Greece Golden Visa: Can You Sponsor an Unmarried Partner?

When you start planning a move to Greece, the paperwork can feel like a maze. One question we hear often from clients is about partners. Specifically, whether an unmarried partner can be included in a Golden Visa application. The short answer is: it depends. And the longer answer involves a few key points you should know before you submit anything.

First, let's talk about how Greek Golden Visa rules define a family unit. The official framework, which aligns with EU directives, generally recognises spouses and direct descendants. For unmarried partners, the situation is less straightforward. Some EU countries have moved to include registered partnerships or long-term cohabitation. Greece, however, has been more conservative. In practice, immigration authorities here often look for a marriage certificate or a formal civil partnership. If you have neither, your partner may not qualify as a dependent.

But there is a nuance. Recent policy discussions and industry reports suggest a shift. The 2026 updates, as reported in the industry press, indicate that some programs are starting to define "couple" more broadly. This could include partners in a stable relationship, even without formal registration. However, these changes are not uniform across all EU states. For Greece specifically, we have not seen a confirmed change yet. The safest path is to assume the current rules apply, and to plan accordingly.

What does this mean for you? If you are in a long-term relationship but not married, you have a few options. One common approach is to register a civil partnership in your home country, if your country allows it. Greece recognises civil partnerships from many jurisdictions, though you may need to provide an official translation and an apostille. Another option is to apply for the Golden Visa in your name only, and then later sponsor your partner through a separate family reunification process. This is not automatic, and it involves additional paperwork and fees.

We also see clients who choose to wait. If you are close to marriage, it might be simpler to tie the knot before starting the application. That way, your partner is clearly included from day one. But if marriage is not on the table, or if you want to move sooner, you need to be realistic about the hurdles. The key is to gather as much evidence of your relationship as possible: shared bank accounts, joint leases, correspondence, and photos. While these may not be required, they can support a discretionary decision by the officer.

Another angle to consider is the investment itself. The Golden Visa requires a real estate purchase, a fund investment, or another qualifying route. If you are planning to include your partner, the investment amount stays the same. There is no extra cost for a dependent, but the paperwork doubles. You will need to provide documents for both of you, including background checks and health insurance. This is where having a local team helps. We handle the AFM (Greek Tax Number) and Greek Bank Account setup for our clients, which are often the first steps before the visa application.

If your situation is complex, we always recommend a Legal Consultation. The rules around unmarried partners can change, and a lawyer can review your specific case. They can tell you whether your partnership will be recognised, and what documents you need to prepare. This is not something you want to guess on, because a rejection can delay your plans by months.

So, what is the takeaway? If you are married or in a registered civil partnership, you are on solid ground. If you are not, you need to plan carefully. Consider your timeline, your relationship status, and your willingness to navigate extra steps. The good news is that Greece remains one of the most accessible Golden Visa programs in Europe. The process is manageable, especially with the right guidance.

At FastGreece, our lawyer network handles the full range of services for foreigners: AFM, POA, residency permits, and banking. We know the local procedures inside out. If you are thinking about applying, and you have questions about your partner, do not hesitate to reach out. You can start with us by filling out our online form, and we will take it from there. Your move to Greece should be exciting, not stressful. Let us help you make it happen.