Greece’s inviting Mediterranean climate, appealing lifestyle, and cosmopolitan urban centers, complemented by robust industries, attract affluent individuals and families, prompting them to consider Greece as their preferred second home.
Greece provides its residents and citizens with various reassuring advantages, such as elevated safety, exceptional educational prospects, robust healthcare choices, and a reliable legal system.
Visa-free access to the Schengen zone
A minimum amount of EUR 250,000 is required as of 31 December 2024.
Days from submission of the application
Greece, situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, is recognized as the birthplace of democracy and western civilization. With a history dating back to 800 BCE, it has profoundly influenced language, arts, philosophy, politics, and sports in the modern world. The capital city, Athens, still showcases remnants of Greece’s illustrious past.
Comprising a mainland on the Balkan peninsula and numerous islands in the Aegean and Ionian seas, Greece has emerged as a key European business hub and a premier global vacation spot.
Greece’s inviting Mediterranean climate, renowned cuisine, cosmopolitan cities, picturesque beaches, and rich local traditions have attracted many to consider it a second home. As an EU member state, Greece provides residents and citizens with numerous reassuring benefits, including high safety standards, excellent education, robust healthcare, and a reliable legal system.
OPTION 1. Real Estate Investment
A minimum of just €250,000 must be invested in real estate, making this one of the most accessible investment immigration policies in Europe. Note that this excludes legal fees and taxes; new property purchases are subject to 24% VAT. Any number of properties may be combined to make up the minimum required investment and joint buyers may also combine their investments into one higher-priced property.
OPTION 2. Greek Government Bonds
Invest at least €250,000 in Greek government bonds, which must be held for a minimum of three years.
OPTION 3. Bank Deposit
Make a time deposit of at least €400,000 in a Greek bank for a minimum of one year
OPTION 4: Companies or Businesses
Invest at least €800,000 in Greek companies or businesses
OPTION 5: FUND CONTRIBUTION
Invest at least €400,000 in a Greek investment fund, focusing on shares or corporate bonds.
OTHER REQUIRMENTS:
Additionally, to qualify for a Greece Golden Visa, applicants must be non-EU citizens with a clean criminal record, sufficient financial means, and valid health insurance for their stay in Greece. They must visit Greece at least once during the permit’s validity and provide necessary documentation like passport copies and health insurance proof.
Greece is a leading destination for tourism worldwide thanks to its cultural heritage, extensive beaches and Mediterranean climate.
Greece has no fewer than 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and its island Santorini – a favourite destination for cruise passengers as well as direct holiday-maker.
The total number of international tourists to Greece reached 34.2 million during 2019, almost 20% higher than 2018’s total of 28.7 million and more than double the number of arrivals in 2009.
Greece has an advanced high-income developed economy with a high standard of living. The country went through a period of rapid economic growth after joining the EU, averaging over 2.5% real year-on-year growth between 1984 and 2007, by which time Greece had climbed into the World Bank’s list of top 30 largest economies by nominal GDP.
The economy, which now ranks 51th in terms of nominal GDP, is largely based on services, tourism and shipping. The GDP and all economic factors are on a constant rise since 2015, and according to economists, this will keep getting better and better. FocusEconomics forecasts a GDP growth 5.1% in 2021, and of an additional 4.0% in 2022; all these figures indicate that it is the ideal time to start investing in Greece.
Phase 1: Client Onboarding
The process begins with filing the client’s form, which enables us to carry out the initial sponsors and Partners carry our due diligence. BLS Global sponsors and partners with its top-notch real estate partner make sure you meet the basic eligibility criteria, such as being a non-EU citizen, having a clean criminal record, and the capacity to make the required investment. Financial preparation is essential at this stage. Ensure you have the necessary funds for the investment, along with any associated fees and additional costs. Opening a Greek bank account will facilitate the investment transaction. Subsequently, following the successful screening, we provide you with a formal agreement with BLS Global.
Phase 2: Investment
Next, select your preferred investment option. The most popular choice is to invest at least €250,000 in Greek real estate, though other options include business investments, purchasing government bonds, or contributing to a venture capital fund. Work with a real estate agent to find suitable properties and conduct legal due diligence to ensure the property meets all legal requirements and is free of encumbrances. Once you find a property, sign a preliminary agreement and pay a deposit, followed by the final purchase and title deed transfer.
Phase 3: Application Submission
After securing your investment, gather all necessary documents, such as your passport, proof of funds, property purchase agreement, health insurance, and background checks. Ensure all documents are translated into Greek and notarized if needed. Submit your Golden Visa application to the Immigration Department in Greece and provide biometric data (fingerprints, photos) as part of the application process.
Phase 4: Approval and Issuance
Your application will undergo a thorough review by Greek authorities, who will meticulously assess all submitted documents and information. Be prepared to promptly provide any additional information or documents if requested to facilitate the process. Once your application is approved, you will receive an official notification. Following this, the residence permit card (Golden Visa) will be issued, granting you the right to reside in Greece and travel freely within the Schengen Zone.
Subsequently, you will need to collect your residence permit card from the designated authorities in Greece, completing the final step of the application process. The Golden Visa is valid for five years and can be renewed indefinitely as long as the investment is maintained. Although there are no minimum stay requirements, you can choose to reside in Greece. Ensure compliance with Greek laws and maintain your investment to retain the Golden Visa. You can also apply for Golden Visas for eligible family members, including your spouse, children under 21, and parents of both the main applicant and spouse. After seven years of continuous residence, you may be eligible to apply for Greek citizenship, subject to language and integration requirements.
Note: The timeframe for the real estate option may vary based on the project, highlighting the importance of selecting a project that can provide the necessary paperwork for the residency application.
Disclaimer: Residency requirements and investment details are subject to change. Please consult with our experts for the latest information.