Residency /
Citizenship by Investment
Citizenship by Investment
GREECE CITIZENSHIP / RESIDENCY BY INVESTMENT
EU Residency & Citizenship: Security. Opportunity. Peace of mind.
Welcome! In an effort to support the
country's economy, Greece, a Mediterranean country located in the
center of Europe, is offering residency or citizenship status to
foreign investors. The Greek passport is similar to the passports
of Germany, France, or any other EU country; Greek passport holders
may live, work or study in any country belonging
to the European Union. International business executives, investors, VIPs as well as affluent citizens worldwide consider an alternative residency or citizenship a powerful tool for international tax planning and a safety net should the living conditions at home become unbearable.
Live, work or study in any of the EU countries
The Greek Immigration by Investment programs provide for affluent persons of impeccable standing and repute, including their families, to receive the Greek residency or citizenship (EU passport) on the basis of an investment in Greece. Once citizenship is granted, the applicant may live, work or study in any of the member countries of the European Union.Visa free travel to over 170 countries, INCLUDING the USA
The Greek residency (also know as the "Greek Golden Visa") provides for visa-free travel to the 26 member countries of the Schengen zone. The Greek citizenship offers full European Union benefits, including visa-free travel to more than 170 countries in the world, including the USA, Canada, Middle East, Africa, Asia, and most countries in North, Central and South America.A better quality of life for the family
Greece is a safe country that enjoys a low cost of living index. The country has long been a vacation spot for Europeans and high net worth individuals who flock to the island for its sunny and warm climate year-round. Greece offers a modern infrastructure ranging from reliable phone and internet service to secure banking to well-established air and sea routes connecting the island to the European mainland and international destinations.Greece is a democratic and developed country with an advanced high-income economy, a high quality of life, and a very high standard of living. The economy is service-based, with tourism and shipping being two of the key industries.
Greece Golden Visa
Residency allows the applicant to live in Greece as long as desired. You are not required to live in Greece prior or during the Golden Visa residency application, or even after residency has been granted. The processing time for residency is about two months.Residency can be obtained through an investment in Greek real estate valued at a minimum of EUR 250,000. The Golden Visa allows you to obtain absolute ownership of your property and get your own title deed. The residency is permanent with renewal every 5 years and as long as you keep the property under your ownership. Other investment options include a lease agreement signed with a hotel or tourist establishment for a minimum of 10 years, or an investment of at least EUR 400,000 into government bonds, corporate bonds, or an investment fund.
You and your family will have free access to the Greek health system and also your children will be free to attend the Greek educational institutions (schools, universities etc.). New residents may not be employed in Greece, but new residents may set up their own business and register a company in Greece.
Greece (EU) Citizenship
Greek citizenship, meaning the EU passport, allows the applicant to live, work, and study in any of the EU member countries, not just Greece. If desired, citizenship may be applied for after 84 months (seven years) in permanent residency status, having spent at least 183 days per year in Greece.Greece Citizenship / Residency Program Details
Greece, a Mediterranean country located in the center of Europe, has been a member of the European Union since 1981 and the Schengen Area since 2000. Greece became a Eurozone Member in 2001. The country has produced streamlined legislation to create an efficient process by which non-EU residents may obtain a residence permit - and citizenship if so desired - based on investment.
The Greek permanent residency program ("Greece Golden Visa") allow applicants to live in Greece indefinitely and lifts traveling restrictions and elaborate visa requirements across the EU. Permanent residency is granted on the basis of an investment in Greece.
The Golden Visa allows you to obtain absolute ownership of your property and get your own title deed. You and your family will have free access to the Greek health system and also your children will be free to attend the Greek Educational institutions (schools, universities etc.). You are not required to live in Greece prior or during the Golden Visa residency application, or even after residency has been granted. The residency is permanent with renewal every 5 years and as long as you keep the property under your ownership.
The Greek Citizenship by Investment Program (CBI) offers affluent persons of impeccable standing to receive the Greek (EU) citizenship and passport after seven years in permanent residency status, having spent at least 183 days per year in Greece.
Qualified candidates include international business executives, investors, public figures, VIPs, and important persons - many of which are are active worldwide - who meet the minimum application requirements.
Applicants consider an alternative citizenship and passport a powerful tool for international tax planning and as a safety net should the living conditions at home become undesirable.
Application Requirements / Eligibility for Greece Residency
The Greece Golden Visa Program is considered one of the most affordable residency by investment routes to Europe. The Program grants visa free access to the Schengen Zone to the applicant as well as the family within 2 months of submitting an application.
Residency by Real Estate Investment
To meet the residency program requirements an applicant must invest in local real estate valued at no less than EUR 250,000. Other investment options include a lease agreement signed with a hotel or tourist establishment for a minimum of 10 years, or an investment of at least EUR 400,000 into government bonds, corporate bonds, or an investment fund.
Further, the main applicant must be at least 18 years of age and have a clean criminal record. The main applicant may also add dependents to a residency or citizenship application, including his/her spouse, children, and parents.
Applicants who wish to invest into one or multiple properties in Greece may acquire residency through 1) a property purchase, or 2) a timeshare agreement, or 3) the purchase of a plot of land.
Investment Option #1: Real Estate Property Purchase.
The applicant invests in property at a minimum value
of €250,000 in any part of the country. This includes mainland
Greece as well as the surrounding islands. Both residential
and commercial buildings are eligible.
Investment Option #2: Timeshare Agreement. Instead of purchasing a property, an applicant may chose to sign a 10 year time-share agreement, provided the minimum value of this lease is €250,000.
Investment Option #3: Plot of Land Purchase. The third investment option entails the purchase of a plot of land. As with options 1) and 2), the value of this transaction must also total at least €250,000. Counting towards this sum are the value of the land plus the value of the development contract signed with a construction company.
The timeframe for application processing is approximately two months
subject to having completed all documentation and the investment.
Investment Option #2: Timeshare Agreement. Instead of purchasing a property, an applicant may chose to sign a 10 year time-share agreement, provided the minimum value of this lease is €250,000.
Investment Option #3: Plot of Land Purchase. The third investment option entails the purchase of a plot of land. As with options 1) and 2), the value of this transaction must also total at least €250,000. Counting towards this sum are the value of the land plus the value of the development contract signed with a construction company.
Application Requirements / Eligibility for Greece Citizenship
To qualify under the regulations, a main applicant and his/her family may apply for citizenship after seven (7) years in permanent residency status, living in Greece at least 183 days per year.
Greece Citizenship Application Timeline & Payments
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. If you
apply for more than one family ask us about a group discount.
There is no fee for this initial consultation. Our team can
advise you on unique/specific searches or present investment
options taking into account your investment preferences.
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.
The application process for residency is expected to take about two months. Government filing fees and attorney fees are in addition to the investment minimums.
Greece IMMIGRATION BY INVESTMENT BENEFITS
With its warm and stable climate and convenient geographical position Greece is considered an attractive place for residence. Over 300 days of sunshine a year classify the island as one of the sunniest European locations.
Greece is a typical Mediterranean country in the center of Europe, with a history dating back to the 5th Century B.C. The economy is service-based, with tourism and shipping being two of the key industries.
Following an economic recession, Greece has embarked on an extensive reform effort, which is set to improve investor confidence and attract new business. At this time of recovery, the Greek real estate market offers unique investment opportunities for individuals and businesses wishing to access property in Europe at highly competitive prices.
Greece has a modern, free-market, service-based economy, with an effective and transparent regulatory and legal framework, giving international investors and businesses confidence to invest, grow and prosper.
Living in Greece
The Permanent Residency Permit grants a Non-EU national the right to permanently reside in Greece with no renewal requirements. Once granted, the Permanent Residency Permit covers the whole family: the main applicant and spouse, their parents and children under 21 years of age.You and your family will have free access to the Greek health system and also your children will be free to attend the Greek Educational institutions (schools, universities etc.).
You are not required to live in Greece prior or during the Golden Visa residency application, or even after residency has been granted.
Visa-Free Travel
Permanent residency lifts traveling restrictions and elaborate visa requirements across the EU, facilitating access to the Schengen zone. Visa-free travel covers a growing list of countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. For other countries, a simplified visa is available to permanent residency holders. (Note: Greek citizenship allows visa-free travel across all 26 "Schengen Area" countries.)Fast Track Application Processing
Fast track application procedure - all applications are reviewed by the Greek government within approximately two months from the date of filing. The application can be processed in the applicant’s absence and filed on their behalf.Favorable Tax Structure
Becoming a citizen of Greece does not have any tax implications unless you reside in the country for over 183 days during the year.No Donations
Unlike other citizenship by investment programs, Greece does not require any donations, i.e. non-refundable contributions to the government. Instead, the program is purely investment-based, which means you retain full ownership of the investment.No Requirement to Physically Reside in Greece
The applicant and his/her dependents are not required to reside in Greece after obtaining Greek (EU) Citizenship. EU citizens are free to live in any EU member country.Free Movement of Persons
Freely travel, reside, study and work within the 26 countries of the EU, as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.The whole family can obtain Greek Citizenship i.e. the main applicant, his/her spouse, children under 21 years. All can travel, reside, study and work freely within the EU.
Parents may be included in the application.
Free Movement of Services
Individual citizens and their companies can offer services within EU member states without obstacles.Free Movement of Capital
Greek passport holders can transfer funds between EU member states, purchase property in any preferred EU country, and invest in any type of business venture.Free Movement of Goods
All goods produced in EU member states can be freely transferred between countries of the European Union.High Standard of Living
Greece presents a high standard of living due to its access to reputable private schools, trustworthy private medical facilities and having among the lowest crime rates within Europe.Visa Free Travel
Greek passport holders do not require a visa to travel within the EU and also to travel to over 170 countries.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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
• 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
• 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, but only the residency/citizenship by real estate investment option allows the main applicant to add parents.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, living in Greece at least 183 days per year.
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. However, if your intent is to file an application for residency or citizenship we may assist with the initial travel visa to schedule an in-person appointment at our offices.Q: What are some of the most popular immigration by investment programs worldwide?
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 several investment 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) permanent 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 & passport 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 permanent 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 investment (donation) starting from EUR 250,000. Investors may apply for Portugal citizenship after 5 years in residency status.
The Spain Golden Visa offers Spain (EU) permanent 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 Turkey, Vanuatu, Canada, the United States of America, and the Caribbean nations of Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, Dominica, and St. Lucia:
Turkey offers the Turkish citizenship and passport for a property purchases of at least USD 400,000.
Vanuatu offers the Vanuatu citizenship and passport for a donation starting at USD 130,000.
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 using the contact form below 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 Greece Residency / Citizenship by Investment programs.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
Contact us for a free, detailed cost estimate or confidential consultation by email (or phone / office visit, if preferred). To start the application process online please register here.
We will reply to your inquiry by email within one hour!
If you prefer to meet in person at any of the offices please send us your dates of travel so that we may coordinate a time most convenient for you.
Our team of associates in Greece includes immigration specialists working exclusively on citizenship & residence matters and will stand by your side throughout the entire application process, from start to finish. The team will work with you until your residence or citizenship by investment application has been approved and you have received your residence certificate or Greece (EU) passport.
Do you have any questions? Use our contact form to receive a reply today. Do you have any questions? Use our contact form to receive a reply today.
Zenturo Ltd.
Residency & Citizenship by Investment Programs WorldwideGreece Offices: Athens
394A / 395A, Triq il-Kbira San Guzepp
Santa Venera, SVR 1016
Malta
Phone: +356 9950 5515
WhatsApp: +356 9991 4125
Telegram: +356 9991 4125
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Skype: Zenturo Ltd. Support
Service Inquiries: service@zenturo.zenturo.com
General Counsel: legal@zenturo.zenturo.com
Company Registration No.: C-39472
VAT ID: MT-18142026
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Zenturo Ltd. is a global professional services firm with an international reach, providing services to businesses and high-net-worth individuals worldwide since 2006.
Our technology-centric approach offers client support at the lowest cost possible without fees charged by intermediaries.
Transparency, honesty, and integrity are at the core of our values.
Our immigration attorneys are government-licensed Authorized Registered Mandatories, a designation required by the Malta Government to file Malta citizenship or residency by investment applications. License: AKM-BALD
We offer several communication channels, including email, phone, chat, Zoom, and private in-office meetings.
Zenturo Ltd.
Residency & Citizenship by Investment Programs Worldwide
394A / 395A, Triq il-Kbira San Guzepp
Santa Venera, SVR 1016
Malta
Phone: +356 9950 5515
WhatsApp: +356 9991 4125
Telegram: +356 9991 4125
WeChat: ZenturoSupport
Skype: Zenturo Ltd. Support
Service Inquiries: service@zenturo.zenturo.com
General Counsel: legal@zenturo.zenturo.com
Company Registration No.: C-39472
VAT ID: MT-18142026
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