Residence by Investment Greece Golden Visa
Residence by Investment Greece Golden Visa
The Greece Golden Visa Program, launched in 2013, offers non-EU nationals and their families a fast and flexible pathway to permanent residence in Greece through qualifying investments. With benefits such as visa-free travel across the Schengen Area, no minimum stay requirement, family inclusion, rental income opportunities, and a potential route to citizenship after seven years, the program is highly attractive to global investors. Residence permits are typically issued within 90–120 days and are renewable every five years, with investment options ranging from real estate purchases starting at EUR 250,000 to bank deposits, government bonds, shares, and mutual fund investments, making Greece a strategic destination for residence by investment.
Key advantages of acquiring Greece Golden Visa
- Visa-Free Travel: Access to the Schengen Area for travel within Europe.
- No Residency Requirement: No obligation to live in Greece to maintain the visa.
- Quick Processing: Residence permits can be obtained within 90–120 days.
- Unlimited Validity: Residence permits do not have an expiry date.
- Rental Opportunities: Ability to rent out the investment property.
- Family Inclusion: Residence applies to the main applicant’s spouse, children under 21, and parents of both the main applicant and spouse.
- Pathway to Citizenship: Eligibility to apply for Greek citizenship after seven years of residency.
- Business Participation: Ability to hold shares and earn dividends from a Greek company (employment in Greece is not permitted).
Requirements to apply in Greece Golden Visa Program
Launched in 2013, the Greece Golden Visa Program offers permanent residence permits to non-EU nationals and their families. Permits can be renewed every five years. Qualifying investment options include:
Real Estate Investment:
- EUR 250,000: Investment in commercial properties converted to residential use or restoration of listed buildings, regardless of location or size.
- EUR 400,000: Purchase of a single residential property in Greece with a minimum size of 120 sqm.
- EUR 800,000: Purchase of properties in Athens, Thessaloniki, or on islands with a population exceeding 3,100 inhabitants.
Alternative Qualifying Options
- Time-Sharing or Lease Agreement: 10-year agreement for hotel accommodation or furnished tourist residences valued at least EUR 400,000 or EUR 800,000, depending on the investment zone.
- Fixed-Term Deposit: A deposit of at least EUR 500,000 with a Greek bank.
- Capital Contribution: At least EUR 500,000 in a Greek public limited real estate investment company, closed-end investment company, mutual fund, or Greek-based company.
- Government Bonds: Purchase Greek government bonds worth at least EUR 500,000 with a remaining maturity of at least three years through a Greek bank.
- Shares or Corporate Bonds: Acquisition of shares, corporate bonds, or Greek government bonds with a minimum value of EUR 800,000.
- Mutual Fund Investment: Purchase of shares or stocks worth at least EUR 350,000 in a mutual fund or alternative investment fund focusing on investments in Greece.
Procedures and Time Frame of the Greece Golden Visa Program
- Visit Greece: Initial visit to the country.
- Choose Property: Select the preferred investment property or investment option.
- Submit Application: File the application with the required documents.
- Final Verification: Complete the final verification process to obtain the residence permit.
- Investment: Minimum specialized real estate investment of EUR 250,000.
- Processing time: Three–four months from submission of the application to approval.
- Key benefit: Freedom of travel to Greece and Europe’s Schengen Area.
Located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, Greece is celebrated as the cradle of democracy and the birthplace of Western civilization.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Greece Golden Visa Program?
The Greece Golden Visa Program offers residence permits to individuals and their families through substantial investments in the country.
What types of investment options available for the Greece Golden Visa Program?
Investment options include:
- Purchasing real estate.
- Making capital investments in Greek businesses.
- Contributing to Greek government bonds.
What are the advantages of acquiring Greek residence through investment?
Benefits include:
- The right to live, work, and pursuing study in Greece.
- Visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area.
- Access to Greece’s rich cultural heritage.
What is the investment requirement for the Greece Golden Visa Program?
The minimum investment required begins at EUR 250,000 for specialized real estate projects.
How long does the application process take?
The processing time is typically between three to four months.
Is it possible to include family members in the application?
Yes, that’s correct. Under the Greece Citizenship by Investment Program, the main applicant can include:
- Spouse: The applicant’s partner.
- Dependent Children: Children who are financially dependent on the main applicant and are in full-time education.
Dependent Parents: Parents who are financially dependent on the main applicant.
What are the residency requirements?
There are no mandatory requirements, but applicants must keep their investment for a designated period.
What documents are required to apply?
Required documents include:
- A valid passport.
- Proof of investment.
- Health insurance.
- A clean criminal record.
- Additional supporting documents as specified.
Is it possible to acquire Greek citizenship through the residence by investment program?
Yes, investors may be eligible to apply for Greek citizenship after maintaining residence for seven years.
How to apply to the Greece Golden Visa Program?
Applicants must:
- Select a qualifying investment.
- Submit the application along with the required documents.
- Complete a due diligence process.