In 2019, the Golden Visa residency by investment programme in Greece has grown even further and Chinese investors remain at the forefront of the statistics. As of 2019, over 60% of investors come from China, leaving countries such as Turkey and Russia in second and third place respectively. Even though capital controls in China have become stricter and regulations from Greek banks have increased too, China continues to seek out investments, especially real estate, in Greece.
This is particularly encouraging since the Golden Visa programme has helped boost the real estate sector in Greece and bring up prices to a more fair level for sellers who were previously selling their properties at prices way below their value (due to the economic crisis).
Why Invest in Greece:
The geographical position of Greece between Europe, Asia and Africa adds to its strong presence in commerce as well as its human resources capital and infrastructure. Tourism, Energy and now Real Estate are some of the ever-booming sectors in Greece, pillars of the economy that are notorious for attracting international investors. Besides the straightforward reasons, the climate for Energy or the millions of tourists that visit Greece every year, it is also worth noting that these sectors are very easy to enter, have high returns on investment and require minimum management by the investor after the investment is carried out. This is where the Golden Visa programme comes in, offering simple routes towards residency by investment. At Energopiisi, we further simplify the process and minimise the effort required from the investor in order to save them time, energy and cost.
How to invest in Greece for residency by investment:
Having a partner in Greece to propose profitable, sustainable investment opportunities from trusted sources, undertake negotiations, due diligence and residency applications streamlines the process even further and helps investors enter the Greek market, hassle-free. The way we work is by collaborating with real estate owners, agents and developers as well as having a vast portfolio of business investments to be able to match every need of the investor through customised, tailored solutions.
For instance, when helping a family relocate to Greece we consider their needs for space, privacy, proximity to International schools and public transport as well as providing them with a real estate investment that will not lose it’s value over time and can be re-sold in the future, to either Greeks or International investors. In the same way, when an investor does not want to use their property and simply wants to rent it out, we point them towards properties capable of short-term rental (i.e turn-key properties in popular tourist destinations) and give them solutions on property management that will match their needs. Tax analysis, provider research and suitability are all services we offer when evaluating property management options.
Business investments in Greece for a Golden Visa:
We can even undertake general investment proposals and business plans, which is a less utilised route towards Greek residency, but a very interesting and profitable one. Under law 4251/2014, article 16, business investments that contribute to national development and benefit society with their service or product can also be Golden visa investments. Eligibility of the investment is strengthened by its potential to create jobs, provide a useful service, introduce new technologies or help develop a sector further. Along with the main investor, executives can also be granted residency with the same investment, to help carry out the business plan and run the business.
The future of International investments in Greece:
Greece remains constantly focused on foreign investments and dedicated with continuous research to improve existing framework and investment options for Golden Visa Programme. From 1/7/2019 there will be additions to the Golden visa law, to include financial products (bonds, stocks, shares, and other options).
The Golden visa programme has many interesting opportunities, great variety, flexibility and potential and continues to grow by providing smart solutions to international investors and their families. For any investment route you decide to take we remain your reliable partner and look forward to your ideas on how you would like to be a part of the programme.
