Example of obtaining a Greek Golden Visa for free movement within the EU

Andrei S, 41, a Muscovite, is the owner of a successful real estate company. Andrei is the head of a family, has a wife and two small children.

The family often spends time abroad. (Andrei's work allows him to be away from Moscow for long periods of time, and his wife Svetlana is a housewife). They especially like Greece: not only the nature, but also the culture and mentality of the inhabitants. Here the family feel at home. Local beaches, plenty of fruit and sunshine are good for young children.

Restrictions related to the pandemic began to strain the spouses. They were looking for an opportunity to visit Greece unhindered at any time.

In July 2020, Andrew requested a Golden Visa for Greece.

Our consultants drew the client's attention to additional possibilities:

• under the terms of the Greek program, if the applicant is the sole owner of a company (Andrei's case), he is entitled to invest her money in real estate as a legal entity.
• Although the couple requested only a Golden visa, they can subsequently (after 12 years) obtain Greek citizenship if they reside in the country for at least 183 days a year. Based on their lifestyle, they had such an opportunity.

Andrei and Svetlana agreed with the arguments and the cooperation agreement was signed.

Further work was carried out according to the standard scheme.

The opening of an account in Pireus Bank, as well as the registration of a TIN, was done remotely.  

In September, using the temporary lifting of the entry ban, Andrei visited Greece, where, together with a lawyer, he selected a suitable property. They chose a detached house (newly built, 6 living rooms) in the resort of Toroni (Halkidiki). The couple planned to rent out half of the house, the other half was left for themselves.

The transaction took place at the end of September, registering the property on Andrei's company.

In October, the couple visited Greece on a D visa to pass biometrics, and also submitted the original documents to the immigration service. They were again accompanied on the trip by a lawyer.

The residence cards were ready in December. The lawyer received them by power of attorney and sent them to Moscow by courier. Now the couple can visit Greece at any time, without regard to quarantine restrictions.

Thus, within 5 months the case was closed. Andrei and his family received Golden visas for Greece.