Greek residence permit under the Golden visa program on the basis of real estate investments

Anatoly V. approached us in June 2021. His goal was to obtain a Greek residence permit through investments (Golden visa) in the Greek economy, more specifically through the purchase of real estate. By the way, the client already had a Greek residence permit as a financially independent person, the registration of which he was engaged in independently. But since under the new conditions to maintain this status and its extension it is necessary to live in Greece for 183 days a year, Anatoly decided to get a Golden Visa. This type of residence permit does not require residence in the country, which was important for the client.

As in the first time Anatoly prepared the documents himself. He owned several properties in Athens with a total value of more than 250 thousand dollars, which gave the right to qualify for an investment residence permit. But when executing the last sale and purchase transaction, the client did not indicate to the lawyer and notary that he planned to apply for a Golden visa. The contract was executed without taking into account the requirements of the investment program. This was the reason for Anatoly to turn to specialists.

Case work

There was no way to fix the contract. We started to reissue it. The seller returned the money, the transaction was completely canceled, and then a new one was concluded at the notary's office, taking into account the conditions of the Golden visa program.

The applicant already had a Greek bank account and TIN.

The lawyer gathered a package of necessary documents, which included:

1. copy and original passport; 
2. documents confirming the legality of the investor's income (tax returns, account statements, lease agreements, etc.);
3. copies of utility bills that confirm the applicant's actual place of residence;
4. certificate of possession of a telephone number;
5.  divorce certificate (the client was not married at the time of application);
6. health insurance (insurance policy covering hospitalization and medical care in Greece);
7. a certificate of no criminal record. 

We have done apostilization and licensed translation of documents into Greek.

In August Anatoly flew to Russia on business. The documents for the client's residence permit were submitted to the Greek Department of Migration by a lawyer under a power of attorney.

After receiving a positive response to the request, we signed Anatoly up to take biometrics in Crete. The waiting line lasted for a month and a half. This was to the advantage of the client, who by that time had time to complete all urgent matters in Moscow and returned to Greece.

After passing the biometrics, Anatoly did not leave the country.

A month later (in October) he personally received his residence permit card at the Greek Department of Migration.

Results of the case

In 5 months we helped the client to obtain a residence permit in Greece. Beforehand, we worked with the correct execution of the real estate sale and purchase agreement, which was the basis for the client's participation in the Golden visa program.