The Greece Golden Visa is one of the most attractive residency investment programs in Europe, it was established in 2013 under Law 4146/2013, and it offers third-country nationals the opportunity to secure permanent residency in Greece by making qualifying investments.
This program allows investors and their families to enjoy the benefits of living in Greece and traveling freely across the Schengen Area, with a straightforward and efficient application process.
Greece Golden Visa Program
The Greece Golden Visa program was introduced as a means to encourage foreign investment in Greece and boost its economy. According to the law, non-EU citizens who invest the required amount in Greek real estate apply for the Greece Golden Visa.
The law specifies that the minimum investment for the program must be in real estate properties, with the value varying based on the location of the property.
Investment Options for Golden Visa of Greece
To obtain residency through the Golden Visa, investors must make a qualifying investment in Greek real estate.
The specific investment requirements are as follows:
- Real Estate Investment in Core Areas: Investors must invest at least €500,000 in property in prime locations such as Athens, Thessaloniki, and popular islands or tourist destinations.
- Real Estate Investment in Other Areas: For areas outside of the core locations, the minimum investment amount is reduced to €250,000; these areas offer more affordable options for those looking to invest in less tourist-heavy regions.
These investments can be made in residential, commercial, or mixed-use properties, providing flexibility for investors looking to expand their portfolios.
Benefits of Greece Golden Visa by Investment
The Greece Golden Visa offers a wide range of benefits for investors and their families, making it an attractive option for those looking to secure European residency; some of the key advantages include:
- Ability to Reside in Greece Without Restrictions: The Golden Visa of Greece allows investors and their families to live in Greece without any limitations or restrictions on their stay.
- No Tax Obligation for Non-Residents: Investors are not required to pay taxes in Greece on their worldwide income, making this program especially attractive for those looking to maintain financial flexibility.
- Visa-Free Travel to Schengen Area: One of the standout features of this Golden Visa is the ability to travel freely to any of the 26 countries in the Schengen Area without additional visas.
- Dependent Children Included: Children up to the age of 21 can be included in the application, allowing the whole family to benefit from the residency permit.
- Gateway to citizenship: Holders of the Greece Golden Visa can apply for citizenship after 7 years of holding the visa.
- Dual Citizenship Is Allowed: Greece permits dual citizenship, allowing investors to retain their original nationality while enjoying the benefits of Greek citizenship
- No Language Requirements: Unlike some other European countries, Greece does not impose language requirements on investors seeking residency through the Golden Visa program.
- No Residency Requirement or Interview: There is no minimum stay requirement to maintain the Golden Visa, and there is no need for an interview as part of the application process, making it a more straightforward option for investors.
How to apply for Greece Golden visa
You can apply for this Greece residency via the following steps
- Prequalification of the Primary Applicant: The first step is to assess the eligibility of the primary applicant. This includes ensuring they meet all the requirements for the Golden Visa program.
- Service Agreement with Citizenship Bay: Once prequalified, the applicant enters into a service agreement with Citizenship Bay to begin the process of obtaining the Golden Visa.
- Sign the Sales and Purchase Agreement: After selecting the property, the applicant will sign the sales and purchase agreement and pay a reservation fee to secure the property.
- Transfer the Investment Amount: The applicant will then transfer the full investment amount to Greece to complete the property purchase.
- Document Preparation and Assistance: Prepare all necessary documents for the application process, including government paperwork.
- Submit the Application: submit a complete application to the Ministry of Interior in Greece on behalf of the applicants.
- Pre-Approval: The Ministry of Interior will conduct due diligence and a full assessment of the application before granting pre-approval.
- Biometric Appointment: The applicants must visit Greece to provide biometric data as part of the application process.
- Receive Greek Residency Permits: Once the application is approved, you will receive the applicants' Greek residency permits (European IDs).
In conclusion; the Greece Golden Visa offers an excellent opportunity for international investors to gain European residency through real estate investment.
With the ability to reside in Greece, travel freely across the Schengen Area, and include family members in the application, it remains one of the most attractive residency-by-investment programs available in Europe.
