The Greece Residency by Investment program, commonly known as the Greece Golden Visa, provides a pathway for non-EU citizens to obtain residency in Greece through local investments, primarily in real estate. This program has become an appealing option for global investors who wish to gain European residency while investing in a flourishing property market.

For more detailed assistance and application guidance, you may consult agencies like Astons.

Requirements for Greece Residency by Investment

To qualify for the Greece Golden Visa, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria:

• Non-EU/EEA Citizenship: Only non-EU/EEA citizens are eligible.
• Minimum Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Clear Criminal Record: A clean criminal history is required.
• Health Insurance: Applicants and their families must have medical insurance.
• Good Standing: Applicants should be in good standing and hold a respectable reputation.

As of 2021, applicants are no longer required to physically visit Greece to submit their applications, allowing for remote application processing.

Investment Options for Greece Residency by Investment

The program offers a few investment routes, each with unique requirements. The most popular option is the real estate investment.

Real Estate Investment

An investor might consider a 250,000-euro investment in real estate by acquiring commercial property designated for conversion into residential housing.

Another option is hinterland or rural property. For property investments in rural or hinterland areas, a minimum of 400,000 Euros is required. The property must be a single purchase with a minimum size of 120 square meters.

One might also invest in urban properties in major cities. The areas like Thessaloniki, Athens, and islands with populations over 3,100, the minimum required investment is 800,000 Euros.

Alternative Investment Options

If real estate option is not lucrative enough for an investor, one may choose to invest in a long-term lease. A minimum 10-year lease agreement on hotels or tourist accommodations with a required minimum investment of 400,000 to 800,000 Euros, depending on location.

Government bonds is an enticing alternative as well. An investment of 500,000 Euros or more in government bonds with a minimum three-year maturity, conducted through a local bank.

Many investors find it attractive to focus on corporate bonds, shares, and other assets. A minimum investment of 800,000 Euros in corporate bonds, shares, or other securities listed on the local exchange.

Investment funds is one more option worth considering. Applicants may invest in funds that specialize in Greek equities, government bonds, or corporate bonds.

Key Benefits of Greece Residency by Investment

1. Right to Reside in Greece. The Greece Golden Visa grants the holder and their family the right to live in Greece. There are no minimum or maximum stay requirements, allowing applicants the flexibility to reside in Greece as they wish. With residency, individuals gain access to Greece’s public healthcare and education systems, enhancing quality of life.
2. Visa-Free Travel Across Schengen. One of the most attractive benefits of the Greece Golden Visa is the freedom of movement within the Schengen Zone. This allows visa-free travel across 26 European countries, facilitating personal and business travel without the need for additional visas or border controls.
3. Family Reunification. The program includes provisions for family members, allowing applicants to include their spouse and children under 21 years of age. Additionally, the program’s Extended Family Benefit allows parents of the applicant and their spouse to obtain residency cards without extra requirements. This feature makes it easier for families to stay connected and provides additional security for loved ones.
4. Low Investment Threshold in Real Estate. Greece offers one of the lowest investment thresholds for residency in Europe. With a minimum real estate investment of 250,000 Euros, the Greece Golden Visa is more accessible than similar programs in other EU countries. This low threshold has made Greece particularly attractive to investors seeking to enter the European property market with relatively lower initial capital.

Conclusion

The Greece Residency by Investment program provides non-EU investors with a range of benefits, from Schengen access to family unification, all at a comparatively low investment threshold. With Greece’s steadily recovering real estate market and the flexibility of the Golden Visa, global investors have a unique opportunity to secure residency in Europe while making a solid financial investment. The combination of personal freedoms, investment potential, and security makes Greece’s Golden Visa a top choice among residency-by-investment programs in Europe.

 

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