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Golden Visa – The Gate to the European Union through the Real Estate Market

Greece has been one of the most alluring locations in recent years for investors looking to obtain a residence visa to live and travel in Europe.

Under the Golden Visa program, introduced in 2013, third-country nationals can acquire a five-year renewable residency visa through real estate investment.

However, what are the benefits of Golden Visa?

We would say that the Golden Visa is a wise investment with several advantages, not simply a residency permit.  First of all, it allows the investor to live in a European nation, like Greece, without having to commit to a permanent residence; in other words, the investor has the freedom to decide whether or not to dwell in Greece. Furthermore, it is allowed entry into every Schengen nation without requiring extra visas. There is also the chance to include the entire family—spouse, kids, parents, and in-laws—in the residence permit, which would allow the kids to attend school. Last but not least, the investor might always choose to lease the property he has purchased for a long time and earn money from it.

New requirements from 2024

To rebalance the real estate market, the Greek government changed the investment limits starting in 2024. Thus, the following are the new investment limits: In tourist areas, such as Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini and other islands with more than 3,100 inhabitants, the minimum investment limit is 800,000 euros for a property of at least 120 square meters. In less saturated areas, the minimal investment criterion in less crowded areas is €400,000. Finally, it is possible to purchase an investment property worth €250,000, which was previously used for commercial purposes and has now been converted into a residence.

With this arrangement, investors can select between thriving cities or new locations with the potential for long-term financial growth.

Why choose Greece?

Greece is a geostrategic location in the center of Europe, Asia, and Africa that offers a Mediterranean lifestyle, security, and scenic beauty. It also features a solid legal system, favorable taxation for foreign residents, and the option of tax and legal assistance from specialized offices. Generally speaking, there are many different types of investment prospects, ranging from villas and homes by the sea to urban properties.

How do you get started?

The process is simple and quick, and can be completed by proxy remotely. First, you find the property you are interested in, then do a legal check of the property to determine if the property is encumbered. Then the purchase and sale contract is signed, and you are ready to submit your application for the Golden Visa. Your lawyer will inform you about the documents you need to provide.

To sum up, the Golden Visa of Greece is a potent instrument of geostrategic presence in Europe, offering substantial investment returns and entry to one of the world’s most stunning and welcoming destinations.

Our staff is available to you to handle the entire process with complete professionalism and openness if you’re interested in getting a Golden Visa.

Maria Zacharian,

Legal Department