Annie, the daughter of Chinese immigrants who seized the opportunity of Greece’s Golden Visa, has blossomed into a music prodigy at the tender age of four.
Her journey from China to Greece has been as harmonious as her violin playing, which dazzles with grace and skill, delighting both her family and her Greek music teacher, according to a report in the Sino Hellenic Information Post.
Chinese music prodigy has a Greek idol
Annie’s admiration for Greek violin virtuoso Leonidas Kavakos knows no bounds; he’s not just her hero but her inspiration to delve deep into the world of music.
Born in Athens, Leonidas Kavakos has won several international violin competition prizes, including the Sibelius, Paganini, Naumburg, and Indianapolis competitions. He is an Onassis Foundation scholar and has also recorded for labels such as Sony/BMG and BIS.
As a conductor, he was the artistic director of the Camerata Salzburg and has been a guest conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra and Boston Symphony Orchestra.
In 2016 Kavakos, took to the stage of the Lincoln Center of Manhattan to conduct the New York Philharmonic.
Living amidst the cultural tapestry of Athens, Annie is not only mastering Greek and her native Chinese but is also fluent in English and German, reflecting her family’s global outlook.
When asked about her favorite piece, Annie lights up, mentioning “Infant Paganini” by Edward Mollenhauer, a choice that underscores her early affinity for intricate melodies and technical brilliance. In her young heart, music transcends borders, echoing the fusion of her Sino-Greek heritage.
Chinese interest in Greece’s Golden Visa
As of February 2025, over 6,500 Greek Golden Visas have been issued to Chinese nationals. Chinese investors consistently represent the largest group of Golden Visa holders in Greece, accounting for around 55 to 65 percent of all applications and approvals.
There is significant interest from China in the Greek Golden Visa program for several compelling reasons. First of all, the Greek Golden Visa traditionally had one of the lowest investment thresholds among European Golden Visa programs, requiring a minimum €250,000 real estate investment, though this has recently increased in some high-demand areas to €400,000 or even €800,000.
Furthermore, it grants visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, offering Chinese citizens greater mobility and freedom to travel across 27 European countries without needing additional visas.
While initially a residency-by-investment program, it offers a clear path to long-term residency and, eventually, Greek citizenship after a certain period (typically seven years of residency and meeting other requirements).
Chinese investors are often looking to diversify their assets outside of China, especially amidst capital controls and domestic economic uncertainties. Investing in Greek real estate provides a stable, tangible asset in a European economy.
Related: Greece and China: The Wisdom of Ancient Civilizations
