Residency Program / What is it

A Golden visa is a type of residence visa with several benefits, offered by several European countries including Greece. It is an investment scheme that grants visa-free travel within the Schengen zone to non-European investors and their families.

INVESTMENT

The most common way of acquiring a Golden Visa is through property acquisition, although there are other alternatives related to business investments, (i.e. government bonds, shares of existing Greek companies, etc.).This program offers the most affordable investment level in comparison with all the other European real estate residency visa schemes.

As of September 1 2024, in popular regions, such as Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini and the islands with a population of over 3,100 inhabitants the minimum real estate investment threshold for obtaining the Golden Visa is €800,000, while in other areas Non-European investors can obtain a Golden Visa with a minimum investment of is €400,000. Interestingly, investors can still get a five-year residence permit by investing €250,000 in existing real estate investment opportunities, by purchasing properties, which were previously of commercial use, converted into residential properties or by restoring listed buildings.

REQUIREMENTS

Other prerequisites, apart from the investment, are medical insurance that covers any stay in Greece and a clear criminal record.

The residency visa does not come with any minimum stay requirement, and it can be renewed after five years, as long as the investment is maintained.

FAMILY

With the new developments under the Greek residency program, applicants can now include their spouse and all children under the age of 21. The visa can be extended for unmarried children to the age of 23.

Additionally, the Golden Visa program grants residence visa to parents and parents-in-law. Children can join public schools, high schools and colleges (at zero cost) at the same terms and conditions as Greek children.

LIVING AND WORKING

You can live and set up a business in Greece.

However, the residency permit does not allow applicants to work as employees.

TRAVEL

Many Middle East, Asian, and African countries may find it difficult to gain visitor visas to travel to Europe and Schengen zone.

However, with the Greek residence permit, a non-European investor can travel freely throughout the EU and Schengen zone (26 countries).

CITIZENSHIP AND PASSPORT

The Greek Golden Visa Program is a residency and not a citizenship program, however if the applicant and / or the applicant’s family choose to live in Greece, they can obtain Greek Citizenship after seven years as long as the property is maintained.

Favorable conditions for obtaining Greek Citizenship applies for children enrolled at schools in Greece.

BENEFITS

While there is no requirement for such, this program grants applicants the right to be a Greek resident. The residency card also allows unrestricted free movement of all family members to and throughout the EU Schengen visa zone without any extra visa requirements. In the event that the resident sells the property to another non-EU citizen, the buyer becomes the new beneficiary of the Greek residency.

Take the guessing away

With a free consultation

Download our guide to getting a Greek resident visa now. See how quick, easy and affordable the Greek Golden Visa is! In this book you will learn:

  • The properties available and how you can use them once purchased.
  • How long it will take to get your residency permit.
  • How many people your new visa will cover.

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JKPOULSEN Real Estate
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