How a Qatari entrepreneur obtained a residence permit in Greece in 2 months

Problem. Khalid is an entrepreneur from Qatar who owns a logistics and trade company. He primarily works with Middle Eastern and European markets and frequently travels abroad to meet distributors and attend industry expos. One of Khalid’s long-term business partners is based in Athens, and their collaboration requires in-person meetings.

While travelling to Middle Eastern countries, such as the UAE and Egypt, was straightforward for Khalid due to no visa restrictions, entering Europe, specifically Schengen states, was more challenging.

Qatar has no visa-free agreement with Schengen countries, so Khalid had to apply for a Schengen visa to enter the region regularly. Additionally, Khalid was limited by the number of days he could stay in Europe, making business travel, especially last-minute trips, difficult.

In November 2024, Khalid had to decline a business conference invitation because he had already spent the allowed 90 days out of 180 days in the Schengen Area. He would have had to apply for a new Schengen visa, but there was not enough time. At that point, he realised he was tired of the restrictions and began searching for a way to simplify his life.

Solution. Khalid’s business partner, aware of his struggles, suggested he consider obtaining residency in Greece. Khalid knew most types of residence permits would require him to live permanently in the country, which was unsuitable as he couldn’t leave his business in Qatar and move to Europe.

After further research, Khalid discovered a residency option that did not require permanent residence — the Greece residence permit by investment.

Khalid was immediately interested but didn’t want to handle the process alone. He decided to turn to immigration specialists and found Immigrant Invest through Google. He explored the Immigrant Invest website, appreciated the comprehensive information it provided, and noted the company’s experienced experts. All of this ultimately led him to book a consultation.

During the consultation, an Immigrant Invest expert explained the requirements, costs, and process for obtaining the Greece residence permit. Pleased with the communication and detailed information, Khalid decided to proceed. In addition to obtaining residency, he planned to include his wife and two minor children in the application.

To be eligible for the Greece residence permit, the investor must meet the following conditions:

• be over 18;

• have no criminal record or prosecutions;

• prove the legality of the income.

Investors can add family members to the application, including spouses or partners, children under 21, and parents.

Greece offers 9 options to obtain its residence permit. Among them are the following:

• real estate purchase — €250,000+;

• 10-year lease of tourist accommodation — €400,000+;

• timeshare for tourist accommodation — €400,000+;

• receiving real estate as inheritance or a gift — €400,000+;

• purchase of shares in mutual or alternative investment funds — €350,000+;

• opening a fix-term deposit — €500,000+;

• purchase of government bonds — €500,000+;

• capital investment in a Greek company — €500,000+;

• purchase of corporate or government bonds listed for trading — €800,000+.

Why Khalid decided to purchase real estate. From the beginning, Khalid knew he wanted to purchase real estate, as it offered several advantages.

Firstly, during his visits to Greece, Khalid had to stay in hotels or rented apartments, which felt uncomfortable and restrictive. He also depended on the availability of hotel rooms and apartments, and during high seasons, had to book months in advance. This, along with visa requirements, complicated his last-minute travel.

Secondly, the property could also serve as a holiday home if Khalid and his family decided to travel to Greece as tourists.

What property Khalid chose. Khalid decided to buy real estate intended for renovation for €250,000, as it was the most affordable option. He knew the renovation would take time, but he was willing to wait to enjoy the benefits of having his own home in Greece. The property’s developer was to handle the renovation, so Khalid did need to get involved in the process.

While visiting Greece for a business meeting, Khalid dedicated some free time to choosing a suitable apartment. Immigrant Invest offered him several options and arranged in-person visits to examine the properties.

Khalid chose an apartment in Piraeus, a suburb of Athens. The property features two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a balcony facing the Mediterranean Sea.

The apartments itself cost €276,000. Khalid also paid a transfer tax of 3.09%, a property registration fee of 0.5%, and notary fees of 1.5% of the property’s value. The total sum amounted to €290,048.

Immigrant Invest verified the property and its owner and accompanied Khalid during the conclusion of the sales and purchase agreement.

Examples of real estate available for applicants for the Greece residence permit

Greece, Santorini

€450,000 — €550,000

Mediterranean style villa next to the sea in Santorini with guaranteed rent

83 m² — 94 m²

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Greece, Kissamos

€1,250,000 — €2,200,000

Traditional style villas on the seafront in Crete

132 m² — 258 m²

3—5

3—5

Greece, Athens

€376,000 — €447,000

Hotel apartments in the historical center of Athens

47 m² — 97 m²

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Khalid continues to live and work in Doha but now travels to Europe more easily. In early April, he attended a business conference and plans to meet potential new partners in Europe in May.

The investor’s family—his spouse and two children—obtained Greek residence permits alongside him. They can now enter Greece and other Schengen countries without visas and accompany Khalid on his business and tourist trips.

Khalid’s son is soon to graduate from school and is considering studying at a university in the EU. With a Greek residence permit, he will not require a separate student visa. If he chooses to study in Athens, he will not need to rent housing or live in a dormitory, as he already has a place to stay.

Khalid’s and his family’s residence permits in Greece are valid for 5 years and can be extended every 5 years indefinitely. Khalid has not decided whether to renew his status, but if he does, Immigrant Invest will assist him.