Greece
The Golden Visa program in Greece is a government initiative designed to attract foreign investment and stimulate economic growth in the country. This program provides non-EU citizens with the opportunity to obtain residency in Greece by investing in the country with no obligation to live in the country.
Program Details
The Golden Visa program was introduced in Greece in 2013 as a way to boost the country's struggling economy. The program allows non-EU citizens to obtain residency in Greece by investing in real estate or other sectors of the Greek economy. The program is administered by the Greek Ministry of Economy and Development and is open to individuals who meet the program's requirements. The programs requirements were tightened in 2023 and 2024 by increasing the minimum investment in urban and highly touristic areas such as Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos and Santorini.
Requirements
Investment Amount: The investor must invest at least €250,000 in special real estate in Greece (conversion from commercial to residential properties), €400,000€ for real estate in low-density areas with a minimum of 120sqm, €800,000 in high density areas, such as Athens, Thessaloniki and islands with minimum 3100 residents (e.g. Santorini, Mykonos, Crete).
Source of Funds: The investor must provide evidence that the investment funds were obtained legally and are not related to any criminal activity.
Background Check: The investor and their family members over the age of 14 must undergo a background check to ensure they have no criminal record.
Health Insurance: The investor and their family members must have health insurance coverage in Greece.
Benefits
The Golden Visa program in Greece offers several benefits to investors, including:
Residency: Successful applicants and their family members receive residency permits that allow them to live and work in Greece.
Visa-Free Travel: Residency permit holders can travel freely throughout the Schengen Zone without the need for a visa.
Education and Healthcare: Residency permit holders have access to high-quality education and healthcare services in Greece.
Business Opportunities: Residency permit holders can start or invest in businesses in Greece.
Tax Benefits: Greece has a favorable tax regime for non-domiciled individuals, which can lead to significant tax savings for investors.
Real Estate Investment: Greece has a low cost of living and is known for its beautiful beaches and warm climate, making it an attractive destination for real estate investment.
Key facts
Minimum investment:
250,000 € (special category)
400,000 € - for real estate with minimum 120sqm
800,000€ - for real estate in high density areas (in Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos & Santorini and all islands with 3100 inhabitants or more)
Application Process
To apply for the Golden Visa program in Greece, investors must first choose a suitable investment option and provide evidence of the source of funds. They must then obtain a Greek tax identification number and open a bank account in Greece. Once these steps are complete, investors can apply for the residency permit through the Greek embassy or consulate in their home country.
The application process typically takes two to three months to complete, but this can vary depending on the individual case. Once the application is approved, the residency permit is valid for five years and can be renewed indefinitely, as long as the investment requirements are maintained.
Contact our experts today and obtain the Greek Golden Visa with Citizen Lane.
Our Guidance & Assistance
Through our dedicated experience in the field and building our dependable network over the years, we are confident in our abilities to successfully guide and support you through Citizenship and Residence programs.
Citizen Lane respects every client’s unique situation and will be able to discuss details in confidence. We will provide you with comprehensive advice and find the appropriate solution for you and/or your family. Visit us at our offices located in Malta, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, or contact us by phone/email/contact form. Our team is ready to arrange a WhatsApp, Skype, or Zoom call with you.