The Greece Golden Visa Program offers non-EU citizens a pathway to residency in a beautiful Mediterranean country. Launched in 2013, this initiative allows investors to obtain a five-year residence permit through various investment options.
The program requires a minimum investment of €250,000 in Greek real estate, making it one of the most affordable residency-by-investment schemes in Europe.
Investors seeking EU residency and access to the Schengen Area find the Greek Golden Visa particularly attractive. The program boasts low entry fees and no minimum stay requirements, allowing participants to maintain their primary residence elsewhere while enjoying the benefits of Greek residency. This flexibility has contributed to the program's popularity among high-net-worth individuals worldwide.
The Greece Golden Visa extends beyond real estate investments. Applicants can also consider investing in Greek startups or restoration projects as alternative routes to obtaining residency. These options provide diverse opportunities for investors to contribute to the Greek economy while securing their place in the European Union.
The Greece Golden Visa program has specific criteria for applicants. These include general eligibility factors, financial requirements, and provisions for family reunification.
Applicants for the Greece Golden Visa must be non-EU citizens and at least 18 years old. A valid passport is essential for the application process.
Prospective investors need to maintain a clean criminal record. This requirement ensures the integrity of the program and the safety of Greek residents.
Applicants must also have medical insurance coverage for themselves and any family members included in the application.
The primary financial requirement is the minimum investment threshold. As of 2024, this amount varies depending on the location:
Investments can be made in real estate, which remains a popular option among applicants.
The Greece Golden Visa program allows for family members to be included in the same application. Eligible family members typically include:
Family members receive the same residency rights as the main applicant. This feature makes the program attractive to those seeking to relocate with their families.
The residency permit is valid for five years and can be renewed. It’s important to note that there are no in-country stay requirements to maintain residency status.
The Greece Golden Visa program offers several investment pathways for non-EU citizens seeking residency. Each option has specific requirements and procedures designed to attract foreign capital and boost the Greek economy.
The real estate investment route remains a popular choice for Golden Visa applicants. As of August 31st, 2024, a new tier system has been implemented with increased minimum investment amounts.
Tier one regions, including Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and islands with populations over 3,100, require an €800,000 investment. Tier two, covering all other Greek regions, requires €400,000.
Investors can purchase residential or commercial properties, including hotels or tourist residences. The property can be rented out, providing potential rental income alongside the residency benefits.
To proceed, applicants must:
Another option for obtaining the Greece Golden Visa is through a capital contribution. This route involves making a significant financial investment in the Greek economy.
The minimum capital contribution required is €400,000. This can be invested in:
Investors must maintain their capital contribution for the duration of their residency permit. This option may appeal to those seeking more liquid investments compared to real estate.
The procedure involves:
Investing in Greek government bonds is another pathway to obtaining the Golden Visa. This option allows investors to support the Greek economy while securing residency rights.
The minimum investment amount for government bonds is typically €400,000. Investors must purchase bonds with a maturity of at least three years through a bank in Greece.
Key steps include:
This option may be attractive to investors seeking a relatively stable investment with potential returns.
The Greece Golden Visa program also allows for investments in approved Greek investment funds. This option provides an opportunity to diversify investments while obtaining residency rights.
The minimum investment amount for this route is €400,000. Investors can choose from a range of funds focusing on various sectors of the Greek economy.
To pursue this option, applicants must:
This route may appeal to investors seeking professional management of their funds and potential returns from the Greek market.
The Greece Golden Visa application process involves several key steps. Applicants must prepare necessary documents, submit their application with required fees, and provide biometric data.
Applicants need to gather various documents for the Greece Golden Visa. These typically include:
Translations of non-Greek documents must be certified. It’s crucial to ensure all paperwork is complete and accurate to avoid delays.
The application can be submitted to Greek authorities in person or through a legal representative. The application fee for the main applicant is €2,000, with additional fees for family members.
Investors must also pay a €500 visa issuance fee per person. The total cost varies depending on family size and investment type. Processing times typically range from 30 to 60 days after submission.
After initial approval, applicants must visit Greece to provide biometric data. This includes:
The biometric data collection process is usually quick, taking about 15-30 minutes per person. Applicants have up to one year from the application date to complete this step.
Once biometrics are collected, the Golden Visa residence permit is issued. This permit is valid for five years and can be renewed as long as the investment is maintained.
The Greece Golden Visa program offers a range of attractive benefits for investors and their families. These advantages span residency rights, travel opportunities, financial incentives, and access to quality education.
Permanent residency in Greece is granted to Golden Visa holders, allowing them to live in the country indefinitely. This status extends to the investor’s spouse and children under 21 years old.
Golden Visa holders enjoy visa-free travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This perk significantly enhances mobility across 26 European countries.
After seven years of holding the Golden Visa, investors become eligible to apply for Greek citizenship. A Greek passport provides visa-free access to 185 countries worldwide.
The Greece Golden Visa program offers competitive investment thresholds. Investors can obtain the visa by purchasing real estate worth €250,000 or more, one of the lowest investment requirements in Europe.
Greece provides attractive tax benefits for Golden Visa holders. Non-domiciled residents can opt for a flat tax rate on their global income, potentially leading to significant tax savings.
Investors can generate rental income from their property investments, creating an additional revenue stream while maintaining their visa status.
The Golden Visa extends to the investor’s immediate family members, including spouse and dependent children. This allows families to relocate together and enjoy the benefits of Greek residency.
Golden Visa holders and their children gain access to Greece’s educational institutions, including universities. This opens up opportunities for high-quality education within the European Union.
The program facilitates integration into Greek society, offering a high quality of life in a country known for its rich culture, Mediterranean climate, and welcoming atmosphere.
Children of Golden Visa holders can learn Greek, a valuable asset for future academic and professional opportunities within the EU.
Greece Golden Visa holders can renew their permits every five years. The renewal process is simple, requiring investors to maintain their qualifying investment. Applications must be submitted at least two months before the current permit expires.
Key documents for renewal include:
Investors must also pay a renewal fee. The process typically takes 2-3 months. Successful renewal grants another 5-year residence permit.
After seven years of continuous residency, Golden Visa holders can apply for Greek citizenship. This process, known as naturalization, requires meeting specific conditions:
Applicants must pass a citizenship test and attend an interview. The naturalization process can take 12-24 months. Upon approval, individuals receive a Greek passport, granting them full EU citizenship rights.
Benefits of Greek citizenship include:
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