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Many Americans, especially high-net-worth, have started to reconsider the concept of the American Dream. Rather than staying home, they opt to move abroad. Most typically, this is made for the purpose of doing business or marrying. 

In this brief review, we will focus on two of the most popular destinations – Greece and Cyprus. Rich Americans can easily obtain a Greece golden visa and a Cyprus golden visa, respectively, to realize their business and personal aspirations. Let’s just delve into details about the reasons for the popularity of both jurisdictions and other aspects that may be important for you.

Greek Golden Visa at a Glance

The Greek Golden Visa is a superior opportunity, offering an excellent location, a wealthy lifestyle, and lots of promising investment opportunities. It was first introduced in 2013 to attract more investors across the globe. Greece is a member of the EU which by default gives numerous benefits.

Obtaining the Greek Golden Visa is usually fast and straightforward since the local government is very interested in involving more entrepreneurs in the country. A person who is willing to get this visa has to comply with the following requirements:

• Pass compulsory due diligence. It is necessary to make sure that an applicant doesn’t have any criminal records. Another important aspect is to check whether the funds that will be used for investment are legal. They should also be transferred from a licensed bank to a Greek bank account.
• Choose a real estate object. It is possible to do this through the local agent. This property can be later used for residing in the country or generating rental income. Its basic value should be no less than €250,000. However, higher thresholds may be applicable in certain cases, depending on the chosen investment option.
• The purchased object has to be withheld. The owner can’t sell it. This object should also remain in place if the owner wants to renew this visa for another 5 years.
• Even if a physical presence in the state is not required, the applicants still have to visit it to submit biometrics. 
• The program also requires the confirmation of health insurance.

Benefits of the Greek Golden Visa

Americans who are willing to get the Greek Golden Visa will enjoy its numerous benefits:

• High standards of living – Greece offers superior terms of living, including access to many prestigious universities, world-class medical services, superior shopping opportunities, and vibrant entertainment options as well. Greece is well known for being a major recreational hub.
• Family-friendly – spouses, children, and parents are welcomed to apply.
• EU residency – this program envisages a renewable 5-year residence permit.
• Straightforward application and comparatively fast approval time – it takes around 6 months to get the residency.
• Low entry costs – the minimum amount of investment is €250,000.
• Relocation is not required – once you get the Golden Visa, you don’t need to reside physically in the country. It is not required before the permit has been granted either.
• Favorable tax programs enable visa holders to optimize their taxes and avoid double taxation in certain instances.
• Visa-free travel – visa holders may access the Schengen zone without restrictions for 90 days within any six months.

Cyprus Golden Visa at a Glance

This is another superior option for Americans willing to move to the EU. It offers a fast way to start operating in Europe and is deemed to be, probably, one of the fastest ones.

Aside from excellent conditions of living, covering access to favorable tax conditions, world-class resorts, and residentials, the holders of the Cyprus Golden Visa are allowed to apply for citizenship and get an EU passport later as well.

If you are interested in getting the Golden Visa in Cyprus, there are several things to keep in mind:

• Passing through several types of checks. The local officers will check the absence of criminal records and sanctions imposed on the applicants. The proof of income would be definitely requested. In certain cases, extra documents, such as birth and marriage certificates may be requested as well.
• The required basic amount of investment for the program shall be no less than €300,000. 
• The real estate purchased for the purpose of getting this visa has to be maintained for the entire period of visa validity.
• The applicants also have to submit proof of health insurance.
• It is also required to visit Cyprus to supply biometrics. In case of approval, the holders will also be required to visit Cyprus once every two years.

Benefits of the Cyprus Golden Visa

The Cyprus Golden Visa offers numerous top-class benefits:

• Secure, stable, and well-developed environment.
• Quick time of getting this permanent residency – less than 6 months.
• Favorable tax regime with low income and corporate tax rates. 
• Open to family members as well – spouses and dependent children up to 25 years.
• No governmental contributions, apart from the registration fee, are needed. 

Make One Step Towards Your American Dream Abroad!

Residing in Europe and doing business there needs some legal grounds. If you are limited in time for passing the standard immigration routes and are willing to invest a specific amount of money, Greek and Cyprus Golden Visas are good options to put on your table.

They are both offered in superior durations for living and doing business, especially in Cyprus. Both are very affordable from the point of meeting the compliance requirements. Both offer lots of benefits and perks in return, including traveling freely across dozens of countries.

If you want to find out more about your chances in each case, request a private and confidential consultation. Professional lawyers are ready to help you make your way to the American Dream Abroad real and easy.