The Greece Golden Visa Program is one of the most attractive residence-by-investment programs in Europe. It offers a straightforward path to residency for non-EU citizens in exchange for an investment in the country, primarily through real estate. This blog will explore the Greece Golden Visa requirements, the benefits, and the steps to apply, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of how to obtain this prestigious visa.
What is the Greece Golden Visa Program?
The Greece Golden Visa is a residence-by-investment program that allows non-European Union nationals to gain residency in Greece by making a financial investment in the country. The most common form of investment is purchasing real estate, but there are several other options available. This visa allows the holder and their family members to live, work, and study in Greece, as well as travel freely within the Schengen Area.
Key Advantages of the Greece Golden Visa Program
The Greece Golden Visa comes with several key benefits for investors and their families:
- No residency requirement: Unlike some other countries’ residency programs, Greece does not require visa holders to live in the country for a specific number of days each year.
- Access to the Schengen Zone: Golden Visa holders can travel freely within the 26 European countries of the Schengen Zone.
- Family inclusion: Immediate family members, including spouses and children under 21, can be included in the application.
- Path to citizenship: After living in Greece for a certain period, visa holders may be eligible for Greek citizenship.
- Real estate investment potential: Greece’s real estate market offers attractive investment opportunities, with potential for high returns.
Greece Golden Visa Requirements
The Greece Golden Visa requirements revolve around making an investment in the country. The main requirement is real estate investment, but other options are available depending on your preferences and financial capabilities.
Real Estate Investment Requirements
The primary method to qualify for the Greece Golden Visa is through the purchase of real estate property. The minimum investment amount is €250,000, making it one of the most affordable Golden Visa programs in Europe. The investment must be in either residential or commercial property, and it can be located anywhere in Greece. You can also choose to invest in multiple properties as long as the total value meets the minimum threshold.
Other Investment Options
If real estate investment is not your preferred option, Greece offers several other qualifying investments:
- Capital contribution to a Greek company: You can invest at least €400,000 in shares, bonds, or Greek government securities.
- Deposit in a Greek bank: A minimum of €400,000 deposited in a Greek bank also qualifies you for the Golden Visa.
- Investment in government bonds: You can invest in Greek government bonds with a minimum value of €400,000 and a maturity period of at least three years.
Regardless of which investment route you choose, the Greece Golden Visa requirements are designed to be flexible and cater to various investor profiles.
Family Eligibility for Greece Golden Visa
The Greece Golden Visa program allows for family reunification. This means that not only the main investor but also their spouse, children under 21 years old, and even the investor’s parents can apply for residency under the same investment.
Procedures and Time Frame of the Greece Golden Visa Program
Once you have made the qualifying investment, the process of obtaining the Golden Visa is relatively quick and straightforward. The following steps outline the procedure:
- Selection of investment: Choose your investment option and make the necessary financial commitment.
- Document preparation: Gather the required documents, including proof of investment, a valid passport, and health insurance.
- Submission of application: Submit your application through a Greek consulate or embassy.
- Processing time: The processing of your Golden Visa typically takes around two to three months.
- Receive your residency permit: Once approved, you will receive your Golden Visa, which grants you and your family residency rights in Greece.
Key Documents Required for Greece Golden Visa Application
To apply for the Greece Golden Visa, you need to prepare and submit a set of documents to prove eligibility. These include:
- A valid passport
- Proof of the qualifying investment (real estate contract or other financial investments)
- Health insurance valid in Greece
- Passport-sized photographs
- Criminal record clearance from your home country
All documents must be officially translated into Greek and certified by a Greek lawyer or notary.
How Long is the Greece Golden Visa Valid?
The Greece Golden Visa is initially valid for five years. After that, it can be renewed every five years as long as the investment is maintained and the visa holder continues to meet the program requirements.
Greece Golden Visa for Permanent Residency
The Greece Golden Visa does not automatically lead to permanent residency, but it does allow for indefinite renewals. If you maintain the qualifying investment and meet the other Greece Golden Visa requirements, you can keep renewing the visa every five years.
For those seeking permanent residency or citizenship, you must reside in Greece for a specific period. After seven years of residency, you can apply for Greek citizenship. During this time, you must demonstrate a strong connection to Greece, including language proficiency and participation in the country’s social and economic life.
Greece Golden Visa Requirements for Travel and Residency
Golden Visa holders are not required to live in Greece to maintain their residency status. You can freely travel to and from Greece and stay in the country as little or as much as you like. However, to apply for citizenship, you will need to live in Greece for at least seven years and meet certain residency requirements.
Greece Residency Visa Requirements for Non-Investors
If you’re not looking to invest but want to live in Greece, there are other residency visa options available. The Greece residency visa requirements typically involve proof of income, health insurance, and an intent to reside in the country long-term.
Greece Permanent Residency Requirements
Once you have lived in Greece for five years under the Golden Visa or another residency program, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency. To qualify, you must have lived continuously in Greece, maintain health insurance, and demonstrate financial stability.
Greece Travel Requirements for Golden Visa Holders
Golden Visa holders have the right to travel freely within the Schengen Area. This means you can visit any of the 26 Schengen countries without the need for additional visas, provided that your stay in any one country does not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period.
How to Apply for the Golden Visa Greece Program
To apply for the Golden Visa Greece program, you’ll need to follow a few straightforward steps:
- Select your investment: Decide whether you want to invest in real estate, government bonds, or other qualifying assets.
- Prepare the documents: Ensure all documents are ready and properly translated into Greek.
- Submit your application: Work with a legal representative or agent to submit your Golden Visa application through the relevant authorities.
- Await approval: The processing time is typically two to three months.
- Receive your Golden Visa: Upon approval, you will be granted residency in Greece.
Greece Schengen Visa Requirements
For those not pursuing the Golden Visa route, Greece is part of the Schengen Agreement, and obtaining a Schengen visa allows entry to Greece and other Schengen countries for short stays. The Schengen visa requirements include a valid passport, travel insurance, and proof of financial means.
Greece Visit Visa Requirements
If you’re planning a short trip to Greece for tourism or business, you may need a visit visa depending on your nationality. The Greece visit visa requirements include proof of accommodation, a travel itinerary, and evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay.
Conclusion: Greece Golden Visa Requirements Made Easy
The Greece Golden Visa requirements offer a highly attractive option for investors seeking residency in one of Europe’s most beautiful countries. With a low minimum investment threshold, no residency requirements, and the ability to include family members, it’s no wonder the program is popular among global investors. Whether you’re looking to relocate or simply want a flexible European residence option, the Greece Golden Visa is a pathway worth considering.