U.S. Investor Gains Greek Residency with a €400,000 Penthouse in Athens

I wanted a European base as a Plan B. I found a home I love and secured long-term access to the EU.

James D.

Investor , USA

Situation

In 2024, a cryptocurrency investor from Oregon contacted Astons with a straightforward request: help him obtain EU residency with minimal hassle. The client was seeking simplicity: a qualifying property, remote processing, and a backup residency option. His initial plan was conservative: invest the minimum €250,000 in a hands-off rental property, ideally in a commercial-to-residential conversion project, and let a management company handle the rest.

Solution

Astons specialists offered a Greek residence by investment option. Initially, the client expected to pass the lower limit of the program, but while viewing the property, he reassessed his strategy during the process. During his viewing tour in Athens, he visited a penthouse in Piraeus that shifted his strategy.

With panoramic sea views, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a modern open layout, the top-floor unit was far more than an investment—it was a potential home. He decided to spend €400,000 on this two-bedroom penthouse and make Athens his European base.

Astons facilitated the entire purchase process, from property due diligence to residency application. A key advantage was Greece’s pragmatic stance on proof of funds, which allowed the investor to use his crypto assets to finance the purchase.
With Bitcoin on in the spring 2024, the transaction was financially efficient and legally compliant. Astons coordinated every step, ensuring a smooth experience from offer to residency.

Step-by-Step: How the Investor Secured Greek Residency

1. Initial Consultation with Astons
We reviewed his needs: legal EU status, crypto-friendly transaction terms, and fast processing.

2. Property Viewing Tour 

The client arrived in Greece for a short visit and was introduced to high-quality listings. He chose a penthouse in Piraeus and decided to move beyond his initial passive approach.

3. Legal Checks and Offer Submission

Our team performed due diligence on the penthouse, confirmed its eligibility, and prepared the purchase offer.

4. Crypto Liquidation and Fund Transfer

The investor sold part of his Bitcoin portfolio and transferred the required amount to Greece through a verified process.

5. Property Purchase Finalised

Within weeks, the property deal closed. Astons oversaw contract registration, coordinated with the notary, and ensured all tax obligations were met.

6. Golden Visa Application Submitted

All documentation was completed and submitted remotely. The client received his White Paper — a temporary residency document that enables legal stay and travel while awaiting the official residence card.

7. Biometrics and Residence Card Issuance

On a second visit to Greece, he completed biometric registration. A few months later, his five-year residence card was issued.

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Investment Summary: Penthouse Golden Visa Route Item