What Is Golden Visa ?
Many nations have introduced Residency by Investment (RBI) policies as a strategy to attract capital from overseas nationals. Referred to as "Golden Visas," these programs allow investors residency with minimal residency commitments in exchange for investments in real estate or financial securities. Greece is one of several EU countries making this option available to non-EU citizens.
History of Golden Visa
The Golden Visa Greece program, introduced in July 2013, provides one of the most affordable and flexible residency-by-investment options in Europe, offering various investment opportunities such as:
Ways to Obtain Golden Visa
Real Estate Investment
Investments in real estate are set at a minimum of €800,000 in Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and islands with populations above 3,100. In other areas, the threshold is €400,000 for a single property of at least 120 sqm. For historic buildings that require restoration, or commercial properties being repurposed into residences, the minimum investment remains €250,000, regardless of size or region.
Term Deposits In a Greek Bank
The Greek Golden Visa program offers a flexible investment option through time deposits. Investors must deposit a minimum of €500,000 in a Greek bank for at least one year, with automatic annual renewal. Multiple deposits across different banks can be combined to meet the requirement and diversify risk. Additionally, up to €100,000 per deposit is insured by the State under EU regulations, ensuring security even in rare cases of bank failure.
Other Financial Investments
Acquire a Golden Visa through a range of eligible investment options, including Greek Government bonds, Mutual Funds, Equity investments, Investment Companies (REICs), Closed-end Funds, and Alternative Investment Funds.
Real Estate Opportunities in Greece
Secure your future by investing in Greece’s booming real estate market and obtaining your Golden Visa. Benefit from high rental returns, rising property values, and visa-free Schengen travel, all with a pathway to EU citizenship.
Why Greek Golden Visa?
Affordable Investment With High Returns
Greece offers one of the lowest investment thresholds in Europe, starting at €250,000 for select properties. This makes it a cost-effective option compared to other European Golden Visa programs. Additionally, Greece’s thriving real estate market provides excellent rental yields and capital appreciation, allowing investors to maximize their returns.
Visa Free Travel - No Residency Requirement
With a Greek Golden Visa, you gain visa-free access to the Schengen Zone, enabling unrestricted travel across 27 European countries. Unlike many other programs, Greece does not impose a minimum stay requirement, allowing you and your family to maintain your lifestyle and business operations from anywhere in the world.
Pathway To EU Citizenship
The Greek Golden Visa provides a clear path to European Union citizenship. After seven years of residency, investors can apply for a Greek passport, granting them the full rights of EU citizens, including the ability to live, work, and study anywhere in the EU. This long-term benefit makes Greece an ideal choice for those seeking a secure and prosperous future.
FAQs
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The Greek Golden Visa is valid for five years and can be renewed indefinitely as long as the investment is maintained. There are no restrictions on how long you can hold the visa, meaning you can continue to enjoy the benefits of permanent residency in Greece as long as you meet the program’s requirements.
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After selecting and purchasing the investment, we proceed with submitting all the necessary paperwork and biometric data to the government with the assistance of our legal experts. This step ensures that your application meets all regulatory requirements and is processed efficiently.
The processing time may vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the application, the volume of applications being handled by the immigration authorities, and any additional requirements that may arise. Our team closely monitors the progress and remains in communication with the relevant government agencies to ensure a smooth and timely approval process.
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Our team can help you identify the perfect investment option, whether it is real estate, government bonds, or other investment opportunities. We take the time to understand your financial goals, risk tolerance, and long-term plans to recommend the most suitable option for you. With expert guidance, market insights, and a thorough evaluation of available investments, we ensure that your choice aligns with both your personal and financial objectives, maximizing the benefits of your Golden Visa.
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
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Key Highlights of the Golden Visa Law
The investment for the Golden Visa must be made directly in the investor’s name as the Main Applicant. If made through a legal entity, the applicant must own 100% of the company shares. Investments through offshore or non-EU companies are not eligible.
Joint investments are allowed for real estate, provided each investor meets the minimum investment amount (e.g., two friends jointly investing €500,000 would qualify both families). Spouses investing jointly in real estate for at least €250,000 also qualify, but this exception doesn’t apply to financial investments.
Applicants can switch between Golden Visa options (e.g., from term deposits to real estate) without losing residency rights.
How Long Can You Hold the Golden Visa?
Residency is granted for life, renewable every five years.
The residence permit can be renewed indefinitely, as long as the applicant retains full ownership of the qualifying investment (real estate or financial). There is no minimum-stay requirement, meaning Golden Visa holders are not obligated to live in or visit Greece to maintain their residency. However, they must return every five years to update their biometric data.
What if I sell the property?
Should you sell the property while the residence permit remains active, your permit, as well as those of your family members, will be revoked.
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How Much Time Does the Process Require?
The Golden Visa Greece process is typically completed within two (2) months of submitting biometric data, as per the law.
However, the time needed for the investment can differ based on the investment type and specific real estate or financial choice.
Once the application is submitted, applicants immediately receive a certificate as proof of submission, which acts as a temporary residence permit. Biometric data can be provided at any time during the following 12 months.
Key FAQs on the Greek Golden Visa Law
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The Greek Golden Visa Law
Under the Greek Golden Visa Law, foreign investors along with their families can secure residency permits through a cost-effective and adaptable program aimed at those seeking residency or a second passport in Greece.
