Among the various immigration opportunities, some options allow expatriates to reside legally within the territory of a state after making an investment there. The countries of the Caribbean Region are the most common and well-known examples in this case. Surprisingly, some reputable European countries also offer this opportunity.
Greece is a vibrant example that is attractive not because of its beaches and other recreational facilities but because of its high standards of living. In the case of Greece, it is far better to speak about the lifestyle. It can become available easily if you gain the Greek Golden Visa by investment in real estate, for instance. In this brief review, you will learn how to do this, but first, consider how this option can benefit you and your family.
Why the Greek Golden Visa Is a Superior Choice?
Choosing Greece as a destination for investment and getting the Golden Visa is a good choice for many reasons:
- A comparatively simple application and consideration process. This reflects the overall Greek culture. The application process for the Golden Visa is streamlined, without burdensome requirements and bureaucracy. It typically takes around three months from the moment of filing the application to receiving the decision, provided that you follow all applicable rules in full.
- EU access is automatically ensured once you obtain the Greek Golden Visa. As a member state of the EU, Greece grants its citizens and legal residents special status, allowing them to access the entire EU territory without requiring an additional visa.
- No physical residency required. Among the legal requirements for obtaining the Greek Golden Visa, there is no requirement that you have a physical address within the territory of this state. You will only need to have short-term trips to Greece to submit biometrics.
- Advantageous tax terms. In Greece, residents enjoy favorable tax rates on income and inheritance.
- Top-tier infrastructure. The standards of living in Greece are high and well-suited to ensure a high level of comfort. These standards impact city planning, roads, the healthcare system, education, and other areas. Even if there is no compulsory requirement to live in Greece after obtaining its Golden Visa, you would likely want to live there.
Who Is Eligible to Get This Golden Visa?
All applicants, regardless of their nationality, aged 18 years or older, can obtain the Greek Golden Visa. However, several nuances are in place in this case. The applicant must confirm the absence of criminal records, a sufficient state of health, and the legal origin of the funds.
The good news is that the applicant may not apply alone, but may also apply on behalf of their spouse, parents, and children. Another piece of good news is that neither applicant needs to know the Greek language before applying. If you would like a more detailed assessment regarding your and your family members’ eligibility, please contact Astons’ lawyers for a thorough evaluation.
Investment Options and Thresholds
The best option for allowing the easiest entry into the country is acquiring real estate in Greece. There are several options in this case:
- €250,000 – this threshold is applicable to any real estate property across the country, whether residential or commercial.
- €400,000 – this higher threshold is effective in specific popular regions, such as Halkidiki and the Peloponnese.
- €800,000 – the highest threshold applicable to the real estate transactions in the most popular areas with populations over 3,000 citizens. These include Attica, Mykonos, Thessaloniki, Crete, Santorini, Rhodes, among others.
At the same time, it is essential to note that the choice of buildings that have historical or cultural importance will bear the obligations of their renovation and restoration. In these cases, such a requirement is an essential condition for the first Golden Visa renewal.
Notably, apart from the significant costs associated with real estate acquisition, there are also additional expenses, such as property transfer tax, notarial and immigration fees, health insurance, and resident card issuance fees, among others. If you need a more detailed list of expenses and calculations based on your case background, contact Astons’ lawyers without hesitation.
What You Should Know to Get This Golden Visa?
The process of getting the Greek Golden Visa is simple and straightforward:
- Preliminary assessment of the case’s background and available documents. At this point, lawyers assess the overall eligibility of the applicants and their chances for approval.
- Choosing the real estate object based on the budget and preferences set. Notably, this may be residential or commercial property. In the latter case, you will also be able to carry out business using the purchased real estate property. In any case, there will be a requirement to refrain from selling the chosen real estate object before the expiration of the Greek Golden Visa validity term and an essential condition for its next renewal if required.
- Document preparation. At this stage, the applicant must sign and have the final purchase agreement notarized. Aside from this, it is also necessary to collect and, if required, translate a variety of documents, including personal identification documents, health insurance, and confirmation of the origin of funds, among others.
- Lodge the complete application, accompanied by the receipts confirming the paid registration fees.
- Application review. The application may be approved without providing any additional information and documents. However, sometimes, extra details and documents are requested, depending on the case background.
- Application approval and issuance of the Golden Visa. If the application is successfully approved, the applicants have to travel to Greece to submit their biometrics and obtain the ready cards confirming their new legal status in Greece.
If you need a step-by-step plan for your visa application, contact Astons lawyers for a more detailed assessment and advice.
Bottom Line
If you want to obtain legal residency in a reputable jurisdiction, or even better, the EU, Greece is the exact destination where you can realize your plans. It offers a superior opportunity to get the Golden Visa by investment in real estate. It presents such an opportunity not only for the applicants but also for their three generations of families.
Obtaining this type of visa is relatively easy and straightforward, provided that you fulfill all the applicable legal requirements. If you need more detailed guidance and assistance on any visa-related matter, please contact Astons’ lawyers, who are experienced professionals in this case.
