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Greece Golden Visa 2023: Guide to European Residency
Greece, a nation celebrated for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and quintessential Mediterranean lifestyle, offers a unique investment opportunity via the Greece Golden Visa program. This comprehensive guide aims to deliver an in-depth understanding of the Golden Visa program, detailing its eligibility criteria, application process, benefits, and beyond.
An Introduction to the Greece Golden Visa Program
Understanding the Concept of Golden Visa
Golden Visa is a permanent residency visa issued to individuals and their families who invest, usually through the purchase of property, in a foreign country. It essentially offers a gateway to the host country and often, its surrounding regions. The Greece Golden Visa Program is one such initiative.
History and Overview of the Greece Golden Visa Program
Introduced in 2013, the Greece Golden Visa Program is a real estate investment-based program that grants non-EU nationals and their families the right to reside in Greece, as well as visa-free access to the Schengen Zone. The program has quickly become one of the most popular due to its affordability, low residency requirements, and the attractive lifestyle options Greece has to offer.
Who is it For? Eligibility Criteria
The Greece Golden Visa is open to any non-EU national who makes a significant investment in the Greek economy, primarily through the purchase of real estate. The specific criteria may vary depending on the chosen investment route.
Unveiling the Key Advantages of the Greece Golden Visa
1. Freedom of Movement
Travel Freedom in the Schengen Area
Holders of the Greece Golden Visa gain unrestricted access to the Schengen Area, which comprises 26 European countries. This freedom of movement allows for ease of travel, business, and leisure throughout most of Europe without the need for additional visas.
The Advantage of a Second Residence
The Greece Golden Visa also serves as a second residence permit, offering a haven that can be used at any time, be it for holiday purposes or as a sanctuary during political or economic instability in the holder’s home country.
2. Access to Quality Education and Healthcare
Greece Education System Overview
Greece has a comprehensive education system, from primary to tertiary levels. A Golden Visa holder’s children have access to this system, offering them a chance to gain a quality education in a multicultural environment.
Healthcare Facilities and Services in Greece
Greece provides excellent healthcare services, with well-equipped hospitals and highly skilled health professionals. As a resident, a Golden Visa holder can benefit from the Greek National Health System. [source]
3. Pathway to Permanent Residency and Citizenship
Conditions and Timeframe for Permanent Residency
After seven years of holding the Golden Visa, individuals become eligible to apply for permanent residency in Greece. The application process includes proving the basic knowledge of the Greek language.
Steps to Greek Citizenship
Following ten years of residency, Golden Visa holders are eligible to apply for Greek citizenship, which provides the advantage of an EU passport and the ability to live, work, and study anywhere in the EU.
4. Family Inclusion
Who Can You Bring With You?
One of the significant advantages of the Greece Golden Visa program is its inclusion of family members. This not only covers the spouse and minor children of the main applicant but also includes dependent parents and adult children under certain conditions.
Benefits for Family Members
Family members included in the application also enjoy the same rights, including visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone, access to Greek education and healthcare, and the potential path to citizenship.
Discovering the Investment Routes
Comparison of Investment Routes
The Greece Golden Visa program offers various investment routes, each with its own set of advantages. Primarily, these are real estate investment, business investment, and bank deposit. Your choice should depend on your financial capabilities, risk tolerance, and long-term goals.
Considerations Before Choosing an Investment Route
Before deciding on an investment route, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research and due diligence, understand the potential returns and risks, consider your personal and financial circumstances, and possibly seek advice from financial and legal experts.
Real Estate Investment
Minimum Investment Requirement
The foremost route to obtaining a Greece Golden Visa is through a real estate investment. This requires a minimum investment of €250,000 in Greek real estate. You can explore a plethora of eligible properties that meet this requirement on our Golden Visa Properties page.
Property Selection and Purchase
Potential investors have the liberty to choose from a diverse range of properties throughout Greece. The purchase of the property must be completed before submitting the Golden Visa application.
Business Investment
Minimum Investment Requirement
The business investment route is another option for investors, necessitating a minimum investment of €300,000 in a Greek company, either existing or new.
Business Opportunity
This route opens up a distinct opportunity to start or expand a business in the robust Greek economy, leveraging the country’s strategic European location and strong international connections.
Bank Deposit
Minimum Investment Requirement
A term deposit of €400,000 in a Greek bank for at least one year offers another path to a Greece Golden Visa.
Financial Benefit
Although this route calls for a higher investment, it is a beneficial choice for those seeking to secure their investment in a stable European economy.
Navigating the Application Process
The application process for the Greece Golden Visa is straightforward, consisting of the following steps:
- Determine the investment route and make the necessary investment.
- Submit the Golden Visa application along with the required documents.
- Await the approval of the application, typically within 60 days.
- Once approved, the Greek Golden Visa is issued, granting the investor and their family the privilege to live, work, and study in Greece.
Wrapping Up
The Greece Golden Visa program emerges as a tempting opportunity for non-EU investors. It not only provides an investment platform in a prosperous European economy but also a chance to relish the benefits of European residency. From the mesmerizing landscapes of Greece to the advantages of freedom of movement, top-tier healthcare, and exceptional education, the Greek Golden Visa serves as a portal to an extraordinary lifestyle and prosperous future.
Investors are advised to seek professional guidance when contemplating such a significant decision. An expert can help you grasp the intricacies of the Golden Visa program, evaluate potential risks and rewards, and navigate the application process. With careful planning and expert guidance, the Greek Golden Visa can become your passport to a wealth of opportunities.
FAQ
What is the Greece Golden Visa?
The Greece Golden Visa is a permanent residency visa program offered by the Greek government to non-EU investors who make a significant financial investment in Greece. This program was launched in 2013 to attract foreign capital and stimulate economic growth.
How can one qualify for the Greek Golden Visa?
There are several ways to qualify, but the most common route is through real estate investment. As of 2021, the minimum investment is €250,000 in real estate, which must be maintained throughout the period of residence.
What benefits does the Greek Golden Visa offer?
The Greek Golden Visa offers a number of benefits, including:
- Residence in Greece
- Freedom to travel within the Schengen Zone
- The possibility to include family members (spouse, children under 21, and parents of both the investor and spouse)
- No minimum stay requirement in Greece
How long does the Greek Golden Visa last?
The Golden Visa is initially valid for five years, but it can be renewed indefinitely as long as the investment is maintained.
How long does it take to get the Greek Golden Visa?
The entire process can take between 2 to 4 months from the time of investment.
Can the Greek Golden Visa lead to citizenship?
Yes, Golden Visa holders can apply for Greek citizenship after residing in Greece for seven years.
Are there any restrictions on the properties that can be bought for the Greek Golden Visa?
As of 2021, there are no specific restrictions on the type or location of the property.
Do I have to live in Greece after getting the Golden Visa?
No, there is no minimum stay requirement for Golden Visa holders.
Table of Contents
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