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 Greek 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 Greek 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.
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 play in the real estate investment and the application process:
Greece Golden Visa through real estate investment
These are the key steps and costs of obtaining a Greek Golden Visa through real estate, as well as a Greek Golden Visa lawyer’s role at each stage:
| Step/cost | Details | Lawyers area of assistance |
| Taxes and Budget Planning | This step includes taxes and fees which are mostly paid by the buyer and vary depending on the property’s region. Provides a detailed cost estimate and advises on regional tax implications. | The lawyer provides a detailed cost estimate and advises on regional tax implications. |
| Property Transfer Tax | Around 3% of the property’s value. | Calculates the amount due and ensures timely payment. |
| Notary & Registration Fees | Around 1% to 2.5%, covering notary services, deed, and land registry costs. | Coordinates with the notary and ensures accurate land registry filing. |
| Contract Review and Legal Fees | Typically 1% to 2%, including VAT. | Covers legal support, contract reviews, and due diligence. The lawyer will also review and negotiate purchase agreements to protect your interests, ensuring they comply with Greek property laws. |
| Get an AFM Number | Apply for a Greek tax ID number (AFM) through the local tax office. | Prepares and submits your application to obtain the AFM. |
| Find a Property | Search with trusted real estate professionals or online platforms. | Verifies listings, conducts legal checks, and ensures the property has no issues. |
| Letter of Intent & Reservation | Submit a Letter of Intent and reserve the property. | Drafts and reviews the Letter of Intent and reservation agreement; negotiates terms. |
| Pay Taxes & Register | Pay transfer tax or VAT, and register the purchase with the Land Registry. | Ensures all taxes are paid and the property is correctly registered in your name. |
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. |
How to find a Greece Golden Visa Lawyer
Consult trusted legal directories: To find a lawyer for the Greek Golden Visa program, you can consult online directories.. You can also find dedicated services through specialized firms such as Global Citizen Solutions, which is equipped with knowledgeable legal experts.
Verify bar association membership: Ensure the lawyer is registered with the Greek Bar Association to confirm their legal standing and adherence to professional standards.
Find someone who specializes in real estate and immigration law: Choose a lawyer or law firm with expertise in both real estate and immigration law to navigate every step of the Golden Visa program effectively.
Evaluate experience and reputation: Consider firms with a proven track record in handling Golden Visa cases and have a high success rate, like Global Citizen Solutions.
Assess Services and Fees: Inquire about the range of services offered, including property search, legal due diligence, application submission, and post-purchase support. Make sure to discuss fee structures upfront to ensure transparency and avoid unexpected costs.
Schedule Consultations: Arrange meetings with potential lawyers to discuss your specific needs, assess their communication skills, and determine if their services align with your expectations.
What do clients think about GCS?
Here are verified reviews of how clients felt about working with the Global Citizen Solutions team.
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.
