Iranian Family Secures Greek Residency to Safeguard Mobility and Prepare Their Children for European Education

Program

Greece

Timeline

6 months

Investment

€855,479

Family Size

5 person

Names and photos have been changed to protect client privacy.

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

  • Secure EU residency for the entire family
  • Enable European schooling for the children
  • Ensure the grandmother can accompany and support the children

Situation

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.

Solution

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.

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

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.

Comparison of Residency by Investment Programs in Europe

Program Investment Threshold Processing Time Schengen Access Minimum required stay

Cyprus Cyprus

Residency

from €300,000 8 months No 1 visit every 2 years

Greece Greece

Residency

from €250,000 4 months Yes None

Hungary Hungary

Residency

from €250,000 4 months Yes None

Malta Malta

Residency

from €169,000 9 months Yes None

Portugal Portugal

Residency

from €250,000 18 months Yes 14 days every 2 years

Italy Italy

Residency

from €500,000 3 months Yes None

Investment Summary: Golden Visa Entry Property

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

Personalised Cost Breakdown for Program Participation

Get your investment estimate

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Result

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.

Why Greece?

  • Residency by investment from €250,000
  • Fast processing (4+ months)
  • No obligation to reside in the country
  • Visa-free Schengen access
  • Company registration, VAT, euro bank account
  • Income-generating real estate opportunities
  • Potential route to EU citizenship
  • Non-dom tax regime: €100,000 per year on global income
  • Access to EU banking, healthcare, and education systems

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.

Why Astons?

  • Best Real Estate Agency in Greece 2024–2025 | European Property Awards
  • 35+ years advising global investors
  • On-the-ground, multilingual legal teams
  • Thoroughly pre-screened investment properties
  • End-to-end processing, including compliance and documentation
  • Relocation and education support for families
  • Tailored strategies for migration and wealth planning

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.

Residency by Investment

Cyprus Cyprus

Residency

from €300,000

~8 months

Processing time

  • Purchase of new property
  • Eligibility for citizenship after 8 years
  • Non-Dom tax regime

Greece Greece

Residency

from €250,000

~4 months

Processing time

  • Real estate purchase
  • Eligibility for citizenship after 7 years
  • Most accessible and fastest program in the EU
  • Visa-free access to Schengen countries

Hungary Hungary

Residency

from €250,000

~4 months

Processing time

  • Investment in a fund / non-refundable donation
  • Visa-free access to Schengen countries
  • Eligibility for citizenship after 8 years

Italy Italy

Residency

from €500,000

~3 months

Processing time

  • Investment in shares or bonds / non-refundable contribution
  • Eligibility for citizenship after 10 years
  • Visa-free access to Schengen countries

Malta Malta

Residency

from €169,000

~9 months

Processing time

  • Non-refundable contribution and property rental or purchase
  • Rental or property purchase
  • No residency requirements
  • Visa-free access to Schengen countries

Portugal Portugal

Residency

from €250,000

~18 months

Processing time

  • Investment in a fund
  • Eligibility for citizenship after 7-10 years
  • Visa-free access to Schengen countries

Turkey Turkey

Residency

from $200,000

~2 months

Processing time

  • Real estate purchase
  • Right to live in Turkey
  • Eligibility for citizenship after 5 years

UAE UAE

Residency

from $100,000

~2 weeks

Processing time

  • Real estate purchase
  • Rental income ~7% per year
  • Possible domestic staff inclusion
  • Favourable tax regime

USA USA

Residency

from $800,000

~12 months

Processing time

  • Investment in a regional fund
  • Returnable investment
  • Eligibility for citizenship after 5 years

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