What due-diligence standards, such as prior criminal convictions, are there for investment immigrants to Greece?

I am from Ecuador and have a criminal conviction there from 9 years ago. But I have served my time and has become a successful businessman. Can I apply for a Golden Visa through an investment? What kind of background checks are there?

Answers

On November 27, 2018 Mary Tsiganou answered:

There is no need for additional documentation regarding the criminal records of the investor who applies for a permanent resident permit for property owners. The interested party must submit an application for an entry visa to the Greek consulate authority in his country of origin in order for entry in Greece and complete the necessary formalities of the procedure for property acquisition and the Golden Visa issuance. Since the investor has legally entered in Greece, there is no further documentation for criminal records needed.

On November 30, 2018 Elissavet (Isabelle) Razi answered:

No criminal records are asked when applying and you are entitled to apply. Nevertheless, we aren’t aware if there are any background checks made by authorities. I doubt it, really.

On November 27, 2018 Vasiliki Papaloi answered:

Greek local authorities do not make such a check. You just need to issue any type of visa and enter Greece.

On December 06, 2018 Constantinos Zacharopoulos answered:

Indeed, within the procedure of applying for Golden Visa, a certificate of criminal record is required. This certificate should be issued either from your authorities in Ecuador, either from your country's consulate or embassy in Greece. Usually, at least for European countries, all criminal records are cleared after 10 years, so you are close to it. It would be interesting to apply in your country for a criminal record certificate or attestation, just to see what we've got.

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