GREECE

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GREECE GOLDEN VISA RESIDENCY

The Greece Golden Visa Program is a residency-by-investment scheme that allows non-EU nationals to obtain a renewable five-year residence permit in Greece by making a qualifying real estate investment. It is one of the most affordable and popular residency programs in Europe.

Igmigration

Salient Benefits of the Program

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Visa-Free Travel

Access to the Schengen Area.

Permanent Residency

Renewable five-year residence permit for the investor and their family.

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Family Inclusion

Spouse, children under 21, and dependent parents can be included.

Pathway to Citizenship

After seven years of residency, applicants may be eligible to apply for Greek citizenship (subject to additional requirements).

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No Minimum Stay Requirement

Unlike other programs, Greece does not require investors to live in the country to maintain their residency.

Investment Options

Option 1

Real Estate Investment

  • Minimum Investment: €250,000 in residential or commercial property.

  • Types of Property: Apartments, houses, land, or commercial real estate.

  • Location: The property can be located anywhere in Greece, including popular areas like Athens, Thessaloniki, or the Greek islands.

  • Joint Ownership: Multiple investors can pool their funds to reach the €250,000 threshold, but each investor must contribute at least €250,000 to qualify for their own Golden Visa.

Option 2

Long-Term Lease of Hotel Accommodations or Tourist Residences

  • Minimum Investment: A minimum 10-year lease agreement for hotel accommodations or tourist residences.

  • Eligibility: The lease must be for a property classified as a “tourist accommodation” under Greek law.

  • Cost: The total lease amount must meet or exceed €250,000.

Option 3

Investment in Greek Companies or Shares

  • Minimum Investment: €250,000 in shares, bonds, or other financial instruments of Greek companies.

  • Conditions: The investment must contribute to the Greek economy and create jobs.

  • Approval: The investment must be approved by the Greek Ministry of Economy and Development.

Option 4

Investment in Greek Government Bonds

  • Minimum Investment: €250,000 in Greek government bonds.

  • Conditions: The bonds must have a maturity period of at least five years.

  • Approval: The investment must be approved by the Greek Ministry of Economy and Development.

Option 5

Investment in Alternative Assets

  • Real Estate Investment Funds (REIFs): Invest at least €250,000 in shares of Greek REIFs.

  • Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs): Invest at least €250,000 in Greek AIFs.

  • Conditions: These funds must invest in Greece and contribute to the country’s economic development.

Option 6

Capital Transfer to a Greek Bank Account

  • Minimum Investment: A capital transfer of at least €400,000 to a Greek bank account.

  • Conditions: The funds must be used for investments in Greece, such as purchasing shares in Greek companies or real estate.

Key Notes:

  • The most popular and straightforward option is the real estate investment of €250,000.

  • The investment must be maintained for as long as the applicant wishes to retain their residency status.

  • Family members (spouse, children under 21, and dependent parents) can be included in the application at no additional investment cost.

In addition to the above fees, the main applicant must rent or invest in residential property for a five year period. The annual rent of the property must be at least €16,000 per annum and the investment threshold for residential real estate is €700,000 should the main applicant wish to invest in Malta real estate instead of renting a property.

Answers to frequently asked questions

The minimum investment required is €250,000. This can be made through purchasing real estate, leasing hotel accommodations, investing in Greek companies, or other qualifying options. The most popular choice is purchasing property, as it offers a tangible asset.

Yes, the Greece Golden Visa allows you to include your spouse, children under 21, and dependent parents in the application. There is no additional investment required to include family members, making it a cost-effective option for families.

No, there is no minimum stay requirement to maintain your Greece Golden Visa. You only need to renew your residence permit every five years, provided you maintain your investment. This makes it an attractive option for investors who do not wish to relocate permanently.

If you sell your property, you will lose your Golden Visa status unless you replace it with another qualifying investment of at least €250,000. The residency permit is tied to the investment, so it must be maintained to retain the benefits.
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