GREECE RESIDENCE PERMIT (GOLDEN VISA)

Yes, children from previous marriages can be added to the application.

Financial dependence of children is confirmed by a certificate of full-time learning, and of parents by a birth certificate.

No, in this case, they do not fall under the category of dependents.

A "Golden Visa" of Greece is issued for 5 years and can be renewed for the same period.

Yes, you need to visit Greece to submit biometrics before applying for a residency.

Yes, it is required to submit biometric data.

Yes. After 7 years of continuous residency, the permit holders may apply for Greek citizenship.
[law No. 4332/2015, Greek Government Gazette Number 76 A’, July 2015]

For the citizenship eligibility there are certain criteria to be met:
- Knowledge of Greek language. Knowledge of Greek history and elements of civilisation.
- The applicant must live in Greece for most of the time before the application.

With the approval of the application the investor receives:
- Greek – European Union passport;
- Voting rights.

All documents are sent by mail.

Fees to obtain a residency (for each applicant over 18) - €500;
+Health insurance (for each applicant) - at least €300;
+Fees on the sales contract - about 10% out of the full cost of a real estate object.

You may travel with your passport and the residency permit to all countries that are part of the European Union and belong to the Schengen Area:
Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Czech Republic and Finland.

You may also travel to these Non-EU countries that belong to the Schengen Area:
Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

Please note that after the residence permit has been issued, you may also travel to any Schengen country directly from your country. You do not need to go through Greece first.

Holders of this type of residence permit are allowed to set up their own business in Greece.
They are not allowed to work under any type of employment.

You must register in ESTA before you travel to the US;
To travel to Canada and the UK you don't need a visa.

Confirmation of employment and/or ownership of business is required. The following documents may be requested:
- certificate of salary, dividends received;
- certificate from the tax authorities;
- documents on the sale of real estate or other assets;
- an extract from the brokerage account on the sale of securities or income received;
- sale or gift contract;
- other documents confirming the acquisition of income.
One or several documents can be provided, the checklist is agreed when preparing the case.

No, the funds should be transferred only from a personal account.

Driver's license;
Individual tax number.

Yes.

€250,000.

You must own a real estate object permanently if you wish to keep the status.

2-4 months.

A residency application will not be approved.
If an applicant committed a serious crime or doesn't own a real estate worth at least €250,000, a residency status might be canceled.

- provision of false information;
- involvement in terrorism, money laundering, crimes against humanity or crimes that violate human rights and freedoms, or admission of guilt in such crimes;
- availability of a criminal record or criminal proceedings for serious criminal offenses;
- posing a potential threat to public order, national security or the reputation of Greece.

Greece passport is ranked 7th (out of 106) in the 2018 passport rating in terms of freedom of movement.

GDP 2017 - $200,69 bln. (increased by 4.11% if compared to $192,77 bln. in 2016);
Population 2018 - 10,812,745 people;
The capital is Athens;
Sectors of the economy - tourism (15% GDP), industry (10% GDP), agriculture (7% GDP);
Doing Business 2017 ranking - 67rd out of 190 in the World Bank's ranking of ease of doing business.