A Greece Golden Visa lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in assisting individuals with the process of obtaining a Greece Golden Visa through real estate investment or other eligible methods.
The Greece Golden Visa program grants residency permits to non-EU citizens who invest at least €250,000 in Greek real estate or meet other investment criteria. The program offers benefits like visa-free travel in the Schengen Area and the possibility of transitioning to permanent residency or citizenship.
Therefore, hiring a lawyer is essential to ensure the legal aspects of property verification, the visa application, and the transition to permanent residency or citizenship are handled correctly. This article will explain how a Greece Golden Visa lawyer can assist at each stage, from investment to post-visa processes.
Six Ways a Greece Golden Visa Lawyer can Help You
1. Assessing your eligibility
A Greece Golden Visa lawyer will carefully review your investment plan, usually a real estate purchase of at least €250,000, to make sure it meets all the visa rules. They will check your financial situation to see if you meet the investment amount and guide you on the right Greece Golden Visa properties and locations that qualify for the visa.
The lawyer will also explain how you can include your family members, such as your spouse, children under 21, and dependent parents, in your application so they can get residency too.
2. Document preparation
The application requires a variety of legal and financial documents. A Greece Golden Visa lawyer will help you:
- Gather and prepare essential paperwork such as proof of investment, valid passports, financial records, health insurance, and criminal record certificates.
- Ensure documents are properly translated into Greek and certified as per legal standards.
- Verify the accuracy and completeness of all paperwork to avoid delays or rejections.
3. Property purchase assistance
Since real estate investment is the most common way to get the Greece Golden Visa, a lawyer plays an important role in making sure your property purchase is safe and legal. They will check the property’s legal status to ensure it has no debts, disputes, or other issues.
The lawyer will also prepare and review the purchase contracts to protect your interests. They help with registering the property and make sure everything follows Greek real estate laws. Additionally, they will manage the payment process and ensure that the €250,000 minimum investment is correctly handled.
4. Application submission
A lawyer ensures that your Golden Visa application is accurately prepared and submitted by:
- Completing all forms according to the requirements of the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum.
- Coordinating with public notaries, real estate agents, and immigration authorities.
- Handling appointments for biometric data collection is a required part of the application process.
- Providing real-time updates on the progress of your application.
5. Appealing rejections
If your Greece Golden Visa application is rejected, a lawyer can help you fix the problem. They will review the reasons for the denial and find any issues that can be corrected. The lawyer will then prepare a strong appeal and represent you in front of the Greek authorities. They will also advise you on any extra requirements needed to strengthen your resubmission and improve your chances of approval.
6. Ongoing legal support
The relationship with a lawyer doesn’t end after the initial approval. They provide long-term support by:
- Assisting with renewals of the Golden Visa, which occur every five years, provided the investment is maintained.
- Advising on how to meet residency requirements for future permanent residency or citizenship applications (after seven years of residence).
- Offering guidance on Greek tax obligations, estate planning, and other legal matters related to living or investing in Greece.
Benefits of Working with an Immigrations Lawyer
Avoid mistakes: A lawyer ensures your application is correct, saving you time and money by preventing errors that could cause delays or rejections.
Legal expertise: They provide professional knowledge of Greek immigration laws, helping you navigate the rules and requirements with ease.
Peace of mind: A lawyer manages the process, reducing stress and allowing you to focus on other priorities while they handle the legal aspects.
Risk minimization: Lawyers conduct thorough checks on property investments and ensure everything complies with Greek law, protecting your interests.
Higher success rate: With their guidance, you increase your chances of a successful application, making the process smoother and more efficient.
Greece Golden Visa Overview
The Greece Golden Visa program is a residency-by-investment scheme that allows non-EU citizens to obtain a residence permit in Greece by making an eligible investment. The most common investment is purchasing property worth at least €250,000, but other options include investing in businesses or government bonds.
The visa grants the right to live in Greece and travel within the Schengen Area. Key benefits include the ability to include family members, no minimum stay requirement, and the potential to apply for Greek citizenship after seven years of residency.
Investment options
- Real estate: Purchase property in Greece worth at least €250,000.
- Capital contribution: Invest €500,000 in a Greek company, real estate investment company, or closed-end mutual fund focused on Greece.
- Shares, bonds, or funds: Invest €800,000 in shares or corporate bonds listed in Greece, or €500,000 in Greek government bonds with a 3-year maturity or €350,000 in funds focused on Greek investments.
- Capital transfer: Deposit €500,000 in a Greek bank for at least one year with automatic renewal.
To learn more about the Greece Golden Visa
Benefits of the Greek Golden Visa
- Residency in Greece: Live in Greece and have access to good quality healthcare and education.
- Schengen travel: Travel freely across 27 Schengen countries without additional visas.
- Family inclusion: Include your spouse, children under 21, and dependent parents in the visa.
- No minimum stay: No need to live in Greece full-time to maintain the visa.
- Path to citizenship: Apply for Greek citizenship after 7 years of residency.
- Renewable permit: The residence permit is valid for 5 years and can be renewed as long as the investment is maintained.
- Property investment returns: Opportunity to rent out or resell the property after purchase.
What key areas can a Greece Golden Visa lawyer help with?
When applying for the Greece Golden Visa, legal processes related to property acquisition and visa application must be handled with care. A qualified Greece Golden Visa lawyer provides legal expertise to navigate these procedures which include verifying property ownership and ensuring compliance with Greek real estate laws and assisting with visa applications and appeals.
Here is an overview of the role a lawyer will pay in the real estate investment and the application process:
Greece Golden Visa lawyer’s role in real estate investment
Area of Assistance | Details |
Property Verification | Ensure the property is free from debts, liens, or legal disputes that could affect the purchase or your visa application. |
Contract Review | Review and negotiate purchase agreements to protect your interests, ensuring they comply with Greek property laws. |
Ownership Rights | Confirm the property title is clear and the seller has the legal right to sell the property. |
Property Registration | Assist in properly registering the property with the Greek Land Registry, ensuring all legal requirements are met. |
Payment Process | Oversee the payment procedures, ensuring the €250,000 investment is correctly processed and properly documented. |
Greece Golden Visa lawyer’s role in the visa process
Area of Assistance | Key Legal Steps |
Visa Application | - Drafting Power of Attorney (PoA) to represent you in Greece. - Legalizing and translating documents to meet Greek standards. - Submitting the application to the Greek Immigration Office and liaising with authorities. |
Family Eligibility | - Verifying family documentation (marriage/birth certificates). - Advising on dependent criteria for spouses, children under 21, and parents. - Filing additional forms for family inclusion. |
Appeals | - Reviewing rejection reasons and drafting appeal petitions. - Representing you before Greek authorities during the appeal process. |
Permanent Residency & Citizenship Transition | - Guiding through the transition from residency to permanent residency or Greek citizenship after seven years. - Advising on tax obligations and legal requirements. - Preparing for any language or cultural tests if needed. |
Greece Golden Visa Legal fees
Hiring an immigration lawyer for the Greece Golden Visa usually costs between €5,000 and €15,000, depending on how complicated a person’s case is and the services they may need. This covers legal help with property checks, contract review, visa applications, and appeals. There are also other costs for the visa and property purchase.
The table below shows the main legal and related expenses to keep in mind:
Fee Type | Amount | |
Application Fees | Main applicant | €2,000 |
Each family member (children under 18 exempt) | €150 | |
Residence Permit Processing Fee | €16 per person | |
Additional Costs | Legal and notary fees | Typically 8–10% of the total investment |
Real Estate Purchase Fees | Property Transfer Tax | Approximately 3.09% of the property's value |
Notary Public Fees | 1% to 1.5% of the property's value | |
Land Registry Fee | Approximately 0.6% to 0.8% of the property's value | |
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
Frequently Asked Questions about Greece Golden Visa lawyer
Why should I hire a lawyer for the Greece Golden Visa?
A lawyer ensures that your property purchase and visa application meet all legal requirements. They help with contract review, document preparation, and represent you in case of appeals, minimizing the risk of delays or rejections.
What is the role of a lawyer in the real estate process for the Golden Visa?
A lawyer helps verify that the property is free of legal issues, handles contracts, and ensures compliance with Greek property laws. They also assist with the property registration and payment procedures.
How does a lawyer help with the Golden Visa application?
A lawyer prepares and submits the Golden Visa application, ensuring all documents are accurate and meet the legal requirements. They also help with family eligibility and ensure compliance with visa renewal requirements.
Can a lawyer assist if my Golden Visa application is rejected?
Yes, a lawyer can analyze the reasons for rejection, prepare an appeal, and represent you before the authorities to resolve any issues and increase your chances of approval.
How can a lawyer help with transitioning to citizenship?
A lawyer can guide you through the process of applying for Greek citizenship after your Golden Visa residency, including understanding tax obligations, language requirements, and other legal aspects.
