A - EU SCHENGEN RESIDENCE IN GREECE
Residency by Investment
THE MOST AFFORDABLE INVESTMENT PROGRAM IN EUROPE
Greece has the most affordable Investment program in Europe with the minimum required investment amount of €400,000 in real estate in Greece, unless the property is located at designated areas, where the threshold has been increased by the new Law in 2024 to the amount of €800,000. The country can be considered as the ideal place for non- EU/EEA investors, who wish to obtain an entry visa due to its plenty of investment opportunities and its flexible and fast procedure.
DESIGNATED AREAS (€800,000)
For the Region of Attica, the Regional Units of Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini, and the islands with a population of more than 3,100 inhabitants, the minimum value of real estate at the time of acquisition is 800,000 EUR. For all other regions of the country, the minimum value of real estate at the time of acquisition is set at 400,000 EUR. The investment must be carried out in a single property with a minimum surface area of 120 square meters.
Additionally, thirty two (32) more islands are added to the same list, the minimum threshold will be 800k are the followings:
1. Crete
2. Euboea (Evia)
3. Rhodes
4. Corfu
5. Lesbos
6. Chios
7. Zante (Zakynthos)
8. Salamis(Salamina)
9. Kos
10. Kefalonia
11. Samos
12. Lefkada
13. Syros
14. Naxos
15. Kalymnos
16. Lemnos
17. Paros
18. Thassos
19. Aegina
20. Tinos
21. Ikaria
22. Andros
23. Leros
24. Karpathos
25. Skiathos
26. Milos
27. Skopelos
28. Spetses
29. Kythera
30. Patmos
31. Poros
32. Alonissos
EXCEPTIONS
- Conversion from commercial to residential: In case the Golden Visa property is converted from commercial (i.e. industrial, etc.) into residential use, the minimum threshold remains 250,000 EUR, regardless of the location and the size of the property. The above investment is carried out on a single property, and the conversion of the use must be completed before submitting the golden visa application.
- Restoration of listed buildings: In case the Golden Visa property is located in listed buildings (i.e. buildings with historic interest under special protection) that are to be fully restored or reconstructed by the Investor, the minimum threshold remains 250,000 EUR, regardless of the location and the size of the property.
The above investment is carried out on a single property, and the full restoration is a prerequisite for the first renewal of the golden visa after five (5) years.
The property cannot be sold until restoration is complete. Failure to restore will result in a revoked residence permit and a 150,000 EUR administrative fine.
COMPARISON WITH OTHER COUNTRIES
B - GREECE BUSINESS RESIDENCY
Establish a business with a registered seat in Greece
THE ALTERNATIVE FOR BUSINESS PEOPLE & COMPANY OWNERS
By decision of the Minister of Migration and Asylum, a residence permit may be granted to third-country nationals in Greece in order to establish and operate a business with a registered seat in Greece for a minimum investment amount of €500,000.00 that will have positive effects on national development and the economy.
If the investment is made by a foreign legal entity and depending on the amount of the investment, a residence permit may be granted in Greece to up to 3 third-country nationals, who are either members of the Board of Directors, own shares in the capital of the domestic legal entity with a minimum percentage of 33%, are its administrators, or are its legal representatives, without remuneration.
For the implementation and operation of the investment, it is allowed, upon a proposal from the Directorate of Direct Foreign Investments of the Ministry of Development and Investments, for third-country nationals to enter and stay in the country according to the residence permit procedure for:
1. highly skilled employment (residence permit type E.1 - EU Blue Card)
2. intra-corporate transfer (residence permit type E.2)
3. relocation for work (residence permit type E.4)
Up to a maximum of 10 third-country nationals - employees of the investment entities, depending on the total amount of the investment.
Apply for the Greece Residency
EU SCHENGEN AND/OR BUSINESS RESIDENCE
Lowest required investment amount in Europe
No need to reside in the country
No minimum stay is required
EU residency
Fast procedure (less than 3 months)
Valid for 5 years-renewable
Family members can join the program
Ascendants can benefit from the program
Right to travel within the 26 EU Schengen countries with a max stay of 3 months per semester
Right to travel also to travel to Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Georgia, Kosovo, Mexico, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Sao Tome and Principe, Serbia
An excellent place to relocate to:
High Quality of Life
Regulated Environment
Secure Living Conditions
Efficient services – Easily accessible
Recreational Opportunities
Mediterranean Culture
Greece Residency Acquisition Process
Meanwhile the process, a national visa ´type-D´ (valid for 1 year) is issued for the applicant certifying a legal residence. Holders of such certificate are able to enjoy all the benefits of residence permit that they had apply for.
Application for entry Visa
Obtain Visa
Property Selection
Apply Documentation
Gain the Golden Visa
GENERAL DOCUMENTATION FOR GRANTING A NATIONAL VISA (type D)
Family members have the option of entering the country at the same time with the applicant from whom they derive their residence rights (sponsor) or at a later date and should also be issued the appropriate entry visa.
A passport or other travel documentation recognised by Greece
Travel Insurance
Certified Criminal Record
Medical Certificate
WE CAN ASSIST YOU TO SELECT THE RIGHT PROPERTY FOR RESIDENCIAL INVESTMENT
Transaction Fees
Notary fees 1%
Lawyer’s fees for contract
For transactions ≤€500,000 the fee is 1% plus 24% VAT with a minimum of €2,500
For transactions ≥€500,000, the fee is 0.8% plus 24% VAT with a minimum of €5,000 whichever is higher
Administration Fees (When accompanied with a property)
Lawyers’ Administrative Fees €1,500 euros plus 24% VAT
Out of the pocket expenses e.g. entry fees, stamp duty paid to the State
€2,000 Fees for the issue of a 5 year residence permit for real estate owners
€180 for the issue of a national entry visa in case the person is interested to visit Greece in order to select the properties & make arrangements in person
€150 per person for the application of the dependent members - not for the primary applicant - of the family, e.g. wife, kids & parents (minor children under 18 years old are exempted from this fee)
€16 per applicant for the printing of the electronic residence permit
Procedure fees for the whole process
Fees upon request
