Get Greece Golden VISA Easily With Family – Process, Terms and Conditions

Greece has long been an attractive destination for those looking to immigrate, offering stunning landscapes, rich history, and a vibrant lifestyle. The Greece Golden Visa, a residency-by-investment program, provides an excellent opportunity for non-EU nationals to obtain residence in Greece by investing in real estate.

One of the key benefits of this program is that it allows investors to bring their family along, offering a pathway to live in Greece and explore the entire Schengen Area visa-free. Additionally, Greece’s Golden Visa stands out compared to other EU Golden Visas due to its relatively low investment threshold and favorable conditions.

This article will explore the benefits of the Greece Golden Visa, the recent changes, and how to apply for it in 2024.

Purpose of Greece’s Golden Visa Program

Greece’s Golden Visa program was introduced to attract foreign investment in real estate and bolster the Greek economy. By offering residency rights in exchange for significant property investments, the program helps stimulate the housing market and overall financial health. In return, investors gain access to all the benefits that come with being a resident of an EU member state, including the right to live in Greece, access to healthcare, education, and visa-free travel across the Schengen Zone.

Can You Bring Your Family to Live in Greece?

Yes, one of the standout features of the Greece Golden Visa is its generous family reunification policy. Along with the primary applicant, the Golden Visa allows for the inclusion of:

• The applicant’s spouse.
• Dependent children under the age of 21 (and even up to 24 if they are full-time students).
• The parents of both the main applicant and the spouse.

This family inclusion makes the Golden Visa an attractive option for investors looking to relocate their families to a stable, beautiful country with access to Europe.

Can You Work in Greece with a Golden Visa?

While the Golden Visa allows residency, it does not automatically grant you the right to work as an employee in Greece. However, you can engage in business activities, such as starting a company, and freelance work may be allowed under certain conditions. If you’re an executive of a company in which you’ve invested, you may be able to work in that capacity, but additional work permits would be required for standard employment as per the Greece local labor protection law.

Minimum Investment for the Greece Golden Visa (New 2024 Changes)

The Greece Golden Visa program has undergone significant changes as of August 31, 2024, specifically regarding investment thresholds:

• €800,000: Required for properties in high-demand areas such as Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and larger islands.
• €400,000: Applies to properties located in the rest of Greece.
• €250,000: The minimum investment remains for specific property types, including: Commercial properties converted to residential use, industrial buildings inactive for five years being converted to residential use, and listed buildings undergoing restoration.

Investments of €400,000 or €800,000 must be in properties with a minimum size of 120 square meters. However, there is no minimum size for properties under the €250,000 threshold. Additionally, short-term rentals, such as Airbnb, are prohibited for Golden Visa properties, although long-term rentals are still allowed.

Step-by-Step Application Method for Greece’s Golden Visa

1# Choose Your Investment Path (Property Purchase or Investment)

• • Determine if you will invest in a property, government bonds, a company, or other eligible options.
  • For real estate, decide between the €250,000, €400,000, or €800,000 thresholds based on your preferences.

2# Set Up Legal and Financial Infrastructure

• • Obtain a Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM).
  • Open a Greek bank account to handle transactions.
  • Hire a legal representative to assist in property acquisition and the visa application process.

3# Make the Investment

• • If opting for real estate, conduct due diligence on the property.
  • Complete the purchase and obtain the ownership title deed.

4# Prepare Documentation: Gather required documents, including:

• • • Passport and recent passport-sized photos.
    • Proof of health insurance.
    • Financial documents proving the investment.
    • Criminal record certificate.

All documents must be translated into Greek and certified.

5# Submit the Application

• • Submit your Golden Visa application as https://migration.gov.gr/en/golden-visa/
  • Provide biometric data and all required documents at the local immigration office.

6# Await Decision

• • Expect a decision within a few months.
  • Upon approval, you’ll receive a residence permit valid for two years, with subsequent renewals every two years.

7# Maintain the Greece Golden Visa for 7 Years to Get Naturalized

• • Stay in Greece for at least 7 days per year to retain the visa.
  • Continue to meet the investment and residency requirements to ensure renewal.

8# Pathway to Citizenship (Optional)

• • After 7 years of legal residency in Greece, you may apply for Greek citizenship, provided you meet language and integration requirements.

How Greece’s Golden Visa is Better Compared to Other EU Countries?

Greece’s Golden Visa stands out for 4 basic reasons:

1. Lower Investment Threshold: Even with the new changes, the minimum investment is lower compared to other EU countries that often require €500,000 or more.
2. Fast Processing: Visa approvals in Greece tend to be processed within months, unlike other countries where it can take a year or more.
3. Minimal Residency Requirements: Greece requires only 7 days of residence per year, whereas other EU countries have more stringent requirements.
4. Family Inclusion: Greece’s policy is generous, allowing parents of both the applicant and spouse, as well as dependent children, to be included in the application.