Greece has seen a rush of property purchases by Indian investors, especially between July and August 2024. NDTV reported a 37% spike in real estate investments. This is because many hurried to secure residency under Greece’s Golden Visa Programme before the new regulations took effect on September 1, 2024. NB VisaWorld, a leading immigration consultancy, has been at the centre of this action, helping investors navigate the process smoothly and efficiently.
Greece’s Golden Visa Programme: A Quick Overview
Post Covid a large number of Indians have sought out second citizenship via investment and moved abroad. It’s no wonder, that Greece with its beautiful landscapes, climate and stable economy has been on the list.
Launched in 2013, Greece’s Golden Visa Programme offers residency permits to non-EU citizens who invest in real estate. With a minimum investment of €250,000 (around ₹2.2 crore), it quickly became one of the most affordable options for residency in Europe, attracting Indian investors in large numbers. Through this investment, they gain access to healthcare, education, and visa-free travel within the Schengen Area. Beyond that, investing in real estate in places like Athens, Thessaloniki and popular islands like Mykonos and Santorini offer decent yields between 3-5% return on investment, making the Golden Visa a solid opportunity not just for residency but for financial returns as well.
What Changed in September 2024?
The popularity of the Golden Visa Programme led to a surge in applicants, which, in turn, drove up property prices in high-demand areas. To balance things out and redirect investment toward less saturated areas, the Greek government increased the minimum investment threshold to €800,000 (around ₹7 crore) in popular regions like Athens and Mykonos, starting September 1, 2024. The rule change sparked a wave of Indian investors trying to lock in properties before the higher requirement kicked in. Many of them went for properties under construction with longer handover periods, ensuring they could secure their residency under the old rules.
How NB Visa World Supports Indian Investors
NB Visa World has been essential in helping Indian investors adapt to the changes in the Golden Visa Programme. With our guidance, several people have taken the investment visa route and are living happily in countries that offer visas for investment.
Since Greece has changed its Investment Visa rules, our team of expert advisors are updated with the latest rules. This ensures that you can benefit despite the new regulations.
Here’s how NB VisaWorld adds value:
- Tailored Guidance
NB Visa World offers personalized consultations. We work closely with clients to match their financial goals, location preferences, and residency plans. We understand each client’s unique needs and recommend properties that meet both the old and new investment thresholds while aiming to maximize returns. With years of successful consultancy services, with us, you can smoothly navigate the world of immigration. - Legal Expertise
Buying property in a foreign country can be legally complex. NB VisaWorld’s legal team handles the paperwork and ensures full compliance with Greek laws, giving investors the confidence that everything is being taken care of. - Support Before and After the Rule Change
NB VisaWorld has been actively assisting investors both before and after the rule change. The team offers also insights into promising investment opportunities in regions that fall outside the new high-demand areas. Our consultations offer clients all possible options so that the client can make informed decisions towards investing in Greece’s Golden Visa. - Maximizing Investment Potential
Property values in Greece have been increasing by about 10% annually. NB Visa World advises clients on how to maximize returns by identifying properties with high rental yields and long-term growth potential, ensuring that their investments align with their financial goals.
Why Indian Investors Are Drawn to Greece
Greece offers Indian investors a blend of lifestyle and financial benefits. A Golden Visa means access to high-quality healthcare, education, and the opportunity to do business within the EU. Furthermore, Greek real estate—particularly in tourist-heavy areas like Crete, Paros, and Santorini—delivers strong rental yields making your investment a sound decision. Undeniably this makes these places an attractive asset for those seeking both stable returns and residency.
Why the Recent Changes Still Offer Strong Investment Opportunities
Greece remains a promising market even though the investment threshold has risen in some areas. Property values are on the rise, and less developed regions still hold significant potential for long-term gains. NB Visa World helps investors explore these new areas. Our expertise takes into account recent change in regulations and tries to work a win-win plan for our clients.
As Greece manages property prices in prime regions, there is a growing focus on development in less crowded areas, opening new doors for investors. For Indian investors seeking European residency, Greece’s Golden Visa Programme still offers a unique combination of lifestyle perks and financial rewards. Despite the changing landscape, investors can continue making informed, strategic decisions, enjoying a smooth and profitable path toward securing their residency in Europe.
NB Visa World remains committed to helping its clients navigate these shifts, providing expert advice on real estate investments, legal support, and residency applications.
