The Golden Visa for Greece is one of the most popular investment visa programs in the EU. It is a residence-by-investment visa, issued to non-EU citizens who make a significant contribution to the Greek economy. There are several investment options, but the most common route is through purchasing real estate worth at least a quarter of a million.
To qualify for a Golden Visa for Greece, you must make one of the following investments.
Considering the funds involved, most applicants will obtain legal help during the process. We partner with expert lawyers based in Nafplio, Athens, and Thessaloniki, who offer consultations and assistance on international investment, immigration, and real estate. They can also handle the process of investment in Greece on your behalf. They will advise you appropriately, and get your Visa ready in no time!
It is not always required to be in Greece in order to complete your investment. It can be finalized remotely, by giving Power of Attorney to a legal representative. However, legal help is usually beneficial during the process.
Are you interested in Golden Visa Greece but you’re not sure if it’s worth it? Then arrange a meeting with us and we will solve all your concerns.
Who Is Eligible for a Greece Golden Visa?
Eligibility criteria for a Greek Golden Visa are:
- You must be over the age of 18.
- You must not have any history of criminal records, in any country in which you have lived.
- You must make a significant investment in Greece (see the investment options above).
- You must have obtained health insurance from a company operating in Greece.
Benefits of the Greek Golden Visa
A Greek Golden Visa is one of the most competitive Golden Visas in the EU and is accompanied by the following benefits:
Duration of a Greece Golden Visa
The Golden Visa for Greece is issued for five years and can be renewed indefinitely as long as you maintain the investment.
If you ultimately choose to live in Greece, then after seven years of continuous residence, you can also apply for Greek citizenship.
How Long Do You Need to Live in Greece to Renew the Golden Visa?
Unlike most other countries that issue Golden Visas, you do not need to live in Greece at all in order to renew the residence permit. You can keep renewing it every five years, as long as you maintain your investment.
To renew the residence permit, you must provide proof that the real estate property is still in your ownership or a solemn declaration by the relevant representatives that the investment is still ongoing.
Can You Get Greek Citizenship by Investment?
Yes, you can become a Greek citizen by investing in Greece and obtaining a Golden Visa. However, unlike residency, you cannot apply for Greek citizenship without actually living there and paying taxes. You must live in Greece for at least seven years before being eligible to apply for citizenship.
In addition, you must also be able to prove you have ties to the country and knowledge of the Greek language and culture, at least on a basic level.
How to Apply for a Greece Golden Visa?
You must apply for a Greek Golden Visa at the Immigration Department at the Decentralised Authority in Greece. Before that, you must apply for an entry visa at one of the Greek Embassies or Consulates abroad. An outline of the Golden Visa application process is:
Apply for a Greek national visa at an Embassy or Consulate.
Enter Greece and finalize your investment. It is your choice whether you decide to hire professional legal help through this step.
Collect the required documents for the Greek Golden Visa.
Submit the documents to the local Immigration Department.
Wait for the visa to be processed. You will usually hear back about a decision within 3 months.
If the decision is positive, you must travel back to Greece and submit your biometric information.
You will receive a Golden Visa residence permit, which will be valid for five years.