
Greece is the birthplace of democracy and western philosophy. It is one of the oldest civilizations in Europe, steeped in artifacts and historical sites, but also a place of natural beauty which beckons you with its emerald shoreline, hills of pine trees, and olive groves. The Golden Visa Programme was launched in 2013 to attract foreign residency in Europe via a real estate purchase. As a full member of the EU and Schengen states, Greece not only attracts international tourism but also provides a gateway to visa-free travel within the Schengen zone. The visa enables the applicant to live and setup a business, but not work in Greece.
Greece has a mild climate, warm waters and friendly people. But those are not the only reasons to choose it for life. doing business and making a profit from renting out real estate are also among the benefits to consider. Other reasons for obtaining a residence permit and then Greek citizenship include travelling around the world without visas or the ability to open an account with a European bank.
The Greece Golden Visa Program allows investors to get a residence permit and then Greek citizenship by naturalization. Applicants invest in real estate, stock or deposits. The money can be returned after five years.
Investment Options for the Greece Golden Visa:
- Purchase a real estate property worth at least €250,000
- Make a capital investment of at least €400,000 in a company registered in Greece
- Make a €400,000 investment in Greek government bonds
- Make a €400,000 investment in bonds or shares of real estate investment companies
- Make a €400,000 deposit in a Greek bank
- Make an €800,000 investment in corporate or government bonds
Eligibility criteria for a Greek Golden Visa are:
- You must be over the age of 18
- You must be in good health
- You must not have any history of criminal records, in any country in which you have lived
- You must make a significant investment in Greece (from available investment options)
- You must have obtained health insurance from a company operating in Greece
Benefits of Greece Residency (Golden Visa):
- Residency for lifetime, renewable every 5 years as long as you retain the property
- No requirement to live in Greece to retain or renew the Residency cards
- Right to apply for Greek citizenship after 7 years
- Visa Free travel to Schengen Countries during Residency, after getting Passport, Visa-Free travel to 170+ countries including EU, UK, Schengen, USA
- Dependents: Spouse, Unmarried Children up-to the age of 21, children till age of 24 who are student, dependent parents and parent in-laws regardless of the age
- Only 2-3 month processing time, straightforward process
- You can choose to rent out your property after purchase
- You can live and invest in Greece
- Access to healthcare and the educational system of the country is another benefit of residency
- The PR entitles the investor to register and operate his own business in any Schengen country
- Opening bank accounts in Greece will be easier if you have a residence permit in the country
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