Recent political uncertainty in the U.S. made me realise it was time to secure a stable future for my family in Europe — without compromising our lifestyle or business flexibility.
Mark
IT professional , USA
PROFILE
IT professional & Family
Main applicant
42 y.o.
Spouse
39 y.o.
Two Children
8, 12 y.o.
Spouse’s Parents
67, 70 y.o.
goals
Client Requirements
Political stability in the EU.
Residency for the entire extended family.
International education & premium healthcare.
Seaside living with strong investment potential.
The Situation
Several months ago, Mark reached out to Astons. He and his wife, Jennifer, had made the decision to move to Europe. Given their ability to work remotely, they were seeking a safe and politically stable country with a pleasant climate and a high standard of living.
A key requirement for their relocation was the ability to bring their entire family: Mark and Jennifer’s two children, as well as Jennifer’s parents. It was essential for them to have access to international schools and high-quality healthcare services.
The Solution
Greece quickly emerged as the ideal solution, one of the rare EU nations offering a residency-by-investment programme that permits the relocation of extended family members, including parents. With a minimum property investment of €250,000, applicants can secure a renewable five-year residence permit in as little as three to six months.
The programme covers spouses, children under 21, and parents of either applicant, making it uniquely suited for multi-generational families like Mark and Jennifer’s.
Astons’ curated property portfolio features everything from sleek urban apartments to prime seafront villas. For Mark and Jennifer, the most difficult decision was selecting where to settle. While Greece’s enchanting islands, with their turquoise waters and tranquil pace were alluring, the family’s lifestyle leaned towards the vibrancy and conveniences of city living.
Following in-depth consultations with the head of Astons’ Greece office, the couple ultimately chose Piraeus, a prestigious port city just 30 minutes from central Athens. The area offers a rare blend of urban sophistication and seaside charm, along with international schools, private healthcare, pristine beaches, and swift access to Athens International Airport.
Mark and Jennifer selected spacious apartments in a newly developed residential complex with sea views for themselves and their children, while Jennifer’s parents purchased a cozy apartment in a nearby district.
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
Cyprus
Residency
from €300,000
8 months
None
None
Hungary
Residency
from €250,000
4 months
None
None
Malta
Residency
from €169,000
9 months
None
None
Portugal
Residency
from €500,000
18 months
None
None
Investment Summary
Primary family residence
€700,000
Secondary apartment for parents
€420,000
Property transfer tax
3.09% of property value
Cadastre registry fee
0.6%
Notary fees
~1.5%
Immigration application
€2,000 (main applicant) + €150 per family member
Residence card fee
€16 per person
Additional Costs:
Certified translation
€300
Private health insurance
€150 per person
Astons legal advisory
bespoke quotation
Optional transport & logistics
provided upon request
Total Investment:
€1,120,000
Personalised Cost Breakdown for Program Participation
The entire family has now secured their Greek residency cards. Mark and Jennifer’s seaside apartment will be completed within weeks, while Jennifer’s parents are already preparing to move into their fully finished home nearby.
Our experts are currently assisting Mark and Jennifer in selecting the right school for their children.
Benefits of Greece’s Golden Visa programme
Greece’s Golden Visa remains the most accessible and family-friendly residency-by-investment programme in the European Union.
The five-year residence permit is renewable indefinitely, provided the qualifying investment is maintained. Investment thresholds vary by region:
€800,000: in Attica, Thessaloniki, Crete, Rhodes, Mykonos, Santorini, and other Greek islands with a population of over 3,100 residents.
€400,000: in all other regions of the country.
€250,000: for commercial properties converted into residential use, regardless of their location. The same threshold applies to historically significant buildings under state protection, provided they are fully restored or renovated.
Key advantages of the programme include no mandatory residency requirements, fast-track application processing, the potential to apply for citizenship after seven years (subject to language and cultural knowledge tests), and unrestricted access to the EU’s banking, healthcare, and education systems, as well as visa-free travel within the Schengen Area countries.
Why Partner with Astons?
Astons was honoured as the Best Real Estate Agency in Greece at the European Property Awards 2024-2025. We work exclusively with trusted developers ensuring every property meets the highest standards and complies fully with Greece’s Golden Visa requirements.
Our portfolio includes off-market investment opportunities not available to the public, offering clients discreet, high-value options tailored to their unique preferences.
Start Your New Life in Greece Today
Connect with an Astons expert to receive a personalised consultation, a tailored relocation roadmap, and a full investment breakdown.
Let us help you turn your vision of Mediterranean living into reality – with ease, expertise, and elegance.
Events Calendar
Register for Our Upcoming Events
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