Indian Investor and Family Obtain Greek Golden Visa via Piraeus Property Investment

The Greek Golden Visa program allows non-EU nationals to secure EU residency through real estate investment. Investors can include their spouse, children under 2, and parents, obtaining a renewable 5-year residence permit without the need for physical presence or tax residency in Greece.

In spring 2024, an Indian entrepreneur based in Dubai approached Astons to secure EU residency through real estate investment.

His objectives were:

• Obtain Greek residency for himself, his spouse, and elderly parents.
• Invest in a property with strong liquidity and rental potential.
• Maintain UAE tax residency with minimal physical presence requirements in Greece.

The client required a program that allowed rental income and offered flexible residency conditions, ensuring both family security and strategic business mobility.

The Greek Golden Visa program provided the optimal solution. It offers:

• Flexible tax regulations and minimal residency requirements.
• A reliable, well-established residency-by-investment framework.
• Access to a real estate market with strong capital appreciation and rental potential.

At the time of application, Greece was preparing to raise minimum investment thresholds, particularly in Piraeus. Acting quickly was essential to secure a qualifying property at the optimal price.

Astons, recognised by the European Property Awards 2024-2025 as the top real estate agency in Greece, works exclusively with licensed and vetted property developers.

From our curated portfolio, the client selected a fully finished apartment in Piraeus – a fast-growing suburb of Athens known for strong property demand and long-term growth potential.

1. Consultation With Astons Immigration Specialist

Within 24 hours, Rahul’s eligibility was confirmed, including the inclusion of his spouse and parents. Greece requires strict due diligence and proof of lawful source of funds; our assessment ensured maximum approval chances.

2. Property Portfolio Preparation

Astons presented a curated portfolio of new, high-quality, business-class apartments. Rahul selected a fully finished and equipped unit in a gated Piraeus development which is ideal for rental and long-term capital growth. A 10% deposit secured the property.

3. Document Preparation

Using a power of attorney, Astons’ Greek attorney signed the purchase agreement at the notary. Rahul was able to complete the purchase remotely, without travelling to Greece.

4. Application Submission

Once the property, taxes, government fees, and medical insurance were in order, Astons submitted the residency application electronically.

5. Processing and Approval

The application was processed promptly. After developer confirmation of payment, approval took approximately 10 days.

6. Issuance of Temporary Entry Permit

The family received the “White Paper”, a temporary entry permit, granting up to one year to travel to Greece and complete biometrics.

7. Biometrics Appointment

The family visited Greece to provide fingerprints and photos (mandatory for all applicants over six years old).

8. Residency Card Issuance

Six months after the property purchase, Astons’ attorney collected and shipped the 5-year renewable residency cards to Dubai. All four family members obtained full Greek residency who;e maintaining investment compliance.

Key Insights:

• Greece offers one of the most accessible pathways to EU residency with low investment thresholds and no minimum stay requirements.
• Malta and Hungary are similarly flexible for investors seeking minimal travel obligations.
• Portugal and Cyprus require some physical presence, which may affect lifestyle planning.
• Italy’s program focuses on business investments, making it ideal for entrepreneurs but requiring a longer commitment.

For Rahul and his family, the total cost of securing Greek residency through property investment in Piraeus is as follows:

• Property: €500,000
• Property Transfer Tax (3.09% of property price): €15,450
• Land Registry Fee (0.6% of property price): €3,000
• Notary Fees (1.5% of property price): €7,500

Immigration Fees (family of 4):

• €2,000 (main applicant) + 3 × €150 = €2,450
• Residency Cards (4 × €16): €64

Total Investment: €528,464

Notes:

• Astons’ legal and service fees are additional and depend on the complexity of the transaction.
• Extra costs may include document translations and private health insurance.
• This breakdown ensures transparency and allows investors to plan the total Greek Golden Visa cost accurately.

Rahul and his family successfully obtained a 5-year Greek residency permit, renewable as long as the property investment is maintained.

Key benefits include:

• Visa-Free Travel: Full access to the Schengen Area for all family members.
• European Access: Banking, healthcare, and education opportunities without relocating tax residency from the UAE.
• Investment Performance: The Piraeus property appreciated by 12% in the first year, reflecting Greece’s strong real estate growth.
• Rental Income: Generates a 4% annual rental yield, driven by high demand from expats and corporate tenants.
• Family Mobility: Rahul’s elderly parents enjoy unrestricted travel across Europe, able to stay up to 90 days in any Schengen country per 180-day period.

This case demonstrates how a strategic property investment in Greece can simultaneously provide residency, mobility, and financial returns.

Greece remains a top choice for international investors seeking European residency due to its affordable investment thresholds, efficient processing, and strategic benefits:

• Low Entry Investment: Residency achievable from €250,000 in qualifying real estate.
• Efficient Timeline: Residence permit approval from approximately 6 months.
• Flexible Residency: No minimum stay requirement to maintain the permit.
• Schengen Access: Full visa-free travel across the 26 Schengen countries.
• Business-Friendly: Opportunity to open a company and bank account in Grece.
• Attractive Returns: High rental yields and potential capital appreciation in key locations.
• Tax Advantages: Non-Dom tax regime allows a €100,000 flat tax on global income. Ideal for investors maintaining foreign tax residency.
• Path to Citizenship: Potential eligibility for EU citizenship after meeting residency requirements and investment continuity.

The combination of affordability, mobility, and investment potential makes Greece an appealing destination for global entrepreneurs and families seeking EU residency.