A Comprehensive Guide for 2024
Golden Visa in Greece
The Golden Visa in Greece gives non-EU citizens the unique opportunity to gain access to permanent residency in one of the most beautiful countries of the world by investing in real estate.
In an increasingly globalized world, freedom of movement is becoming a strong desire, if not a necessity, for many people.
The possibility of being able to experience life in other parts of the world is a constantly appealing option. And in this category, Greece is a top contender with its internationally renowned quality of life and strategic location between the East and the West.
Have you decided to take the big step and make your dream come true?
We at Roula Rouva | Forbes Global Properties, with our extensive listings of villas and properties for sale all over Greece, and our amazing team of experts and specialized associates, make sure that stress has no place in the process.
But even if you are mid-way there and you have already acquired a property, get in touch with us and we will guide you through your Golden Visa application with absolute care and a big smile.
Thinking of buying property and applying for a Golden Visa in sun-kissed Greece? The time is right. Contact us now for more information.
A few words about the Greek Golden Visa Program
The Greek Golden Visa scheme was introduced in 2013 by the Greek authorities. It is a residence permit that gives people who invest at least 250,000 EUR in real estate the right to live in Greece for an initial five-year period, which can then be renewed every five years. Successful applicants who meet all requirements and get granted the Golden Visa Card can travel across the Schengen Area, an area comprising 26 European countries that have officially abolished all passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders, without the need for an additional visa. They can also travel back to their country of origin without having to go through Greece first.
Besides being one of the most successful programs for a Golden Visa in Europe, the Golden Visa in Greece provides to any individual and their core family members the unique opportunity to freely reside and move within the EU. Thus, they have access to a wealth of benefits, such as high-quality education, a healthcare system that is centered around people, many options of insurance policies for pensions, and other supporting programs. Greece has updated the Greek Golden Visa program!
1) For the Region of Attica, the Regional Units of Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini, and the islands with a population of more than 3.100 inhabitants, the minimum value of real estate at the time of acquisition is €800.000 .
2) For other regions, it’s set at €400.000 (For example: Paxos Island)
Who is eligible for a Golden Visa in Greece?
Any non-EU/EEA country citizen who is at least 18 years old can qualify.
I am the main applicant. Can my family join me?
They sure can. You can include in the program your spouse and children under the age of 21. That way, all your family members can receive and enjoy the entire array of benefits of a Golden Visa card.
In addition to that, the Greek Golden Visa program also provides an Extended Family benefit. According to that, the main applicant’s parents and parents-in-law can also receive cards without any further obligations.
Is there a possibility of joint ownership?
Yes. In cases of joint ownership the residence permit is only granted if the owners are spouses or partners with a cohabitation agreement in Greece, with undivided ownership of the property.
Does the Golden Visa concern a single property?
From 1st of September 2024 the requirement is 1 residence with a minimum size of 120 sq.m. in order to be eligible for a Golden Visa with the new thresholds of 400.000 or 800.000 euros depending on the location. There is an exception in the new law, in case of conversion of commercial properties to residential the threshold remains 250.000 euros without a required minimum size.
How long does it take for the completion of the process?
For the entire process of finding a property for sale in Corfu or anywhere else in Greece, buying it and following all the formalities for a Golden Visa card, you can expect around six months.
Do I have to visit Greece to apply for a Golden Visa?
If you wish to visit Greece to choose and inspect the property to be bought, you will have to apply for an entry visa at a Greek consulate or the Greek Embassy of your country of origin.
However, a physical presence is not mandatory anymore. The Greek Government changed the Greek Golden Visa Law on December 23rd, 2020, and the process can now be done completely remotely, without the need to visit Greece at allduring the application. In this case, all you have to do is contact us, and we will take all the steps together. We have a lot of experience in issuing Golden Visa residence permits, so we can easily complete the investment and submit the application on your behalf. You and your dependents will only be required to come to Greece physically once after your application is approved, in order to provide your biometrics data (fingerprint).
This is a particularly important development, as the Covid-19 pandemic has set serious restrictions on international travel, and now way more families will consider applying for a Golden Visa in Greece.
Can I apply for Greek citizenship?
If you want to apply for Greek citizenship and get a Greek passport, it is possible. The condition is to live and pay taxes in Greece for seven years.
Some more useful information
- The Greek Golden Visa offers access to the European educational system, which is of a high standard.
- There is no obligation for the investor or their family members to stay in Greece in order to maintain their Golden Visa status.
Get in touch with us
Investing in property in Greece is always a great idea. Get in touch with our agency and our qualified team will inform you on everything you need to know.