Greece: Moving with Your Family

Greece is one of the best countries for relocation: here expats can enjoy a warm climate, excellent infrastructure, high standard of living and affordable prices. Families choose the country for its safety, the opportunity to give their children a high-quality education and at the same time enjoy the sun and sea all year round. In addition, Greece has a Golden visa programme, which allows you to obtain a residence permit for an investment of €250,000 for the whole family.

We tell you how to move to Greece with your family and what makes life in sunny Hellas attractive.

Pros of Living in Greece

Greece amazes with its comfortable living environment, attributed to mild climate, beautiful nature, countless leisure opportunities, and even more.

Climate and nature

Greece has over 300 days of sunshine a year. The country’s climate is mostly Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters – without severe frosts or storms.

The nature of Greece is incredibly diverse and beautiful. There are many forests and mountains, parks and reserves, unique views and landscapes. Greek beaches are some of the cleanest and most beautiful: the country leads the world in the number of the Blue Flag awards year after year.

Leisure and Entertainment 

Greece is a country with a variety of holiday opportunities: everyone can find something to do here, whether it is a trip to the beach, diving or snorkeling, cycling, sea excursions, or even skiing. History buffs can enjoy local attractions and excursions, whilst sea lovers are welcome to go to the islands, of which there are more than 2K in Greece.

Gourmets will be able to discover national cuisine and visit vineyards with local wine degustations and hundreds of varieties of cheese and hunters of fashionable and interesting things will be amazed by the shopping districts of Athens and Thessaloniki, traditional Greek markets and souvenir shops. Nightlife lovers will find a wide variety of bars and clubs for every taste.

History and Culture

Greece is a country with an ancient history. It has given the world many cultural and social phenomena that have survived to this day. The majestic Parthenon, the Palace of Knossos, the Temple of Apollo, the Acropolis of Lindos, the floating monasteries of Meteora, the fortresses of the Order of Hospitallers, Byzantine and Ottoman palaces, ancient amphitheaters and squares are only a small part of the attractions of Greece. But there are also a huge number of museums, exhibitions, archaeological sites, nature reserves and open-air museums.

Security

Greece has a stable political situation and a low crime rate. Local residents are friendly to foreigners, always trying to help and support. In large cities, there are communities of expats, majority of which are English-speaking ones, who also help with adaptation and integration in a new country.

Friendly Atmosphere

Greeks are open, friendly and sociable people who love and know how to have fun: this is confirmed, among other things, by the huge number of festivals, carnivals and holidays held in the country. At the same time, Greeks are in no hurry, preferring a measured way of life, long conversations over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. Family and religion play a big role for local residents, and they are also very patriotic.

Healthcare and Education 

For local citizens and residents, healthcare is free if they have social insurance, which can be supplemented by a voluntary health insurance policy. Medical centers and clinics in Greece are equipped with modern technology and meet European standards, doctors and medical staff are well educated and have experience.

Children of residents have the right to study in kindergartens and secondary schools free of charge. Higher education in Greece is also free: students pay only a small semester fee, and the diplomas obtained in local universities are recognized throughout the world. The only thing worth paying attention to is that education is conducted in Greek, but for foreigners there are language courses where in a few months and at a relatively low cost you can master the language at a basic level.

Mediterranean Lifestyle

The Mediterranean lifestyle is not just sun and sea, it is a whole philosophy based on slowness, simplicity and harmony. At its core are family, friends, closeness to nature and, of course, delicious and simple food. Expats appreciate the opportunity to touch the rich culture and history, live a healthier and more fulfilling life, enjoying every moment and finding happiness in simple things: from a stunning sunset to a warm, sincere conversation. The Mediterranean gives a sense of harmony and peace, which is so lacking for those who are tired of the bustle of the city and constant time pressure and stress.

Residence Permit Greece by Investment

The Greek Golden visa is one of the fastest and most affordable ways to obtain a European residence permit. The programme requires purchasing real estate in Greece, the amount of investment depends on the region.

From September 1, 2024, the country’s territory is divided into 2 investment zones, with a minimum threshold of:

• €800,000 – for real estate in Athens, all of Attica, Thessaloniki, the islands of Crete, Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes and others – with a population of 3,100 people.
• €400,000 – for all other regions.

Real estate requirements: the purchase of one property with an area of ​​at least 120 m² is permitted.

There are exceptions that allow the entry threshold to be kept at a minimum of €250,000:

• The property has historical or cultural value and requires restoration. The investor is obliged to complete all restoration work within 5 years in order to be able to extend the residence permit.
• The property is converted from commercial to residential. In this case, the developer buys the building, completely rebuilds it and makes it suitable for living, taking into account the requirements for safety and energy efficiency of housing. The investor ultimately receives a new renovated apartment in a modern residential complex.

Mostly, such units are located in Athens and Attica, which allows you to obtain a residence permit for minimal funds in the most popular and sought-after regions. At the same time, the area of ​​the selected property can be anywhere.

If you do not plan to move to Greece, real estate becomes a liquid asset that can be rented out long-term, receiving a stable income of 4-6% per annum.

The resident status is retained as long as the investor remains the owner of the property; the programme does not impose requirements for permanent residence in the country.

Requirements for Participants

An investor planning to obtain a residence permit by investment in Greece must:

• Be of legal age.
• Not have citizenship of Greece or the EU and EEA countries.
• Have no criminal record or problems with the law, as well as no refusals to issue a residence permit in Greece or EU countries.
• Obtain Greek health insurance.
• Confirm the availability of financial coverage for investment and residence in Greece.

Along with the main applicant, the following family members may be listed in the application:

• Spouse.
• Financially dependent children who are not married – up to 21 years of age or up to 24 years of age if they are students.
• Parents of both spouses – age and financial status do not matter.

Step-By-Step Guide for Obtaining Greek Residency by Investment with Astons

Step 1. Contact our immigration specialists. During the consultation, we will study your case and help you choose the best format for participation.

Step 2. Selecting the right property. Our experts will suggest the best options that suit your wishes and budget. You can view the properties in person, accompanied by our representative in Greece – for this you will have to visit the country – or entrust this to the Astons team. You can reserve the property by making a 10% deposit of the property value.

Step 3. Preparation of documents. We will collect all the necessary documents and sign the purchase and sale agreement: the investor can do this personally or through our representative on the basis of a power of attorney.

Step 4. Submitting an application for a residence permit. Our specialists will submit the documents within 10 days after paying the full cost of the selected property. After approval, the investor and all his relatives indicated in the application will receive a temporary permit to enter Greece – White Paper.

Step 5. Trip to Greece. All participants over the age of 6 must travel to Greece to provide biometric data. The above-mentioned White Paper permit is required for entry – it is valid for one year from the date of issue.

Step 6. Receival of residence permit cards. You can do this in person or entrust it to a representative of our company, who will then send them to the investor at their address.

The residence permit is issued for 5 years, with the right to further extension. After 7 years, if certain requirements are met, you can apply for Greek citizenship.

Along with the opportunity to legally live in Greece, you get the right to visa-free travel to Schengen countries, free access to local banking products, to do business in Greece, among many other benefits.

Astons is a leader in investment immigration and overseas real estate. Our specialists will take care of all issues related to obtaining a residence permit in Greece and will accompany you at all stages of the process. Contact our experts for a free consultation to find out more.