The Greece Golden Visa process can move forward much more easily than you may think with proper planning and the right advisory support. From property selection to title deed procedures, from the Golden Visa application to biometric procedures, each step must be completed at the right time.
If you are considering a new life in Europe, the Greece Golden Visa program is one of the most attractive options. Through real estate investment, you can obtain the right to free movement in Europe while also turning your investment into a tangible property.
The Golden Visa process may seem complicated at first glance. But remember, a good advisor is the one who asks the right questions. When the right steps are taken at the right time, the process moves forward much more easily than expected.
So, let’s examine the process together in detail.
Making the Decision
The most critical point in the Golden Visa process is deciding which investment amount you will choose and how you want to benefit from this property beyond the Golden Visa itself.
Which investment option is suitable for you: €250,000, €400,000, or €800,000?
Do you want to purchase the property for personal use, rental income, or only for the visa right?
This decision forms the foundation of the entire process. Because once the investment is made, there is no turning back. At İkinci Adres, we think through this stage together with you, ask the right questions, and help you make the most suitable choice.
Finding the Right Property
Finding the right property is not only about choosing a price or square meter size. Choosing the wrong property can directly mean a financial loss for the investor. We are aware of this, and therefore, before presenting any project to you, we research the answers to these questions and share them with you transparently.
Does the developer actually own this property?
Has the developer obtained the sales authorization?
Will the project location add long-term value to your investment?
Location selection determines the future of the investment. You can also review our detailed article about different areas of Athens.aylı yazımızı da ayrıca inceleyebilirsiniz.
Reservation
We can almost hear you asking, “Why am I making a reservation? Why not buy directly?”
Unfortunately, the process in Greece does not work as simply as a title deed transfer with a notary signature, as it may in Turkey. At this point, you first need to reserve the property and then proceed to the official sales process.
Private Agreement (PA)
During the reservation stage, a deposit is collected from you and a Private Agreement (PA) is signed in return. With this agreement, the apartment cannot be sold to another buyer.
If you decide to withdraw after this stage, you lose the deposit you have paid.
Title Deed Check
Your lawyer checks the official title deed records to see whether there is any mortgage, debt, seizure, or annotation on the property you want to purchase. This process may take from a few days to a few weeks.
Obtaining a Tax Number and Opening a Bank Account
In order to invest in Greece, an AFM, which is the Greek tax number, is obtained first. Then, a bank account is opened. Since anti-money laundering checks are carried out during this process, it usually takes 1–2 weeks.
Sales Contract and Notary Procedures
The lawyer and notary prepare the sales contract. Under the standard procedure:
- The contract is signed before the notary.
- Payment is made at the same time.
Some developers may allow a payment period of 1–2 weeks after the notary signature. However, if the payment is not made, the contract is cancelled and must be prepared again.
Title Deed Registration
After the contract, your lawyer registers your title deed at the Land Registry / Cadastral Office. Depending on workload, this process may take 1–2 weeks.
Golden Visa Application
After the title deed procedures are completed, your lawyer submits your Golden Visa application. Together with the application, you receive the Blue Paper. This document is your temporary residence permit and gives you the right to enter Greece without a visa.
Note: This document can officially be used for travel within Schengen as well. However, as you know, entry into a country is subject to the approval of the border officer. In some countries, border officers may not accept the document because it is in Greek. Therefore, until you receive your card, traveling only to Greece will be a safer option.
Biometric Procedures
1–2 months after the application, the Greek authorities invite you to submit your fingerprints and biometric photograph. The appointment is arranged by your lawyer according to your availability.
Approximately 3–4 months after this procedure, your Golden Visa card reaches you.
The Process May Look Long, But…
The Greece Golden Visa process may look complicated on paper. However, most of the process is handled by us and your lawyer. You simply make the decision and then watch the process move forward smoothly.
Conclusion
In the Golden Visa process, making the right decisions at the right time is very important. Choosing the wrong developer, an incorrect location, or missing documents can put the process at risk.
At İkinci Adres, we stand by our investors transparently from beginning to end so they can make the right decisions.
To learn about the Greece Golden Visa process through video explanations and follow the latest updates, you can visit our YouTube channel.
