The Greek Golden Visa offers applicants a residence permit valid for an initial period of five years. During this time, visa holders can reside in Greece as they wish and continue living in other countries without the obligation to settle in Greece. They also have the right to travel visa-free to the other 26 European countries within the Schengen Area. Popular countries such as Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands are among the Schengen countries, which provides investors with freedom of movement across a large part of Europe.
When the five-year residence permit expires, Golden Visa holders can renew their residence permits indefinitely as long as they continue their investment. This renewal process is carried out in five-year periods each time and can be smoothly maintained as long as the investment is preserved in Greece. Therefore, as long as criteria such as property ownership, business investment, or fund investment are met, investors and their families are entitled to renew their residence permits in Greece.
The Greece Golden Visa program offers investors a flexible option because it does not require physical residency. This means that investors can obtain a residence permit without having to live in Greece permanently. Investors only need to maintain their property or investment to keep their residence permit. This allows investors to enjoy the quality of life Greece offers while also having the freedom to travel throughout Europe.
Additionally, Golden Visa holders may become eligible to apply for Greek citizenship if they reside in Greece continuously for a specified period. This period generally requires at least 6 months of residence each year within a seven-year period, and certain additional conditions must be met before applying for citizenship. Upon obtaining citizenship, they can benefit from all the advantages offered by Greece as well as the European Union.
