The New Era of Residency in Greece: The Biometric Golden Visa Card (RP) System
- Yannis Avgerinos
- Feb 11, 2017
- 2 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
The Greek Golden Visa program has undergone a digital transformation. Moving away from traditional passport stickers, Greece has fully implemented a New Investment Permanent Residence Permit (RP) system. The centerpiece of this modernization is the issuance of a biometric electronic card, aligning Greek residency with the highest security standards of the European Union.
The Legal Framework: Law 5038/2023
The transition to electronic residence permits is governed by the New Migration Code (Law 5038/2023) and subsequent amendments in Law 5100/2024. These laws mandate that all "Type B" residence permits (Investors) must now be issued as standalone biometric cards containing a microchip with the holder's digital facial image and two fingerprints.
This shift not only enhances security but also simplifies travel within the Schengen Area, as the biometric card is recognized across all 29 member states as a valid, high-security travel document.
The "White Paper" and the Biometric Appointment
The application process has been streamlined but now includes a mandatory physical step. Upon submission of the investment documents, the investor receives a Temporary Residence Certificate (the "White Paper"), which allows legal stay and multiple entries into Greece while the card is being produced.
To finalize the New Golden Visa Greece Biometric Card, every applicant (over the age of 12) must visit a decentralized administration office in Greece to provide:
Digital Fingerprints
A High-Resolution Facial Photograph
A Digital Signature
At AVGLaw, we coordinate these appointments at the most efficient regional offices to ensure that the time from investment to card issuance is minimized—often completed within 1 to 2 months post-biometrics.
Advantages of the Electronic RP System
The new biometric electronic card offers significant advantages over the old system:
Durability & Convenience: A standalone card is more durable than a passport sticker and does not need to be replaced if your passport expires or is renewed.
Schengen Mobility: The biometric card significantly reduces friction at border crossings within Europe.
Digital Verification: The microchip allows for instant verification by Greek and EU authorities, reducing the likelihood of administrative delays or errors during renewals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): The New Golden Visa Biometric Card System in Greece
Q: Do I need to visit Greece to get the biometric card?
A: Yes. While the property purchase and initial application can be handled via Power of Attorney (PoA) by AVGLaw, the law requires a one-time physical presence for the collection of biometric data.
Q: What is the validity of the new electronic Golden Visa card?
A: The card is issued for 5 years and is indefinitely renewable as long as the investment is maintained.
Q: If I have an old passport sticker, do I need to change it now?
A: Existing stickers remain valid until their expiration date. However, upon renewal or if you wish to upgrade to the high-security system, you will be transitioned to the new biometric electronic card.
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