Iranian Family Secures Greek Residency to Enable Global Mobility and Support Children’s Education in Europe

In 2024, an entrepreneurial family from Iran partnered with Astons to access one of Europe’s most attractive residency-by-investment programmes. Their goal was clear: gain a secure legal base in the European Union, open the door to high-quality education for their children, and ensure all family members, including the grandmother, could stay together legally across borders. With expert support from Astons, they successfully secured five-year residence permits for all family members through the purchase of an income-generating apartment in Athens.

With growing regional uncertainty and increasing limitations on international travel for Iranian citizens, the family sought a long-term solution that would provide stability, access, and opportunity. Their two children were approaching key educational stages, and they wished to enrol them in top-tier European schools within the next two years.

At the same time, the parents — both active entrepreneurs — wanted to ensure that the children could live and study in Europe under the supervision of a trusted family member. The grandmother, who had long been an active part of family life, agreed to relocate in order to assist with the grandchildren’s logistics and take care of them whenever the parents are away.

Astons recommended the Greek Golden visa as the most efficient and family-friendly route. Offering visa-free mobility and access to EU systems including healthcare, education, and banking, the programme was ideally suited to their goals.

The family selected a €810,000 apartment in Pallini, a well-connected residential area of Athens, known for both lifestyle quality and rental demand.

In Athens (Attica), the standard minimum investment for Greek residency is €800,000 for a single property over 120 sq.m. However, investors can qualify at a reduced threshold of €250,000 by purchasing restored commercial buildings converted into modern residences. Developers handle all renovations, making this an attractive alternative to meet residency requirements at a lower cost.

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, shares Ali.

The location offered convenient access to top international schools, including Campion School Athens, renowned for its British curriculum and academic excellence. Within six months, their permits were approved — giving them the freedom to live, travel, and plan for the future of their children’s education in Europe.

1. Initial Consultation with Astons

During the first strategic session, the family outlined their goals: obtain EU residency, prepare for their children’s academic journey, and ensure close support through the grandmother’s inclusion.The specialists at Astons also warned us that the investment couldn’t be made directly from Iran and suggested several suitable channels in Dubai and Turkey for transferring the funds.

2. Property Selection and Legal Preparation

Astons’ Athens team presented a selection of pre-vetted properties aligned with the family’s lifestyle and investment objectives. Legal documentation and due diligence began in parallel.

3. Visit to Athens

Upon arrival, the family was welcomed by an Astons coordinator, legal advisor, and Persian-speaking translator. They completed viewings, evaluated the neighbourhood, and met with local school consultants.

4. Power of Attorney

Key legal formalities — including the issuance of Power of Attorney were completed during their visit.

5. Real Estate Transaction Finalised

The family selected a modern apartment in a family-friendly Athenian district. The payment was made through their account in Dubai. Astons handled the contract signing, legal checks, and property registration.

6. Golden Visa Application Submitted

The application for all five members was submitted remotely by the legal team. The process was fully managed from the Astons Athens office.

7. White Paper Issued

Temporary residence documentation was issued promptly, allowing the family to remain in Greece and travel freely within the Schengen Area.

8. Biometric Collection and Residence Permits Granted

On their return trip, the family completed biometric registration. Residency cards were issued shortly after — valid for five years with indefinite renewals.

• 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 €

Total Investment – €855 479

Legal and service fees by Astons calculated separately based on case complexity.

All five family members successfully received their residence permits within six months of initiating the process. The children are now enrolled in preparatory courses in Europe, and the grandmother now lives with them — offering daily support and a sense of stability for the children

The apartment has already increased in value. The family is now considering a second investment to diversify their Greek portfolio.

Thanks to the residency, they now enjoy visa-free travel across the EU, a euro-based financial anchor, and full access to European healthcare, education, and banking systems. Their children’s path to international education is secure — and their family remains close, stable, and protected.

• Residency by investment from €250,000
• Fast processing (3–6 months)
• No obligation to live in the country
• Visa-free access to the Schengen Area
• Company registration, VAT, euro bank account
• Income-generating real estate
• Potential route to EU citizenship
• Non-dom tax regime: €100,000 per year on all global income
• Access to EU banking, healthcare, and education systems
• At present, Greece’s Golden Visa is one of the most affordable ways to obtain EU residency by investment. The residence permit is valid for five years and can be renewed indefinitely — with no requirement to live in Greece.

Astons was named Best Real Estate Agency in Greece for 2024–2025 by the European Property Awards. With over 35 years of experience, we provide trusted guidance to global investors through our multilingual legal teams on the ground, thoroughly pre-screened investment properties, comprehensive relocation and education support, complete residency processing, and tailored strategies for family migration and wealth planning.

Contact Astons today for a confidential consultation and discover how your family can secure European residency — with all the future-proof mobility and access to Europe.