Most people are intrigued by the idea of living in Europe, and for many, it’s an easy reality having ancestral rights giving them access to an EU passport.  But for others, EU citizenship can almost feel out of reach, involving lengthy and difficult processes like attaining a Wealth Visa; which requires applicants to change their tax residency, marrying an EU national or opening up an EU business.

However, there is an easier and quicker way which involves investing in an EU country.  It’s called the ‘Golden Visa,’ and it’s a permanent residency visa issued to individuals who invest a certain sum of money through the purchase of the property.  It is by far the most efficient way of obtaining instant permanent residency rights to all countries in the Schengen zone, and it can ultimately result in EU citizenship and a passport.

Of all the EU countries offering the visa, Greece’s Golden Visa Program is fast becoming the most attractive option on the market.  Recent Enterprise Greece data shows 3892 Golden Visas were issued in 2018 and in just the first 3 months of 2019, an unprecedented 4,154 were granted to investors looking to buy into the scheme. The last 5 years of the program alone has resulted in €1.5 billion being invested in real estate in Greece.

So why are people looking to the Hellenic Republic for their Golden Visas?  We’ve identified 14 great reasons that will have you dreaming of indefinitely extending your European vacation!

 

1 Greece boasts the lowest investment rate for any Golden Visa application

Greece Golden Visa is the most affordable entry into the EU.  With a real-estate purchase valued at a minimum of €250,000, it’s considerably cheaper than countries like Spain who require a minimum investment of €500,000 and Malta €320,000.

 

2 You don’t have to live in Greece with a Greek Golden Visa

Other countries Golden Visa requirements include a minimum stay for applicants. For example in Portugal it is a minimum of 7 days in the first year and 14 days the next 2 year period, this is not a requirement with the Greek Golden Visa program.

 

3 Greece is a member of the Schengen region

There are 26 European countries that make up the Schengen region. A Golden Visa from Greece allows you and your family to live in Greece as permanent residents or travel freely within the region. You are also free to live up to 3 months, every 6 month period within the zone.

 

4 Real Estate is at its lowest but is on the rise

This is a great time to purchase your dream home as prices in many regions are at their lowest. The Bank of Greece data shows houses are less than half of their 2007 value making it a great time to grab a bargain and as values start to rise, you can expect a healthy rental return.

 

5 Economically things are improving

Greece is currently experiencing a stable period of economic growth due to responsible fiscal policies.  With improvements in the budget, an estimated Annual Growth Rate in the GDP in Greece is estimated at 2.20%. Source http://tradingeconomics.com

 

6 Greece is sunny

In fact more than 300 days of sunshine a year! The Greek Summer is known to last from May through to September with mild temperatures between 10-26 degrees throughout Autumn and Spring.

 

7 Location, Location, Location!

Greece is less than 4 hours from all major European cities, 4 hours to Moscow, 11 hours to New York,  4 hours to Dubai and 10 hours to New Delhi. Its central location makes it a very convenient business hub for international travel.

 

8 Greeks are friendly!

Greeks have always been known to be hospitable and embrace other cultures.  In fact, in 2018 they were named ‘One of the most hospitable countries in the world’ on Bookings.com Guest Review Awards.

Given that Tourism makes up a large part of their economy, many Greeks have learnt to speak English, making communication within the country a lot easier than in other EU countries.

 

9 Free Education

As a visa holder, Tertiary education at public universities in Greece is free. Greece has around 24 universities and 16 technical universities and most of the public. Private colleges and universities do not require entrance exams making it easier to enter and there are many programs designed for international students.

 

10 Best Beaches in the World

Greece retains the second spot in the inaugural 2018 Blue Flag quality award, an eco-label that recognises elite beaches that excel in a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety and accessibility criteria.

 

11 Greek cuisine healthiest in the world and they have a Blue Zone!

Regarded as one of the most nutritious, a traditional Greek diet is packed with greens, such as xorta (wild greens) fasolakia (green string beans), bamies (okra), legumes including fakes (lentils), fasolada (beans), revithia (chickpeas), vegetable dishes, fish and small portions of meat. So healthy is the cuisine, that an island called ‘Ikaria’ has been named a ‘Blue Zone’- an award given to a place where people are known to have the longest lifespans in the world!

 

12 Advanced and Free Health Care

The public healthcare system is completely free for residents and Greece is currently ranked 14^th in the World Health Organisation’s ranking above countries like the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany, and Australia.

 

13 Greece is beautiful

Ranked second in the 2018 Conde Naste Traveller ‘Best Countries In The World To Visit,’ tourists flock to Greece each year to bathe in its beautiful turquoise waters, treck mountains covered in mixed forests, indulge in the most beautiful islands in the world, be entertained in the most energised modern cities and relax in quaint villages with endless plantations of olives and vines.

 

14 Where Western Civilisation was born

Greece, also known as the Hellenic Republic, is a European country full of rich history and legends. The earliest traces of Greek population date from the Palaeolithic period (around 12.000 – 10.000 B.C.) in preserved manuscripts describe a rich country with flourishing settlements and a developed culture where literature, science, technology, and mathematics reached their highest peaks of discoveries.

Well, preserved monuments like the Parthenon and Angora of Athens where Democracy was born, Ancient Olympia the home of the first Olympic Games are a testament to the advances that have been preserved for generations to enjoy.