Table of Contents
Introduction
Are you interested in obtaining a residence permit in Greece and gaining access to the Schengen Area? If so, the Greece Golden Visa program may be the perfect solution for you. This program allows non-EU citizens to obtain a renewable five-year residency permit in Greece by investing in real estate, stocks, bonds, or a business.
In this ultimate guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about the Greece Golden Visa program. We will start by explaining what the program is, its purpose, and its eligibility criteria. We will then provide detailed information on the investment options available, the benefits of the program, tax implications, ongoing obligations, and travel and residency restrictions.
Whether you’re an investor, an entrepreneur, or a retiree, the Greece Golden Visa program may be the perfect solution for obtaining a residence permit in Greece and gaining access to the Schengen Area. Read on to learn more about this exciting program and how you can benefit from it.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Greece Golden Visa program, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be a non-EU citizen.
- You must have reached the age of 18.
- You must have a clean criminal record.
- You must not be listed in the Schengen Information System.
- You must have a valid passport or other travel documents.
- You must have proof of health insurance.
- You must have sufficient funds to support yourself and any family members who will be accompanying you.
In addition, you must make one of the following investments:
- Invest a minimum of €250,000 in real estate in Greece.
- Invest a minimum of €400,000 in Greek government bonds
- Invest at least €400,000 in shares of Greek companies.
- Invest at least €800,000 in a Greek business.
Investment Options
The Greece Golden Visa program offers several investment options for obtaining a residence permit in Greece:
Real Estate
Real estate is one of the most favored investment options for the Greece Golden Visa program applicants. One of the most popular investment options is real estate. To qualify for the program, you must purchase property in Greece worth at least €250,000. The property can be residential or commercial and can be rented out for additional income. The property must be purchased outright, so you cannot use a mortgage to finance the purchase.
Government Bonds
Another option is to invest at least €400,000 in Greek government bonds. The bonds must be purchased through a Greek bank, and they must be held for a minimum of three years. The investment can be sold after three years, but you must maintain your residence permit to do so.
Shares of Greek Companies
You can also invest at least €400,000 in shares of Greek companies. The shares must be purchased through a Greek bank or brokerage, and they must be held for a minimum of three years. You can sell the shares after three years, but you must maintain your residence permit to do so.
Greek Business
Finally, you can invest at least €800,000 in a Greek business. This investment option is designed for entrepreneurs who want to start or acquire a business in Greece. The business must employ at least 10 Greek citizens, and you must maintain your residence permit for as long as you own the business.
Benefits of the Greece Golden Visa Program
The Greece Golden Visa program offers several benefits for non-EU citizens who want to obtain a residence permit in Greece:
- Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area: With a Greece Golden Visa, you can travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180 days.
- Ability to live and work in Greece: You can live and work in Greece for the duration of your residence permit.
- Access to education and healthcare in Greece: You and your family members can access education and healthcare in Greece.
- No requirement for physical residence in Greece: You are not required to live in Greece to maintain your residence permit.
Tax Implications
As a Greece Golden Visa holder, you will be subject to Greek tax laws. You will be required to pay taxes on any income earned in Greece, as well as on any income earned outside of Greece that is remitted to Greece. However, Greece offers several tax incentives for non-EU investors, such as a flat tax rate of 15% on income earned in Greece.
Ongoing Obligations
To maintain your Greece Golden Visa, you must comply with several ongoing obligations. These include renewing your residence permit every five years, submitting annual tax returns to the Greek tax authorities, and providing proof of health insurance coverage. You must also notify the Greek authorities of any changes to your personal or financial circumstances.
Travel and Residency Restrictions
As a Greece Golden Visa holder, you will have the right to live and work in Greece, but there are some travel and residency restrictions. You must spend at least 90 days per year in Greece to maintain your residence permit, and you must obtain a permit if you want to stay in Greece for longer than 90 days. Additionally, you cannot use your Greece Golden Visa to reside in another Schengen country for more than 90 days in any 180 days.
Comparison to Other Programs
The Greece Golden Visa program is one of several residency by investment programs available in Europe. Other popular programs include the Portugal Golden Visa program, the Spain Golden Visa program, and the Cyprus Golden Visa program. In this section, we will compare the Greece Golden Visa program to these other programs and highlight the key differences and similarities.
Conclusion
In summary, the Greece Golden Visa program is an attractive option for international investors looking for residency in Greece and the wider Schengen area. With its competitive investment options, tax benefits, and other advantages, the program has gained popularity in recent years.
However, the application process can be complicated and time-consuming, making it crucial to work with a reputable company like Get Golden Visa to ensure a successful outcome. With their years of experience and expertise, Get Golden Visa can guide investors through each step of the process and offer support and advice along the way.
Investors looking to obtain their Greece Golden Visa can benefit from the services of Get Golden Visa. From the initial consultation to final approval, they provide a smooth and stress-free journey for their clients.
Partnering with Get Golden Visa can help investors achieve their residency goals and make the application process hassle-free. Contact Get Golden Visa today to learn more about their services and how they can help you obtain your Greece Golden Visa.
