Q: What are some of the reasons the Greek citizenship by investment program is attracting so many international investors?
A: International business executives, investors, and important persons who are active worldwide consider an alternative citizenship and passport a powerful tool for international tax planning and a safety net should the living conditions at home become unbearable.Applicants realize that the Greek citizenship provides several benefits, including:
• Visa free travel to over 170 countries, including the USA, Canada,
and Europe
• Retirement in a safe country with a warm climate
• A better education for the applicant’s children
• Children and grand children gain visa free travel and the right to live, work, or study in many countries
• A better quality of life for the family, including better healthcare and an unpolluted environment
• Relatively low real estate prices
• Personal security
• Tax advantages
• Freedom associated with having multiple passports
• Retirement in a safe country with a warm climate
• A better education for the applicant’s children
• Children and grand children gain visa free travel and the right to live, work, or study in many countries
• A better quality of life for the family, including better healthcare and an unpolluted environment
• Relatively low real estate prices
• Personal security
• Tax advantages
• Freedom associated with having multiple passports
Q: What is the minimum investment required to obtain the Greek residency?
A: The minimum investment amount is EUR 250,000 for real estate (property, timeshare, or plot of land) in Greece. The applicants’ presence at the time of purchase is not mandatory and can be facilitated by legal representatives. The residency is permanent with renewal every 5 years and as long as you keep the property under your ownership.Q: What is required to obtain the Greek citizenship (EU citizenship)?
A: Greek residents, having spent at least 183 days per year in Greece, may apply for citizenship (EU passport) after seven years in permanent residency status.Q: Will the Greek citizenship automatically grant me European citizenship?
A: Yes. Because Greece is a member of the European Union its citizens are automatically European citizens, which means you are allowed to live, work or study anywhere in Europe.Q: Under the residency / citizenship program, can I include my family in my application?
A: Yes, the main applicant may add a spouse, both of their parents, and all children from both sides under 21 years old.Q: As a resident or citizen, am I required to live in Greece?
A: No. Greece does not require you to be present or reside in Greece, unless you are planning to apply for citizenship. If you want to apply for citizenship you must have lived in Greece for 7 years.Q: Will my citizenship expire?
A: No. When you acquire citizenship under the Greek citizenship program, you and your family enjoy full citizenship for life, which can be passed on to future generations by descent.Q: How long does it take to get the citizenship and passport? What is the process?
A: Typically, residency application processing takes two months. Citizenship may be applied for after 7 years of residency.
Step 1 - Review and Select Qualifying Investment.
Please use our
contact form to receive a complete checklist of application
documents and cost estimate for you and your family. There is
no fee for this initial consultation.
Step 2 - Prepare Residency Application. Collection of documents such as birth certificates,
marriage and divorce certificates, as well as police clearance that must be submitted with the application. This step takes approximately two (2) weeks.
Step 3 - Application Review. The Greek Authorities issue a receipt of application which may be used as a temporary permit before the final residence permit is granted. The document is valid for a year. The application is reviewed and due diligence checks are carried out. This step takes approximately two (2) months.
Step 4 - Golden Visa Issued. The permanent residency document (Golden Visa") is issued after successful review of the application materials submitted to the government.
Step 5 - Citizenship Application. Following seven (7) years of residency, the applicant may file for Greek citizenship.
Step 2 - Prepare Residency Application. Collection of documents such as birth certificates,
marriage and divorce certificates, as well as police clearance that must be submitted with the application. This step takes approximately two (2) weeks.
Step 3 - Application Review. The Greek Authorities issue a receipt of application which may be used as a temporary permit before the final residence permit is granted. The document is valid for a year. The application is reviewed and due diligence checks are carried out. This step takes approximately two (2) months.
Step 4 - Golden Visa Issued. The permanent residency document (Golden Visa") is issued after successful review of the application materials submitted to the government.
Step 5 - Citizenship Application. Following seven (7) years of residency, the applicant may file for Greek citizenship.
Q: Does Greece allow me to keep my original citizenship?
A: Yes. There are no restrictions on dual citizenship in Greece.Q: How will new citizens be taxed?
A: Becoming a citizen of Greece does not have any tax implications unless you move to the country. Individuals are considered as a tax resident of Greece if they spend more than 183 days per year in Greece.Q: Can you help me find a real estate agent in Greece?
A: Yes. We would be happy to help you find your ideal residential and/or commercial property. Our professional relationships in Greece guarantee to our clients a smooth, comprehensive service that includes identifying suitable properties, providing transport for property viewings, drafting/reviewing legal contracts, and/or liaising with local notaries and architects as needed.Q: Can you help me with finding a job?
A: Sorry, the immigration by investment programs were developed by the government to attract high net worth individuals, business owners, VIPs and other individuals with the financial means to support themselves and the local economy. Please note: New citizens do not need any work permission; they may work in any of the EU member countries. New residents may not be employed in Greece, but new residents may set up their own business and register a company in Greece.Q: Can you help me get a tourist or a student visa?
A: Sorry, we cannot assist with tourist or student visas.Q: What are the major differences among the various immigration by investment programs?
A: The Bulgaria Citizenship by Investment Program offers several investment options starting from EUR 257,000 plus fees for Bulgaria (EU) citizenship and passport after 5 years in residency status.The Cyprus Residency by Investment Program offers options from EUR 300,000 for Cyprus (EU) permanent residency. Residents may apply for citizenship after 7 years in residency status.
The Greece Golden Visa allows non-EU applicants to file for Greece (EU) residency by way of a EUR 250,000 investment in local real estate. The investor may file for Greek citizenship after 7 years of living in Greece at a minimum of 183 days per year.
The Malta Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment regulation provides the applicant with Malta (EU) residency and citizenship for an investment in the amount of EUR 600,000 (36 months residency option) or EUR 750,000 (12 months residency option). Additional are a philanthropic donation, a property purchase or rental, and fees. For applicants who are only seeking Malta (tax) residency or Schengen travel benefits, options start at an annual recurring expense of EUR 15,000 plus property and fees.
The Monaco Residency / Citizenship Program offers Monaco residency to applicants who can prove sufficient accommodations and financial self-sufficiency. The applicant may file for Monaco citizenship after 10 years of permanent residency.
The Portugal Golden Visa Residence Permit Program offers Portugal (EU) permanent residency for a property investment starting from EUR 280,000. Investors may apply for Portugal citizenship after 5 years in residency status.
The Spain Golden Visa offers Spain (EU) residency for a EUR 500,000 minimum investment in real estate, or a EUR 1 Million Euro asset transfer, or a 2 Million Euro securities investment, or the creation of a new government-approved business project. The investor may file for citizenship after 10 years in residency status.
Outside of the EU, citizenship by investment programs include those offered by Canada, the United States of America, and the Caribbean nations of Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, Dominica, and St. Lucia:
Canada offers several residency by investment options, leading to citizenship if desired, starting at CAD 200,000.
The United States EB-5 Program leads to permanent residency status and citizenship in the United States for a minimum investment of USD 900,000 in a commercial enterprise in the U.S. that generates at least 10 jobs for Americans. After 5 years as a permanent resident the investor may apply for U.S. citizenship.
The Caribbean nations of Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, Dominica, and St. Lucia offer citizenship programs requiring a real estate investment from USD 200,000 or a non-refundable donation of at least USD 100,000.
Q: What does "Schengen Area" mean?
A: The Greek citizenship allows you to travel without restrictions across the "Schengen Area" of the European Union. The Schengen Area is a group of 26 European countries that have abolished passport and immigration controls at their common borders. It functions as a single country for international travel purposes, with a common visa policy. Source: WikipediaPlease contact us for a detailed cost estimate or confidential consultation. Our associated attorneys are ready to assist you with attaining your investment objectives and answer any questions you might have about the Greek Residency / Citizenship by Investment programs.