Golden Visa

Residency by Investment Programs

The Greece Golden Visa Program is considered one of the most affordable residence-by-investment programs that provide access to Europe. Successful applicants and their families are able to benefit from visa-free access to Europe’s Schengen Area within two months of applying.

Real estate options

Investing in real estate is the most popular choice. An investor can conduct a deal either as an individual or through an EU-based company whose controlling stake they own. Applicants have five options to choose from:

  • Buy property, residential or commercial
  • Purchase a land plot for construction or agriculture
  • Inherit a property or receive it as a gift
  • Rent a hotel or tourist residence for 10 years
  • Conclude a timeshare agreement for 10 years

The program’s qualifying options are:

  1. An investment in real estate property with a minimum value of 250,000€, plus the applicable taxes. For certain areas, specifically Mykonos, Santorini, Thessaloniki and most municipalities in Athens – the minimum value is 500,000€.
  2. A 10-year lease agreement for hotel accommodation or furnished tourist residences in tourist accommodation complexes (Article 8 of Law 4000/2001)
  3. A 10-year time-sharing agreement for hotel accommodation (Law 1652/1986)

Other options

CAPITAL CONTRIBUTION

  1. A capital contribution with a minimum value of 400,000€ to a company that has its registered office or establishment in Greece (with the exception of portfolio investment companies and real estate investment companies) for the acquisition of shares in a share capital increase or bonds that are, at the time of issue, admitted for trading on regulated markets or multilateral trading mechanisms that operate in Greece
  2. A capital contribution with a minimum value of 400,000€ to a real estate investment company (Article 21 of Law 2778/1999) that will invest exclusively in Greece, for the acquisition of shares in a share capital increase
  3. A capital contribution with a minimum value of 400,000€ to a closed-end investment company (Article 5 of Law 2367/1995) for the acquisition of shares or to a closed-end mutual fund (Article 7 of Law 2992/2002) for the acquisition of shares, provided that the aforementioned alternative investment institutions have the intention to invest exclusively in companies that have headquarters or establishments in Greece

SHARES, BONDS, AND/OR GOVERNMENT BONDS

  1. Purchase of Greek government bonds with a minimum acquisition value of 400,000€ and residual maturity of at least three years at the time of purchase, via a credit institution established in Greece, which will also act as the custodian of these bonds
  2. Purchase of shares or corporate bonds with a minimum acquisition value of 800,000€, which are admitted for trading or are traded on regulated markets or multilateral trading mechanisms, operating in Greece
  3. Purchase of units with a minimum value of 400,000€ of a mutual fund incorporated in Greece or another country and with the intention to invest exclusively in shares, corporate bonds, and/or Greek government bonds that are admitted for trading or are traded on regulated markets or multilateral trading mechanisms, operating in Greece
  4. Purchase of units or shares with a minimum purchase value of 400,000€ of an alternative investment fund established in Greece or another country of the EU, which intends to exclusively invest in immovable property in Greece

CAPITAL TRANSFER

  1. Term deposit of a minimum value of 400,000€ to a domestic credit institution, for at least one year, with a standing order for renewal

Advantages of the Greece Golden Visa Program

  • Visa-free travel within Europe’s Schengen Area
  • No requirement to reside in Greece
  • Residence permits can be acquired within 60 days
  • Unlimited expiry date of residence permit
  • Opportunity to rent out the investment property
  • Residence applicable to the whole family (married spouse, children under 21 years old, and parents of the main applicant and spouse)
  • Eligibility to apply for citizenship after seven years of residence
  • Ability to hold shares and receive income from the dividends of a company registered in Greece (but not be employed in Greece)

The process for a permanent residence by investment is rather straight forward however, experience tells us that each case is different and may have its own complexities. You can get a first view and learn more about the golden visa program by visiting the government official website

Peace-of-Mind Services: Your Trusted Investment Advisors in Greece

Our specialized team of investment experts are here to help. Contact us at poms@wsgodigital.com to schedule an appointment or complete the online contact form and we will get in touch to discuss your plans, based on your availability.

Real Estate Management and Investment in Greece