We got Greece Golden Visa as a family, a few things I wish I knew
Hi everyone. Thought I’d share our experience since I spent a lot of time reading posts here when we were researching.
I’m mid 40s, married with one child. We wanted a second base in Europe but didnt want to completely relocate, so after looking at few countries we decided on Greece.
Biggest thing I wish I knew is buying the property is only one part of everything. There is POA, Greek tax number, bank account, lawyer checks, contracts, taxes, residency application, biometrics etc. For us whole process took around 1.5 years, which was much longer than I expected from things I read online.
Greek bank account was probably most frustrating part. They ask a lot of documents and appointments need to be arranged before. Not really difficult, just old fashioned and takes time.
Property search was also bit overwhelming. We spoke with few consultants and developers and honestly after some point every “perfect Golden Visa investment” starts sounding same.
We eventually worked with a company who showed us different options instead of trying to push one project. For me this made quite a big difference.
If I have one advice, find someone who is looking at the market from your side, not just someone who needs to sell you their own project.
Family paperwork was another thing I didnt really expect. Marriage docs, documents for our child, translations, legalizations... every time I thought we finished, somehow another document came.
Would we do it again? Yes I think.
It took longer and more paperwork than we expected, but now we have what we wanted. A base in Europe that we actually use and enjoy as family.
Happy to answer if anyone is going through Greece Golden Visa process, especially about property side or things that surprised us.