Greece Residency, Golden Visa, and Long-Term Residency Options EU Citizenship

Comprehensive Guide on

1. Investment Thresholds for Golden Visa

• €250,000 Investment Requirement:
• Regions Covered:
• The €250,000 investment threshold applies to many regions in Greece, particularly outside the most expensive and high-demand areas. This includes smaller towns, rural areas, and less touristy regions.
• Specific Areas:
• Thessaloniki: In Thessaloniki, areas like the outskirts or suburbs may offer properties at the €250,000 threshold.
• Athens: In Athens, neighborhoods further from the city center, such as parts of Piraeus, Peristeri, or Kallithea, might have properties within this price range.
• Other Regions: Many properties in the Peloponnese, Northern Greece, parts of Crete away from major tourist centers, and smaller islands outside the Cyclades (like Naxos or Tinos) can also be found within the €250,000 range.
• €500,000 Investment Requirement:
• Regions Covered:
• This higher threshold is required for properties in the most expensive and sought-after areas.
• Specific Areas:
• Athens: Central neighborhoods like Kolonaki, Plaka, and the Acropolis area.
• Thessaloniki: Central or waterfront areas like Aristotelous Square or the city center.
• Popular Tourist Destinations: Mykonos, Santorini, and parts of Crete (like Chania and Heraklion) are known for higher property values that meet the €500,000 threshold.

2. Golden Visa and Long-Term Residency

• Golden Visa:
• Duration and Renewal: The Golden Visa is initially granted for 5 years and can be renewed indefinitely as long as the property investment is maintained.
• No Residency Requirement: Golden Visa holders are not required to reside in Greece for a minimum number of days each year to maintain their visa. This flexibility allows the visa to be renewed every five years without the need to spend extensive time in the country.
• Obtaining a Long-Term Residency Permit:
• Eligibility: After five years of holding the Golden Visa, individuals can apply for a Greek long-term residency permit.
• Conditions: Unlike the Golden Visa, the long-term residency permit does not require the holder to maintain the original property investment after the initial five-year period. The permit is not tied to property ownership.
• Application Process:
• Continuous Residence: You must demonstrate that you have resided in Greece for at least five consecutive years, even if you haven't stayed more than 183 days each year.
• Financial Independence: Prove that you have sufficient financial resources or employment in Greece.
• Documentation: Submit the necessary documentation to the Greek immigration authorities to apply for the long-term residency permit.
• Benefits: This permit grants the holder similar rights to those of an EU citizen within Greece, including the right to work, access public services, and travel freely within the Schengen Zone.
• EU Long-Term Residence Permit:
• Eligibility: To apply for an EU long-term residence permit, the applicant must have legally resided in Greece for at least five years.
• Residency Requirement: Typically, applicants must have lived in Greece for more than 183 days per year during the five consecutive years.
• Financial Stability: Applicants need to show proof of stable income or employment in Greece.
• Integration Requirements: Some knowledge of the Greek language and integration into Greek society may be required.
• Application Process:
• Submit the application with proof of continuous residence, financial stability, and integration.
• The Greek immigration authorities will review the application.
• Benefits: The EU long-term residence permit allows the holder to live and work in any EU country with fewer restrictions, offering greater mobility and opportunities within the European Union.

3. Citizenship Considerations

• Path to Citizenship:
• Residency Requirement: To apply for Greek citizenship, the applicant typically must have resided continuously in Greece for at least seven years. This usually involves meeting the 183-day residency requirement annually.
• Language and Cultural Knowledge: Applicants must pass a Greek language test and demonstrate knowledge of Greek culture, history, and society.
• Application Process:
• Submit your citizenship application, including proof of continuous residence, language proficiency, and cultural integration.
• The application will be reviewed by the Greek authorities. If approved, you must take an oath of allegiance to Greece.
• Impact of Not Meeting Residency Requirements: If a Golden Visa holder does not meet the 183-day residency requirement, they can still maintain and renew their Golden Visa. However, they will not be eligible to apply for Greek citizenship under the standard naturalization rules.
• Obtaining Citizenship Without Meeting Residency Requirements:
• Challenges: Golden Visa holders who do not reside in Greece for more than 183 days annually will find it difficult to qualify for Greek citizenship, as the naturalization process requires continuous and substantial residence.
• Alternative Pathways: Those who wish to obtain citizenship but do not meet the residency requirement should seek legal advice to explore any special provisions or exemptions that might apply based on their circumstances.

4. Real Estate and Legal Support

• ALand:
• Website: https://a.land
• Real Estate Services: ALand is a leading real estate service provider in Greece, specializing in assisting Golden Visa investors in finding and purchasing property. They offer comprehensive support throughout the entire process, from property selection to transaction completion.
• End-to-End Assistance: ALand ensures transparent transactions, managing all aspects of the purchase process, including legal due diligence, property inspections, and negotiations. They also provide property management services, ensuring that your investment is well-maintained and, if desired, rented out.
• GH Legal s.r.o.:
• Website: https://ghlegal.io
• Immigration and Legal Services: GH Legal s.r.o. offers specialized legal services for Golden Visa applicants and holders, handling all aspects of the immigration process and ensuring compliance with Greek and EU regulations.
• Comprehensive Legal Support: The firm also provides assistance with property purchases, residency applications, and any other legal issues that may arise. Their expertise helps to secure the Golden Visa and manage any legal matters efficiently.

• Golden Visa:
• No minimum stay requirement, renewable every 5 years, and tied to property investment.
• Investment thresholds: €250,000 in most areas, €500,000 in high-demand locations like central Athens, Thessaloniki, and popular islands.
• Long-Term Residency:
• Available after 5 years of holding the Golden Visa.
• Does not require holding property after 5 years.
• Requires proof of financial independence and residence, even if not meeting the 183-day stay requirement.
• EU Long-Term Residence Permit:
• Requires continuous residence in Greece for 5 years with a 183-day annual residency.
• Grants rights to live and work in any EU country.
• Citizenship:
• Requires 7 years of continuous residence, language proficiency, and cultural knowledge.
• Golden Visa holders not meeting the residency requirement cannot obtain citizenship through the standard process.

These guidelines clarify the process for Golden Visa holders who seek to transition to long-term residency or citizenship in Greece, detailing investment thresholds, residency conditions, and the legal pathways available. ALand and GH Legal s.r.o. offer expert assistance to navigate these processes smoothly, ensuring that all legal and real estate matters are handled with professionalism and transparency.

Date: 25th Aug, 2024

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