Greece Golden Visa

What is the Greece Golden Visa?

Greece is where the past whispers through ancient stones, and the future shimmers on turquoise shores. It’s not just a country, but a living masterpiece where every sunset feels like art, and every city hums with stories of gods and philosophers. A place where the lines between myth and reality blur, offering more than a destination—it's a timeless experience.

What is the Greece Golden Visa?

The Greece Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program that grants non-EU citizens a residence permit in Greece. It was launched in 2013 to attract foreign investment into the country's economy. By purchasing real estate or making a financial investment, applicants can gain residency rights for themselves and their families. This visa is particularly attractive to investors as it does not impose a stay requirement, allowing the holders to reside in Greece or travel within the Schengen Zone without needing additional visas.

The program has seen significant updates in 2024, with increased investment thresholds and new opportunities for high-net-worth individuals seeking EU residency. Additionally, visa provider companies like VisitsVisa make the application process smoother by providing support and guidance at every step.

Greece

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Greece Golden Visa, applicants must meet specific requirements, including:

  • Be a non-EU/EEA foreign national.
  • Purchase real estate in Greece worth at least €500,000 (2024 update).
  • Prove they are at least 18 years old.
  • Be in Greece legally under one of the following categories:
    • Hold a Type D visa for investment purposes.
    • Hold a valid residence permit issued by Greece or another EU Member State.
    • Be in good financial standing and able to sustain the investment and their dependents.
    • Pass a due diligence check.
    • Have a clean criminal record.
  • The investment funds must be lawfully acquired and maintained for the duration of residency.
  • Hold valid health insurance.

This program offers a unique opportunity for investors to gain residency in a European Union country with a minimal physical presence requirement.

key advantages of the Greece Golden Visa

Here are the key advantages of the Greece Golden Visa Program

Visa-Free Travel

The Greece Golden Visa allows visa-free travel across all 27 countries in the Schengen Area, making it ideal for frequent travelers or businesspersons.

No Stay Requirement

Unlike other programs, Greece does not require visa holders to live in the country for a minimum number of days, offering flexibility to those with global commitments.

Quick Processing Time

Residency permits are typically processed and granted within 2 to 3 months, allowing fast access to EU residency.

Affordable Investment

Compared to other European Golden Visas, Greece offers one of the most affordable investment thresholds, starting at €250,000 (for real estate outside high-demand areas), making it highly attractive.

Family Inclusion

The visa covers not only the main applicant but also immediate family members, including spouses and children under 21 years old, with no additional investment required.

Permanent Residency

The Golden Visa grants a five-year residence permit, which is renewable indefinitely as long as the investment is maintained.

Pathway to Citizenship

After seven years of continuous residency, visa holders become eligible to apply for Greek citizenship, offering the full rights of an EU citizen.

Income Generation

Visa holders can rent out their purchased property, providing an opportunity for passive income, especially with Greece’s growing tourism market.

Access to EU Benefits

While residing in Greece, holders gain access to high-quality healthcare, education, and other benefits that come with EU residency.

High Investment Returns

With Greece’s recovering economy and real estate market, investors can expect strong returns on their property investments over time.

Application Process

The application process for the Greece Golden Visa is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail. The steps include:

  1. Obtain a Type D visa (if required) for entering Greece.
  2. Make the necessary investment—either in real estate or another eligible asset class.
  3. Prepare and submit the application to the Greek authorities with all required documents.
  4. Pay the required fees (visa and processing fees).
  5. Wait for approval—the processing time is generally 2 to 3 months.
  6. Receive the residence permit—valid for 5 years and renewable indefinitely as long as the investment is maintained.

VisitsVisa offers comprehensive services to ensure that all documentation is prepared according to the latest legal requirements and guides you through the process efficiently.

Required Documents for Greece Golden Visa Application

Applying for the Greece Golden Visa requires careful preparation and the submission of specific documents. Below is a detailed list of the essential documents needed to ensure a successful application:

A complete application form

This is the official form that initiates your Golden Visa application. It must be accurately filled out with all required personal information and signatures.

Passport photos

Submit clear copies of your passport, including all relevant pages, and recent passport-sized photos that meet the specific requirements set by Greek authorities.

Processing fee

You must provide evidence of your investment in Greece, which can include property purchase agreements, financial documentation, or other related investment proof.

Criminal Record Certificate

Obtain a criminal record certificate from your home country, proving that you have no serious criminal convictions.

Proof of Funds

This document shows that the investment capital was acquired lawfully. It may include bank statements, financial records, or other documentation proving the source of your funds.

Health insurance certificate

A health insurance certificate from a recognized provider is required, ensuring that you have adequate health coverage during your stay in Greece

Biometric data

As part of the residence permit issuance process, you will need to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints and a digital photo.

Additional Considerations

Translation and Notarization

All documents must be translated into Greek and notarized as required by Greek law. This step is crucial to ensure that your application is accepted without delays.

Professional Assistance

Navigating the application process can be complex. VisitsVisa can assist you in organizing, translating, notarizing, and submitting these documents to the relevant Greek authorities, ensuring a smooth and efficient application process.

By ensuring that each of these documents is correctly prepared and submitted, you will be well on your way to obtaining your Greece Golden Visa.

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