REAL ESTATE DATA SOURCES

Greece Golden Visa

Acquiring Citizenship in Greece - Golden Visa

Greece Golden Visa Guide 2024

The allure of Greece’s Golden Visa program continues to grow, captivating non-EU citizens drawn to its promise of European residency. As of 2024, the program sees substantial regulatory revisions, signalling Greece’s dedication to fostering investment amidst economic shifts.

These updates introduce new financial benchmarks for investment and offer alternative paths to eligibility, reflecting the nation’s adaptability and unwavering support for foreign investment initiatives.

Golden Visa Key Takeaways

Here are the key takeaways from the updates to the Greek Golden Visa program:

  1. Different regions in Greece will have varying minimum investment thresholds:

    • Some areas will require a minimum investment of €400,000.
    • Others will necessitate a higher investment of €800,000.
  2. Prospective applicants have the opportunity to secure the current investment thresholds by following a specific timeline:

    • They can make a 10% deposit before September 30th.
    • The investment must be finalized by December 31, 2024.
  3. There will be restrictions on how investors can utilize their properties:

    • Properties acquired through the program cannot be offered as short-term rentals, such as on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo.

These changes reflect the evolving landscape of the Golden Visa program in Greece and underscore the importance of staying informed about the latest regulations for potential investors.

The Greece Golden Visa Program stands as a well-defined route for non-EU investors aiming to secure residency in Greece via diverse investment avenues. Its dynamic nature accommodates shifting thresholds and conditions, mirroring the nation's economic maneuvers and strategic vision.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for the Greek Golden Visa program hinges on a substantial investment within Greece. With recent updates effective as of 2024, the program’s minimum investment threshold has shifted, eliminating the former €250,000 requirement for real estate investment. Presently, investors encounter two principal investment tiers:

  1. Real estate acquisition necessitating a minimum investment of €400,000.
  2. Strategic investments encompassing options such as purchasing shares or bonds, entailing a capital contribution of at least €500,000, or engaging in an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) centered on Greece.

Advantages

The Greek Golden Visa offers investors a host of advantages:

  1. Residency Rights: Holders can reside in Greece without any mandated duration of stay.
  2. Visa-Free Travel: Enjoy unrestricted travel within the Schengen Area.
  3. Family Residency: Family members can also obtain residency under the same visa.
  4. Citizenship Eligibility: After seven years of residency, investors may apply for citizenship, contingent upon meeting prescribed criteria.

Real Estate Investment

Investors have the option to invest in real estate, with the primary requirement being a minimum investment of €250,000. This investment can encompass property acquisitions in both residential and commercial sectors, including integrated tourist resorts.

Alternatively, investors can opt for lease agreements with hospitality establishments such as hotels or other tourist facilities. Greece’s real estate market presents an avenue for investors seeking not only financial returns but also eligibility for a resident permit, with the potential for permanent residence status over time.

The recent changes to the Greek Golden Visa program are set to take effect on August 31, 2024. Investors have the opportunity to apply under the existing €250,000 minimum threshold by making a 10% deposit by September 30, 2024. The final investment must be completed by December 31, 2024. For alternative property investments, the completion deadline extends to April 30, 2025.
Greece Golden Visa Updates 2024

Terms of Purchasing Real Estate in Greece

Until August 31, 2024:

Investment Threshold:

€250,000+
Preliminary Agreement: 10% deposit by August 31, 2024
Final Payment: Balance by December 31, 2024.


Alternative Property:

If the initial transaction isn’t completed, the full amount must be deposited by April 30, 2025.


After August 31, 2024:

New Minimum Investments:
€800,000 in Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and certain islands
€400,000 in other regions.


Exceptions:

€250,000 for properties intended for renovation or conversion into residential space.


Property Size:

At least 120 sqm for €400,000 or €800,000 investments.
These changes are detailed in Law No. 5038/2023 and Article 64 of Law No. 5100/2024.

Financial Considerations and Fees

Financial Considerations and Fees

While the Greece Golden Visa program offers many benefits, understanding the financial implications is crucial. Key financial aspects include:

  • Government Fees:
    • €2,000 for the main investor
    • €150 for each additional family member
    • Approximately €500 for residence permits valid up to five years
    • Additional processing fees for the electronic permit
  • Additional Costs for a €250,000 Property and Golden Visa for Three People:
    • Legal fees: around €10,000
    • Property transfer tax: 3.09% of the property’s value or its objective value, whichever is higher
    • Health insurance coverage: additional cost

Application Process

  1. Obtain a National Visa (Type D):
    • Necessary for those without legal residence in Greece or another EU state.
    • Valid for up to one year for investment purposes.
  2. Gather Required Documents:
    • Must include valid identification and investment project details.
    • Submit to the Directorate for Migration Policy in Greece.
    • Signature authenticity must be verified by a public authority.
  3. Submit the Application:
    • Follow host country guidelines.
    • Ensure submission before the national visa expires.
  4. Pay the Fees:
    • Main fees: €2000 processing, €16 printing.
    • Family members: €150 processing (children under 18 exempt).
  5. Make the Required Investment:
    • Follow Greek law and Golden Visa guidelines.
  6. Receive a Decision:
    • If approved, receive a renewable electronic residence permit for up to five years.

Understanding Property Purchase Costs in Greece

This guide is tailored for individuals contemplating the purchase of a residential property in Greece. While particularly beneficial for first-time buyers, even seasoned property investors can gain insights into the evolving buying process by understanding its key steps.

Greek Real Estate Taxation

The following section outlines the primary taxes and key considerations pertaining to the acquisition, ownership, and disposal of real estate assets in Greece. It focuses on residential, commercial, and investment properties, providing essential insights into taxation.

DISCLAIMER

The materials presented in the Greek Real Estate Data Sources and Research (REDS) guide are distributed by ARENCORES – Chania Real Estate as an information source only. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information, no guarantee is given nor responsibility taken for errors.

As the information is for general use and not intended to serve as advice, no warranty is given in relation to the accuracy, reliability, or appropriateness of any information. The information does not constitute professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. Users are therefore encouraged to consult with their chosen professional advisers before making any decision.

We do not accept any liability for any loss or damages arising from the information or advice provided on this website or incorporated into this website by reference, or which is incurred as a result of the use of, or reliance upon, the information and advice contained on this website.

Dive into Greek Real Estate Data Sources and Research (REDS), an encompassing resource delving into the intricate nuances of Greek Property Law, Property Ownership, Real Estate Rights, and the Hellenic Cadastre registration process.

This comprehensive guide not only elucidates these fundamental concepts but also addresses crucial gaps in understanding associated liabilities for buyers, sellers, and real estate investors, offering insightful paradigms and invaluable tips.

Innovation and Intelligence

In 2014, ARENCOS established ARENCORES to facilitate property buyers’ decisions and holistically research the risks and opportunities of the Chania real estate market. Working closely with property investors, buyers and sellers ARENCORES provides professional, scientific and technical services dedicated to the Chania property market.

ARENCORES’ Chania Estate Agency services are dedicated to simplifying the understanding of the relationship between real estate intelligence, achievement and innovation.

RESTful Platform

Our RESTful platform – Chania Estate Agency consultancy – operates on a fee-for-service basis. Whether you require advice on engineering and architectural matters, inquiries at the Land Registry office (Ypothikofilakeio), dedicated property pricing valuation, or a re-evaluation of your current real estate needs, we are here to assist you.

Additionally, you may simply want to incorporate ARENCORES’ Chania Estate Agency services into your property management, long-term rental strategies, marketing efforts, or sales process.

iPRO Platform

Introducing iPRO, our state-of-the-art platform featuring exclusively curated properties for sale in Chania, listed nowhere else. Each listing comes with all necessary documents meticulously organized to guarantee a seamless process, streamline decision-making, and ensure a successful property transaction.

To gain access to this innovative platform, prospective clients are required to sign an Engagement Letter along with providing a copy of their valid ID or Passport. Experience the pinnacle of real estate selection and transaction efficiency with iPRO.

Valuation & Advisory Real Estate Services in Chania

We provide uniquely informed perspectives on real estate valuations and property consulting, leveraging rich data from the Chania real estate market and delivering consistent, reliable service.

ARENCOS

ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING CONSULTANCY SERVICES

ARENCORES: Looking Beyond The Obvious

Unlock the value in every dimension of your real estate in Chania, Crete. Using Big Data Analytics and Advanced research, we provide bespoke real estate services that drive superior outcomes.

Knowledgeable, transparent and tailored real estate advice.

It’s unrealistic to expect a property developer to possess expertise in every aspect of a real estate project. At ARENCORES, we recognize this and offer specialized services to meet diverse needs.

We distinguish ourselves from traditional real estate agents by prioritizing comprehensive solutions over simplistic promises. Instead of merely focusing on high sales prices and basic marketing, we emphasize accuracy and strategy in pricing to ensure successful outcomes for buyers and sellers.

With nearly 15 years of experience in the Chania property market, we bring extensive industry knowledge to the table. Our research-driven approach considers current market conditions and pricing objectives, ensuring practical expectations and realistic budgets for our clients.

Our Property Marketing strategy, “List to Sell,” is designed to align with market dynamics and pricing goals, facilitating successful real estate transactions. Additionally, we understand that needs may vary, so we offer a range of professional services tailored to your requirements:

1. Master Agent: ARENCORES oversees all aspects of property management, marketing, and sales channels.

2. My Agent: A dedicated agent exclusively works on your property and project sales.

3. Consultancy: We offer fee-for-service pricing and marketing strategy consultancy to address specific needs and challenges.

Invest, Finance & Value

As a property development and investment firm, our experience has helped us perfect how to maximize returns of investments by spotting the marginal gains in the Chania real estate market. 

Compare listings

Compare