Compared to other EU countries offering permanent residency by investment, Greece is definitely among the best choices. Set in a privileged and strategic location, Greece is the ideal base for investors seeking business opportunities in Europe or wishing to take their business global. The country boasts top quality logistics and communication infrastructures, and has access to the high-growth emerging markets of the Balkans and the Southeastern Mediterranean.
Greece's decade-long economic crisis had resulted in the undervaluation of real estate. This means that, compared to other West European capitals, property prices are still low and competitive. As economic activities are recovering, prices are on the rise, so we, at Estia Developments, believe that now is a good time to invest.
Our team of experts can help you locate the best investment opportunities in Greece, through our wide collection of residential and commercial properties, and eventually, buy your chosen property and get residency by investment
The Greek Golden Visa program is the investors' means to become European residents, travel freely within the Schengen area, start a new life in Greece if they wish so, and most importantly earn income from their return on investment, as there are no limitations or imposed rules on the management of the property as in other EU countries.
The program was introduced by the Greek government in 2014. With a minimum investment of €250,000, non-EU nationals get permanent residency, with the prospect of automatically obtaining EU citizenship after seven years. Among other incentives are the low cost of living and the high quality of life that the country offers.
The advantages are multiple but the most important is that Greece offers the cheapest residency by investment program in the EU. By purchasing property at a minimum of €250,000, non-EU Nationals get full access (free travel) to the European Union and Schengen Area countries.
Other benefits include:
The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 countries with common policies and institutions. All EU countries are autonomous regarding their foreign policy and internal affairs but they are bound to some common legislative and judicial institutions. All EU citizens can travel, reside and work freely in any of the EU countries.
The Schengen zone is an area comprising 26 countries that have officially abolished all passport and all other types of border control at their mutual borders. These countries are: Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, in addition to three microstates: Monaco, Vatican City and San Marino.
| Greece | Cyprus | Spain | Italy | Portugal | |
| Minimum Investment | €250.000 | €300.000 | €500.000 | €500.000 | €500.000 |
| Processing time | 2-3 months | 2-3 months | 2-3 months | 1-2 months | 1-2 months |
| Minimum stay in country | Not required | A visit by all family members every 2 years |
Not required | Not required | 2 weeks every 2 years |
| Temporary residence validity | 5 years | Permanet | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Right for permanent residency | 7 years | Following a €2.150.000 investment |
10 years | 10 years | 5 years |
| Travel without VISA | Schengen zone | European union (no Schengen) |
Schengen zone | Schengen zone | Schengen zone |
| Residency for family & children | Yes* | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
* valid for children, parents and parents in law