Greece

Embark on Your Greek Odyssey with Inimex Residency Services

Greece, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and sunny islands, offers a unique mix of ancient traditions and modern comforts. Known as the birthplace of Western civilization, Greece specifically attracts expatriates from all over the world who love cultural richness, a relaxed lifestyle, and a warm Mediterranean climate. In light of this, Inimex expertly navigates individuals through the Greek residency process, ideal for real estate owners, retirees, and individuals who are financially self-sufficient. The Greek economic immigration programs provide a direct route to a multi-year residence permit, long-term residency, as well as Greek citizenship. Our team at Inimex provides personalized support from start to finish, guiding our clients through the complexities of the application process, legal requirements, and integration. Residency in Greece not only means enjoying the country’s enchanting natural beauty and historical sites but also benefiting from a strategic location for business and travel across Europe, making it an ideal base for both personal and business ventures.Begin your Greek immigration journey with Inimex’s expert guidance and unlock a world full of possibilities in one of Europe’s most inviting destinations.

Our services

Services offered in Greece

check Complete assistance in preparing immigration files, offering step-by-step guidance through the submission process for Golden Visa or for national long-stay visas at Greek Consular services. check Guidance for starting or expanding your business in Greece, tapping into the country’s business-friendly environment, skilled workforce, and strategic location.
check CPersonalized support with real estate, featuring prime properties in Athens, the Greek islands, and coastal regions. Services extend beyond transactions by identifying and securing assets that align with your investment goals. check Submission and private assistance in obtaining a residence permit at the Residence Permits Directorate.
check SBank account opening with leading institutions such as Piraeus, Alpha and National Bank of Greece. Management with the compliance department to meet regulatory account requirements. check Help with daily needs and concerns including housing, schooling, medical coverage, driver’s license, translation and more.

Advantages

Advantages of living in Greece

EU Residency

Access to Greek permanent residency status for homeowners, which is a 5-year card. Self-sufficient individuals and retirees can obtain a temporary residence permit with a 1-year validity, renewable each year. Greek citizenship can be granted after 7-year residency, allowing dual-citizenship.

Business

Permanent residents have the right to work in Greece without the need for a separate work permit. It is also possible to establish and operate a business, tapping into the Greek and broader European market.

Travel

Holders of a Greek residency permit means freedom of movement within the Schengen Area is at their fingertips. Without the need for additional visas, this makes travel across numerous EU destinations convenient and accessible.

Lifestyle

Residents can fully immerse themselves in Greek culture, experience the country’s rich historical heritage, diverse landscapes, and quintessential Mediterranean lifestyle.

Cost of Living

While this can vary depending on the location within Greece, generally, the cost of living is considered to be lower compared to many other parts of Europe, especially when it comes to food, housing, education, transport and leisure.

Culture

As the cradle of Western civilization, Greece is steeped in history and culture, offering an abundance of historical sites, museums, and authentic cultural festivals.

Permits

Residence permits

01 | Golden Visa - Permanent Residency for Home Owners

The Greek Golden Visa Immigration Program offers a long-term residency permit, valid for 5 years, to non-European investors who make a significant real estate investment in Greece. To qualify for this program and maintain this immigration status, the property must be of at least €250,000 and be held for not less than 5 years. One of the benefits of this program is the inclusion of family members, such as children and parents, who can each also receive a Greek residency permit valid for 5 years.

To qualify for the Greek Golden Visa program, it is expected to make an investment in real estate of the following amount:

  • €250,000: Required for properties in most regions of Greece.
    Or
  • €500,000: Required for properties in high-demand areas that include Central Athens, the northern and southern suburbs of Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, and Thessaloniki.

As of January 1, 2023, the Greek Golden Visa program requires a minimum investment of €500,000 for properties in high-demand areas as listed above. This change was introduced to manage the high demand for real estate in these popular regions while encouraging investment in other parts of the country.

When applying for the Greek Golden Immigration Program, you will need to submit several documents to the Greek authorities that justify your socio-economic situation and real estate investment in Greece. These documents must be translated into Greek and legalized. Below is a general list of documents that may be needed to present:

  • Passport.
  • Birth certificate.
  • Proof of relationship for other dependents (e.g., parents, if applicable).
  • Marriage certificate, if applicable.
  •  Documents justifying the origin of your income and of funds. The documents can include but are not limited to the following: tax returns from your country of origin and/or residence, demonstrating declared income and paid taxes. If applicable, documents proving ownership of a business, such as business registration certificates, articles of incorporation, and financial statements. Letters from employers confirming your employment status, salary, and duration of employment. If the investment funds were obtained through the sale of property, provide the sale agreement and proof of received funds. If the funds were received as a gift, provide a notarized gift declaration and bank statements showing the transfer.
  • Proof of Investment: Real Estate Purchase: Contract of purchase stating the full payment of the agreed price of at least €250,000 or €500,000, depending on the area.
    Property Transfer Proof: Certificate from the notary confirming the transfer of property.
    Land Registry Certificate: Confirming the transfer of ownership.
  • Medical insurance confirmation valid in Greece during the entire stay in the country.
  • Police certificate issued less than 3 months ago from your country of origin and/or the country of residence (if different).
  • Bank documents and bank certificates.
  • Confirmation of residence in Greece.

Step 1: Initial Consultation

  • Contact Inimex: Reach out to our team. We will be glad to discuss your immigration goals and determine your eligibility for the Greek Golden Visa program.
  • Personalized Assessment: Our experts will assess your specific situation and answer all questions and concerns you may have regarding your immigration to Greece.

Step 2: Documentation Preparation

  • Guidance on Required Documents: Inimex will provide you with a comprehensive list of the necessary documents based on your particular situation, country of origin and/or of residence (if different).
  • Document Collection: We assist you in gathering all required documents, ensuring they meet the Greek authorities’ standards.
  • Translation and Notarization: Our team will arrange for the translation and notarization of all documents into Greek.

Step 3: Investment Process

  • Investment Selection: We guide you through selecting the appropriate investment option based on your preferences, budget, needs and personal aspirations.
  • Due Diligence: Inimex conducts thorough due diligence on potential investments to ensure compliance and suitability.
  • Completion of Investment: We assist you in completing the investment, including legal support for property purchases and other financial transactions.

Step 4: Application Submission

  • Application Form: Inimex helps you complete and review the application forms.
  • Submission to Authorities: We provide guidance and support to ensure you are well-prepared for the official submission of your application at the Greek Consular authorities in your country.
  • Monitoring Application Status: Our team monitors the status of your application and keeps you informed of any updates.

Step 5: Visa and Residence Permit Issuance

  • Visa Issuance: Upon approval, you will receive a long-stay visa in your passport allowing you to travel to Greece with the possibility of obtaining a residence permit under the Golden Visa Program (investor). Inimex will assist you in every formality of the immigration process, including in obtaining a residence permit for you and your family members. The residence permit will have a validity period of 5 years.

Step 6: Post-Arrival to Greece

  • Relocation Assistance: Inimex provides support for your relocation to Greece, including finding housing, school enrollment for your children, bank account opening, and other services to meet your needs. We also offer useful information and guidance to help you and your family integrate into Greek society, such as finding language courses, obtaining a Greek driver license, and more.

Step 7: Renewal and Long-Term Support

  • Residency Permit Renewal: Inimex reminds you of renewal deadlines and assists you in the renewal process to ensure continuous residency.
  • Citizenship: Greek citizenship can be obtained through naturalization after legal residency in the country of a minimum duration of 7 years.
  • Ongoing Assistance: Our team remains available to support you with any additional needs you may require, such as business establishment, further investments opportunities, or any changes in your residency status.

02 | Residency for Financially Independent Applicants

Greece offers a unique residency pathway for individuals who can demonstrate sufficient financial means. This program allows non-EU citizens to reside in Greece and obtain a Greek residence permit, provided they have sufficient funds to support themselves. It is an excellent option for retirees, for self-sufficient individuals and for those who would like to have a second residence in Greece in this beautiful Mediterranean country.

The main requirements an applicant will have to meet meet to qualify for a Greek national visa and residence permit for financially independent individuals are:

– Provide evidence of sufficient means of subsistence. The main applicant must demonstrate a minimum monthly income of €2,000. For dependents, an additional 20% per spouse and 15% per child is required.
Have an accommodation in Greece for the duration of the stay, which can be either a long-term rental agreement or proof of property ownership.
Possess a medical insurance covering all health risks on the territory of Greece.

To qualify for residency as a financially independent individual in Greece, applicants must primarily provide evidence of possessing sufficient means of subsistence. The following types of documentation can serve as evidence:

  • Bank statements demonstrating adequate savings or regular income.
  • Pension slips, if applicable.
  • Proof of investments.
  • Business income.
  • Certificate of dividends generating steady income.
  • Employment contracts.
  • Passif income.
  • Additional documents confirming the applicant’s status include the following:
  • Passport.
  • Birth certificate.
  • Marriage certificate if married, divorce certificate if divorced.
  • Medical certificate attesting to the applicant’s good health.
  • Medical insurance coverage.
  • Diplomas (if relevant to occupation).
  • Police clearance.
  • Confirmation of accommodation during the entire stay in Greece, which can be either a long-term rental agreement or proof of property ownership.

All documents will have to be translated into Greek and certified according to the Greek guidelines.

Below is a comprehensive process that our clients follow, ensuring they receive support at every stage of their application for Greek residency as financially independent individuals:

  • Initial Consultation. First and foremost, we recommend beginning with a consultation with our expert team. This initial meeting allows us to assess your specific situation, provide detailed information about the available programs, their conditions, requirements, and the overall process in Greece.
  • Document Review. Based on our assessment, we will guide you on the essential documentation needed for your Greek visa and residency applications. We assist with the translation and legalization of documents to ensure your documents are prepared per local guidelines and are complete.
  • Additional Services. If you require assistance with opening a Greek bank account, searching for property in Greece, or obtaining medical insurance, our team is present to help you navigate these steps. Additionally, we ensure that every document is verified and every stage of your process is handled with care.
  • Appointment with Greek Consular Services. Once all documents are prepared, we will complete your application forms and schedule an appointment at the Greek consular services in your home country or country of residence. You will apply for a Greek national long-stay visa, which is followed by obtaining a residence permit in Greece.
    Visa Issuance. If your application is approved, an immigration national visa will be issued in your passport, with a validity of 12 months. This visa allows you to travel to Greece and initiate the next steps of the residency process.
  • Residence Permit Application. Upon arrival in Greece, we will assist you in submitting your documents to the
  • Residence Permits Directorate of your place of residence. This will allow you to obtain your first Greek residence permit, which is usually issued for a period of 2 years.

In Greece, you can apply for a long-term residence card after legally residing in the country for at least 5 years. Additionally, citizenship of Greece can be acquired after reading in the country for 7 years.

03 | Citizenship of Greece

There are various ways to obtain Greek citizenship. In this section, we will elaborate on the pathway through naturalization.
Greek citizenship by naturalization is possible for individuals who wish to become Greek citizens after residing in the country for a certain period and meeting specific requirements.

To be eligible for Greek citizenship through naturalization, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Residency:
    • The applicant must have legally resided in Greece for at least 7 years continuously. This period can be reduced under certain circumstances, such as marriage to a Greek citizen or being a descendant of Greek nationals.
    • Applicants must demonstrate legal residence with a valid residence permit for the duration of their stay.
  • Economic Self-Sufficiency:
    • Applicants must prove that they are economically self-sufficient and can support themselves without relying on social assistance.
  • Knowledge of the Greek Language:
    • Demonstrating a basic knowledge of the Greek language, both spoken and written, is required. This can be done through a language test or proof of education in Greece.
  • Integration into Greek Society:
    • Applicants must show that they are integrated into Greek society, which may include factors like employment, social ties, and participation in community life.
  • No Criminal Record:
    • A clean criminal record is essential. Applicants must provide a certificate from their home country confirming they have no criminal history.

Application Submission:
The applicant submits their naturalization application to the Greek Ministry of Interior, including all required documentation such as proof of residence, financial independence, language proficiency, and a criminal record check.

Review and Interview:
After the submission, the authorities will review the application and may invite the applicant for an interview to assess their integration into Greek society and language skills.

Approval and Oath of Allegiance:
Once the application is approved, the applicant will be required to take an oath of allegiance to Greece, after which they will receive their Greek citizenship. It is important to note that Greece allows dual citizenship.

Passport: You can apply for a Greek national ID and passport immediately after you receive your official naturalization certificate. Greek passports are typically valid for 5 years for adults and 3 years for minors.

Documents

Examples of documents

Contact Us

+351 920 329 654

info@inimexeu.com

Av. da Boavista 1679, Porto, Portugal

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