A Greek ‘golden visa’ and how to get one

In Greece you need to spend more than half the year there for several years to be eligible to apply for citizenship. This Mediterranean country beckons to Americans look at Tom Cruise and Rita Wilson. The current policy to freeze VAT—a tax typical in the European Union—on recently built properties has made Greece the second most appealing European destination for getting Golden Visa applicants.

The interest change in the Greek income tax code has helped usher in wealthy ex-pats. It institutes that no matter the total income an investor makes abroad, they will pay a fixed tax of €100,000 annually

In exchange for a five year residence permit in Greece, one needs to buy at least €250,000 in real estate. They can also invest at least €400,000 in Greek government bonds, investment funds, or shares of Greek investment companies.