The Greek government has announced changes to the «Golden Visa» program: the minimum investment amount in real estate in Attica, Thessaloniki and on major islands will be increased to EUR 800,000. Currently, investors can still apply under the current minimum limit of EUR 250,000 provided they select real estate and make a 10% deposit by September 30, 2024, and pay the full amount by December 31.
However, citizens of the Russian Federation and Belarus cannot apply for a residence permit under the «Golden Visa» program — an alternative passport is required.
Is it possible to obtain Vanuatu citizenship and a residence permit in Greece before the minimum investment amount is increased?
To date, Vanuatu offers the fastest and most efficient citizenship by investment program — a passport can be processed within 3–5 months. Afterward, you will be eligible for the «Golden Visa» of Greece.
By September 30, the investor must make a deposit for the real estate and sign a preliminary sales contract. The reservation contract can usually be made on a passport of the Russian Federation or the Republic of Belarus. An alternative citizenship will be required when signing the final contract between the investor and the developer and submitting documents for a residence permit.
The step-by-step process of simultaneously obtaining Vanuatu citizenship and a residence permit in Greece
- Consultation with an immigration expert and conclusion of a legal support contract.
- Preliminary comprehensive legal check by Vanuatu.
- Preparation of the application for Vanuatu citizenship.
- Making a prepayment. The investor must transfer 25% of the grant amount to the Vanuatu state fund to an account designated by the agent and receive confirmation from the National Bank of Vanuatu.
- Submission and processing of the citizenship application.
- Receiving preliminary approval. After reviewing the application, the government will send a letter notifying the decision of the commission. Parallel to the citizenship process, you can select an investment object in Greece. We will select real estate according to your preferences and organise an inspection — directly in Greece or remotely.
- Preparation of documents for buying real estate in Greece. Our specialists will prepare all the necessary documents, check the legal cleanliness of the real estate object and supervise the transparency of the transaction. A second passport is not required for this stage.
- Transferring the remaining 75% of the contribution to the Vanuatu state fund. After the Bank of Vanuatu transfers these funds, you will be able to take the oath.
- Receiving the Vanuatu passport.
- Signing the final real estate purchase contract in Greece based on the new documents and obtaining a tax number.
- Preparing the final package of documents and its submission for obtaining a residence permit in Greece.
- Processing and confirmation of the application. Review usually takes about 60 days. After submitting the application, the applicant receives confirmation — Blue Paper, which allows entering and staying in Greece without a Schengen visa.
- Biometrics submission in Greece by all family members.
- Approval of the application and issuance of a residence card in Greece.