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12 minutes
2026
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Program
Greece
Timeline
6 months
Investment
€855,479
Family Size
5 person
Names and photos have been changed to protect client privacy.
Case study by an Astons expert
Susanna Uzakova
Senior Citizenship & Residency Advisor
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Susanna Uzakova
Senior Citizenship & Residency Advisor
With Greek residency, we have permanent access to Europe and freedom to travel, invest, and educate our children here – all while staying close as a family.
Ali R.
Entrepreneur , Iran
PROFILE
Entrepreneur
| Main applicant | 45 y.o. |
| Spouse | 41 y.o. |
| Children | 13, 9 y.o. |
| Grandmother (maternal) | 66 y.o. |
goals
Client Requirements
Amid regional uncertainty and tightening travel restrictions for Iranian citizens, the family sought a durable solution that would provide stability, mobility, and educational access. With two children approaching key academic milestones, the parents wanted the flexibility to enrol them in leading European schools within two years.
As active entrepreneurs with frequent travel, they also needed trusted family support on the ground. The children’s grandmother, already central to daily family life, agreed to relocate to supervise routines and care for the children when the parents were away.
Astons recommended the Greek Golden Visa as a fast, family-friendly route delivering visa-free Schengen mobility and access to EU systems (education, healthcare, banking).
The family selected a €810,000 apartment in Pallini (Athens), a well-connected residential area combining lifestyle appeal with rental demand. In Attica, the standard minimum investment is €800,000 for a single property over 120 sq.m. Alternatively, investors may qualify from €250,000 by purchasing restored commercial buildings converted into modern residences; developers deliver fully renovated units, offering a lower entry threshold without project management burden.
“For us, real estate wasn’t just a way to qualify for residency – it was a smart investment. Even if our personal plans change, the property gives us asset diversification. It’s in a great location, can easily be rented out, and the value is already going up,” says Ali.
The location provides convenient access to top international schools, including Campion School Athens (British curriculum). Within six months, all residence permits were approved, enabling the family to live, travel, and plan their children’s education in Europe with confidence.
1. Initial Consultation with Astons
The family articulated three priorities: EU residency, a clear education pathway, and inclusion of the grandmother as caregiver. Astons advised that the investment could not be transferred directly from Iran, and recommended compliant channels in Dubai and Türkiye for fund transfers.
2. Property Selection & Legal Preparation
Astons’ Athens team presented pre-vetted properties aligned with lifestyle and yield targets. Legal due diligence commenced in parallel.
3. Visit to Athens
On arrival, the family met an Astons coordinator, legal counsel, and a Persian-speaking translator. They completed viewings, assessed neighbourhoods, and consulted local school advisers.
4. Power of Attorney
Key formalities, including issuance of Power of Attorney, were completed during the visit to streamline execution.
5. Real Estate Transaction Finalised
The family chose a modern apartment in a family-friendly district. Payment was made via their Dubai account. Astons handled contract execution, legal checks, and property registration.
6. Golden Visa Application Submitted
Applications for all five members were submitted remotely by the legal team from Astons’ Athens office.
7. White Paper Issued
Temporary residence documentation (“white paper”) was issued promptly, enabling the family to remain in Greece and travel within the Schengen Area.
8. Biometric & Residence Permits Granted
On their return trip, the family completed biometric enrolment. Five-year residence cards were issued shortly thereafter, with indefinite renewals available while the investment is maintained.
| Program | Investment Threshold | Processing Time | Schengen Access | Minimum required stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Residency | from €300,000 | 8 months | No | 1 visit every 2 years |
Residency | from €250,000 | 4 months | Yes | None |
Residency | from €250,000 | 4 months | Yes | None |
Residency | from €169,000 | 4 months | Yes | None |
Residency | from €250,000 | 18 months | Yes | 14 days every 2 years |
Residency | from €500,000 | 3 months | Yes | None |
Apartment in Athens
€810,000
| Property Transfer Tax (3.09%) | €25,029 |
| Land Registry Fee (0.6%) | €4,860 |
| Notary Fees (~1.5%) | €12,150 |
| Immigration Fee (3 adult family members) | €1,560 |
| Residence Cards (€16 x 5) | €80 |
| Translation Services | €300 |
| Private Health Insurance | €1,500 |
| Additional Costs: | |
| Astons legal and service fees | determined on a case-by-case basis |
| Total Investment: | €855,479 |
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All five family members received residence permits within six months of starting the process.
The children have begun preparatory courses in Europe, supported day-to-day by their grandmother, creating stability while parents travel for business.
The Athens apartment has already appreciated in value, and the family is considering a second property to diversify their Greek portfolio. With residency, they benefit from visa-free EU travel, a euro-based financial anchor, and full access to European healthcare, education, and banking. Their children’s educational pathway is now secure, and the family remains united, mobile, and protected.
Greece’s Golden Visa remains one of the most cost-effective pathways to EU residency. The residence permit is valid for five years and can be renewed indefinitely without a minimum stay requirement.
Speak to Astons in confidence. We’ll assess your family’s goals, structure the most efficient Greek residency strategy, curate pre-vetted properties, and manage the process from due diligence to residence cards, discreetly and end-to-end.
Maximum Freedom
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from €250,000
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Hungary
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from €250,000
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Italy
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Malta
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Portugal
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USA
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Susanna Uzakova
Senior Citizenship & Residency Advisor
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+44 207 043 6026 
With Greek residency, we have permanent access to Europe and freedom to travel, invest, and educate our children here – all while staying close as a family.
