The Greece Golden Visa is one of Europe’s most sought-after investment residency programs, particularly among Indian investors. This visa offers a unique opportunity for foreign nationals to gain residency in Greece and access to the entire Schengen Area, which includes 27 European countries.
In this blog, we will explore the details of the Greece Golden Visa, the latest updates regarding the program, the benefits for Indian investors, and how Unimoni can assist you throughout the process.
The Greece Golden Visa is an investment residency program that grants non-EU citizens a residence permit in Greece in exchange for a qualifying investment in the country. Launched in 2013, the program aims to attract foreign investment to Greece, particularly in real estate, which can contribute to the country’s economic recovery. This visa allows investors to reside in Greece and opens the door to travel freely within the Schengen Area.
The Greece Golden Visa is one of Europe’s most affordable residency-by-investment programs, making it an attractive option for investors, especially from countries like India, looking to gain European residency.
To be eligible for the Greece Golden Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Non-EU Nationals: Applicants must be citizens of a non-EU country.
Investment Requirements: Applicants must make a qualifying investment in Greece. The most common investment options include:
Age and Health Requirements: The applicant must be over 18 and healthy.
Background Check: Applicants must provide a clean criminal record from their country of origin.
The Greece Golden Visa program has seen some significant updates over the years. These updates are designed to streamline the process, increase investment in Greece, and attract high-net-worth individuals to the country. Below are some of the latest updates to the program:
In 2024, the Greek government introduced changes to the Golden Visa program, particularly affecting the real estate investment threshold. While the €250,000 threshold still stands for most areas, certain popular regions like Athens and the Greek islands have seen property prices hike. As a result, investors interested in prime real estate areas will need to consider these changes when making investment decisions.
Apart from gaining residency in Greece, applicants now have better access to healthcare, education, and other public services, which makes Greece an increasingly attractive option for Indian investors planning to relocate with their families.
The Greek government has recently streamlined the application process, offering faster processing times. With modernised systems in place, applicants can expect their residence permits to be issued within weeks after completing the investment and submitting the required documentation.
The Golden Visa program allows investors to include their families under one application. This includes spouses, children up to 21 years old, and even parents and parents-in-law of the primary applicant. This makes the program highly appealing for Indian families looking to relocate or invest in Greece.
The Golden Visa program grants a 5-year renewable residence permit, but investors may apply for Greek citizenship after 7 years of continuous residence. This path to citizenship is a major advantage for long-term investors seeking a European Union passport.
For Indian nationals, the Greece Golden Visa offers several compelling advantages for the individual and their family. Some of the key benefits are:
One of the main attractions of the Greece Golden Visa is the ability to travel freely within the Schengen Area. This includes popular European destinations such as France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and many more. This is an invaluable benefit for Indian investors who want to explore Europe without the need for multiple visas.
The € 250,000 investment threshold for property purchase is one of the lowest in Europe, making Greece an attractive option compared to other European countries. This allows Indian investors to gain access to European residency at a more affordable price.
Greek residents have access to excellent public healthcare and education systems. This is a major benefit for Indian families, as they can enjoy world-class medical care and send their children to reputable universities across Europe.
The ability to apply for Greek citizenship after 7 years of residence is a major long-term benefit. With an EU passport, Indian investors and their families can enjoy the privileges of EU citizenship, including the right to live, work, and study in any EU country.
Greece offers a high standard of living, a stable political environment, and a strong economy. For Indian investors, Greece represents a safe haven for their investments, with a high return on investment in the real estate market, particularly in prime locations like Athens and the Greek islands.
The Golden Visa program also offers great flexibility for inheritance planning. Investors can pass on their residency status to their children and even their grandchildren, ensuring that future generations benefit from European residency.
As an experienced global financial services provider, Unimoni offers a wide range of services to Indian investors, making the process smoother and more efficient. Here’s how Unimoni can assist:
Travel and Documentation Assistance
Unimoni ensures a stress-free travel experience for investors and their families by providing:
Outward Remittance Services
Unimoni simplifies sending money abroad for various purposes, ensuring compliance with RBI guidelines and offering secure, efficient services. Whether you’re remitting funds for migration, visa fees, or maintaining close relatives, Unimoni provides tailored solutions to meet your needs.
Foreign Exchange and Forex Cards
Unimoni offers competitive exchange rates and a wide selection of currencies to cater to your international financial needs. For frequent travellers or investors managing transactions abroad:
NRO and NRE Repatriation
Unimoni helps manage the repatriation of funds for NRIs. NRE and NRO repatriation service ensures quick and hassle-free transactions, facilitating the movement of funds internationally in compliance with FEMA guidelines.
Unimoni’s expertise extends beyond remittance and documentation, offering strategic assistance throughout your Golden Visa journey:
Unimoni’s extensive global network, adherence to compliance standards, and personalized customer service make it the ideal partner for Indian investors pursuing the Greece Golden Visa or managing other international financial needs.
