Greece Residency by Investment: All You Need to Know

Posted by Kamal Choudhary on November 13th, 2022

If you're looking for a European Union country where you can get residency by investment, Greece is a great option. In this blog post, we'll outline the requirements and steps for getting Greece Residency by Investment. 

Keep reading to learn more!

What is Residency by Investment? 

In short, residency by investment is a program where you can gain residency in a country by investing money into the country's economy. There are many different ways to do this, but some common methods include investing in real estate, starting a business, or making a large donation to the government. 

What Is the Greece Golden Visa Program?

The Greece Golden Visa program is a residency by investment program that was introduced in 2013. The program offers foreign investors the opportunity to gain residency in Greece by investing in Greek real estate or government bonds. 

Why Invest in Greece?

Greece is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture. It is also strategically located, making it an ideal base for doing business in Europe, the Mediterranean, and beyond. And with its recent economic reforms, Greece is now more attractive than ever to foreign investors. 

Why Would You Want to Do This? 

There are a few reasons why this could be a good option for you. First of all, if you're looking for a way to invest your money, this could be a good option. Greece is an up-and-coming market, so investing now could pay off in the future. Secondly, if you're looking for a way to live overseas but don't want to go through the hassle of getting a traditional visa, this could be a great option for you. And lastly, if you have citizenship in a country that imposes heavy taxes on its citizens, living in Greece could help you save money on taxes.

Requirements for Greece Residency by Investment

In order to qualify for Greece residency by investment, you must make a financial investment in the country of at least €250,000. This investment can be in the form of real estate, government bonds, or a combination of the two. Once you have made your investment, you will need to submit an application to the Greek Ministry of Interior along with supporting documentation. 

If your application is approved, you will be issued a residency permit which allows you to live and work in Greece. You will need to renew your residency permit every five years. After seven years of living in Greece, you will be eligible to apply for Greece Golden Visa. 

How to Apply for Greece Residency by Investment?

The first step in applying for Greece residency by investment is to gather the required documentation. This includes a passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), criminal background check, proof of health insurance coverage, and proof of investment funds. 

Once you have all of the required documentation, you will need to schedule an appointment with the Greek consulate in your home country. At the appointment, you will submit your documentation and fingerprints for a background check. If everything is in order, you will be granted Greece residency within two months time.

Benefits of the Greece Golden Visa Program 

There are numerous benefits to the Greece Golden Visa program. In addition to being able to live and work in Greece, golden visa holders also enjoy freedom of movement within the Schengen Area—26 European countries where there are no border controls. This makes it easy to travel for business or pleasure. And because Greece is a member of the European Union, golden visa holders also have the right to live and work anywhere in the EU. 

What's more, the Greece Golden Visa program is one of the most affordable golden visa programs in Europe. And unlike other programs which require Investors to keep their money invested for several years before they can apply for citizenship, the Greece Golden Visa only requires 7 years of continuous residence.

Benefits of Greece Residency by Investment

There are several benefits of applying for Greece residency by investment. These benefits include: 

1. The Greece Golden Visa gives you the right to live and work in Greece. 

2. You can bring your family with you if you have a Greece Golden Visa. 

3. There is no residency requirement for the Greece Golden Visa. 

4. You can apply for Greek citizenship after seven years if you have a Greece Golden Visa. 

5. The Greece Golden Visa gives you visa-free travel within the Schengen Area. 

6. You can invest in a new or existing business in Greece if you have a Greece Golden Visa. 

7. You can buy property in Greece if you have a Greece Golden Visa. 

8. You can open a bank account in Greece if you have a Greece Golden Visa. 

9. You may be eligible for tax benefits if you have a Greece Golden Visa. 

10. The processing time for a Greece Golden Visa is usually two to three months. y 

Conclusion

Greece offers foreign nationals an excellent opportunity to obtain Greece Residency by Investment. If you're thinking about making an investment in Greece in order to obtain residency status, be sure to familiarize yourself with the requirements and application process outlined in this blog post. With careful planning and execution, you can obtain Greece residency by investment within a few short months.