The Greek Residency Law

The Greek Law 4251/2014 in the “Permanent residency permit for investors” article, offers permanent residency permits to non-EU citizens and their family members, who invest in Greek property an amount of at least €250,000.

The residency permit (Golden Visa) can be renewed indefinitely every five years, as long as the property remains fully in the ownership of the main investor. Periods of absence from the country do not constitute a reason for dismissal.
The property owner may be accompanied by the members of his/her family. Family members may be granted a renewable personal residence permit which expires concurrently with the residence permit of the main investor (property owner).
Family members are: spouse, children up to 21 years of age, applicant΄s parents, spouse’s parents.
After seven years of continuous residency in the country, investors and their family members are eligible to apply for Greek citizenship. The two main criteria for citizenship eligibility is to live in Greece for a minimum of 5 years before application and to learn the Greek language.

The Law 4251/2014 in bullets:

  • Minimum investment amount €250,000 per family, the cheapest program in Europe
  • Investors have the legal right to apply for both permanent residence and citizenship
  • The investor may offer residency to all family members: spouse, children (up to 21 years of age), parents and spouse’s parents
  • The investor will be able to sell his/her property to another foreign citizen and transfer the residency permit together with the property. No minimum time for ownership before transfer
  • The investor may establish his/her own business in Greece
  • There is no obligation for the investor or family members to stay in Greece to maintain the residency right
  • Residency permit holders may travel freely to all Schengen countries.
  • Residency permit holders may also travel directly from their country of origin without having to come first to Greece
  • Residency permit holders may stay permanently in Greece
  • Their children have access to the Greek educational system

And moreover, as a resident in Greece:

  • You are not taxed in Greece for your global income
  • You do not pay capital duty or net wealth tax
  • You can register unlimited number of assets without restrictions
  • You can open unlimited number of bank accounts
  • You pay the lowest property tax in Europe (~€5 per sq. meter annually)

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