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GOLDEN VISA QUERIES

Can I get a permanent residency in Greece if I buy a real estate property or make a financial investment?
The program grants a five-year residence permit that can be renewed indefinitely if the investment continues. The Golden Visa allows the applicant and his family to live in Greece permanently. Permanent residence permit is valid for life if the investment continues. There is no limit on how long you can stay. On the other hand, there is no minimum length of stay, either.
How long do I have to live in Greece to keep my Greece Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa for Greece is issued for five years and can be renewed indefinitely if the investment is maintained. However, there is no minimum-stay requirement, by means that the Golden Visa holders are not required to stay in Greece, or visit Greece, during the period that they hold the Golden Visa. Still, it is required to return every five years to update the biometric data.
Who is considered a family member?
Primary applicant’s family members can also obtain Golden Visa and residency permits. This includes:
  • Spouse of the applicant. In the event of a divorce, the ex-spouse may lose the right to residency if their permit is based on their marriage to the primary applicant.
  • Biological or adopted children of the primary applicant or spouse who are under 21 years old. Children over 21 who are financially dependent on the primary applicant (in some cases). Children who turn 21 while holding a residency permit can extend it until they turn 24 if they are unmarried and financially dependent on the primary applicant.
  • Parents of both the applicant and their spouses.
What happens in the cases where someone tarnishes their criminal record, either in their country of origin or in Greece during the period when their Greek residence permit is valid?
This leads to the revocation of the permit.
Can UK Citizens apply for Greece Golden Visa after Brexit?
Yes, as of January 1st, 2021, post-Brexit, British citizens from the UK can now apply for Golden Visa in Greece. Keep in mind that the Greece Golden Visa program is designed for non-European Union citizens.
Can Americans (US citizens) apply for Golden Visa in Greece?
Yes, Americans, just like citizens of every non-EU nation, can apply for a Golden Visa in Greece if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Are unmarried partners entitled to a residence permit?
No, family members do not include unmarried partners or partners without a civil partnership agreement.
What should the value of the investment be if the ownership/purchase document includes the name of both spouses?
They both get benefit out of Golden Visa program.
Is it possible to obtain more than one piece of property?
No, the investment must be carried out in a single property with a minimum surface area of 120 square meters.
Can the investor buy a commercial property?
It can be residential or commercial; the law does not distinguish between commercial and residential properties.
Can more than one investor own a property and be eligible for a Golden Visa?
Yes, they can. Joint investment is only permitted for the real estate option. Yet, each investor should meet the minimum investment amount to be eligible for a Greek Golden Visa (and both their families shall qualify).
Can I apply to Greece Golden Visa by making a financial investment and then switch to real estate?
Yes, it is possible to switch from the Golden Visa through term deposit or other financial investments to Golden Visa through real estate, and vice-versa, without losing the residency rights.
Can I use the Greek residency permit to travel to other European Union countries?
Greece Golden Visa holders can travel in the Schengen area for up to 3 months each semester without needing an additional visa. The Schengen area consists of 26 European countries that have officially abolished visas and border controls at their common borders.

The Schengen Area covers most EU countries except Ireland and the soon-to-be-joined Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia and Cyprus. Although not members of the EU, countries such as Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are also part of the Schengen area.
Can I travel to Schengen countries directly from my country, or do I need to first come to Greece?
Yes, with the Golden Visa you hold, you can travel directly to any Schengen country from your home country or from any other countries. You don’t need to start your travel to Schengen countries from Greece.
How long does the process of obtaining residency in Greece take?
The timeframe to receive the Golden Visa approval as set by the law is two months, after giving the biometric date.
Is it necessary to hire a lawyer to collect the documents and to complete the application and related transactions?
This is not mandatory, but highly recommended. We suggest the applicants to have a legal representative in Greece with a Power of Attorney which is duly signed in front of a public notary or in a Greek Consulate abroad, to act on behalf of them and for the application submission and other issues to be handled during the process.
Is it required of the investor to prove their economic capacity?
Yes, the applicants must prove their income by suitable documentation which prove their capacity. They must also certify the existence of bank accounts or other transferable securities, as well as the source of their funds.
How long do I need to live in Greece to renew the Golden Visa?
Unlike other residence programs, the Greece Golden Visa does not have a minimum stay requirement in Greece for renewal. Main condition for renewal is that the investor continues to own the property or maintain the investment in Greece.
How many times can I renew to renew the Golden Visa?
The Greece Golden Visa is issued for five years and can be renewed indefinitely if the required investment continues. There is no limit on how many times the Golden Visa can be renewed.
Can I get Greek citizenship by investment?
The Greece Golden Visa program is not a citizenship-by-investment program. However, the Golden Visa holders may be eligible to apply for naturalization in Greece at the end of seven years, if they meet a set of criteria. To apply for citizenship, they must have legally and physically resided in Greece for at least seven years. Knowledge of Greek Language and Integration into Greek Society are also among the main conditions. Furthermore, applicants must have a clean criminal record both in Greece and in their country of origin. Being a tax resident in Greece during this period is also a mandatory condition.
Can the investment permit in Greece be considered a work permit?
No, Golden Visa doesn’t offer any right to work in Greece. However, the resident permit holders can set up commercial companies and be shareholders. They can also take a non-executive position in those companies.
Can the applicant take a mortgage out on the property to receive a loan?
No, unfortunately, applicants are not allowed to take a mortgage out on the property in Greece.
Can I rent the real estate property to third parties?
Yes, of course, investors who own real estates in Greece can rent their properties to third persons and generate income.
If I obtain the Greek Golden Visa and become a resident, do I have to pay taxes there?
No, there is no requirement to become a Greek tax resident, unless you wish to become a Greek citizen if you fulfil the conditions.
Can I access healthcare and education system in Greece?
Yes, of course, investors and their families have access to high standard education and health systems of Greece.
Can I set up my own business in Greece as a Golden Visa holder?
Yes, there is no restriction to exercise business activity through the shareholder role in a company or as a board member.
Can I buy a car with Greek license plates for my transportation needs in the country?
Yes, you can buy a car with Greek license plate under the specific regulations of the Ministry of Transport, which apply to third country citizens.
What if I sell the property?
If you sell the property while the residence permit is still in force, your residence permit will be revoked. Any residence permits issued to family members will also be revoked.