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Greece Golden Visa

The Greece Golden Visa is one of the lowest-cost residency routes within the European Union.

Source : Rif Trust

29

schengen countries to explore

€250,000

minimum requirement

6-12

months processing time

The “Greece Golden Visa programme” is one of the lowest-cost residency routes within the European Union (EU). This Greek investment visa is also particularly appealing if you wish to enjoy visa-free travel throughout the EU Schengen area.

What are the main Greece Golden Visa benefits?

Access the Schengen area

With your Greek Residency comes the reward of being able to travel visa-free through the 29 countries within the EU Schengen zone.

Include Your Family

Include a spouse or a partner in your application. Same-sex couples are welcome. You can add biological or adopted children up to the age of 21, living within the family home, to your application, and they can remain part of the programme until they reach 24. Parents and in-laws count as dependents too.

You Don't Need to Spend Time in Greece

There is no need to reside in Greece. For example, the only time you need to visit is for your biometrics submission.

Earn Rental Income

Investing in Greek property not only delivers you a Greece Golden Visa. You can also collect rent from any tenants you rent the property out to.

Who Can Get Greece Residency by Investment

Investor

Firstly, you provide evidence of the source of funds

Secondly, you have to be over 18 years old

Thirdly, you do not have a criminal record

Also, you cannot be an EU citizen

Lastly, you have to be a health insurance policyholder

Spouse

First, over 18 years old

Second, has no criminal record

Not an EU citizen either

Finally, covered by health insurance policy

Children Under 21

At the time of application

Has no criminal record if aged over 14

Remain part of the programme until they reach 24

Parents

Of either investor or spouse

Proof of kinship for either

Programme Requirements

To qualify for the Greece Golden Visa Programme, you must fulfil one of the following investment options AND meet other requirements:

Purchase Converted/Restored Property

Buy commercial or industrial real estate converted into residential property for a minimum €250,000. The alternative is to purchase real estate of the same value that has been refurbished or restored.

Buy Real Estate

Purchase a property with at least 120m² surface area for a minimum €800,000 in Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and Greek islands with a 3,100+ population.

This threshold reduces to €400,000 in other areas.

Other Requirements and Benefits

As a Greek Golden Visa Programme applicant, you must have medical insurance to cover your stay in Greece and also produce relevant certificates to show your dependents are related to you.

In addition, you must hold on to your property or real estate investment.

The permit is valid for 5 years and offers renewable permanent residency as well. Plus, you can take advantage of access to Greece’s public education system.

Greece Golden Visa Application Process

MONTH 1

Greek residency onboarding process

We commence our process, appropriately enough, with Form 1. After this is filled in, this ensures the initial RIF Trust due diligence. Following this screening, we provide you with a Client Agreement (CA). Before we can proceed any further, you will need to review and sign this.

Upon receiving the signed agreement and retainer payment, our case processing team next complete all necessary government forms and collate supporting documents.

You also need to execute a sales and purchase agreement with the developer. However, we will liaise with the real estate property developer and the Hellenic Republic Ministry of Migration and Asylum, the relevant Greek Government body, on your behalf.

MONTHS 2-5

Application review and submission

Before submitting your documents, we first review your application to ensure you comply with the Ministry of Migration and Asylum's requirements.

The Ministry will also undertake its own due diligence and reviews all the paperwork. Yet we will continue to work closely with them throughout Months 1 and 2, and beyond.

After applying, the Ministry of Migration and Asylum will also issue a receipt that can serve as a temporary residence permit while awaiting the application decision.

MONTHS 6-12

Golden Visa issued

The Ministry assesses your application, and upon approval, you make all necessary contributions. You also pay any applicable government fees. Then you and your family receive the relevant residency certificates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect from my Greece residency?

Much of life as most of the world knows derives from Ancient Greece, which is the birthplace of democracy and Western philosophy. With this Residency by Investment, you'll gain access to historic capital, Athens, and to thousands of sun-drenched Mediterranean islands.

Greece is a democratic and developed country. It also has an advanced economy and a high standard of living.

Athens provides Greek residents with access to both international business and travel opportunities. With the additional benefit of visa-free travel through the European Union (EU) Schengen zone, it’s an extremely popular option for entrepreneurs like you.

Who can be included within the Greece Golden Visa application?

You can also extend the Golden Visa investment to include family members. This includes:

A spouse or, indeed, a partner

Children under the age of 21 at the time of application who remain valid until they reach 24

Dependant parents of you or your spouse

By including family members in your Greek Golden Visa application, you are allowing them access to visa-free travel within the EU Schengen area.

What is the minimum investment requirement for Greece’s Golden Visa?

The minimum requirement is €250,000 worth of investments in Greece. This is made via an investment in real estate and, importantly, must be held for the duration of the 5-year residency.

How long will my Greece residency last for?

You will receive a permanent residence permit that is valid for 5 years. Then, you can renew your residency indefinitely.

Can I rent out my property?

Yes. You can earn passive income by renting out your property short term or long term.

Do I pay taxes in Greece?

Yes. You will pay tax on the income you generate in Greece. This means you are taxed on your rental income. You will pay 15% tax on annual earnings up to €12,000, 35% from €12,001 to €35,000, and 45% over €35,001.