Acting quickly made all the difference. We secured a great apartment and peace of mind for the future.
David R.
Entrepreneur , UK
PROFILE
Entrepreneur & Family
| Main applicant |
47 y.o. |
| Spouse |
40 y.o. |
| Daughter |
20 y.o. |
goals
Client Requirements
- Family EU residency
- Property under €250,000
- Act before policy change
Situation
In summer 2024, a UK-based entrepreneur approached Astons with a time-sensitive mission: secure EU residency under Greece’s Golden Visa program before the minimum investment threshold rose to €800,000. At that time, Piraeus still qualified under the €250,000 threshold for new builds — a regulation that changed in August 2024.
He sought a modern, visa-eligible property that would qualify his entire family under one streamlined application and offer long-term rental value. With Brexit limiting EU mobility for UK citizens, a residency foothold on the continent was part of a broader lifestyle and financial strategy.
Solution
Astons identified a newly built, move-in-ready apartment in walking distance from Zea Marina. The investor moved fast, finalizing the purchase within weeks and securing one of the last €250K new-build deals before the rules changed again.
By leveraging our local presence and legal team, the investor completed the acquisition and submitted the Golden Visa application immediately.
Step-by-Step: How the Investor Secured Greek Residency
- Initial Consultation with Astons
We discussed the investor’s timeline, budget, and family inclusion goals. Our team mapped out urgent opportunities still qualifying under the €250K route.
- Property Sourcing and Due Diligence
Astons presented select listings in Piraeus. A modern 1-bedroom apartment near Zea Marina was selected, and legal checks began within days.
- Visit to Athens and Finalization
The investor traveled to Athens, completed viewings, and signed contracts. Astons coordinated all registrations, tax payments, and documentation.
- Golden Visa Application Submission
Immediately after property registration, our legal team submitted the residency application. White Paper documents were issued while awaiting the final cards.
- Biometric Registration and Permit Issuance
On a second trip, the family completed biometric registration. Residency cards were approved and issued within 6 months of purchase.
Current Investment Thresholds | Global Comparison of RBI Programs
| Program |
Investment Threshold |
Processing Time |
Schengen Access |
Physical Presence Requirement |
|
Greece
Residency
|
from €250,000 |
4 months |
None |
None |
|
Portugal
Residency
|
from €500,000 |
18 months |
None |
None |
|
Malta
Residency
|
from €169,000 |
9 months |
None |
None |
|
Cyprus
Residency
|
from €300,000 |
8 months |
None |
None |
|
Hungary
Residency
|
from €250,000 |
4 months |
None |
None |
Investment Summary: Piraeus Apartment Route Item
Cost Apartment in Piraeus
€250,000
| Transfer Tax (3.09%) |
€7,725 |
| Notary & Legal Fees |
€4,000 |
| Immigration Fees (family) |
€2,150 |
| Health Insurance |
€900 |
|
Additional Costs:
|
|
| Astons legal and service fees |
determined on a case-by-case basis |
| Total Investment: |
€264,775 |