Tom Hanks, Werner Herzog & the Greece Golden Visa: Why Global Icons Choose Greece

Tom Hanks, a respected actor of Hollywood, became citizen of Greece through honorary citizenship route. On the contrary, greek residency by investment was chosen by a renowned filmmaker of the world, Werner Herzog, who has a significant relationship with this country.

Both of these stories show that Greece is not just a beautiful place to visit, but it's also a place where people can experience the culture. Provides opportunities for people and a combination of unique culture and history.

In honor of their outstanding services to Greece, Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, received honorary Greek citizenship. However, for those interested in residency in Greece, the country has a special program called the Greece golden visa for investors, which is one of the ways that allows investors to become resident in Greece.

Greece’s Beauty and Residency Opportunities

Greece, a beautiful European country, has been attracting a large number of people due to its Mediterranean lifestyle and beautiful islands. Other than the beauty, the country has also been gaining interest from global entrepreneurs, artists, and internationally mobile families due to the numerous opportunities it provides through its residency by investment program. 

The Icons Who Chose Greece - At a Glance

Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson - Greek Citizens by Heart, Heritage, and Honor

The interest in Tom Hanks Greece, Tom Hanks Greece citizenship, and Tom Hanks Greek passport has been growing because of his connection with Greece throughout many years. His wife Rita Wilson, has Greek heritage, and the family has spent a long time on Antiparos island. 

People have been searching for Tom Hanks Antiparos and Rita Wilson Greek which shows their curiosity on honorary Greek citizenship granted to both of them. They did not get citizenship of Greece through any investment program but through one of the highest honours a country can bestow. This shows the cultural side of Greece's global appeal.

What is the Greece Golden Visa? 

Program Overview

The Greece golden visa program allows non-European nationals to live and work in Greece by getting its 5-year residency. The program requires qualifying investment and in return grants Greece residency and multiple benefits such as travel mobility and Schengen access. This makes it one of the most attractive Greece residency by investment options.

Investment Routes & Current Minimums

The Greece residency by investment program offers multiple real estate investment thresholds to individuals from which they can choose whatever they find suitable or feasible for them. These investment routes include:

Real Estate Investment of €250,000

This is the most affordable option for individuals. It requires them to purchase a property worth of €250,000 and the purpose of investment is to convert commercial property into residential. This can stabilise the residential real estate market. 

Real Estate Investment of €400,000

This route allows investors to get Greece residency by purchasing property in mid-scale areas worth €400,000. 

Real Estate Investment of €800,000

This route allows investors to get Greece residency by purchasing property in high-demand areas worth €800,000. These areas include Attica, the regional units of Thessaloniki, Santorini, and Mykonos.

Alternative Routes:

Other than real estate the alternative routes include:

Capital Transfer

It requires a fixed term deposit of  €500,000, purchasing government bonds or an investment in public limited companies of real estate. 

Key Benefits

The major benefits of getting Greek residency include:

• Visa-free travel access to the Schengen area. It includes 90 days stay in a 180 day period. This allows business owners to expand their business or attend foreign business meetings.

• It allows the main applicant to include family members such as spouse, unmarried children under 21, and parents. 

• It does not require any physical stay to maintain the residency.

• The program provides a pathway to permanent residency after 5 years and citizenship after 7 years. 

Processing Timeline

The typical processing time for a golden visa is 3 to 6 months.

The Unique Appeal of Greece for High-Net-Worth Individuals

Historical and Cultural Depth

Greece is a country where history, art, culture, and modern European lifestyle all exist together. This attracts many international buyers and global investors. 

Island Lifestyle - The World’s Most Coveted

The country consists of around 6000 islands among which only 227 are inhabited. These picturesque islands of Greece make it one of the most desirable places in the world. Some golden visa Greece islands such as Crete, Mykonos, and Santorini are most popular due to high international demand. 

Investment Opportunity in European Real Estate

The Greece real estate market is showing significant growth in recent years. The reason behind this continuous growth is opportunity to:

• Adopt a European lifestyle.

• Invest in a strong real estate market.

• Gain residency rights.

Honorary Citizenship vs. Golden Visa - A Clear Distinction

Honorary Citizenship (Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson’s Route)

Honorary citizenship is granted by the country to someone under exceptional circumstances. It is based on extraordinary contribution, heritage, or national significance. Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson got Greek citizenship under this route. 

Golden Visa (Investment Route) 

The golden visa is a residency by investment route to get Greek residency. It requires qualifying real estate investment or a fixed term deposit. After fulfilling investment requirements, applicants get residency rights in Greece which allow them to live and work in the country or even run or manage a business there.

Greece Golden Visa vs. Other European Programs

How to Apply for the Greece Golden Visa

Following are the few steps to get a Golden visa of Greece. 

Step 1 - Select Your Investment & Location

The initial step involves selecting the investment route and the area where you want to purchase a property from.

Step 2 - Obtain Greek Tax Number (AFM)

Obtain a Greek tax number which is required for the application process. 

Step 3 - Open a Greek Bank Account

Applicants open Greek bank accounts to form a banking relationship.

Step 4 - Complete Property Purchase

Fulfill the required real estate purchase to qualify. 

Step 5 - Submit Golden Visa Application

File the golden visa application through relevant authorities. 

Step 6 - Receive 5-Year Residency Permit

Successful applicants receive renewable residency rights. 

Step 7 - (Optional Year 7) Apply for Greek Citizenship

After gaining residency, applicants can apply for Greek citizenship after fulfilling legal requirements. 

Frequently Asked Questions - Greece Golden Visa

What is Tom Hanks’s Net Worth?

Tom Hanks net worth is ~$400 million.

Is Tom Hanks a Greek Citizen?

Yes, Tom Hanks received honorary Greek citizenship. 

How did Tom Hanks get Greek Citizenship?

Many people search how did Tom Hanks get Greek citizenship because his citizenship was granted as a special honour rather than through investment.

What is the difference between honorary citizenship and the Greece Golden Visa?

Honorary citizenship is granted by the government under exceptional circumstances while the golden visa is a residency by investment program.

How much does the Greece Golden Visa cost?

The minimum investment threshold for qualifying for a golden visa is €250,000. 

Does Greece Golden Visa require living in Greece?

No, Greece's golden visa does not require physical stay to maintain residency. 

Does the Greece Golden Visa lead to EU citizenship?

Yes, the applicants can apply for citizenship after 7 years, upon fulfilling the legal requirements. 

What is Rita Wilson’s net worth?

Rita Wilson net worth is ~$100 million.