RESIDENCE PERMIT IN GREECE

The cradle of Western civilisation, Greece is steeped in ancient history, a rich culture and is home to the world-famous rock-top ruins.

WHY GREECE

The cradle of Western civilisation, Greece is steeped in ancient history, a rich culture and is home to the world-famous rock-top ruins of the Acropolis, perhaps the most iconic ancient monument in Europe. To the west, Olympia – spiritual home of the Olympic Games; the ancient citadel of Mycenae, the Mani. Scattered in the Agean sea are Sporades, Rhodes Mykonos, Santorini and many others.

Whether your lifestyle leaves you craving constant adventure or lavish relaxation, Greece is well-placed to cater to your every need. Sun-soaked days flow from one to the next under infinite blue skies and a sparkling sea dotted with islands of white sand and green palms. Discover ancient Byzantine footpaths, venture into volcanoes, swim with dolphins and sea turtles, or explore lush forests. Meander through verdant olive groves, charming villages and prehistoric petrified forests.

Greek cooking puts most 100-mile diets to shame – Greek cooks draw many of their famously high-quality ingredients directly from their back yard. Basic ingredients such as feta and olive oil are ubiquitous across Greece, but produce and cooking styles vary across different regions, making your travel here a culinary adventure.

The cradle of Western civilisation, Greece is steeped in ancient history, a rich culture and is home to the world-famous rock-top ruins of the Acropolis, perhaps the most iconic ancient monument in Europe. To the west, Olympia – spiritual home of the Olympic Games; the ancient citadel of Mycenae, the Mani. Scattered in the Agean sea are Sporades, Rhodes Mykonos, Santorini and many others.

Whether your lifestyle leaves you craving constant adventure or lavish relaxation, Greece is well-placed to cater to your every need. Sun-soaked days flow from one to the next under infinite blue skies and a sparkling sea dotted with islands of white sand and green palms. Discover ancient Byzantine footpaths, venture into volcanoes, swim with dolphins and sea turtles, or explore lush forests. Meander through verdant olive groves, charming villages and prehistoric petrified forests.

Greek cooking puts most 100-mile diets to shame – Greek cooks draw many of their famously high-quality ingredients directly from their back yard. Basic ingredients such as feta and olive oil are ubiquitous across Greece, but produce and cooking styles vary across different regions, making your travel here a culinary adventure.

Local fare includes mountain greens you’ve never heard of, bread baked with olives, and fresh fish straight out of the sea. Currently, Greek cuisine is experiencing something of a renaissance with top chefs elevating time-honoured recipes to new gourmet heights, making now an excellent time to visit.

Building on its ancient democratic traditions, socialising is more than merely pastime here – it’s a way of life. Local cafes and restaurants with locals young and old animatedly discussing events past, present and future. Long tables host celebratory gatherings and friends jubilantly carouse in town squares. The Greek people are quintessentially passionate about life, even at the most difficult of times. The result is a vibrant society with a rich culture that continues to captivate and enthrall, even thousands of years after its inception.

The benefits of acquiring Greek permanent residence include the right to work, live and study in all 27 EU states, and is a viable route to acquiring Greek citizenship for investors that make Greece their main place of residence and meet additional criteria.

Greek Golden Visa Program at a Glance

Visa-free travel within Europe’s Schengen Area

Quick and efficient application process

No minimal residence requirements

No expiry date on your residence permit

Ability to rent out investment property

Viable route to Greek citizenship if you are able to meet language and residence requirements

Dependants including spouse, children under 21 and parents can be included in your application

Greece Residence by Investment Program Requirements

The Greek Golden Visa program requires a person to make an economic contribution to the country. In exchange, and subject to a very thorough application procedure including detailed due diligence and background verification checks, the applicants and their families are granted permanent residence in Greece.

To qualify for permanent residence, the main applicant must be over 18 years of age and meet all of the application conditions. The contribution requirements are as follows:

Option 1

Investors are required to purchase property with a value of no less than EUR 250,000

Option 2

Investors are required to invest no less than EUR 400,000 into one of the following:

  • Capital contribution to a company based or headquartered in Greece
  • Acquire shares in real estate investment company trading exclusively in Greece
  • Purchase government bonds with a three-year holding period from a Greek credit institution
  • Hold a term deposit for a minimum of 12 months fixed term with a permanent renewal order
  • Invest in a large mutual fund that exclusively invests in Greek stocks and bonds

Key features of the Greece Residence by Investment Program

Your residence in Southern Europe

Greece’s exquisite sun-drenched beaches, authentic local traditions and famous hospitality make it a prime destination for travel and recreation. Importantly, the Golden Visa Program allows visa-free access to Europe’s Schengen Area. Enjoy the wonders of Greece or take advantage of unhindered holidays all over Europe – the choice is yours! While there are a number of options for acquiring Greek permanent residence, many investors elect to purchase property in Greece due to the simplicity of the procedure and the benefit of a summer home in one of the most desirable holiday destinations in the world.

Application Timeline for the Greece Residence
by Investment Program

Stage 1

Choose your investment

From a list of approved options

Select your preferred investment option based on your budget and expectations for future returns. Our advisors can discuss the available options with you in order to ensure that you select an investment that suits your goals.

Stage 2

Submit application

We prepare and submit documents

The application and supporting documentation are submitted for processing and due diligence. If you elect to purchase real estate, the time-frame under this option may vary depending on the status of your chosen development.

Stage 3

Make your investment

We assist you throughout the process

Once your application is approved, you will be requested to pay all government fees and make the investment under your chosen option.

Stage 4

All done!

Receive permanent residence card

Following approval you will be issued with your Greek residence permit. The entire process will take three to six months from submission of your application to issuance of the permit assuming there are no areas of concern with the application.

Greece Residency Program Frequently Asked Questions

I’m not using the property that I have invested in under the program. Can I rent it out?
Yes, you can rent out the property as long as you are still the owner.
Is there a requirement to reside in Greece under this visa?
There are no minimum residence requirements to maintain the Golden Visa.
Does Greece allow dual citizenship?
Yes. There are no restrictions on dual citizenship in Greece.
Is it possible to apply for Greek citizenship through this visa?
Yes, however this involves meeting additional requirements. You will be required to have resided in Greece for seven years and demonstrate that they have established close ties with Greece. This includes an exam on Greek language and culture.
How long is the Golden Visa valid for?
The Golden Visa does not expire and is renewable every 5 years provided that you continue to comply with the conditions of the program (such as maintaining your property).
Will I need to open a Greek bank account?

Yes. All necessary payments associated with the purchasing of the property will be made through this account.

Will I need to be in Greece and apply in person?
No, you are not required to be present during the submission of the application. This can be done on your behalf through an authorized representative via a power of attorney (POA). In order to do this, you would need to enter Greece within 90 days prior the submission of the application and sign a POA within that same time period. Your presence will also be required for capturing biometrics (this can be done within 6 months from the submission of your application or at the time of submission).
How long does it take to receive the Golden Visa?
It normally takes approximately 1 – 2 months from the date of the submission of the biometrics for the application to be finalized, through there are occasional delays in times of heavy caseload at the relevant immigration authority.
Can my family members apply with me for the Golden Visa Program?
Yes. Family members including the main applicant’ spouse, children under the age of 21, and parents of the applicant and spouse. From 22 August 2018, same-sex couples who sign a civil partnership agreement in Greece can also be considered family members for the purposes of the Golden Visa Program.

Greece Residency Program Frequently Asked Questions

I’m not using the property that I have invested in under the program. Can I rent it out?
Yes, you can rent out the property as long as you are still the owner.
Is there a requirement to reside in Greece under this visa?
There are no minimum residence requirements to maintain the Golden Visa.
Does Greece allow dual citizenship?
Yes. There are no restrictions on dual citizenship in Greece.
Is it possible to apply for Greek citizenship through this visa?
Yes, however this involves meeting additional requirements. You will be required to have resided in Greece for seven years and demonstrate that they have established close ties with Greece. This includes an exam on Greek language and culture.
How long is the Golden Visa valid for?
The Golden Visa does not expire and is renewable every 5 years provided that you continue to comply with the conditions of the program (such as maintaining your property).
Will I need to open a Greek bank account?

Yes. All necessary payments associated with the purchasing of the property will be made through this account.

Will I need to be in Greece and apply in person?
No, you are not required to be present during the submission of the application. This can be done on your behalf through an authorized representative via a power of attorney (POA). In order to do this, you would need to enter Greece within 90 days prior the submission of the application and sign a POA within that same time period. Your presence will also be required for capturing biometrics (this can be done within 6 months from the submission of your application or at the time of submission).
How long does it take to receive the Golden Visa?
It normally takes approximately 1 – 2 months from the date of the submission of the biometrics for the application to be finalized, through there are occasional delays in times of heavy caseload at the relevant immigration authority.
Can my family members apply with me for the Golden Visa Program?
Yes. Family members including the main applicant’ spouse, children under the age of 21, and parents of the applicant and spouse. From 22 August 2018, same-sex couples who sign a civil partnership agreement in Greece can also be considered family members for the purposes of the Golden Visa Program.

About Us

Christos Orospudis

CEO

Georgina Pompalarus

Head of Legal

Costas Salakian

Business Development Manager

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