Greek Citizenship by Investment

Greece does not have a formal citizenship-by-investment program similar to some other countries. This means that you cannot obtain Greek citizenship solely by making a financial investment.

The Golden Visa Program

Greece does have a Golden Visa program, which allows non-EU citizens to obtain a residence permit by investing in real estate in Greece. The Golden Visa program grants a five-year residence permit that can be renewed indefinitely as long as the investment is maintained. While this program does not directly lead to citizenship, it can eventually pave the way for naturalization if you meet the residency requirements.

To be eligible for the Greek Golden Visa, you need to invest a minimum of €250,000 in real estate in Greece. The property can be either residential or commercial and can be located anywhere in Greece. Additionally, you must provide proof of the funds used for the investment, have valid health insurance, and not have a criminal record.

The Process

The process for obtaining a Golden Visa in Greece typically involves the following steps:

1. Find eligible investment: Identify a property in Greece that meets the requirements for the Golden Visa program. The minimum investment threshold is €250,000, and the property can be residential or commercial.
2. Conduct due diligence: Perform the necessary checks on the property, such as title searches, to ensure that it is free from any legal issues or encumbrances. It’s advisable to hire a lawyer or real estate professional to assist with this process.
3. Purchase the property: Finalize the purchase of the selected property by signing the necessary contracts and making the payment. It’s recommended to open a Greek bank account to facilitate the transaction.
4. Gather supporting documents: Prepare the required documents for the Golden Visa application. This typically includes the purchase agreement, property title deed, proof of payment, valid passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), and health insurance coverage.
5. Submit the application: Submit the completed application along with the supporting documents to the Greek authorities. The application is usually processed by the Decentralized Authorities or the Immigration Office in the region where the property is located.
6. Residence permit issuance: Once your application is approved, you will be issued a five-year residence permit. This permit allows you to reside in Greece and travel freely within the Schengen Area. It’s important to note that you are required to visit Greece at least once during the first five years to activate and maintain your residence permit.
7. Renewal and eventual citizenship: The residence permit can be renewed indefinitely as long as you maintain ownership of the property. After living in Greece for seven consecutive years with a residence permit, you may become eligible to apply for Greek citizenship, subject to meeting additional requirements such as language proficiency and integration criteria.