Can Foreigners Get a Mortgage in Greece? Rates, Terms and Process 2026

Many foreign buyers assume they have to pay cash for a Greek property, but Greek banks do lend to non-residents under specific conditions. This guide explains whether foreigners can get a mortgage in Greece, how much banks lend, what rates and terms to expect, and the documents and costs involved in 2026.

Can foreigners get a mortgage in Greece?

Yes, foreigners can get a mortgage in Greece, and the major Greek banks all offer home loans to non-residents. Approval depends on your income, the property, and the bank's appetite, and terms are stricter than for Greek residents. Many foreign buyers still pay cash, but financing part of the purchase is a real option.

How much will a Greek bank lend a foreigner?

Greek banks typically lend non-residents up to around 50 to 70 percent of the property's appraised value, with the lower end more common for foreign buyers. That means you should expect to put down 30 to 50 percent in cash plus costs. The exact loan-to-value depends on the bank, your profile, and the property location.

What interest rates apply to Greek mortgages?

Greek mortgage rates in 2026 generally sit in the region of around 3.5 to 5 percent, available as variable rates linked to Euribor plus a margin or as fixed rates for an initial period. Fixed-rate products give payment certainty, while variable rates move with the European benchmark. Compare the all-in annual percentage rate, not just the headline figure, across banks.

How long can the mortgage term be?

Mortgage terms in Greece commonly run up to 25 or 30 years, subject to an age limit that requires the loan to be repaid by around age 75. A younger borrower can therefore access a longer term than an older one. The bank sets the maximum term based on your age and income stability.

Which banks lend to foreign buyers?

The main lenders are the large systemic banks, including the National Bank of Greece, Alpha Bank, Eurobank, and Piraeus Bank. Each has its own non-resident lending criteria and documentation requirements. It is worth approaching more than one, because their appetite for foreign borrowers varies.

What documents do I need to apply?

You will typically need a Greek tax number, the AFM, a Greek bank account, proof of income such as payslips or tax returns, bank statements, and identification. The bank also requires a valuation of the property by its approved surveyor. Documents issued abroad usually need official translation and sometimes an apostille.

Do I need a Greek tax number and bank account first?

Yes, an AFM tax number and a Greek bank account are prerequisites for both the purchase and the mortgage. The AFM is obtained from the Greek tax authority or through a representative, and the bank account is needed to service the loan. Arrange both early in the process.

What extra costs come with a Greek mortgage?

Beyond the deposit, budget for a bank arrangement fee, the property valuation cost, legal fees, and the notarial mortgage registration. Greek mortgages are registered against the property as a prenotation of mortgage, the prosimeiosi, which involves notary and registry costs. These fees are in addition to the standard property purchase taxes and transfer costs.

What is a prenotation of mortgage?

A prenotation of mortgage, the proengrafi or prosimeiosi ypothikis, is the legal charge a Greek bank registers against your property as security for the loan. It is recorded at the land registry or cadastre and gives the bank the right to enforce against the property if you default. It is the Greek equivalent of registering a mortgage lien.

Can I use a mortgage to qualify for the golden visa?

A mortgage does not reduce the investment amount you must commit for the Greek golden visa, because the programme looks at the qualifying property value, not how you financed it. You must still meet the relevant threshold, which ranges from 250,000 to 800,000 euros depending on location. Financing can help with cash flow but not with the qualifying minimum.

When is the loan actually paid out?

The loan is usually disbursed at or just after the signing of the purchase deed, once the mortgage charge is being registered against the property. The bank releases funds to complete the purchase as part of the closing. Your own deposit and the costs are paid alongside this.

Is it harder for non-residents than residents?

Yes, non-residents generally face lower loan-to-value limits, more documentation, and closer scrutiny of foreign income than Greek residents. Subsidised schemes aimed at Greek residents and younger buyers are not open to foreign non-residents. Plan for a larger deposit and a longer paperwork process than a local buyer would face.

How long does mortgage approval take?

Mortgage approval in Greece commonly takes several weeks from a complete application, depending on the bank and how quickly you provide documents and the valuation. Foreign income verification can add time. Start the mortgage process in parallel with your property search so financing does not delay completion.

How can I verify the property and the lending terms?

Have a Greek lawyer check the property's title and any existing charges at the land registry before you commit, and review the mortgage offer's full terms and fees carefully. Confirm the valuation and that the loan-to-value matches what you were promised. Independent verification of the property and the loan, the kind of due diligence platforms like Bektu encourage, protects you on a cross-border purchase.

Sources:

- Greek golden visa thresholds and residence rules — Enterprise Greece

- AFM tax number and property tax (ENFIA) — Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE)

- Bank of Greece — financial system and lending statistics

- Property transfer tax and purchase rules — Greek Ministry of National Economy and Finance