Residency in Ionian Islands via Golden Visa ProgramExclusive island living with EUmobility and wellness retreats

Residence and Citizenship in the Ionian Islands

Why people seek residence and citizenship in the Ionian Islands

The Ionian Islands—Corfu, Paxos, Lefkada, Ithaca, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, and smaller islets—entice global citizens with a unique combination of lush green landscapes, turquoise waters, rich cultural heritage, and modern infrastructure. Known since antiquity as the “Heptanese,” these islands feature Venetian fortresses on Corfu, ancient Homeric connections on Ithaca, and world-renowned Navagio Beach on Zakynthos. Their Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and sun-drenched summers, supports year-round living. Expatriates are drawn by the region’s holistic wellness offerings: thermal springs near Loutra on Kefalonia, seaside spa retreats on Lefkada’s Nidri coast, and luxury health centres in Corfu Town. Investors leverage Greece’s Golden Visa program—purchasing property from €250,000 in prime locations such as Paleokastritsa or Nydri marina—securing five-year residence permits with minimal one-day annual presence requirements, full Schengen visa-free travel, and the right to family reunification. Alternatively, the D7 passive income visa serves retirees and remote professionals demonstrating stable monthly foreign income (minimum €2,000 plus €500 per dependent), valid health insurance, and local accommodation proof, granting renewable two-year residency with no specific stay threshold. After five years of uninterrupted legal residence, holders apply for permanent residence in Greece; after seven years, they may naturalize—subject to A2-level Greek proficiency, a clean criminal record, and civic integration—culminating in Greek nationality certificates and passports. The Ionian Islands’ combination of investment potential, wellness lifestyle, cultural richness, and EU mobility cements their appeal for families, retirees, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads seeking residence and citizenship in Greece.

Types of residence permits and citizenship programs

Greece’s immigration framework on the Ionian Islands offers several tailored pathways:

• Golden Visa: Five-year renewable permit for real estate investments ≥ €250,000 on any Ionian island—seaside villas in Paleokastritsa, boutique hotel conversions in Zakynthos Town, or luxury apartments near Lefkada marinas. Equity options include €400,000 in government bonds, corporate shares, or bank deposits. Minimal stay obligation: one day per year.
• D7 Passive Income Visa: Two-year renewable visa for applicants ≥ 18 demonstrating stable passive income ≥ €2,000 monthly (plus €500 per dependent), valid Greek health insurance, and proof of residential lease or property ownership in the Ionian Islands.
• D4 Student Visa: Annual renewable permits for non-EU students enrolled at the University of the Ionian Islands or affiliated programs, requiring enrollment letters and funding documentation.
• D2 Self-Employment & D3 Employment Visas: For entrepreneurs establishing tourism, wellness, or marine businesses—such as dive centres in Lefkada or boutique spa resorts in Corfu—and for skilled professionals employed by Greek entities, requiring business registration documents or employment contracts with social security registration.
• Family Reunification: Spouses, minor children, and dependent parents of primary permit holders join under streamlined conditions, receiving identical residency rights.
• Permanent Residence & Citizenship: After five years of continuous legal residency, applicants may apply for permanent residence—granting indefinite stay and full work rights. Following seven years, they may naturalize as Greek citizens—subject to Greek language (A2 CEFR) proficiency, clean criminal record, and civic integration interview—culminating in oath ceremonies and passport issuance, thereby unlocking full EU citizenship rights.

Requirements and application process

Securing a residence permit in the Ionian Islands requires precise documentation tailored to the chosen visa category. Common prerequisites include:

• Valid Passport & Photos: Passport with ≥ six months’ validity and two recent passport-style photos.
• Proof of Accommodation: Lease agreement or title deed for property in Corfu, Lefkada, Zakynthos, or other Ionian locations.
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage in Greece and Schengen (public EOPYY or private equivalent).
• Criminal Record Certificate: Apostilled and translated certificates from country of origin and previous residencies.
• Financial Evidence: Bank statements, pension certificates, or investment confirmations meeting income or investment thresholds.

Additional documentation by visa type includes:

• Golden Visa: Property purchase contracts and title deeds, or investment statements for equity routes; NIF (Greek tax number) registration; proof of fund transfers; AML compliance documentation.
• D7 Visa: Bank or pension statements showing stable passive income; sworn declaration of intended residence; evidence of family ties (if dependents included).
• D2/D3 Visas: Company incorporation documents, detailed business plans, or signed employment contracts; social security enrollment receipts.
• D4 Student Visa: University enrollment letters; proof of tuition payment or scholarship; proof of sufficient living expenses.

Applicants submit initial applications at Greek consulates abroad or at the regional Aliens & Immigration Department in Corfu or Lefkada (depending on residence). Processing times vary by category: Golden Visa and D7 typically 2–3 months; work and student visas 1–2 months. Upon approval, applicants obtain national D-type visas from Greek consulates and finalize residence cards (blue booklets) after biometric enrollment at local immigration offices. Permit renewals require updated proof of maintained investment or income, submitted at least one month before expiration. Permanent residence applications follow five years of uninterrupted residency, requiring additional proof—tax filings, utility bills, and language certificates; citizenship applications after seven years require further integration evidence and conclude within 6–18 months based on caseload.

Legal framework and government policies

Residence and citizenship programs in the Ionian Islands operate under:

• Law 4251/2014: Implements EU Directive 2011/98/EC on single permits and long-term residents.
• Presidential Decree 106/2007: Regulates entry and stay of third-country nationals.
• Law 4605/2019: Establishes and governs the Golden Visa investment framework.
• AML/CTF Regulations: Enforced by the Hellenic Financial Intelligence Unit (HFIU), requiring source-of-fund verifications for investor visas.

Administration is overseen by the Ministry of Migration and Asylum and local Hellenic Police Immigration Departments in Corfu and Lefkada. Digital platforms—e-Kepis and ARIS—enable electronic submission of criminal records, application tracking, and appointment scheduling, enhancing transparency and efficiency for Ionian residents. Recent policy updates have expanded eligible Golden Visa investments to include renewable energy projects and marine assets, and revised D7 income thresholds, further boosting the region’s attractiveness for international investors and lifestyle residents.

Lifestyle, mobility, and long-term benefits

Residing in the Ionian Islands offers a distinctive Mediterranean lifestyle rich in natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern amenities:

• Wellness & Nature: Thermal springs at Loutra (Kefalonia), cedar and olive forests on Corfu, waterfall hikes in Lefkada’s inland; dedicated spa resorts and eco-retreats provide holistic therapies.
• Coastal Recreation: Sandy beaches—Porto Katsiki (Lefkada), Navagio (Zakynthos), Paleokastritsa (Corfu)—offer swimming, sailing, diving, and yachting from marinas at Gouvia and Nidri.
• Cultural Festivals: Corfu Easter celebrations, Zakynthos’ Romanos feast, Lefkada’s Madouri Festival, and Ithaca’s Homeric Days highlight local traditions and performing arts.
• Education & Healthcare: University of the Ionian Islands campuses in Corfu and Lefkada, international schools in Corfu Town; public and private hospitals under EOPYY network ensure quality care.
• Transport & Connectivity: Regular ferries connect all islands to mainland ports—Igoumenitsa, Patras—and Athens; Corfu and Zakynthos airports offer domestic and seasonal international flights; road and bus networks link towns and villages across each island.

Ionian residence permit holders benefit from up to 90 days of Schengen visa-free travel within any 180-day period, access to national healthcare and education, and entitlement to social security benefits upon qualifying contributions. Permanent residents and Greek citizens gain full EU mobility—work, study, live, and vote rights across all member states—and consular protection abroad. Real estate values in sought-after locales—Paleokastritsa (Corfu), Porto Katsiki (Lefkada), Kalami (Corfu), Tsilivi (Zakynthos)—have shown consistent appreciation driven by tourism, short-term rental demand, and infrastructure improvements. Tax planning under Greece’s Non-Habitual Resident regime—flat 7% tax on foreign pensions and exemptions on royalties—further enhances financial efficiency for retirees and high-earning professionals, solidifying the Ionian Islands as a premier destination for residence and citizenship seekers.

How VelesClub Int. helps

VelesClub International provides complete, tailored services for clients pursuing residence and citizenship in the Ionian Islands. Our comprehensive suite includes:

• Eligibility Assessment: Mapping each client’s investment capacity, income streams, family needs, and lifestyle goals to the optimal visa category (Golden Visa, D7, D4, D2/D3).
• Document Management: Coordinating certified translations, apostilles, bank statements, criminal record clearances, health insurance procurement, and accommodation verification on Corfu, Lefkada, Zakynthos, or Kefalonia.
• Investment Advisory: Identifying prime Ionian properties—seaside villas, boutique hotels, spa resorts—conducting due diligence, negotiating purchase terms, and overseeing capital transfers under AML protocols.
• Application Coordination: Filing permit applications via ARIS or in person, scheduling biometric appointments at regional immigration offices, and tracking progress to residence card issuance.
• Renewal & Integration: Preparing renewal dossiers, organizing Greek language courses, and facilitating cultural integration workshops and community introductions.
• Permanent Residence & Citizenship: Compiling continuous residence proof, tax filings, integration evidence, and guiding clients through naturalization interviews and oath ceremonies.

Leveraging our deep regional expertise, strategic governmental contacts, and a proven track record of successful approvals, VelesClub International ensures a seamless, efficient, and fully personalized journey to secure residence and citizenship in the Ionian Islands—empowering clients to embrace the region’s unparalleled natural beauty, investment potential, and European opportunities.