Chicago Family Secures Greek Residency with a €1.12 M Investment and Begins a New Life in Greece

A New Beginning in Europe

At 42, Mark, an IT professional from Chicago, had long dreamed of a life in Europe. Recent U.S. elections and growing political unrest only deepened his resolve to make a change. After careful consideration, Greece stood out, not only for its lifestyle and climate, but also for its Golden Visa programme, which uniquely allows the inclusion of spouses, children, and even parents in a single residency application.

Several months ago, Mark reached out to Astons. He and his wife, Jennifer, had made the decision to move to Europe. Given their ability to work remotely, they were seeking a safe and politically stable country with a pleasant climate and a high standard of living.

A key requirement for their relocation was the ability to bring their entire family: Mark and Jennifer’s two children, as well as Jennifer’s parents. It was essential for them to have access to international schools and high-quality healthcare services.

Greece quickly emerged as the ideal solution, one of the rare EU nations offering a residency-by-investment programme that permits the relocation of extended family members, including parents. With a minimum property investment of €250,000, applicants can secure a renewable five-year residence permit in as little as three to six months.

Property Selection

Astons’ curated property portfolio features everything from sleek urban apartments to prime seafront villas. For Mark and Jennifer, the most difficult decision was selecting where to settle. While Greece’s enchanting islands, with their turquoise waters and tranquil pace were alluring, the family’s lifestyle leaned towards the vibrancy and conveniences of city living.

Following in-depth consultations with the head of Astons’ Greece office, the couple ultimately chose Piraeus, a prestigious port city just 30 minutes from central Athens. The area offers a rare blend of urban sophistication and seaside charm, along with international schools, private healthcare, pristine beaches, and swift access to Athens International Airport.

Mark and Jennifer selected spacious apartments in a newly developed residential complex with sea views for themselves and their children, while Jennifer’s parents purchased a cozy apartment in a nearby district.

• Primary family residence: €700,000
• Secondary apartment for parents: €420,000
• Property transfer tax: 3.09% of property value
• Cadastre registry fee: 0.6%
• Notary fees: ~1.5%
• Immigration application: €2,000 (main applicant) + €150 per family member
• Residence card fee: €16 per person

Additional Costs:

• Certified translation: €300
• Private health insurance: €150 per person
• Astons legal advisory: bespoke quotation
• Optional transport & logistics: provided upon request

The entire family has now secured their Greek residency cards. Mark and Jennifer’s seaside apartment will be completed within weeks, while Jennifer’s parents are already preparing to move into their fully finished home nearby.

Our experts are currently assisting Mark and Jennifer in selecting the right school for their children.

Greece’s Golden Visa remains the most accessible and family-friendly residency-by-investment programme in the European Union.
The five-year residence permit is renewable indefinitely, provided the qualifying investment is maintained. Investment thresholds vary by region:

• €800,000: in Attica, Thessaloniki, Crete, Rhodes, Mykonos, Santorini, and other Greek islands with a population of over 3,100 residents.
• €400,000: in all other regions of the country.
• €250,000: for commercial properties converted into residential use, regardless of their location. The same threshold applies to historically significant buildings under state protection, provided they are fully restored or renovated.

Key advantages of the programme include no mandatory residency requirements, fast-track application processing, the potential to apply for citizenship after seven years (subject to language and cultural knowledge tests), and unrestricted access to the EU’s banking, healthcare, and education systems, as well as visa-free travel within the Schengen Area countries.

Astons was honoured as the Best Real Estate Agency in Greece at the European Property Awards 2024-2025. We work exclusively with trusted developers ensuring every property meets the highest standards and complies fully with Greece’s Golden Visa requirements.

Our portfolio includes off-market investment opportunities not available to the public, offering clients discreet, high-value options tailored to their unique preferences.

Connect with an Astons expert to receive a personalised consultation, a tailored relocation roadmap, and a full investment breakdown.