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  5. U.S. Family Secures Greek Residency and Builds a Profitable Rental Portfolio

U.S. Family Secures Greek Residency and Builds a Profitable Rental Portfolio

Program

Greece

Timeline

6 months

Investment

€287,743

Family Size

5 people

Names and photos changed for client privacy

Case provided by Astons expert

Tamara Chetcuti

Tamara Chetcuti

Real Estate Expert, Head of Greek Office

Contents

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Tamara Chetcuti

Tamara Chetcuti

Real Estate Expert, Head of Greek Office

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+357 97 424386

We now have permanent access to Europe and a rental portfolio that supports our son’s future.

John M.

Investor , USA

PROFILE

Investor & Family

Main applicant 44 y.o.
Spouse 42 y.o.
Children aged 18, 12 y.o.
Mother-in-law 61 y.o.

goals

Client Requirements

  • EU residency
  • European education
  • Euro income

Situation

As their eldest son prepared to begin university in Europe, the family sought a stable and strategic base within the EU. Their goal was twofold: secure long-term residency rights in a safe, accessible European country and create a euro-denominated rental income stream to support their son throughout his studies.

Solution

Astons recommended the Greek Golden Visa programme – an ideal route for family-wide residency with minimal physical presence requirements and attractive investment terms.

In October 2024, the family purchased a €270,000 apartment in Piraeus, a hub of tourism and student demand. Seven months later, inspired by the initial experience, they returned to acquire 3 more apartments in Athens, further diversifying their portfolio.

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

1. Initial Consultation with Astons
During the first meeting, we explored the family’s long-term goals: ensuring their son’s future education in Europe, securing unrestricted access to the EU, and building a stable euro-based income stream through real estate investment.

2. Property Selection and Documentation
Our Athens-based team presented a curated selection of properties with high rental potential, focusing on safe neighborhoods with excellent infrastructure. Simultaneously, we began preparing the application dossier for residency.

3. Visit to Athens — Fully Coordinated
Upon arrival in Athens, the family was welcomed by an Astons driver and greeted by our local team. A dedicated translator and legal advisor guided them through apartment viewings, helped them settle in, and gave them a feel for the surrounding area.

4. Power of Attorney and Bank Account Setup
While some documents were prepared remotely in advance, others were completed during their visit, including the issuance of a local power of attorney and opening a Greek bank account.

5. Closing the Property Deal
After selecting an apartment in Piraeus — Athens’ port district known for strong rental demand — Astons handled the full legal due diligence, contract signing, and property registration.

6. Golden Visa Application Submission
Once the investment was finalized, our legal team submitted the family’s residence permit application remotely. All stages were monitored and managed by our Athens office to ensure efficiency and compliance.

Following the application, each family member received a “White Paper” — a temporary residence document that allowed them to stay in Greece and travel freely while awaiting their official residency cards.

7. Biometric Appointment
On their return trip to Greece, the family completed biometric registration without delays, accompanied by an Astons coordinator for full support throughout the appointment.

8. Residency Cards Issued
Within a few months, the family received their five-year residence permits. With their legal status secured, they now enjoy seamless access to their Athens properties, financial peace of mind, and the freedom to visit Europe anytime — including supporting their son’s academic journey in the EU.

Current Investment Thresholds | Global Comparison of RBI Programs

Program Investment Threshold Processing Time Schengen Access Physical Presence Requirement

Greece Greece

Residency

 from €250,000 4 months None None

Portugal Portugal

Residency

 from €500,000 18 months None None

Malta Malta

Residency

 from €169,000 9 months None None

Cyprus Cyprus

Residency

 from €300,000 8 months None None

Hungary Hungary

Residency

 from €250,000 4 months None None

Investment Summary: Golden Visa Entry Property

Apartment in Piraeus

€270,000

Property Transfer Tax (3.09%) €8,343
Land Registry Fee (0.6%) €1,620
Notary Fees (~1.5%) €4,050
Immigration Fee (5 family members) €2,600
Residence Cards (€16 x 5) €80
Translation Services €300
Private Health Insurance €750
Additional Costs:
Astons legal and service fees determined on a case-by-case basis
Total Investment: €287,743

Personalised Cost Breakdown for Program Participation

Get your investment estimate

Similar Success Stories

Indian Investor and Family Obtain Greek Golden Visa via Piraeus Property Investment The Greek Golden Visa program allows non-EU nationals to secure EU residency through real estate investment. Investors can include their spouse, children under 2, and parents, obtaining a renewable 5-year residence permit without the need for physical presence or tax residency in Greece. How the Greece Golden Visa Became a Gateway to Europe for an Egyptian Property Developer Ahmed has spent more than two decades in Egypt’s construction industry, successfully delivering large-scale residential projects across Cairo and Alexandria. As his company prepared to enter the European market, he required consistent, secure access to the EU and the ability to attend high-level negotiations without delays or visa constraints. How Astons Secured Greece Residence for Three Generations of a Turkish Family High-quality European education is one of the key priorities for many parents outside the EU. A diploma from an EU country provides strong career prospects worldwide. However, not every family is ready to send their child alone to a foreign country.

Result

The family received residence cards for all members and began generating income through their four-property portfolio. Their Piraeus apartment is fully tenanted, and the newer acquisitions are actively managed. 

Encouraged by their smooth experience and the strong performance of the Greece rental market, the family returned within a few months to expand their investment. They acquired three additional apartments in promising residential neighborhoods across Athens, each selected for long-term capital growth and consistent rental demand.

This expanded portfolio not only diversifies their income stream but also strengthens their financial base in euros — supporting their son’s academic journey and building a lasting legacy in Europe. Greece now serves as their European base — with both financial and lifestyle benefits.

Why Greece?

  • Residency by investment from €250,000
  • Fast processing (3–6 months)
  • No obligation to live in the country
  • Visa-free access to the Schengen Area
  • Company registration, VAT, euro bank account
  • Income-generating real estate
  • Potential route to EU citizenship
  • Non-dom tax regime: €100,000 per year on all global income
  • Access to EU banking, healthcare, and education systems

At present, Greece’s Golden Visa is one of the most affordable ways to obtain EU residency by investment. The residence permit is valid for five years and can be renewed indefinitely — with no requirement to live in Greece.

Why Astons?

Astons was awarded Best Real Estate Agency in Greece (2024–2025) by the European Property Awards. Our Athens office delivers:

  • Local expertise with international service
  • Legal, financial, and relocation support
  • Direct access to pre-screened properties

With over 35 years of experience in global mobility, we provide personalized, end-to-end assistance for U.S. citizens and international clients. Whether you’re relocating or diversifying your portfolio, we help you navigate every step with confidence.

Contact Astons for a confidential consultation and discover how you can secure European residency and returns in one move.

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Ultimate Guide for a Greek Golden Visa

Discover how to secure EU residency through Greece's €250,000 Golden Visa programme at our expert-led webinar. Get all the crucial details about investment options and benefits.

Upcoming webinar

Ultimate Guide for a Greek Golden Visa

Discover how to secure EU residency through Greece's €250,000 Golden Visa programme at our expert-led webinar. Get all the crucial details about investment options and benefits.

Sunday, December 2nd — Wednesday, December 2nd from 6:00pm to 6:00pm

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Aleksandr Kosovsky

Investment Citizenship Expert

Igor Nemtsov

Head of UAE Office

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Residency by Investment

Greece Greece

Residency

from €250,000

~4 months

Processing time

  • Real estate purchase
  • Eligibility for citizenship after 7 years
  • Most accessible and fastest program
Explore Program

Cyprus Cyprus

Residency

from €300,000

~8 months

Processing time

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

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
Explore Program

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
Explore Program

Malta Malta

Residency

from €169,000

~9 months

Processing time

  • Rental or property purchase
  • No residency requirements
  • Visa-free access to Schengen countries
Explore Program

Portugal Portugal

Residency

from €500,000

~18 months

Processing time

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

Turkey Turkey

Residency

from $200,000

~2 months

Processing time

  • Real estate purchase
  • Visa-free access to 115+ countries
  • Eligibility for citizenship after 5 years
Explore Program

UAE UAE

Residency

from $204,000

~2 weeks

Processing time

  • Real estate purchase
  • Rental income ~7% per year
  • Possible domestic staff inclusion
Explore Program

USA USA

Residency

from $800,000

~12 months

Processing time

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

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Tamara Chetcuti

Tamara Chetcuti

Real Estate Expert, Head of Greek Office

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