax resident for 7 out of the 8 years prior to applying.
2. Investment requirement: Invest at least €500,000 in Greece within 3 years of application. Qualifying investments include:
   • Real estate
   • Shares in Greek companies
   • Greek government bonds
   • Securities traded on Greek markets
3. Golden Visa exemption: Holders of a Greek Golden Visa (residence permit by investment) are exempt from the €500,000 investment requirement, as their visa already proves qualifying investment.

Golden Visa vs. Flat Tax Regime: Key Distinction

These two programs are often confused but serve different purposes:

The Golden Visa is a residency permit (immigration status) available only to non-EU citizens. It grants the legal right to reside in Greece and travel within the Schengen Area. Investment thresholds range from €250,000 to €800,000 depending on location and type. The Golden Visa itself provides no direct tax benefits.

The €100,000 Flat Tax Regime is a tax arrangement available to both EU and non-EU citizens. It reduces taxation on foreign income to a fixed €100,000 annually. It requires a €500,000 investment (unless the applicant holds a Golden Visa).

A non-EU citizen may obtain a Golden Visa for residency rights and then opt into the flat tax regime for tax benefits. EU citizens, who already have the right to reside in Greece, can apply directly for the flat tax regime but must make the €500,000 investment (no Golden Visa exemption available since EU citizens cannot obtain a Golden Visa).

Do EU Citizens Need the €500,000 Investment?

A common question concerns whether EU citizens must also make the €500,000 investment. The answer is yes.

The exemption from the investment requirement applies only to Golden Visa holders. Since the Golden Visa program is exclusively for non-EU citizens (EU citizens already have freedom of movement), EU citizens cannot benefit from this exemption.

In practice:

• Non-EU citizens with Golden Visa: Exempt from €500,000 investment for flat tax
• EU citizens: Must invest €500,000 to qualify

This differs from Italy's flat tax regime, which requires no minimum investment.

Greece vs. Italy: Flat Tax Comparison

Greece's regime is modeled on Italy's flat tax, introduced in 2017. However, significant differences have emerged:

Italy has increased its flat tax three times: from €100,000 originally, to €200,000 in 2024, and to €300,000 in January 2026. Greece has maintained its original €100,000 level, making it now three times cheaper than Italy.

No Anti-Abuse Clause for Capital Gains

Unlike Italy's flat tax regime, which includes special rules for capital gains from "qualified shareholdings" (participations granting more than 20% of voting rights) sold within the first five years of residency, Greece's regime does not appear to have an equivalent anti-abuse provision.

Under the Greek regime, all foreign-sourced capital gains, including those from substantial company holdings, are covered by the €100,000 flat tax. This can be significant for business owners planning exit strategies.

However, given the complexity of international tax planning, applicants with significant company holdings should verify this with qualified Greek tax advisors before making relocation decisions.

Application Process and Deadlines

• Application deadline: 31 March of the relevant tax year
• Decision timeline: Greek tax authorities issue their decision within 60 days
• First payment: Within 30 days of approval
• Subsequent payments: By the last working day of July each year
• Investment proof: Documentation required within 3 years (and no later than 6 months after the deadline)

Critical: Failure to pay the full €100,000 by the deadline results in automatic termination of the regime, with standard Greek taxation applying retroactively.

Key Benefits Summary

• Fixed tax liability: €100,000 regardless of income level
• No foreign income declaration: No reporting requirement for foreign assets
• Inheritance/gift tax exemption: On all foreign property and assets
• Double taxation treaties: Access to Greece's 57 DTT agreements
• Family inclusion: Spouse, children, and parents can join for €20,000 each
• Long-term certainty: 15-year duration
• Opt-out flexibility: Can exit the regime at any time

How to Take the First Step

The Global Wealth has studied the Greek flat tax regime in depth and works with the best local advisors helping clients relocate to Greece.

If you have any questions and would like us to help you with the process, please write to us at secretary@theglobalwealth.com or via the contact form.

If you are interested in changing your tax residence but you are not sure which is your ideal destination, we recommend you download for free and read our updated report "The top three tax destinations right now", available below.