About Greece
Greece, situated in southeastern Europe, is steeped in a rich tapestry of history and culture, celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, sun-drenched coastlines, and archaeological marvels. Revered as the birthplace of Western civilization, Greece boasts a profound heritage spanning millennia, embodied in iconic ruins like the Parthenon in Athens and the Temple of Apollo in Delphi. Its enchanting allure extends across more than 2,000 islands scattered amidst the Aegean and Ionian Seas, offering an array of experiences, from the vibrant urban pulse of Athens to the tranquil beauty of Santorini and Mykonos.
Key facts about Greece:
- Capital: Athens
- Currency: Euro
- Current population: 10.72 million
Greece Residence By Investment
Applicants for the Greece Golden Visa obtain permanent residency by either investing EUR 250,000 in real estate or depositing EUR 400,000 in fixed-term deposits or government bonds. The residency permit enables visa-free travel within the Schengen area for 90 days every six months. While the residency card must be renewed every five years, there are no obligatory stay requirements.
Benefits of Greece Residence By Investment
The primary applicant's spouse, parents, and children up to the age of 21 are eligible dependents for the residency card.
Taxes are applicable on income earned within Greece; however, income generated outside the country is not subject to taxation.
Visa-free travel to 27 Schengen countries.
Recent legislative amendments have made it possible for individuals to obtain Greek citizenship through naturalization, contingent upon residing in Greece continuously for seven years and demonstrating proficiency in the Greek language.
The Greek Golden Visa program provides individuals with the opportunity to establish their own business in Greece.
No physical stay requirements.
Programme Requirements
To be eligible for the Greek Residence by Investment Programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Be at least 18 years old.
Provide evidence of legitimate sources of investment funds.
Applicants can choose one of the following investment options:
Real Estate
- Purchase a property in Greece worth at least EUR 250,000.
- Enter into a 10-year lease agreement with a hotel or touristic establishment.
Capital Transfer
- Transfer a minimum of EUR 400,000 in one of the following:
- Greek Government bonds.
- Bonds or shares of real estate investment companies in Greece.
- Shares and bonds of venture funds and private equity firms headquartered in Greece.
Application Process
The application process for the Greek Residence by Investment Programme follows a simple procedure and typically takes up to 3 months from the initiation of the process to the receipt of residency documents. Here's a breakdown of the stages:
-
1 - Assessment & Onboarding
- Appointment with The Elite Passport’s client advisors.
- Conduct The Elite Passport’s due diligence check.
- Onboard the client and settle retainer fees.
-
2 - Application Submission
- Commence the legal process and open a bank account.
- Travel to Greece.
- Schedule a biometrics appointment in Greece.
- Fulfill investment requirements.
- Prepare documents and submit the application for Greece’s Golden Residence Permit.
-
3 - Document & Application Processing
- Process the application.
- Receive approval for the application.
-
4 - Approval & Passport Handover
- Obtain the Golden Residence Permit.
- Our team continues to provide support until the permit is officially stamped.
Legal Basis
Greece enacted Law 4146/2013 on April 18, 2013, enabling foreign nationals to apply for a five-year Greek residency visa by investing a minimum of 250,000 Euros in residential real estate located in Greece. The residence permit is initially granted for a five-year period and can be renewed indefinitely as long as the applicant retains ownership of the property. However, it's important to note that these residence permits do not confer any rights to employment.
Costs of Greece Golden Visa Permanent Residency
There are certain investment criterias that applicants who are interested in applying for the Greek permanent residency must fulfil to qualify for the program. These include:
Real estate
It is mandatory for applicants to purchase property anywhere in Greece in order to apply for the Greece permanent residence program.
Capital
- Minimum Investment: EUR 250,000
Additional Fees
The additional fees to be paid other than the purchase of real estate are inclusive of:
- Notary contract: 1.2%
- Transfer tax: 3.09%
- Land Registry: 0.5%
- Local health insurance fee: EUR 160 per applicant
The other costs involved include The Elite Passport’s professional fees, official application forms, certification of citizenship and passport, courier & other disbursements. Clients can be assured of receiving a detailed quotation with no hidden costs upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Does the greek golden visa lead to citizenship?
To obtain Greek citizenship, individuals must reside in Greece for a minimum of seven years. Proficiency in the Greek language is also a crucial requirement for citizenship.
-
Which family members can I include and will benefit from the same greece golden visa investment?
Family members eligible to benefit from the Greece Golden Visa investment include:
- Spouse or partner with a cohabitation contract in Greece.
- Children under 21 years old at the time of investment and until they reach 24 years old.
- Parents and in-laws of the main investor.
-
Where can I purchase properties in greece that can qualify for the greece golden visa?
Properties eligible for the Greece Golden Visa can be acquired across various regions, including Athens, city centers, coastal areas, and the picturesque islands. Compared to many other European capitals, real estate in Athens is notably more affordable. In fact, property prices in Athens are approximately three times lower than in Lisbon, Portugal, or Madrid, Spain, and nearly eight times more cost-effective than in Paris, France. For further details on real estate properties that meet the requirements for the Greece Golden Visa, additional information can be provided.
-
Do I need to go to greece to get a residence permit?
Finalizing the residency application for the Greece Golden Visa typically requires at least one visit to Greece. However, if preferred, properties can be purchased remotely with our assistance. Alternatively, for those interested in viewing properties in person, our dedicated team will provide support throughout the process and arrange property viewings for attractive real estate opportunities.
Book A Free Appointment