What is the Greece Golden Visa Program?

The Greece Golden Visa Program is a residence by investment program launched by the Greek government in 2013, which allows non-EU nationals and their family members to obtain permanent residence permits in Greece through a minimum real estate investment in Greece.

Greece offers a simple residency route, with no minimum stay requirement. Successful applicants and their families can enjoy visa-free access to Europe’s Schengen Area within 2-3 months of applying and can renew their residence permits every five years. Greece is among the limited number of countries that presently offer a Golden Visa Program, which offers genuine investors the opportunity to acquire residency in Greece through investment – it is considered one of the most attractive and affordable residence by investment programs in Europe.

The Greece Golden Visa requires the lowest minimum investment in the EU at only €250,000 – however, there are presently discussions to raise this amount to €500,000. Contact us to learn more about how buying a home at Hamptons Greece can automatically qualify as an investment towards the Greece Golden Visa program!

What are the benefits of a Greek Golden Visa?

There are numerous benefits of a Greek Golden Visa, such as: the opportunity to live in European Union country with a permanent residence permit, visa-free access to the European Union, relocation of your entire family to Greece, high quality of life, access to excellent education systems, zero stay requirements, double taxation treaty for certain beneficiaries, pathways to citizenship by naturalization, and owning real estate property with the opportunity to rent it out and gain back returns.

Unlike residency by investment programs in Turkey, Dubai, Grenada, St Kitts, St Lucia, and Montenegro … Greece is an EU member state and thus, as a Greece Residence Permit holder, you would enjoy many of the rights of an EU citizen. This means that you and your entire family can enjoy visa-free travel through Europe’s Schengen Area.

The Schengen Zone consists of 26 European countries that have officially abolished visas and border control at their mutual borders and include: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Lastly, the Greek Golden Visa Program provides a clear pathway for foreign investors to become a Greek, and ultimately, an EU citizen. Whether you are a non-EU citizen seeking a second residency that offers phenomenal healthcare and education benefits, a foreign investor wishing to diversify your portfolio in a thriving real estate market, or a retiree looking for a vacation home in a warm and beautiful country, the Greek Golden Visa Program offers a straightforward path to achieving your goals.

How can I get permanent residency in Greece through the Golden Visa Program?

At Hamptons Greece, we work tirelessly to ensure that the entire process is extremely easy and hassle-free for our clients. By purchasing a home from Hamptons Greece, our team of lawyers and accountants will immediately begin the application process for you and your family’s Golden Visa application. Provided that you meet the criteria to apply, you can expect to have your Golden Visa approved within 60-90 days after finalizing your purchase with us.

To qualify for the program and acquire the renewable residence permit, applicants must have a clear criminal record and secure a real estate investment in Greece with a minimum value of €250,000, plus applicable fees and taxes. However, it is important to note that the Greek government plans to raise the minimum value to €500,000 for real estate investments as of 2023.

Further, the applicant will need a property purchase contract with Hamptons Greece that shows no conditions or exemptions in the purchase; they must also indicate the method of payment and that the minimum deposit or payment of 250,000 has been made in full.

I understand that my villa with Hamptons Greece isn’t expected to be completed until May 2025. Do I have to wait for its completion before obtaining my Golden Visa?

No, you don’t have to wait until your villa is completed to obtain your Golden Visa. One of the standout features of Hamptons Greece is the ability to secure your Golden Visa as soon as 90 days after you’ve signed and paid for your villa. This means you can start benefiting from your Golden Visa privileges well before your villa is ready.

Who is eligible to apply for a Greek Golden Visa?

Anyone who is a third-country national can apply for the Greek Golden Visa, meaning that anyone who isn’t already an EU or EEA country citizen can apply after making the minimum investment. All citizens of all nationalities are eligible for the Greek Golden Visa Program, with the exact same terms.

The legal, consulting and accounting teams at Hamptons Greece will work closely with you to prepare your Golden Visa application and perform due diligence to ensure that you meet some basic requirements, such as: being at least 18 years old, having valid medical insurance for yourself and your family, having a clean criminal record in the country where you are currently a resident, and being of “good character”.

Can my family also receive permanent residency?

Yes, when you buy a Hamptons Greece residence, family members of the principal applicant can also receive permanent residency from the same investment. Family members included are the main applicant’s spouse, unmarried children under 21 years of age, and the applicant’s parents, as well as their spouse’s parents, provided that these individuals are dependents of the applicant. In some cases, a child older than 21, but no older than 24, can be included if they are still studying.

Who is considered a family member?

The following family members are eligible for a Greece Golden Visa with the main applicant:

• Spouses
• Children under the age of 21
• Parents of the main applicants
• Spouse’s parents or Parent’s in law
• Unmarried partners are not considered to be family members

How much does a Golden Visa cost in Greece?

To qualify for a Golden Visa, you must buy a property worth at least €250,000*. In addition, you will be required to pay for property registration, notary, legal, and government fees. The main applicant must pay €2,000 for the first application and subsequent renewals. Additionally, each family member over the age of 21 must pay €500, while those under the age of 21 must pay €150.

Note that the minimum amount does not include the Value Added Tax (VAT). In cases of joint ownership of the real estate property by spouses, the residence right is granted to both spouses. For real estate investments, you may expect to pay around 11-12 percent of the investment property value in additional legal, translation, and administrative fees.

Some estimated costs to consider for real estate property investments:

• Property Transfer Tax: about 3.09 percent of the real estate property value
• Notary Public Fees: about 1 to 1.5 percent of the property value
• Land Registry Fee: about 0.6 to 0.8 percent of the property value
  Payment to the Greek
• Government: about €2000 for the main investor, and €150 per additional family member
• Greek Healthcare Insurance: about €100 for adults and around €80 for dependent children according to their age
• Golden Visa Application Fee: about €300 per person
• Golden Visa Renewal Fee: about €500 when the time comes
• Appointed Lawyer Fees: depending on the lawyer and the services provided

What is the process to apply for a Golden Visa through Hamptons Greece?

Step 1: Property Selection

Start by browsing through our extensive catalogue of luxurious villas at Hamptons Greece. Find the property that matches your preferences and needs. Our experienced sales team are ready to assist you with any inquiries and questions you might have.

Step 2: Purchase Agreement

Once you’ve chosen your ideal villa, we’ll finalize the purchase agreement. This includes signing the contract, the KYC & AML forms, and providing the deposit. Remember, any property purchase within our Hamptons Greece project automatically qualifies you for the Golden Visa application.

Step 3: Golden Visa Application Initiation

Within 48 hours of the finalized purchase agreement, we start the process of your family’s Golden Visa application. Our dedicated full-time team of lawyers, immigration consultants, and accounting firms will handle all the complexities of the process.

Step 4: Essential Documentation and Formalities

Our professional team will help you open a Greek bank account, obtain a Greek Tax ID, and secure health and medical insurance for you and your family. All these are necessary requirements for the Golden Visa application.

Step 5: Application Submission and Processing

After all documents are collected and formalities completed, we submit your Golden Visa application. Our team will follow up and navigate the bureaucracy to ensure your application is processed as quickly as possible, typically within 60-90 days.

Step 6: Celebrating Success

Once your Golden Visa is approved, you and your family are granted residency in Greece. Enjoy your new luxury villa in Hamptons Greece and welcome to your new home! If for any reason your application is not successful, we offer a 100% guarantee and will refund your money within seven business days by buying your property back.

What kind of support will Hamptons Greece provide during the application process?

Hamptons Greece offers comprehensive Concierge Services to assist you throughout your application process. If you opt into our service package, we will apply for your Golden Visa on your behalf, complete all the requisite paperwork, assist you in opening a bank account and obtaining a Greek tax ID, help you obtain acceptable life and health insurance, and provide you with 24/7 translation services.

Further, our accounting and legal team will be at your service to answer your questions and ensure that your application is completed to the highest standard. Our goal is to provide a hassle-free and comprehensive Golden Visa application service, so that your application has the highest chances of being approved.

What is the Golden Visa program offered by Hamptons Greece?

The Golden Visa program offered by Hamptons Greece is a pathway to Greek residency through property acquisition. The process is free, and our team of lawyers, accountants, and consultants will work with you to secure a Greek Golden Visa for you and your family in just 90 days, without any charges! This will save you and your family €20,000-€35,000.

How can I qualify for the Greece Golden Visa program?

To qualify for the Golden Visa program, you need to invest in a Hamptons property in Greece.

What are the benefits of participating in the Greece Golden Visa program?

By participating in the Greece Golden Visa program, you can enjoy numerous benefits. Not only do you acquire a luxurious villa in Hamptons Greece, but you also gain the opportunity for an income property or permanent living. Additionally, the program allows your entire family to obtain Greek residency. You can also enjoy visa-free travel to 26 countries in the Schengen Area and 54 other countries, along with access to great education, healthcare, and much more.

What does the Golden Visa program offer in terms of Greek residency?

The Golden Visa program provides a pathway to Greek residency for your entire family, including up to 10 people. The program offers residency for 5 years, which can be easily renewed for another 5 years. After residing in Greece for a total of 7 years, you become eligible to apply for citizenship.

Can I use the acquired property as a vacation home?

Yes, by investing in a Hamptons property, you can indeed use the acquired property as a luxurious vacation or vacation rental home while still qualifying for the free Greek Golden Visa. One of the notable advantages of the Greece Golden Visa is that it does not have any minimum stay requirements. Furthermore, through our rental management program, you can earn up to 14% without any hassles or difficulties.

Is it possible to use the acquired property for permanent living?

Absolutely! The property you acquire through the Golden Visa program can serve as an idyllic home for permanent living in Hamptons Greece.

What are the key features of the Golden Visa program?

The key features of the Golden Visa program offered by Hamptons Greece include acquiring a luxurious villa, the opportunity for vacation or permanent living, and unlocking Greek residency for your entire family. Notably, there are zero lawyer and immigration consultant fees associated with the program, and it comes with a 100% money-back guarantee. Additionally, the program grants you and your family visa-free travel to 26 Schengen countries and 54 global countries. It also provides excellent education opportunities for your children in Greece, Europe, and North America.

How can I get started with the Golden Visa program?

To get started with the Golden Visa program, you can contact Hamptons Greece and inquire about the property acquisition process and the requirements for participation in the program.

What are the 26 Schengen countries that I can travel to visa-free?

The 26 Schengen countries that you can travel to visa-free are:
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

Which Non Schengen countries can I travel to visa-free with Greece’s Golden Visa?

With Greece’s Golden Visa, you can travel visa-free to a range (54) of countries. Some of the countries included are Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macao SAR, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, and Uruguay.

Who qualifies for the Golden Visa through the same investment?

The Greek Golden Visa Program extends its benefits to include certain family members of the investor. These include:

• The spouse or partner who is legally married or has signed a cohabitation agreement in Greece.
• Children under 21 years of age at the time of the investment, extending up to their 24th birthday.
• Parents and parents-in-law of the primary investor.

Can multiple investors co-own a property and qualify for a Golden Visa?

Yes, co-ownership is permissible. Each individual must invest a minimum of €250,000 to be eligible for the Golden Visa. This rule applies even if the co-owners aren’t family members. However, for spouses, a single property worth €250,000 is sufficient to secure a Golden Visa for both.

What documents should I prepare for my initial visit to Greece before purchasing a property?

In preparation for your Golden Visa application and the opening of a Greek bank account prior to property acquisition, you’ll need to have the following documents officially issued and translated into English:

• Two forms of identification.
• Proof of permanent home address, for instance, a mobile phone bill or electricity bill.
• Documentation of profession and annual income.
• Evidence of funds, such as bank statements.

The requirements might vary based on individual circumstances, so we recommend getting in touch with us for guidance on obtaining the appropriate documents according to your professional status and country-specific regulations.

Am I allowed to work in Europe with a Golden Visa?

While the investor residence permit, or Golden Visa, doesn’t grant the right to employment, it doesn’t restrict the holder from engaging in economic activities as a shareholder, business founder, Digital NOMAD, CEO or owner of your own company, or Board Member.

What documents are required for the Greece Golden Visa?

The current required documents for the Golden Visa application include:

• Two copies of the application form
• Four recent, colored passport pictures following the Schengen Visa photo requirements
• A certified copy of a valid passport, or other travel documents recognized by Greece
• Certified proof of an active Greek Schengen Visa for applicants and their family members
• Certified proof of active Greek health insurance for all applicants and their family members
• Certified proof of payment of processing fees and relevant government fees
• Proof of sufficient funds in bank accounts
• Notarized real estate purchasing agreement
• Applicants may be requested to provide other documents pertaining to their investments, and their ties to any affiliated family member.

What is the processing time for a Greek Golden Visa?

The processing time for a Greek Golden Visa is between 1 to 3 months – after submitting all necessary documents, your application will be assessed within 90 days.

We are confident in the quality of our services at Hamptons Greece and thus are happy to offer you the “Hamptons 100% Guarantee” – if we are unable to obtain you residency, you can cancel your transaction with us!

Can I renew my Golden Visa?

The residence permit through Golden Visa Greece is renewable every five years, provided the holder maintains a property or investments in Greece and still meets all the eligibility requirements.

Do I need to travel to Greece to apply for a Golden Visa or can I apply remotely?

As of December 2020, you do not need to visit Greece before or during the application procedure. However, you will need to go to Greece once your application has been approved in order to submit biometric information for you and your family.

What are my investment options at Hamptons Greece?

A world class villa in one of the world’s richest cultural hubs represents a prime investment opportunity for any informed buyer. By investing in Hamptons, you can enjoy all the benefits of residence through investment programs, while also enjoying all the financial security of owning a prime asset in an outstanding location.

Is it possible to rent the real estate property to third parties?

Yes, investors who own real estate at Hamptons Greece have the right to rent their property. Under Hamptons’ rental management program, we can also rent your place for you and earn you up to 12-15% in rental income. Speak to an advisor at Hamptons Greece to learn more about our Rental Management Program.

Can the applicant take a mortgage out on the property to receive a loan?

Applicants are not allowed to take a mortgage out on the property for their Golden Visa application in Greece. The €250,000 investment for the Golden Visa must be from your own funds and can not be borrowed.

Is it possible to make a property investment through co-ownership?

Yes, the property can be acquired through co-ownership if each joint investor is making the minimum investment. For example, if two families purchased one Hamptons Villa together at 50-50% ownership each family, then both families would qualify for the Golden Visa Program.

Can I travel to other countries within the EU with a Greek residency permit?

One of the best parts about obtaining Greek residency by investment is the limitless EU travel enjoyed by Greek citizens. Greece is a member of the EU Schengen Zone, so the holders of the Greek Golden Visa enjoy the privilege of free movement within the Schengen Zone, without any requirement for further visa applications.

The Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

Those with Greek residency can enjoy unrestricted travel around the likes of France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and other EU member states – as well as many countries around the world – without a visa, breezing through airport lines, crossing over borders without any interruptions, and seeing all the wonders and beauty of the European continent with no hassle whatsoever. Not to mention that the Greek Passport is ranked as the 7th strongest passport in the world, which allows you to travel to 185 countries without a visa!

How long do I have to live in Greece?

Another major benefit of obtaining a Golden Visa through the purchase of a home at Hamptons Greece is that there is no minimum requirement for our homeowners to reside in Greece to maintain their residency permit.

If I obtain the Greek Golden Visa, do I have to pay taxes in Greece?

You have to pay taxes only on the income you receive in Greece, thanks to the double taxation treaty. Of course, if you spend most of the year there, you become a tax resident in Greece and must pay taxes. Keep in mind that being a tax resident is a requirement to apply for citizenship.

Greece entered into double taxation agreements with 57 countries, allowing many Golden Visa holders to enjoy certain tax benefits. Countries that have a double taxation treaty with Greece include:

Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Korea, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Morocco, Mexico, Malta, Moldavia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Sweden, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, Tunisia, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, and Uzbekistan.

As of 2021, the Greek Government introduced many tax incentive programs for non-residents in Greece. Depending on your country of residence and the amount of time you spend in Greece, it is likely that your international income may not be subject to taxation in Greece.

Greece provides tax benefits to foreigners living in the country as tax residents, offering various incentive programs for retirees, digital nomads, and other expat demographics, making Greece one of the best countries in the world for low taxation! Our “Golden Concierge” tax accountants will work with you following your arrival in Greece to determine and set up the best tax structure globally for your unique needs!

Does the Greek permanent residency give the holder the right to apply for citizenship?

Yes, the main applicant and their family members are eligible to apply for Greek citizenship after maintaining 7 years of residence in Greece.