GREECE RESIDENCE PERMIT - GREECE GOLDEN VISA

In 2023, there is massive investment in a revived Greece! Now, property prices are low and buying property is a prudent and wise investment decision.

Don't forget that Greece is a beautiful country in the heart of the Mediterranean, an EU (European Union member) country and also a member of the Schengen area, which gives rights of free movement, business and employment in other EU countries.

But now, you can purchase a property in Greece for just 250,000 EUROS and then you get a Residence Permit, which entitles you to live, work and study in Greece. Also, after 7 years of living in Greece, you can apply for Citizenship and a Greece EU Passport.

GREECE PROPERTY

Benefits of Buying Property in Greece are as follows:

 

• Safe Country - Greece is one of the safest countries in the Mediterranean region (top of EU list).


• Geographic Location - Strategic link to the emerging markets of the Balkans, Black Sea, Eastern Europe and Eastern Mediterranean regions.


• EU Member Country - Greece is a Member of the European Union, since 1981, which allows for free movement of people, goods, services, and capital within the internal market. In addition, Greece has access to the Schengen zone, in Europe. Greece is also a Member of the European Monetary Union, which are likely to continue providing strategic oversight, assistance and access to credit.


• Beauty - Unparalleled beauty and diversity in landscape & Vegetation.


• Climate - Healthy Mediterranean climate with 320 sunny days a year.


• Beaches and Islands - 428 blue – flagged beaches & 16,000 km of coastline. Unique 'island hopping' – 6,000 islands & isles.


• Healthy Diet - World's healthiest diet – exquisite local cuisine & wines.


• Friendly People - Friendly and hospitable people, relaxed lifestyle.


• English Speaking - English is widely spoken in Greece. English is the first foreign language Greek students learn from an early age. Official data released by the Eurobarometer Special Surveys shows that, when it comes to people being able to speak English, Greece reaches 51 percent.


• Rich History & Culture - Innumerable tourist sites of interest. Vivid modern life (culture and social).


• Infrastructure - Advanced infrastructure & expertise in professional services. Greece has a developed infrastructure that enables the uninterrupted implementation of most investment activities. Within the framework of holding the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, and the investment in the following years, a number of changes and improvements in a variety of areas—including the infrastructure of Greece—were materialised.


• Healthcare - Healthcare in Greece consists of a universal health care system provided through national health insurance, and private health care. According to the 2011 budget, the Greek healthcare system was allocated 6.1 billion euro, or 2.8% of GDP. In a 2000 report by the World Health Organization, the Greek healthcare system was ranked 14th worldwide in the overall assessment, above other countries such as Germany and the United Kingdom.


• Free Education - The provision of free education to all citizens and at all levels of the state education system is a constitutional principle of the Greek State. Education is compulsory from the ages of 6 to 15.


• Large Tourist Numbers - As at February 2018, according to the Bank of Greece more than 27 million inbound tourists, not counting cruise passengers, visited Greece in 2017. According to BoG figures, the number of inbound visitors to Greece in 2017 rose by 9.7 percent to 27.194 million, compared to 24.799 million tourists in 2016.


• Transport Connections - Excellent international flight connections by Air to Europe, Africa and Asia, transport between the Greek Islands by ferry, and Intercity bus connections. One of the strongest shipping sectors in the world.


• Foreign Investment - According to Bank of Greece data, as at November 2017, net Foreign Direct Investment Inflows the first 11 months of 2017 reached 3,304.4 million Euros, vs. 2,462.6 million Euros the same period of 2016, an increase of 34.2%. This achievement improves significantly the 2016 performance and establishes a clear upwards trend which has already brought Foreign Direct Investments back to the levels of the best years before the crisis. Also, Greece laws and regulations are becoming more 'investor friendly'.


• Low Cost of Living - Life in Greece is unusually affordable for Europe. With a relatively low budget, you can live a good life - even in the capital of Athens. Rental prices are low for a European country.

GREECE RESIDENCE PERMIT

To be eligible for the Greece Residence Permit (Golden Visa Programme), the applicant must:

• Purchase a Property in Greece valued at 250,000 EUR or more. This is the cheapest permanent residency programme in Europe.


• Residence available to non-EU citizens and their family members (spouse, children up to the age of 21 years, and the ascendants of the spouse).


• The purchase of the property must be by an individual or legal entity.

BENEFITS OF GREECE RESIDENCE PERMIT

Outlined below are the benefits of obtaining the Greece Residence Permit:

• Family Residency - Full family permanent residency (spouse, children up to 24 years, and parents of the spouse).


• Flexibility - No minimum stay requirement. Just need to visit Greece once every 5 years, for 1 day.


• EU Schengen Visa Travel - Travel directly to all 26 Schengen Area countries.


• Excellent Investment - Exceptional investment opportunity due to all-time low property prices, in 2018.


• Permanent Residence for Life - Provided that the Property continues to be in the possession of the Applicant.


• Fast Processing Time - From the day that you receive the Title Deed, you will be granted permanent residence within 20 days to 3 months.


• No Savings Requirements - No minimum savings bank account requirements.


• Transfer of Residence Permit - The investor may sell the property and transfer it to another non-EU National, who in turn will also be eligible for PR.


• Free Education - Access to free public schools for primary and secondary education.


• Greece Citizenship - Live as a resident in Greece on the resident permit for 7 consecutive years (180 days in each year), and then apply for Greece Citizenship and a Greece EU Passport.

Our Specialist Consultants at VisaConnect can assist and advise you with your Greece Property purchase, conveyancing transaction and all Agreements, plus set up in Greece with Tax, and bank account opening. Contact Us Today for a FREE Visa Eligibility Assessment!

Greece Golden Residence Permit Advice | Buy Greek Property (visaconnect.com)

EB-5 IMMIGRANT INVESTOR PROGRAM - USA

The EB-5 visa is a permanent residence visa (Green card) designed for foreign Investors to invest funds in US projects, such as property developments.

Congress created the EB-5 Program in 1990 to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors. In 1992, Congress created the Immigrant Investor Program, also known as the Regional Center Program. The program is administered by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).

To be eligible for the EB-5 visa, the Investor applicant must do the following:

• Invest in a commercial enterprise in the United States, and 
• Create or preserve 10 full time jobs for qualified US workers.
  

What is the Required Minimum Investment amount to be eligible for the EB-5 visa?

Required minimum investments are:

General - The minimum qualifying investment in the United States is $1 million.
   
Targeted Employment Area  - (High Unemployment or Rural Area). The minimum qualifying investment either within a high-unemployment area or rural area in the United States is $800,000 USD, in 2023.

What is a Targeted Employment Area?

A targeted employment area is an area that, at the time of investment, is a rural area or an area experiencing unemployment of at least 150 percent of the national average rate.

What is a Rural Area?

A rural area is any area outside a metropolitan statistical area (as designated by the Office of Management and Budget) or outside the boundary of any city or town having a population of 20,000 or more according to the decennial census.

EB-5 Visa Statistics for 2014:

1. China mainland born investors constituted 9,128 or 85.4% of the 10,692 grand total in the EB-5 category. This number also signifies a 32.4% relative increase from the amount of China mainland born EB-5 immigrants in FY2013, in which they constituted 80.5% of the EB-5 category total.

2. In both years, investing $500,000 in a TEA through a regional center was the overwhelming investment choice for China mainland born applicants, with 95.5% having chosen that route in FY2013 and 98.2% in FY2014.

3. Apart from mainland China, see the numbers of applicants for the EB-5 visa from different countries below:

South Korea (2.1%)
Mexico (1.2%)
China Taiwan Born (1.2%)
Vietnam (1.1%)
Russia (0.9%) 

4. Vietnam had the largest increase in the fraction of overall EB-5 immigrants between FY2013 and FY2014, while South Korea had the greatest decrease.

What are the benefits of the EB-5 program?

• Tens of thousands of jobs have been created in the US, since the program's inception in 1990. 
• Since 2008, there has been an injection of over $13.5 billion of foreign direct investment. 
• Reasonable price of the Investment - any qualified foreigner willing to invest at least $500,000 USD, and create 10 jobs in the US c an apply for an Investor Immigrant visa. 
• No English language ability or test, No related business experience, and No minimum education requirements. 
• Applicants and their family are free to live and work anywhere in the US, without restriction, including in states such as Florida or Texas with no state income tax. 
• The EB-5 program provides permanent residence for the Investor applicant and his/her spouse, and any children under the age of 21 years. No sponsor is required. 
• Employment of 10 US workers is satisfied through direct and indirect job creation. Foreign Investors using a designated Regional Center are given priority by USCIS. 
• Investors have no need to manage the investment on a daily basis. 
• Entitled to Education at US Colleges and Universities, at US resident costs. 
• The Program has No waiting list and No quota backlogs as exists in many other Employment and Sponsorship visa programs. 
• No H-1B work visa needed for employment. 
• EB-5 is the fastest way to obtain a US Green card and Citizenship. Become a US citizen after 5 years. 
• In the event of a political change / significant event in the investor’s home country, he/she and family can immediately gain entry to the U.S. without delay.
  

EB-5 Application Process:

1. File Form I-526, Petition by Alien Entrepreneur
   
2. Form I-526 is approved, then you need to either:

• File Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with USCIS to adjust status to a conditional permanent resident within the United States, o
• File DS-230 or DS-260, Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration, with the U.S. Department of State to obtain an EB-5 visa for admission to the United States.
  

3. After the  I-485 application is approved or upon entry into the United States with an EB-5 immigrant visa, the EB-5 investor and derivative family members will be granted conditional permanent residence for a two-year period.

4. Removing Conditions - File Form I-829, Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions, 90 days before the two-year anniversary of the granting of the EB-5 investor’s conditional resident status (Green Card).

5. If USCIS approves the Form I-829 petition, the conditions will be removed from the EB-5 applicant’s status and the EB-5 investor and derivative family members will be allowed to permanently live and work in the United States.

Visaconnect can assist and advise you with the complete EB-5 application process, which includes professional and specialist legal advice from our US qualified Attorney's, guidance in finding a suitable Investment Project through our Regional Centers, completion of all Forms and paperwork and preparation of your supporting documents. Also, we openly, clearly and ethically inform you about the application process, and respond to your questions and queries immediately:

EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program Advice | US Attorneys (visaconnect.com)

O-1 VISA - EXTRAORDINARY ABILITY OR ACHIEVEMENT - USA

The O-1 Visa for the US is a specialist non-immigrant visa for an individual who possesses extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who has a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and has been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements.

The O-1 visa classifications are as follows:

O-1A: individuals with an extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics (not including the arts, motion pictures or television industry).

O-1B: individuals with an extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in motion picture or television industry.

O-2: individuals who will accompany an O-1, artist or athlete, to assist in a specific event or performance.  For an O-1A, the O-2’s assistance must be an “integral part” of the O-1A’s activity.

O-3: individuals who are the spouse or children of O-1’s and O-2’s.

What are the eligibility criteria for an O Visa?

1. The beneficiary must demonstrate extraordinary ability by sustained national or international acclaim.

2. Extraordinary ability in the fields of science, education, business or athletics means a level of expertise indicating that the person is one of the small percentage who has risen to the very top of the field of endeavor.

3. Extraordinary ability in the field of arts means distinction. 

4. To qualify for an O-1 visa in the motion picture or television industry, the beneficiary must demonstrate extraordinary achievement evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition significantly above that ordinarily encountered to the extent the person is recognized as outstanding, notable or leading in the motion picture and/or television field.

What is the application process for an O-1 Visa?

A.  File Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, with the USCIS.

B. Consultation - A written advisory opinion from a peer group (including labor organizations) or a person with expertise in the beneficiary’s area of ability.

C. Contract between petitioner and beneficiary.

D. Itineraries - nature of the events or activities.

What is the Evidentiary Criteria for an O-1A visa application?

Evidence that the beneficiary has received a major, internationally-recognized award, such as a Nobel Prize, or evidence of at least (3) three of the following: 

1. Receipt of nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor.

2. Membership in associations in the field for which classification is sought which require outstanding achievements, as judged by recognized national or international experts in the field.

3. Published material in professional or major trade publications, newspapers or other major media about the beneficiary and the beneficiary’s work in the field for which classification is sought.

4. Original scientific, scholarly, or business-related contributions of major significance in the field.

5. Authorship of scholarly articles in professional journals or other major media in the field for which classification is sought.

6. A high salary or other remuneration for services as evidenced by contracts or other reliable evidence.

7. Participation on a panel, or individually, as a judge of the work of others in the same or in a field of specialization allied to that field for which classification is sought.

8. Employment in a critical or essential capacity for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation.

What is the period of stay granted to the visa applicant?

Up to 3 years, but the petitioner may request an extension of their stay.

For advice and assistance with your O-1A visa application to work in the US, contact VisaConnect's qualified US Attorney's:

O-1 Visa USA Advice - Extraordinary Ability or Achievement (visaconnect.com)

H-1B VISA - US

The H-1B visa for the United States allows foreigners to work in the US, in specialty occupations, services of exceptional merit and ability relating to a Department of Defense (DOD) cooperative research and development project, or services as a fashion model of distinguished merit or ability.

What are the eligibility criteria for H-1B Specialty occupations?

The job must meet one of the following criteria to qualify as a specialty occupation:

1. Bachelor’s or higher degree or its equivalent is normally the minimum entry requirement for the position.

2. The degree requirement for the job is common to the industry or the job is so complex or unique that it can be performed only by an individual with a degree.

3. The employer normally requires a degree or its equivalent for the position.

4. The nature of the specific duties is so specialized and complex that the knowledge required to perform the duties is usually associated with the attainment of a bachelor’s or higher degree.

5. Labour Condition Application - The prospective employer must file an approved Form ETA-9035, Labor Condition Application (LCA), with the Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker.

For the visa applicant to qualify to accept a job offer in a specialty occupation you must meet one of the following criteria:

A. Have completed a U.S. bachelor’s or higher degree required by the specific specialty occupation from an accredited college or university.

B. Hold a foreign degree that is the equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s or higher degree in the specialty occupation.

C. Hold an unrestricted state license, registration, or certification which authorizes you to fully practice the specialty occupation and be engaged in that specialty in the state of intended employment.

D. Have education, training, or progressively responsible experience in the specialty that is equivalent to the completion of such a degree and have recognition of expertise in the specialty through progressively responsible positions directly related to the specialty.

What are the eligibility criteria for H-1B2 DOD Researcher and Development Project Worker?

The job must meet both of the following criteria to qualify as a DOD cooperative research and development project:

1. The cooperative research and development project or a co-production project is provided for under a government-to-government agreement administered by the U.S. Department of Defense.

2. A bachelor’s or higher degree, or its equivalent is required to perform duties.

3. Labour Condition Application (LCA) is not required.

What are the eligibility criteria for the H-1B3 Fashion Model?

A. The position/services must require a fashion model of prominence.

B. To be eligible for this visa category you must be a fashion model of distinguished merit and ability.
 
C. Labour Condition Application (LCA) is required.

What is the H-1B application process?

1. Employer Submits LCA to DOL for certification.

2. Employer Submits Completed Form I-129 to USCIS.

3. Prospective Workers Outside the United States Apply for Visa and/or Admission.

How long can you stay in the US on an H-1B visa?

You may be admitted to the US, as a non-immigrant, on the H-1B for up to 3 years. You can get a visa extension, but it is not usual for the visa to go beyond 6 years duration.

What is the H-1B Cap?

Annually, the H-1B visa has a numerical limit "cap" of 65,000 visas each fiscal year. The first 20,000 petitions filed on behalf of beneficiaries with a U.S. master’s degree or higher are exempt from the cap.

For advice and assistance with your H-1B visa application to work in the US, contact VisaConnect's qualified US Attorney's:

H-1B and H-4 Specialty Occupation | US Work Visa Advice (visaconnect.com)

E-3 VISA - AUSTRALIAN PROFESSIONALS - USA

The E-3 visa for the US is applicable only for Australian nationals (Australian citizens but not permanent residents) and their family. It allows an applicant to go to the United States to work solely in a specialty occupation.


E-3 visa applicants may be admitted to the United States for up to a two-year period, which is renewable indefinitely.

What is the definition of a 'Specialty Occupation'?

The definition of “specialty occupation” is one that requires:
 
I. A theoretical and practical application of a body of specialized knowledge; and

ii. The attainment of a bachelor’s or higher degree in the specific specialty (or its equivalent) as a minimum for entry into the occupation in the United States.

Generally, as a guide, the occupation must be considered a graduate specialty occupation, and might be eligible for the E-3 visa if it is listed on the Occupational Information Network website O*NET Online.

Do You need a Job Offer?

Yes. You need to have a job offer from a sponsoring employer in the United States before you can apply for the E-3 visa. Also, you must apply from within Australia or another country, but you cannot apply from in the US for the visa.

How do I apply for the E-3 visa?

1. Make an appointment with your nearest US Consulate.

2. Take all your documents to your Interview at the US Consulate, including the Job offer from your US employer.

3. Complete the standard DS-160 application form.

What is the average processing time?

In Australia, if an E-3 is approved at your Interview - then the visa is usually issued within 5 business days.

Documentary evidence required for your E-3 visa application:

1. An approved Labor Condition Application (LCA) - the U.S. employer obtains from the Department of Labor. You are advised not to book an interview appointment until you have received this form.

2. Evidence of academic or other qualifying credentials - required under Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) 214(i)(1), and a job offer letter from the employer.

3. If your degree and higher-level qualifications are from an Australian institution, you do not usually need to provide certified copies or evidence of their U.S. equivalent but bring to your visa interview a copy of any certificates, and if possible, transcripts for the course of study.

4. In the absence of an academic or other qualifying credential(s), evidence of education and experience that is equivalent to the required U.S. degree.

5. A certified copy of any required license - or other official permission to practice the occupation in the state of intended employment if so required or, where licensure is not necessary to commence immediately the intended specialty occupation employment upon admission, evidence that the alien will be obtaining the required license within a reasonable time after admission.

For advice and assistance with your E-3 visa application to the US, contact VisaConnect's qualified US Attorney's:

E-3 Work Visa for Australian Professionals | US Attorneys (visaconnect.com)

J-1 EXCHANGE VISA - USA

The Intern visa, J-1 allows foreign college and university students to travel and work in the US, as an Intern (Trainee), and gain exposure and understanding of US work culture and learn new skills and practical experience, in their selected occupation field.

The eligibility requirements for the J-1 visa are:

1. The foreign national must be currently enrolled in and pursuing studies at a foreign degree or certificate granting post-secondary academic institution outside the United States; or

2. The foreign national has just graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to their exchange visitor program start date.

The Program Sponsors of the Internship must visit host organizations, and collect verification evidence from the organization, and do quality assurance in the form of regular evaluations from students to maintain high standards of quality and credibility.

Employer hosts are required to:

1. Sign a completed Form DS–7002 – Training/Internship Placement Plan (T/IPP) to verify that all placements are appropriate and consistent with the objectives of the interns as outlined in their program applications and as set forth in their T/IPPs. All placements must be customized to the skills and experience level of the individual intern.

2. Notify sponsors promptly of any concerns about, changes in or deviations from T/IPPs during training and internship programs and contact sponsors immediately in the event of any emergency involving trainees or interns.

3. Abide by all federal, state and local occupational health and safety laws.

4. Abide by all program rules and regulations set forth by the sponsors, including the completion of all mandatory program evaluations.

5. Have sufficient resources, plant, equipment and trained personnel available.

6. Provide continuous on-site supervision and mentoring by experienced and knowledgeable staff.

7. Ensure that interns obtain skills, knowledge, and competencies through structured and guided activities such as classroom training, seminars, rotation through several departments, on-the-job training, attendance at conferences and similar learning activities, as appropriate in specific circumstances.

What can the student Intern do on a Program?

They can come to the US to teach, study, conduct research, demonstrate special skills or receive on the job training for periods ranging from a few weeks to several years.

The following are types of Internship Programs available on the J-1 visa:

Au Pair
Camp Counselor
College and University Student
Government Visitor
Intern
International Visitor
Physician
Professor and Research Scholar
Secondary School Student
Short-Term Scholar
Specialist
Summer Work Travel
Teacher
Trainee

What are the eligibility requirements for participants on the J-1 Program?

A. English Language Proficiency

B. Insurance

C. Pre-Arrival Information and Agreements - provided by Program Sponsors

D. Orientation - provided by Program Sponsors

E. Monitoring - progress and welfare of participants must be done by program Sponsors.

For advice and assistance with your J-1 Intern visa application, contact VisaConnect's qualified US Attorney's:

J-1 Visa USA | Exchange Visitor Program - VisaConnect

STUDENT VISA - UNITED STATES

A US Student visa is generally required for a foreigner interested in studying in the US, at a School,

College or University, except for short courses, then they can study on a B-1 visa.

There are 2 types of student visas - F-1 or M-1.

The F visa is meant for study at:

• University or college 
• High School 
• Private elementary school 
• Seminary 
• Conservatory 
• Another academic institution, including a language training program
  

The M visa is meant for study at:

• Vocational or other recognized nonacademic institution, other than a language training program
  

The first step is to apply for the course before applying to the US Consulate or Embassy for the visa. You need to apply and be accepted by a SEVP approved school. Once your application gets accepted, you will be enrolled in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), and you will need to pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee. At that point, the US School will present you with a Form I-20 for your student visa application to the US Consulate.

The Consular Officer may require you to attend an interview, and at that appointment you need to bring all your personal documents (Passport, photo), and DS-160 application form, as well as your academic qualifications and transcript of results.

For advice and assistance with your US student visa application, contact VisaConnect's qualified US Attorney's:

F-1 Student Visa | M-1 Vocational and Training Visa US (visaconnect.com)