The Greek Golden Visa program has become increasingly popular over the years, thanks to its numerous benefits and advantages. Apart from allowing non-EU citizens and their families to obtain residency in Greece, the program also provides a pathway to citizenship and visa-free travel within the Schengen area. This makes it an attractive option for investors looking to explore business opportunities and settle down in Greece.
To apply for the Greek Golden Visa, applicants must meet several requirements. Firstly, they must invest a minimum of €250,000 in real estate. This investment can be in either residential or commercial property, as long as it is made in cash and not through a loan or mortgage. The property must also be located in Greece and remain in the applicant’s possession for at least five years.
It’s worth noting that the Greek government has made changes to the Golden Visa program in recent years, in response to the growing demand. In May 2023, for example, the investment threshold for certain areas, including Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini, was increased from €250,000 to €500,000. This change was made to manage the significant influx of investors in recent years and to ensure that the program remains sustainable in the long term.
Additionally, applicants must provide proof of their clean criminal record from their home country and Greece. They must also have valid medical insurance coverage in Greece and provide proof of income from a legal source, such as employment, business ownership, or investments. Finally, applicants must have a valid Schengen Visa, allowing them to travel freely within the Schengen area.
Once the application is submitted, the Greek authorities will conduct a thorough background check and may require additional documents or information. The process typically takes around two to three months to complete, and if approved, the applicant and their family members will receive a five-year residency permit, which can be renewed for an additional five years.
At Greece Home Finder, we understand that applying for a Golden Visa can be a complex process. That’s why we offer a wide range of services to make the process as straightforward and efficient as possible. Our team of experts can help you with property selection, due diligence, legal advice, and document preparation, ensuring that your application is processed quickly and efficiently.
We also understand the importance of transparency and trust in this industry. That’s why we provide our clients with validated profiles of trusted professionals who can assist with legal agreements, contracts, and investment advice. Our goal is to provide a one-stop-shop for all your real estate needs, ensuring that you can move, invest, and manage your real estate investments in Greece with ease and confidence.
In addition to our Golden Visa services, we also offer advice on long-term rentals and Airbnb, allowing you to maximize your investment and generate additional income. At Greece Home Finder, we are passionate about Greece and its culture, and we want to help you discover all that this beautiful country has to offer. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your Golden Visa application and your real estate needs in Greece.
A Golden Visa is a special type of visa that allows third-country nationals to acquire residency in Greece by making a certain investment in the country. It provides various benefits, such as the right to enter and reside in Greece and the EU for five years, and the right to renew the Golden Visa every five years when conditions are met. The visa also permits travel to over 25 Schengen countries, including EU member states, and provides access to the Greek public education system.
- You must have entered Greece legally.
- You must have full ownership, possession, and occupancy, or a percentage of undivided ownership of one or more real estate properties in Greece, the total value of which should amount to at least €250,000. Alternatively, you can sign a timeshare agreement (lease) for a minimum of 10 years for hotel accommodations or furnished tourist residences in integrated tourist resorts according to article 8, paragraph 2 of Law 4002/2011, provided the minimum cost of the lease also amounts to €250,000.
- Alternatively, you can purchase a plot of land or acreage and proceed to erecting a building, provided that the cumulative value of the land purchased and the contract with the construction company also amounts to at least €250,000.
- In cases of joint ownership, where the value of property is €250,000 or more, the residence permit is only granted if the owners are spouses with undivided ownership of the property. In all other cases of joint ownership, the residence permit is only granted if the amount invested by each of the joint owners is at least €250,000.
- If the owner has acquired the property through a legal entity, the applicant shall own 100% of the company shares.
To apply for a Golden Visa in Greece, the following documents are required:
- Four recent color photos with passport specifications (dimensions: 4×6), plus a CD with the photos in digital form.
- A copy of a valid passport or other travel document recognized in Greece bearing an entry visa, whenever an entry visa is required. In the case where the CITY of birth is not mentioned on the passport, a Birth Certificate is also required to establish where the applicant was born.
- Health, hospital, and accident private insurance (preferably from a Greek insurance agent).
- A copy of the purchase title of the property/ies worth at least €250,000. The contract shall clearly mention that the price was paid by bank check from a Greek bank account, or by bank transfer directly to the seller’s account from a foreign account.
- A notarial certificate that certifies that the property deed fulfills all the requirements set by Law 4146/2013 art. 6 par.2
- Proof that the property title was properly registered at the local Land Registry.
- For family members: Four recent color photos, a copy of a valid passport bearing an entry visa, a health, hospital, and accident private insurance, and a recent certificate of family status from a foreign authority proving the relationship between the main applicant and the members of his/her family.
The Golden Visa in Greece is valid for five years and can be renewed every five years when the conditions are met.
Yes, family members including the spouse, children under 21 years old, and parents of both spouses can also obtain a separate Golden Visa. However, they must submit their own individual applications, and the validity of their permit is dependent on the validity of the primary applicant’s permit. Each family member must also meet the same requirements as the primary applicant, such as property ownership or investment.
Yes, as long as you meet the requirements for the Golden Visa, you can apply for it even if you already have another type of visa or residence permit in Greece.
The application process for a Golden Visa in Greece involves submitting the necessary documents and proof of investment to the Greek authorities. The process typically takes around two months, but can vary depending on individual circumstances.
Yes, you can bring your immediate family members (spouse, children under 21, parents of both spouses) with you under the Golden Visa program, and they will also be eligible for the same benefits.
No, a Golden Visa in Greece does not give you the right to work in Greece. However, you are allowed to invest in businesses and own property in Greece.
Yes, you can travel to other countries in the EU that are also members of the Schengen Agreement with a Golden Visa. However, your stay in those countries cannot exceed 90 days in each 6-month period.
The benefits of a Golden Visa in Greece include the right to enter and reside in Greece and the EU for five years, the right to renew the visa every five years, the right to travel freely within the EU, and access to the Greek public education system.
Yes, you can purchase multiple properties to meet the investment requirement for a Golden Visa in Greece, as long as the total value of the properties is at least €250,000.
Yes, it is possible to acquire a Golden Visa in Greece through investment in a business, as long as the investment meets the minimum investment requirement of €250,000 and creates a certain number of jobs in Greece.
Greece Home Finder can assist you with every step of the process for acquiring a Golden Visa in Greece, from finding and purchasing a qualifying property to obtaining the necessary documents and submitting your application. We also provide additional services such as property management, legal counseling, and professional investment advice to help make your transition to Greece as smooth as possible.
