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FAQ

WHO CAN APPLY TO THE GREEK GOLDEN VISA PROGRAM?

The Golden Visa is a residency permit that enables third-country nationals to obtain a temporary residency permit with a visa waiver to enter the Schengen Area. Third-country nationals above 18 years old can apply proving that they have a valid health insurance. EU and EEE nationals are not eligible for the Golden Visa.

 

IS IT POSSIBLE TO APPLY TO THE GREEK PROGRAM WHILE HAVING A RESIDENCE PERMIT IN ANOTHER EUROPEAN COUNTRY?

It is possible, but both residence permits grant the same rights in terms of travelling within the Schengen Area.

 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE GOLDEN VISA?

The beneficiaries of Golden Visa are entitled to:

• European residency valid for 5 years, renewable
• No minimum stay requirement
• Visa exemption for traveling within the Schengen Area
• Access to Greek public education, as any Greek citizen
• Applying for permanent residency in Greece
• Applying for Greek citizenship

 

CAN FAMILY MEMBERS BE INCLUDED IN THE GOLDEN VISA APPLICATION?

Yes, it is possible to include family members in the Golden Visa application, including:

• Spouse or partner in a civil partnership.
• Dependent children up to 21 years old.
• Parents of both the investor and their spouse/partner. Stepparents, however, cannot be included. But adoptive parents can, if there is a document proving the adoption relationship.

 

WHAT ARE THE SPECIFIC FAMILY INCLUSION RULES?

• Spouse or Partner: Eligible under a marriage or civil partnership recognized by Greek law. They can live in Greece and access its education and healthcare systems.
• Children: - Under 21 (the initial application must be submitted before the age of 21): Eligible as dependents (the only requirement is being single). - Over 21: If the initial application was submitted before the age of 21, they can hold residency until 24. After that, they may apply independently.
• Parents: Both the investor and their spouse/partner’s parents can be included with no age restrictions.

 

WHAT HAPPENS TO DEPENDENTS AFTER THEY TURN 24? DOES THEIR STATUS DEFAULT TO NON-GOLDEN VISA RESIDENTS?

In the initial application, it is only possible to include children under 21 years old. When dependents reach the age of 21, their residence permit can be renewed for an additional 3 years, extending its validity until they turn 24. However, once dependents turn 24, they no longer qualify as dependents under the main applicant’s Golden Visa in Greece and must apply independently if they wish to retain their residency status.  

 

CAN COUPLES WHO ARE NOT OFFICIALLY MARRIED APPLY FOR THE GOLDEN VISA?

Yes, couples in a civil or domestic partnership are eligible to apply for the Golden Visa, provided they can demonstrate cohabitation through supporting documents such as a rental agreement or a residency attestation from the city council.

 

WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR THE INCLUSION OF MINOR CHILDREN IN A GOLDEN VISA APPLICATION?

Both parents must provide their consent for the inclusion of minor children. If one parent is not submitting the application, due to personal choice or shared custody, they must a Notarial Consent Letter, duly apostilled. If one parent has sole custody, a translated and apostilled copy of the relevant court decision and a certificate confirming its finality (non-appealability) must be submitted.

 

CAN FAMILY MEMBERS APPLY FOR THE GOLDEN VISA SIMULTANEOSLY WITH THE INVESTOR?

In the Golden Visa application, the request for family reunification can be made simultaneously with the main application from the investor and will then be dependent on the approval of the latter.

 

ARE THERE ANY HEALTH REQUIREMENTS FOR THE GOLDEN VISA?

Golden Visa applicants are required to have basic health insurance that meets specific minimum requirements. However, there are no additional health-related eligibility criteria for the application. This mandatory insurance typically does not cover mental illnesses or preexisting conditions, but each case should be assessed individually to address any specific concerns.

 

IS THERE A MINIMUM IN-COUNTRY STAY FOR THE GREEK GOLDEN VISA?

There are no minimum in-country stay requirements for the Golden Visa, nor to renew it.

 

IS A LANGUAGE TEST REQUIRED FOR THE GREEK GOLDEN VISA?

A language test is not required for the Golden Visa application.

 

WHAT IS THE MINIMUM INVESTMENT AMOUNT?

The minimum value of the investment is 250.000,00€ for properties converted commercial buildings to residential use or renovation of historical buildings.

 

CAN A FAMILY MEMBER MAKE THE PAYMENT FOR THE INVESTMENT?

Yes, the payment of the value of the investment can be executed by a direct family member, namely parents or children. However, in that case it might be subject to high taxation, therefore advance notice and consultation are required.

 

CAN SPOUSES CO-OWN A PROPERTY TO MEET THE GOLDEN VISA INVESTMENT REQUIREMENT?

Yes, under Greek Golden Visa law, spouses—whether married or in a civil partnership—can jointly purchase and co-own a property, with each contributing only their share of the required investment amount. For example, for a €250,000 property, each spouse would pay €125,000 instead of the full amount. However, in practice, one spouse must be designated as the Main Applicant, while the other is included as a dependent.

It is important to note that a joint purchase involves additional legal and procedural steps. Both spouses must obtain a Greek tax number and ensure that payments are made from their respective personal accounts (or properly allocated in a joint account). The property contract must explicitly reflect shared ownership, and tax filings must account for each spouse’s share of the investment and any rental income.

This co-ownership option is not available for other family members. For example, siblings wishing to invest together must each meet the full Golden Visa threshold separately (e.g., each investing €250,000 for a €500,000 property), and both would be considered Main Applicants. pg. 6

 

DOES THE INVESTOR NEEDS TO KEEP THE INVESTMENT FOR A CERTAIN TIMEFRAME?

The investment must be maintained to keep the residency status or, if applicable, until citizenship is obtained.

 

WHAT ARE THE STEPS OF THE GOLDEN VISA PROCESS?

The Golden Visa process includes: 1) Choose an investment option; 2) Request the Greek Tax Identification Number; 3) Transfer the required investment funds; 4) Signature of the Notarial Sales and Purchase Contract 5) Submit the application along with the required documentation; 6) Undergo biometric data collection.

 

IS IT MANDATORY TO APPOINT A TAX REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF THE GREEK TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER?

Yes, appointing a tax representative is mandatory for non-residents seeking to obtain a Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM) if they do not have a residential address in Greece. This is a standard requirement under Greek tax law for individuals living abroad.

 

HOW LONG DOES THE APPLICATION PROCESS TAKE?

The application process takes up to 3-6 months.

 

IS TRAVELING TO GREECE NECESSARY TO COMPLETE THE APPLICATION PROCESS?

Yes, the applicant must travel to Greece at least once to provide biometric data.

For children under 6 years old, fingerprints are not required. However, when a child turns 6, their current residence permit automatically expires, and a new permit must be issued with the submission of biometrics.

For example, a 4-year-old child who receives a residence permit will be granted a 2-year permit instead of the standard 5 years. Upon renewal at age 6, after submitting their biometric data, the new permit will be valid for the full 5 years.

 

WHAT IS THE “BLUE PAPER” AND IS IT POSSIBLE TO USE IT TO TRAVEL?

The application certificate, commonly known as the “blue paper,” is issued once pre-approval is granted following the online submission of the Golden Visa application. This document allows the applicant to travel freely between their home country and Greece and reside in Greece until the residency card is officially issued.

 

WHAT IS THE VALIDITY OF THE GOLDEN VISA?

The Golden Visa is valid for 5 years.

 

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE RENEWAL OF THE GOLDEN VISA?

The Golden Visa can be renewed indefinitely for an additional five years at a time, as long as the investment and valid medical insurance are maintained.

 

IS IT POSSIBLE TO APPLY FOR GREEK CITIZENSHIP? IF SO, WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?

Yes, it is possible to apply for Greek citizenship after 7 years of residency. Requirements include:

• Passing a Greek language test and a cultural test.
• Residing in Greece for at least 183 days per year during those 7 years.
• Demonstrating a connection to the country.

 

WHAT HAS CHANGED IN THE GREEK GOLDEN VISA PROGRAM IN 2024?

According to the new legislation:

• The minimum value of investment is €400,000 (instead of €250,000).
• In broader areas of Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and all islands with a population over 3,100, the minimum investment is €800,000.
• THE MINIMUM INVESTMENT REMAINS €250,000 FOR PROPERTIES CONVERTED FROM COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS TO RESIDENTIAL USE OR FOR THE RENOVATION OF HISTORICAL BUILDINGS.

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