Greece Residency by Investment
About Greece
Located on the southeast coast of Europe, Greece consists of over 6000 islands scattered along the coastline offering exquisite beaches along with a year-round warm and Mediterranean climate. Known as the cradle of democracy and birthplace of western civilization, Greece has a rich history with a vibrant culture. With the charm of Greek hospitality along with fresh food and clear blue waters, Greece has earned the title of being one of the world´s top holiday destinations.
Following the footsteps of Portugal, Greece launched its own residency by investment program in 2013, to attract foreign investment into the country. The Greek Golden visa has become one of the most competitive and most affordable programs in the EU offering a fast-track residency program, where applicants can receive a 5-year residency permit within 3-4 months. Investors can benefit from Greece´s developed infrastructure, quality education and robust healthcare systems along with the unparalleled beauty Greece has to offer.
Prime Minister:
Kyriakos Mitsotakis
Government:
Unitary parliamentary republic
Economy:
Tourism, agricultural processing, shipping
Currency:
Euro
Capital City:
Athens
Population:
Over 10 million
Language:
Greek
Tax system:
Non-residents are only taxed on Greece-sourced income
Members of:
European Union, European Union, Commonwealth
Benefits
Please be advised the residents under the Greek Golden Visa program are not permitted to work in Greece, however, they can register and operate their own businesses.
Visa-free countries
Applicants can enjoy the right to live and study in Greece as well as enjoy visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone (90 days within a 180 days period).
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Four of these countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) are not members of the EU but enjoy similar rights under the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
Eligibility
Applicants proceeding with the residency by investment program must be at least 18 years of age, hold a clean criminal record, and show proof of funds coming from abroad (not sourced within Greece). Applicants are required to provide personal documentation such as passports, national IDs, birth and marriage certificates as well as proof of investment.
Investment Options
Capital
Transfer
- 400,000 Euro capital investment in a Greek company
- 400,000 Euro investment in bonds or shares of a real estate investment company in Greece
- 400,000 Euro investment in government bonds, mutual funds, or companies, with a residual maturity of at least 3 years
- 800,000 Euro investment in corporate bonds, traded on regulated markets, with a residual maturity of at least 5 years
Real
Estate
- 250,000 Euro in property acquisition maintained for 5 years
- 250,000 Euro in a real estate lease or timeshare maintained for 10 years, registered with Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO)
Bank
Deposit
- 400,000 Euro investment in fixed deposit in Greek financial institution for at least 1 year, with a standing order for renewal
Addtional Fees
Process
1. Speak with one of our advisors to determine the best solution for you and your family. We will discuss the various residency options along with the process and investment options of each program. We offer tailored solutions to assist and meet your goals.
2. We will conduct our initial due diligence check to ensure that you do not currently hold any criminal charges and are eligible to proceed with the Greece Golden Visa program. To process the initial due diligence check, a copy of passports for all applicants over 16 and a copy of proof of address (such as a utility bill) are required.
3. Offshore Circle requires a non-refundable retainer to supply application forms and work on your application file.
4. Offshore Circle will assist in obtaining an AFM (tax ID number) and Greek bank account, as required to proceed with the investment. Once obtained the applicant can then proceed with the preferred investment option. Offshore Circle will also provide a customized and itemized list of requirements to ensure you meet and comply with all requirements set by the Alien and Immigration Department at the Decentralised Authority in Greece.
5. Offshore Circle will assist in paying the government fees through the e-paravolo platform and submit the completed application to the Directorate of Foreign Citizens and Immigration. After the application has been submitted, the applicant receives a receipt confirming the submission of the application, known as a blue card. The blue card is a temporary residency status card with a validity of 1 year, that will allow the applicants to travel freely into Greece.
6. The typical processing timeframe is 2 months from the date of application. Upon approval, applicants are required to submit their biometrics in Greece.
7. Within a 1 year off approval, all applicants over 12 are required to attend the biometrics appointment in person in Greece.
8. Applicants will receive the 5-year residency permit and can choose to renew the residency permit indefinitely every 5 years if requirements are still maintained, or apply for citizenship after maintaining residency for a minimum of 7 years and meeting other criteria.
Speak with one of our Citizenship Advisors
Speak with one of our advisors to determine the best solution for you and your family. We will discuss the various residency options along with the process and investment options of each program. We offer tailored solutions to assist and meet your goals.
Initial due diligence check
We will conduct our initial due diligence check to ensure that you do not currently hold any criminal charges and are eligible to proceed with the Greece Golden Visa program. To process the initial due diligence check, a copy of passports for all applicants over 16 and a copy of proof of address (such as a utility bill) are required.
Initiate Offshore Circle´s Services
Offshore Circle requires a non-refundable retainer to supply application forms and work on your application file.
Investment & Documentation
Offshore Circle will assist in obtaining an AFM (tax ID number) and Greek bank account, as required to proceed with the investment. Once obtained the applicant can then proceed with the preferred investment option. Offshore Circle will also provide a customized and itemized list of requirements to ensure you meet and comply with all requirements set by the Alien and Immigration Department at the Decentralised Authority in Greece.
Submit your Application
Offshore Circle will assist in paying the government fees through the e-paravolo platform and submit the completed application to the Directorate of Foreign Citizens and Immigration. After the application has been submitted, the applicant receives a receipt confirming the submission of the application, known as a blue card. The blue card is a temporary residency status card with a validity of 1 year, that will allow the applicants to travel freely into Greece.
Processing Time
The typical processing timeframe is 2 months from the date of application. Upon approval, applicants are required to submit their biometrics in Greece.
Biometric Appointment
Within a 1 year off approval, all applicants over 12 are required to attend the biometrics appointment in person in Greece.
Issuance of Residency Permit
Applicants will receive the 5-year residency permit and can choose to renew the residency permit indefinitely every 5 years if requirements are still maintained, or apply for citizenship after maintaining residency for a minimum of 7 years and meeting other criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
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