Secure a Greek Golden Visa and enjoy unrestricted residence in Greece with access to the Schengen Area.
With flexible investment thresholds and options, the Greek Golden Visa remains one of Europe’s most competitive residency-by-investment programs.
Benefits of the Greek Golden Visa Program
A Greek Golden Visa offers several significant advantages:
- Residence and Mobility: A five-year residence permit that is renewable indefinitely as long as the investment is retained. Visa-free access to the Schengen Area for 90 days every six months.
- Family Inclusion: Coverage for spouses, dependent children, and parents.
- Path to Citizenship: Eligibility to apply for Greek citizenship after seven years, with residency and specific conditions.
Why Choose Greece for a Golden Visa?
Greece’s Golden Visa program is one of the most attractive options in Europe for residency-by-investment. Its relatively affordable investment thresholds, access to desirable Schengen Area travel, and a path to citizenship make it an appealing choice for global investors. Greece’s real estate market offers both economic growth and lifestyle benefits, with a favorable climate, high quality of life, and excellent international connectivity.
For investors seeking a European residency option, the Greek Golden Visa offers a strategic opportunity to establish residence within the EU, providing flexibility, security, and the potential for both personal and financial growth.
Who Can Apply
Non-EU citizens who wish to invest in Greece and meet certain investment criteria are eligible to apply for a Greek Golden Visa. Residence permits may also be issued to the investors’ immediate family members.
Eligible Investment Options for a Greek Golden Visa
To qualify for the Greek Golden Visa program, applicants must make an eligible investment within Greece that meets the minimum thresholds for different asset types. Below is a detailed breakdown of the eligible investment categories, minimum investment amounts, and specific requirements for each option.
1.Equity Investments in Greek Companies
Golden Visa applicants can invest in companies with registered offices or establishments in Greece. This requires a minimum investment of €400,000, which can take the following forms:
- Share Capital Increase: Participation in a share capital increase in a Greek company.
- Corporate Bonds: Investment in corporate bonds issued by Greek companies, provided the bonds are admitted to trading on a regulated market.
Important Notes:
Transactions must be executed via a registered Greek credit institution or investment company.
Investors must also hold an “Investor Share” in the Dematerialized Securities System maintained by the Hellenic Central Securities Depository.
2.Real Estate Investment
The real estate investment option is one of the most popular choices for obtaining a Greek Golden Visa. Greece offers varying minimum investment amounts based on the property’s location:
- Prime Locations (€800,000 Minimum Investment): In high-demand regions such as Attica (Athens), Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and other islands with populations over 3,100, the minimum investment required is €800,000. These areas are known for their economic vitality and tourism appeal, which can make property investment particularly attractive.
- Other Regions (€400,000 Minimum Investment): For properties located outside the prime areas, the investment threshold is €400,000. This applies to many regions throughout Greece, especially those not under high demand from international investors. These areas can offer more affordable entry points while providing access to the same Golden Visa benefits.
- Special Property Categories (€250,000 Minimum Investment): Certain properties may qualify with a minimum investment of €250,000.
These include:
- Commercial-to-Residential Conversions: Older or commercial properties converted to residential use can qualify under this threshold.
- Historic Properties: Properties of historical significance, subject to restoration and compliance with Greek heritage guidelines, can also meet the €250,000 requirement. Note that for both categories, renovations must be completed within five years to maintain visa eligibility.
Key Real Estate Investment Requirements:
- Ownership Structure: Investors can purchase either a single property or multiple properties totaling the required minimum amount.
- Property Types: Both residential and commercial properties are eligible, including land plots intended for construction. Investors may choose new developments or older, second-hand properties.
- Income Potential: Properties can be rented out long-term, providing a potential income stream, although short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnb) are restricted and subject to fines for non-compliance.
3.Term Deposits in Greek Banks
Investors may qualify for the Golden Visa by opening a term deposit in a Greek bank, provided it meets the following criteria:
- Minimum Investment Amount: €400,000.
- Deposit Duration: The deposit must remain for at least one year, with a standing order for annual renewal.
- Deposit Guarantee: According to EU regulations, up to €100,000 per account is guaranteed by the Greek State, ensuring a level of security even in unlikely economic downturns.
- Flexibility: Investors may split the total amount across multiple term deposits within different Greek banks, meeting the combined minimum investment of €400,000. This provides flexibility for those who may wish to diversify their funds across financial institutions.
4.Mutual Fund Investments
Mutual funds provide another route to the Golden Visa and require a minimum investment of €400,000. Funds must meet specific criteria to qualify:
- Investment Scope: Eligible mutual funds invest exclusively in Greek equities, corporate bonds, and government bonds that are traded on regulated markets in Greece.
- Net Asset Value (NAV): The NAV of the mutual fund must be at least €3,000,000.
- Management and Licensing: The fund and its manager must be licensed by a recognized capital market authority. Additionally, an information exchange agreement must exist between the fund’s authority and the Hellenic Capital Market Commission.
- Fund Requirements: All investments in mutual funds must be conducted through a Greek-based credit institution, which also acts as custodian for the investment.
5.Government and Corporate Bonds
The Greek government provides the option to invest in state or corporate bonds. The requirements for this option are:
- Minimum Investment: €400,000.
- Bond Maturity: Government bonds must have a residual maturity of at least three years to qualify.
- Execution: All bond purchases must occur through a Greek credit institution, which will act as a custodian for the transaction.
- Eligible Bonds: Both Greek government and corporate bonds are eligible as long as they are traded on regulated Greek markets.
6.Real Estate Investment Companies (REICs) and Closed-End Funds
Investors may qualify by participating in a Real Estate Investment Company (REIC) or by investing in Closed-End Funds dedicated to Greek assets.
- Real Estate Investment Company (REIC): Participation in a REIC’s share capital increase with a minimum investment of €400,000 is required, provided the REIC exclusively invests within Greece.
- Closed-End Investment Companies and Mutual Funds: Minimum investment of €400,000 in CICs or CMFs, which must focus solely on companies with offices or operations in Greece.
7.Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs)
An AIF focusing on Greek real estate offers an additional investment pathway. Requirements include:
- Minimum Investment: €400,000.
- Investment Focus: The AIF must exclusively invest in Greek real estate assets.
- Fund Requirements: The AIF must have a NAV of at least €3,000,000, and both the fund and its manager must be licensed by an EU-recognized capital market authority.
8.Publicly Traded Financial Instruments
Finally, investments in publicly traded financial instruments are eligible with the highest minimum threshold:
- Minimum Investment: €800,000.
- Eligible Instruments: These include shares, corporate bonds, and government bonds listed on regulated Greek markets.
- Execution and Custodianship: All transactions must be processed via a Greek credit institution, and the investor must hold an Investor Share in the Hellenic Central Securities Depository.
Application Process and Compliance Requirements
The Greek Golden Visa process is strictly regulated, requiring adherence to local and EU financial and tax laws, property acquisition guidelines, and anti-money laundering (AML) measures.
Below are key compliance areas:
- Payment and Transaction Requirements: For real estate, all transactions must follow regulated payment structures, with funds transferred through Greek banking institutions.
- Government Pre-approval: Some financial assets, such as mutual funds and bonds, must receive prior approval from the Hellenic Capital Market Commission and comply with local licensing.
- Legal and Tax Compliance: The Golden Visa process requires adherence to Greek and EU laws, covering areas such as real estate registration, financial investment regulation, anti-money laundering policies, and tax laws.
VK PREMIUM Business Growth Consultants can provide full guidance and support for investors seeking to apply for a Greek Golden Visa.
For further information please contact VK PREMIUM Business Growth Consultants at : info@vkpremium.com or call us : + 30 210 6835560
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