Greece Investment Immigration

Investment immigration is a monetary deposit or investment made into a pre-approved project of the country the applicant seeks residency in. The investment must act in the benefit of the country’s economy; however, each jurisdiction establishes different requirements to satisfy in order to qualify for permanent residency.

Why Immigrate to Greece

Greece is considered a favorable location for foreign investors to seek permanent residency in due to its convenient geographical location within Europe. Greece is strategically situated to facilitate strong business and trading relations between other EU member states. Furthermore, the standard of health care in Greece is at a very high level compared to other EU states.

Who requires a Residence Visa in Greece

It is important to know whether you require a visa and whether you are eligible to apply for a residency visa in Greece. If you are a Greek citizen or you have citizenship from any other of the 27 European Union member states, then you have the right to not only work in Greece but also to reside there without the requirement of a residence visa. All non-EU nationals with no Greek relations who wish to seek residency in Greece (including those seeking to retire in Greece) must apply for a Greece residence permit. This permit will enable the individual to live in Greece but it is not a valid work permit. Other categories available for application of a residence visa are investors and entrepreneurs.

To be eligible to apply for a Greece Residency Permit

- The applicant must have sufficient funds to support residency in Greece
- Sufficient funds can be in the form of funds obtained outside Greece, pension or retirement incomes, virtual job income, personal savings or other related grants.
- You must provide evidence that you have a minimum of 2,000 EURO in your account on a monthly basis
- Alternatively you can deposit a minimum sum of 24,000 EURO into a Greece government approved bank account
- If you are intending to include your spouse of other dependants in your residence visa application you are required to have funds of an additional 15% extra per person

Validity of a Residency Permit

As stipulated under Greek immigration law, a residency permit based on investment or income level is only valid for a period of one year and is renewable on an annual basis. Validity of the residence permit extends to only 1 year as the individuals income/personal funds must be verified each year.

Investment Residence Permit

You are eligible to seek permanent residency in Greece by means of an investment. This investment must be in monetary form and must be invested into an existing Greek business or to start up a new business enterprise with the intention of creating new job opportunities for Greek individuals. This type of residence permit is valid for a period of 3 years with renewal necessary on expiry.

Conditions to satisfy under the Investor Residence Permit;

- The applicant must be a Non-EU national
- A solid business plan (translated in Greek) approved by the Interior Ministry
- A minimum of 300,000 EUROS of capital for the investment
- Creation of a minimum of 10 new job opportunities, 30% of these new positions must be given to Greek citizens
- The business investment must contribute to the development of the national Greek economy

Entrepreneur Residence Permit

An applicant can seek residency in Greece under this category providing they satisfy the following conditions.

- The applicant must be a Non-EU citizen
- The applicant must provide a comprehensive business plan detailing how the business will benefit the Greek economy
- The applicant must deposit a sum of no less than 60,000 EUROS into a pre-approved Greek bank account (this is to prove the applicant is solvent)
- On renewal of your residence visa you will be required to demonstrate an annual investment of 60,000 EUROS

Relevant documents required for a Resident Permit include

- Completed Visa application form
- Relevant spouse and dependants marriage and birth certificates respectively
- Copy of valid passport
- 2 x passport photos
- A certified travel medical insurance document (minimum coverage of 30,000 EUROS)
- Documentation detailed the purpose of the visit/residency in Greece
- Proof of accommodation (where the applicant is seeking a visitor or business visa)
- Proof of your funds available to support your stay in Greece (relevant documents include bank statements from the previous 3 months)

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