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Golden Visa Success: A Chicago Family’s New Life in Greece

Golden Visa Success: A Chicago Family’s New Life in Greece

4-minute read
2025
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Program

Greece

Timeline

12 months

Investment

€350.000

Family Size

6 people

Names and photos changed for client privacy

Case provided by Astons expert

Susanna Uzakova

Citizenship, residence permit and real estate investment expert

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Susanna Uzakova

Citizenship, residence permit and real estate investment expert

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+357 97 424386

I wanted to give my family unrestricted access to Europe while diversifying our business interests across international markets.

Mark R.

Tech Entrepreneur , San Francisco, USA

PROFILE

Tech Entrepreneur & Family

applicant	42 y.o.
spouse	37 y.o.
two children	12, 16 y.o.
spouse's parents	65, 72 y.o.

goals

Client Requirements

International education and healthcare
Political stability
Offshore banking options
A platform for global business expansion

A New Beginning in Europe

Forty-two-year-old Mark from Chicago had long considered relocating to Europe with his family. The U.S. elections and increasing political uncertainty reinforced his determination to seek a fresh start. Ultimately, Greece emerged as the ideal choice, thanks to its Golden Visa programme, which allows not only spouses and children but also parents to relocate together.

The Situation

Several months ago, Mark, an IT specialist from Chicago, reached out to Astons. He and his wife, Jennifer, had made the decision to move to Europe. Given their ability to work remotely, they were seeking a safe and politically stable country with a pleasant climate and a high standard of living.

A key requirement for their relocation was the ability to bring their entire family: Mark and Jennifer’s two children, as well as Jennifer’s parents. It was essential for them to have access to international schools and high-quality healthcare services.

The Solution

Greece proved to be the optimal choice — one of the few EU countries offering a residency-by-investment programme that allows applicants to include parents in their application and relocate them to Europe. A renewable five-year residence permit can be obtained within just 3 to 6 months with a minimum property investment of €250,000.

Did you know that...

The programme allows investors to include their spouse, children under 21, as well as parents of either the primary applicant or their spouse in the residency application.

Astons’ real estate portfolio offers a wide selection of properties, from modern apartments to luxurious villas across Greece. The biggest challenge for Mark and Jennifer was deciding where to settle. On the one hand, Greece’s picturesque islands, with their stunning beaches and relaxed atmosphere, were tempting. On the other hand, the family was accustomed to the pace and conveniences of city life.

The couple selected spacious apartments in a newly developed residential complex with sea views for themselves and their children, while Jennifer’s parents purchased a cozy apartment in a nearby district.

Comparison of Investment Immigration Programs

Program

Investment Threshold

Processing Time

Schengen Access

Physical Presence Requirement

Argentina

Citizenship

from $500000

None

Dominica

Citizenship

from $200000

4 months

None

Egypt Egypt

Citizenship

from $250000

9 months

None

Investment Breakdown

Family apartment

€520,000

Parents' apartment

€290,000

Property transfer tax	3.09% of the property value
Notary fees	approximately 1.5% of the property value
Cadastre registry fee	0.6% of the property value
Immigration fees	€2,000 for the main applicant + €150 per additional family member
Residence card issuance fee	€16 per person
Additional Costs:
Translation services	€300
Additional transportation expenses	calculated upon request
Legal support by Astons	determined on a case-by-case basis
Total cost:	€855,335 (excluding variable costs)

Personalized Cost Breakdown for Greek Golden Visa

Get your investment estimate

The Outcome

The entire family recently received their Greek residency cards. The complex where Mark and Jennifer purchased their home is set to be completed in the coming weeks, while Jennifer’s parents’ apartment is already move-in ready.

With the support of Astons’ specialists, the family is actively preparing for their relocation. Our experts are currently assisting Mark and Jennifer in selecting the right school for their children.

Benefits of Greece’s Golden Visa programme

Greece’s Golden Visa is the most accessible residency-by-investment programme within the European Union. The residence permit is granted for five years and can be renewed indefinitely, provided the investment is maintained.

Under the programme’s current regulations, the minimum investment in real estate depends on the region:

€800,000 — in Attica, Thessaloniki, Crete, Rhodes, Mykonos, Santorini, and other Greek islands with a population of over 3,100 residents.
€400,000 — in all other regions of the country.
€250,000 — for commercial properties converted into residential use, regardless of their location. The same threshold applies to historically significant buildings under state protection, provided they are fully restored or renovated.

Key advantages of the programme include no mandatory residency requirements, fast-track application processing, the potential to apply for citizenship after seven years (subject to language and cultural knowledge tests), and unrestricted access to the EU’s banking, healthcare, and education systems, as well as visa-free travel within the Schengen Area countries.

Trust Astons

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It’s time to take control of your future. Start your citizenship or residency journey today with a personalised consultation.

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Sana Li

Astons USA Client Relationship Manager

We work exclusively with trusted developers and ensure the legal integrity of each property, guaranteeing full compliance with residency programme requirements.

Our portfolio includes a diverse range of investment properties, including exclusive off-market opportunities unavailable to the general public.

Speak with an Astons expert today! We will assess your case, craft a tailored relocation strategy, and provide a comprehensive cost estimate for your participation in Greece’s Golden Visa programme.

Contact us now to start your journey toward a new life under the Mediterranean sun in Greece.

Ultimate Guide for Greece Golden Visa

Still available from €250,000

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Ultimate Guide for a Greek Golden Visa

Discover how to secure EU residency through Greece's €250,000 Golden Visa programme at our expert-led webinar. Get all the crucial details about investment options and benefits.