Golden Visa Lawyers in Greece
Our lawyers can help with the Golden Visa process in Greece.
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What is the Greek Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa is a Greek residence permit and is one of the most popular investment visa programs in the European Union. It is a residence-by-investment visa and is issued to non-EU citizens who purchase in real estate in Greece.
It is exceptionally competitive as it offers the lowest cost option for residency in Europe. Applicants are granted a five-year residence permit in return for a property investment of as little as €250,000.
The Greek Golden Visa program’s minimum investment has increased to 500,000 EUR, effective May 1st, 2023. Greece Golden Visa change applies geographical limits to real estate investments, affecting properties in specific municipalities in Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini.
It also paves the way to citizenship if the holder resides in Greece for seven years and allows for visa-free travel throughout Europe’s Schengen region. Furthermore, there is no requirements to become a Greek tax resident.
You can include your family in the residency program.
How to Obtain a Greek Golden Visa?
To get the visa, you must invest:
- At least €250,000 in purchasing real estate, net of taxes or charges (€500,000€ in municipalities like Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos and Snatorini).
- €400,000 in Greek Goverment bonds
- €400,000 bonds or shares of real estate investment companies in Greece
- €400,000 in shares and bonds of venture funds and private equity which have headquarters in Greece
The Greek Golden Visa application procedure is rather simple.
Step 1: Contact the Get Golden Visa Team and Select Your Property
To finish this phase, you must identify the investment criteria and choose the property in which to invest. You can invest in a variety of features as long as the added value is equal to or more than €250,000. Our team can assist you in locating a property that meets your requirements.
Step 2: Adhere to Legal Procedures
Obtaining a Greek Non-Resident Tax number and creating a Greek bank account completes this phase. You can also have the power of attorney executed as an optional step.
Step 3: Purchase the Property
This phase is having a lawyer conduct ‘Legal Due Diligence’ on the property on your behalf. Following that, you’ll need to obtain a promissory sale and purchase agreement and execute a public deed.
Step 4: Launch Your Application
To complete this phase, you must gather all of the necessary documentation for the Golden Visa application. Hiring a lawyer is usually a good option because this can be overwhelming.
Step 5: Go to Greece (or not!)
All biometric data can be submitted to the relevant Greek authorities here, but as of 2021, you no longer need to visit Greece in person in order to start your application, so you can do it from your country.
As of 2021, you no longer need to visit Greece in person in order to start your application.
Step 6: Obtain Approval for Your Greece Golden Visa
This phase is completed by the authorities, after which your Golden Visa application will be granted and you will be issued a Golden Visa Residence Card.
Step 7: In Greece, renew your Golden Visa.
You can seek to renew your Golden Visa residence card every five years, making it easier to get permanent residency.
Step 8: Request Citizenship
After seven years of living there and paying taxes, you will be eligible to apply for citizenship and a Greek passport. However, there is little information available about this possibility.
How long does it take to obtain a residence visa in Greece?
The Greece Golden Visa normally takes 3 to 5 months to process, although this can vary based on a number of circumstances.
Golden Visa by Investing in Real Estate
This is the most common case to get the Golden Visa, purchasing a property in Greece. For this approach, you must invest at least €250,000 in one or more properties. The investment cannot include taxes, fees or a mortgage.
The general procedures is as follows:
- Tax and Budget Planning: Taxes and fees are mostly paid by the buyer and vary from region to region. They typically include the following:
- Property transfer tax of 3%
- Notary costs, title deed tax and land registration fee of 1% to 2.5%
- Legal fees of around 1% to 2%, inclusive of VAT
- Obtain a AFM: Get your foreign ID card from the Greek administration.
- Search for properties in Greece: Our Real Estate lawyers can help you identify the right property for you and ensure that you use reliable and trusted online portals.
- Reservation agreement and Letter of Intent: Our lawyers will draft a “Letter of Intent” for purchasing a property and guide you through the reservation agreement and any subsequent negotiations before signing a deal.
- Payment of fees: Settle any applicable Property Transfer Taxes or VAT, and update the Land Registry.
Our team of Real Estate lawyers can assist you with the process of purchasing a property, in person or remotely.
What Else do I Need to Know?
Benefits of the Golden Visa
Although this program has very rigorous requirements, the advantages of having a Greek residence are quite extraordinary. Having a Golden Visa for Greece means:
- It grants you entry into the EU (Schengen area).
- You can apply for the same permit for your spouse or partner, minor children or of legal age, whom -financially depend on you, including also dependants in the ascending line.
- To keep your permit valid, you simply need to travel to Greece once a year; even then, a lengthy stay is not required.
- Low Investment Threshold in a Promising Real Estate Market
- The Double Taxation Treaty
- Citizenship is available after 7 years.
What Documentation Do I Need To Have?
The following paperwork is necessary for a Golden Visa Program application to be approved:
- Two copies of the application document
- Four current passport-style color pictures
- a certified copy of a passport or other travel document that Greece accepts as valid
- A fee paid and obtained through the “e-Paravolo” platform
- Roughly amounts to €500 for residence permits of up to a five-year duration
- A processing fee was paid and obtained through the “e-Paravolo” platform
- Roughly amounts to €16, concerning the printing of the separate document (electronic residence permit)
- Certification by an insurance agency for the cost of hospitalization and medical care;
- Insurance contracts that are signed outside of Greece, provided that they explicitly mention that they cover the interested party for the duration of their stay in Greece
- Insurance contracts that have been signed in Greece.
Taxes to Pay With the Golden Visa
The Greek government started a number of tax incentive programs for non-residents in 2021.
If you actually receive income from Greek sources, you should designate a tax representative and file tax returns with the Non-Greek Resident Tax Office.
The Double Taxation Treaty
Your worldwide income could not be subject to taxation in Greece depending on your place of residency and how much time you spend there. In that instance, you might continue doing business outside of Greece and gain certain tax advantages.
Foreign nationals who are tax residents in Greece are also given tax benefits. For retirees, digital nomads, and other particular expat categories, there are several incentive programs. If you’re unsure as to whether you qualify for any of these benefits, be sure to check with your qualified financial lawyer.
We offer a wide range of services for investors at Lexidy. Our skilled and committed team has years of experience in legal counsel, management, real estate, conveyancing, new visas, immigration challenges, residence, and investment opportunities for investors with a global perspective.
If you are thinking to apply for the Golden Visa in Greece, contact us for a free consultation of your case and our expert lawyers will help you with anything you need!
How can a lawyer help me with the golden visa?
A Golden Visa lawyer in Greece can be a valuable asset in assisting you with the process by:
Assessing your eligibility: A lawyer will review your investment plan, typically a real estate purchase worth at least €250,000, to ensure it meets the Golden Visa requirements.
Document preparation: They assist in gathering all necessary documents, such as proof of investment, financial records, health insurance, and any other required paperwork.
Property purchase assistance: A lawyer can handle the legal aspects of your property acquisition, ensuring it is free of liens, debts, or legal disputes.
Application submission: They will ensure your Golden Visa application is accurately completed and submitted to Greek authorities, minimizing the risk of errors or delays.
Appealing rejections: If your visa application is denied, a lawyer can help appeal the decision and address any issues that led to the rejection.
Ongoing legal support: Lawyers can assist with renewing your Golden Visa, ensuring compliance with residency requirements, and advising on transitioning to permanent residency or citizenship.
If you’d like, we can discuss your specific situation in more detail to help you through the process.
Our team of experienced lawyers is ready to assist you and guide you through the entire application process. Let us help you make your dream of living and working in Greece a reality.
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Why Greece?
Obtaining a golden visa in Greece offers numerous advantages. Firstly, it opens an opportunity to live in one of Europe’s most captivating countries, with its vibrant cities, stunning coastline, and rich cultural heritage. Secondly, the visa enables access to Greece’s thriving digital and tech ecosystem, fostering networking opportunities and professional growth. Lastly, you will immerse in the warmth of Greek hospitality, savor its delectable cuisine, and explore its diverse regions while maintaining a flexible work-life balance.
Cultural immersion
Experience the rich Greek culture.
Location
Explore Europe without visa restrictions.
Stable economy
Greece has a stable and growing economy
Delicious cuisine
Taste world-renowned Greek food and wine.
Affordable living
Cost of living is lower compared to other European countries.
Healthcare access
Access to high-quality healthcare facilities and services.
Skilled workforce
Greece has a highly skilled and multilingual workforce.
Travel Opportunities
Explore diverse regions within Greece.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a Golden visa?
Once you have the supporting documents and the visa application has been submitted at the Consulate. The administration has up to 10 working days to resolve it. Conversely, if the application is submitted from Greece the administration has up to 20 working days to resolve it.
Can I work with Golden Visa?
Yes, the Golden Visa comes with a work permit for you and your family. You can work full time or part-time.
Do I have to buy a house in order to apply for the Golden Visa?
It can be any real estate asset. Some choose to have a home or commercial property, while others use the asset as an income-generating rental property.
Can my spouse and children apply with me?
Your partner or children can apply with you. You must show that you can financially support them. You will need to provide extra paperwork such as marriage or birth certificates.
Unmarried partners who can prove a long-term relationship can also apply as dependants.
Can my children of legal age come as accompanying relatives?
Yes, however, you will have to prove economic dependence and single status. Your children must also be enrolled at a university or academy.
Do I have to stay in Greece for a certain period of time if I am an investor?
You don’t need to reside in Greece to obtain this permit. You just need to visit Greece once during the period of residence. This applies to all the investment programs, including the Golden Visa via bank deposit approach. If you remain in Greece for ten years, you can apply for citizenship and obtain a Greek passport.
Is it possible to make the investment through a company?
The law allows for investments made through a legal entity located in a territory that is not considered a tax haven.
Is it necessary to hire a lawyer to collect the documentation?
It’s not required, but it’s always recommended to consult a professional. At Lexidy we can help you will all the process of getting the Golden Visa in Greece.
Our Team
For us, Lexidy is a way of life and what excites us the most is to be able to deliver the happiness and satisfaction of a successful immigration process. We want to help you achieve your goals and dreams, whether it’s residence in Greece or simply an investment.
Visit us: Patriarchou Ioakeim 25 Street, Kolonaki, Athens, 10675 (Greece)
Write us: info@lexidy.com – Call us: +30 21 1199 5654
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