Many people are still confused about the difference between a Greek Golden Visa and Greek citizenship, often assuming they are the same thing with different names. In reality, they are entirely different concepts. Currently, the residency status obtained through the Greek real estate investment program is commonly referred to as a 'Golden Visa,' whereas obtaining citizenship requires meeting specific conditions. Below is a detailed explanation.
I. Greek Golden Visa
Currently, the primary way to obtain a Greek Golden Visa is through the real estate investment program, which requires purchasing property in Greece valued at no less than 250,000 Euros. There are essentially no requirements for the applicant other than being at least 18 years of age, and the residence permit can typically be obtained within a few months. As Greece is an EU member state, holding a Greek Golden Visa allows for free movement across all EU Schengen countries for living, working, or traveling. Unlike traditional immigration countries, there is no minimum residency requirement (immigration jail) for Greek Golden Visa holders, no concerns regarding double taxation, and the renewal process is very convenient. Furthermore, it easily facilitates immigration for a family of three generations, with benefits largely equivalent to those of Greek citizens.
II. Greek Citizenship
A Greek Golden Visa can be held concurrently with Chinese citizenship, as many people immigrate simply to obtain a residency status. However, it is important to understand that acquiring Greek citizenship requires renouncing Chinese citizenship. Let us first look at the requirements for naturalization while in permanent residency status.
1. The applicant must hold permanent residency status for five years (the prerequisite for maintaining this status is the continued ownership of the property);
2. The applicant must have no record of violating immigration laws or being deported from Greece;
3. The applicant must have resided in Greece for a cumulative period of seven years or more prior to submitting the naturalization application;
4. The applicant must be fluent in Greek and pass a Greek language proficiency test;
5. The applicant must have a certain understanding of the living and social environment in Greece to better integrate into Greek life;
6. The applicant must have knowledge of the Greek Constitution, politics, and history, and be able to actively participate in Greek political life.