Benefits of The Greece Golden Visa Program

BENEFITS OF THE GREECE GOLDEN VISA PROGRAM

The Greece Golden Visa Program offers numerous advantages for investors and their families. This program not only grants the right to reside in Greece but also provides visa-free travel within Europe, profitable investment opportunities, and a long-term pathway to citizenship. Below are the key benefits of the Greece Golden Visa Program:

1. Visa-Free Travel

Holders of the Greece Golden Visa can travel freely within the Schengen Area without the need for an additional visa. This benefit allows investors to explore different European cultures, assess business opportunities, and plan international travel with ease. With the right to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, investors and their families can enjoy seamless travel across Europe.

2. Right to Reside in Greece

The Greece Golden Visa Program grants the right to live in Greece to investors and their family members. This residence permit allows full integration into Greek society, including access to public healthcare services and education for children.

Greece's education system is recognized for its high standards, and public schools offer free education for children of Golden Visa holders. Additionally, living in Greece enables investors and their families to experience Greek culture, engage with local communities, and participate in social life. This makes the program an attractive option for those considering permanent relocation.

3. Inclusion of Family Members

The Golden Visa Program extends not only to the main applicant but also to their family members. Eligible family members include:

• Spouse
• Children under the age of 21
• Parents of both the main applicant and their spouse

This allows the entire family to obtain residence permits under a single investment, with a fast and straightforward family reunification process.

4. Fast and Simple Application Process

One of the most attractive features of the Greece Golden Visa Program is its fast and efficient application process. Applications are typically processed within 6 to 9 months, and there are no language proficiency or prior residency requirements.

Additionally, investors can complete the entire application process remotely, without the need to travel to Greece. There is no obligation to enter Greece during the application process, making it a convenient option for international investors.

5. Profitable Real Estate Investment

The Greece Golden Visa offers one of the most affordable real estate investment options in Europe. By making a minimum real estate investment of €250,000, investors can enter the program while also generating rental income in foreign currency.

Properties in tourist hotspots provide an opportunity for long-term rental income, offering a profitable passive income stream in addition to securing residency rights.

6. Long-Term Renewability

The Golden Visa residence permit can be renewed indefinitely every five years, provided that the investment is maintained. Furthermore, there is no requirement to physically reside in Greece to retain the permit. Investors can enjoy all benefits of the Golden Visa without relocating.

7. Pathway to Greek Citizenship

Golden Visa holders become eligible to apply for Greek citizenship after holding a residence permit for seven years and spending at least 183 days per year in Greece during that period.

Greek citizenship grants investors the right to live, work, and study in any EU member state, as well as visa-free travel to 186 countries worldwide. Greek passport holders also benefit from easy access to the U.S., Canada, and Australia via electronic visa applications.

8. Double Taxation Treaty

Double taxation occurs when an individual is required to pay taxes on the same income in more than one country. However, under the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement between Greece and Turkey, individuals are taxed only in Greece on their Greek-sourced income.

This means that investors do not have to pay additional taxes in Turkey on their Greek investment income, ensuring a more favorable tax structure for those holding assets in both countries.

9. Opportunity to Establish a Business and Serve as a Board Member

Although the Greece Golden Visa does not grant the right to work in Greece, investors can still set up a business and serve as shareholders or non-executive board members. However, they must appoint a managing director to oversee operations.

This feature provides an attractive opportunity for investors to engage in business activities and benefit from Greece's growing economy and business environment.

Conclusion

The Greece Golden Visa Program is a comprehensive investment-based residency scheme that offers family reunification, lucrative investment opportunities, visa-free travel, and a clear path to citizenship.

This program serves as a gateway to Europe, providing investors and their families with a secure, flexible, and advantageous residency solution. With its combination of low investment thresholds, long-term security, and access to the European market, the Greece Golden Visa remains one of the most sought-after residency-by-investment programs in the world.