The Greece Golden Visa program is an investment-for-residency scheme designed to attract foreign citizens and businesses to the country.
The program was launched in 2013, and since then has become one of the most popular ways to obtain Greek citizenship through investment. Under this program, a non-EU investor can gain permanent residency status by investing at least €250,000 in real estate on Greek soil.
This residency status can then be used to apply for citizenship after seven years of living in the country.
In this article, we will provide an in-depth look at how to obtain Greek citizenship through investment with the Greece Golden Visa program. We will discuss the eligibility criteria for the program, the various investment options available, and the advantages of investing in Greece.
Eligibility Criteria
In order to qualify for the Greece Golden Visa program, an investor must meet the following criteria:
- The minimum investment must be EUR 250,000 in property investment in Greece.
- The investor must have no criminal record and must not pose a threat to public policy, security or health in Greece.
- The investor must provide proof of financial means for supporting themselves and their family while living in Greece.
Some Investment Options for Greece Golden Visa Program
The Greece Golden Visa Program provides an innovative residence-by-investment opportunity for non-EU citizens and their families to acquire permanent residency permits in Greece. The permit can be updated every five years. Here are the qualifying options:
Real Estate Options
You can invest a minimum of EUR 250,000 in real estate property plus the relevant taxes, or opt for a 10-year lease agreement with hotel accommodation or furnished tourist residence in tourist accommodation complexes, 10-year time-sharing agreement for hotel accommodation and more.
Capital Contribution Options
Alternatively, you can make a capital contribution of a minimum value of EUR 400,000 to a company in Greece (excluding portfolio investment companies and real estate investment companies) and invest in shares in a share capital increase or bonds issued at the time of admissibility for trading on regulated markets or multilateral trading mechanisms operating in Greece.
Or, you can invest in real estate investment companies, closed-end investment companies or closed-end mutual funds. These investment institutions intend to invest only in companies based in Greece.
Shares, Bonds, or Government Bonds
With a minimum acquisition value of EUR 400,000, you can purchase government bonds or units of a mutual fund incorporated in Greece, exclusively investing in Greek securities.
If you’re interested in corporate bonds or shares, the minimum acquisition value is EUR 800,000.
Plus, you can invest in real estate through alternative investment funds, with a minimum purchase value of EUR 400,000.
Conclusion
The Greece Golden Visa program offers non-EU citizens and their families the opportunity to acquire permanent residency permits in Greece through investment.
Through the various investment options discussed above, investors can invest in real estate, capital contributions, government bonds, shares, or mutual funds.
With its attractive benefits such as tax incentives and access to a larger European market, the Greece Golden Visa program is a great option for those seeking to acquire permanent residency status in Greece.