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 |