NAVIGATING THE PATH

Get Initial Paperwork in Order and Follow Legal Steps:

This step can be completed by obtaining a Greek Non-Resident Tax Identification Number and creating a Greek bank account.

Getting a Greek Tax Identification Number is a simple process, and it could be obtained by the legal representative of the applicant in Greece based on the Power of Attorney issued.

If the applicant has a SEPA account in Europe or in other certain countries, and wants to apply through the real estate option, he may not need to open an account in Greece.

Documentation:

During this period all the required documents and the information regarding the applicant, family members that will benefit from Golden Visa program, property to be purchased or financial investment should be gathered to attach to the formal application. Some of the documents required for the Golden Visa process are collected in Greece and can be handled by POA, while some others should be collected and sent by the applicant’s country of origin. Documents may vary depending on the applicant’s citizenship or personal status.

All documents must be recent (issued in the last 3 months) and translated in Greek language. Foreign public documents must be duly certified and authenticated with an Apostille stamp (for countries part of the Hague Convention) or be officially certified and then translated into Greek. For any countries that are not parties to the Hague Convention, a certification by the Greek consular in the country of origin of the document is required. Private documents need to be certified by a public authority or notarized before being translated.

Go to Greece for the Collection of Biometric Data:

An important part of the process, and the only requiring the physical presence of all applicants (main investor and family members) is the collection of the biometric data. The applicants may travel to give their biometric data within twelve months after the submission of their application.

According to the EU legislation, the Greek Authorities must collect:

• Biometric “passport type” photos of all applicants, including infants over 3 months old.
• Fingerprints for all applicants, including children over 6 years old.
• Specimen of signature for all applicants, including children over 12 years old.

Fingerprints of the index fingers and the thumbs are collected by both hands. In case of applicants who are not able to give their fingerprints, due to temporary or permanent inability then it is possible to submit a medical certificate stating the disease concerned.

The photos must be a close-up of the full head and upper shoulders/chest, contain no other objects or people and be in clear contrast to the background.

To enter Greece to submit the biometric data the applicant may need to hold a valid Schengen visa according to his nationality. Currently, citizens from around 100 non-EU countries are required to hold a visa to legally enter Greece. If the applicant does not belong in these countries, he may legally enter Greece without a visa.

Renew Your Golden Visa in Greece:

Every five years, the Greece Golden Visa holders can apply to renew their Golden Visa residence card, making it easy to access permanent residence.