Patricia Casaburi
An immigration lawyer in Greece is a legal professional who helps people and families deal with the sometimes complicated Greek immigration system. They advise foreign nationals on visas, residence permits, work permits, and citizenship applications, making sure all legal rules are followed correctly. These lawyers guide clients through paperwork, deadlines, and communication with Greek authorities to help them prevent delays or application rejections.
Their services cover family reunification, business or investment immigration, student visas, and appeals for denied applications. An immigration lawyer in Greece can also offer post-arrival support, such as assistance with registering with local authorities, opening bank accounts, and settling into life in Greece, providing personalized solutions for EU and non-EU citizens who want to live, work, or study in Greece.
This article will cover everything about how a Greek immigration lawyer will help with your residency or citizenship process, the costs, the different Greek visas, and reviews from happy clients.
This is what to expect:
What legal services does an immigration lawyer in Greece offer?
1. Visa and residence permit applications
An immigration lawyer in Greece reviews your situation to determine the right visa or residence permit. They guide you in gathering all required documents, such as passports, proof of income, and accommodation. The lawyer ensures each form is completed correctly, submits your application to the proper authorities, and monitors its progress, helping you avoid delays or mistakes.
2. Work permits
If you plan to work in Greece, the lawyer evaluates your employment eligibility, explains labor requirements, and helps prepare contracts and supporting documents. They handle the application process with Greek authorities and follow up until your permit is approved, making sure you can start working legally and on time.
3. Citizenship and naturalization
For clients looking for Greek citizenship, the lawyer evaluates your eligibility, which may include Greek citizenship by descent, long-term residency, or other legal pathways . They organize and translate vital documents, submit the application, and communicate with the authorities on your behalf.
4. Family reunification
If you want to bring family members to Greece, the lawyer identifies which relatives qualify, explains the legal requirements, and prepares the necessary applications. They manage document collection, submission, and follow-ups, ensuring your family can join you without unnecessary delays.
5. Business and investment immigration
For entrepreneurs or investors, an immigration lawyer advises on the best residency options based on your business or investment plans. They assist with starting a business in Greece, getting the correct permits, and meeting all legal obligations, to successfully establish and operate your business.
6. Post-arrival services
After arrival in Greece, your immigration lawyer provides post-arrival support to ensure you are fully settled and legally compliant. This includes registering with local authorities, obtaining your AFM (Greek tax identification number), opening a bank account, arranging health insurance, and guiding you through residency obligations.
7. Appeals and legal representation
If an application is denied, the Greek immigration consultant steps in to file appeals, represent you in front of authorities, and provide legal strategies to protect your rights, increasing your chances of a successful outcome.
8. Tailored Services for each client
Each client receives fully personalized services based on their goals. For those pursuing the Greek Golden Visa, this includes real estate purchase support for foreign investors. Beyond legal assistance, tailored services can include assistance arranging child schooling, setting up private health insurance, concierge services and more.
Greek Visas a Legal Expert Will Help With
Greece has a few visas that will require an expert to step in and help with the immigration services. The Greek visas are targeted at different people, whether that’s remote workers, retirees, investors, and more. Working with an immigration lawyer through a Greece immigration agency like Global Citizen Solutions will make your move to the country stress-free.
Greece Golden Visa
The Greece Golden Visa is a residency by investment program that allows non-EU nationals to gain permanent residency in Greece by making an investment. It grants a five-year renewable residence permit that allows the holder to access visa-free travel within the Schengen Area for both the applicant and their family, and the possibility of citizenship after seven years of residency.
Investment Type | Minimum Investment | Role of an Immigration Lawyer |
Real Estate | €250,000–€800,000 (depending on location) | • Help identify and evaluate suitable properties • Conduct due diligence on property ownership and debts • Draft and review contracts and purchase agreements • Handle tax number registration and bank account setup • Oversee property transfer and land registry filings • Prepare, translate, and submit residency application • Represent the applicant before Greek authorities • Provide ongoing legal and tax compliance support |
Other Investments (e.g., shares, bonds, business) | From €500,000 | • Advise on the most suitable investment option • Ensure compliance with Greek financial regulations • Structure and document the investment correctly • Submit financial and residency application documents • Represent investor before authorities • Provide ongoing support with taxation and reporting |
To learn more about the Greece Golden Visa
Greece Digital Nomad Visa
The Greece Digital Nomad Visa is designed for remote workers and freelancers who wish to live in Greece while working for foreign companies or clients. It allows a stay of up to 12 months, extendable to 24 months.
Requirements | Role of an Immigration Lawyer |
• Proof of remote work (employment contract or freelance agreements with non-Greek companies) • Minimum monthly income of €3,500 (increases by +20% for spouse and +15% per child) • Valid passport and proof of accommodation in Greece • Private health insurance covering Greece • Clean criminal record | • Assess eligibility and verify income documentation • Draft and certify employment or freelance agreements • Assist with gathering, translating, and legalizing required documents • File visa application with the Greek consulate or immigration authority • Provide representation during the application review • Guide on tax residency implications and reporting duties • Assist with residence permit renewals and extensions |
Greece FIP Visa
The Greek FIP Visa (Financially Independent Person), also known as the Greece Retirement Visa, allows non-EU citizens with sufficient passive income to reside in Greece for an initial period of three years, renewable as long as they maintain eligibility.
Requirements | Role of an Immigration Lawyer |
• Minimum passive monthly income of €3,500 (from pensions, savings, investments, or rental income) • Extra +20% for spouse and +15% per child • Proof of sufficient funds in a Greek or foreign bank account • Valid passport and proof of accommodation in Greece • Private health insurance covering Greece • Clean criminal record | • Evaluate financial proof and confirm eligibility • Draft affidavits and certify income sources • Oversee translations and legalizations of foreign documents • Submit visa and residence permit applications • Communicate with Greek consulates and immigration services • Provide guidance on Greek tax obligations • Assist with permit renewals and family member applications |
Step-by-Step Process of Working with an Immigration Lawyer in Spain
1. Eligibility assessment: You begin with a consultation where the lawyer reviews your personal situation, family needs, and goals to identify the right visa or residence option.
2. Service proposal: The lawyer provides a clear plan of action, including the scope of services, an estimated timeline, and a fixed fee structure.
3. Document preparation: Your lawyer helps gather all required documents, arranges translations into Greek, obtains notarizations, and ensures compliance with Greek regulations.
4. Real Estate or investment assistance (if applicable): For programs like the Golden Visa, the lawyer guides you through property searches, performs due diligence on real estate, drafts contracts, and registers the purchase.
5. Application submission: The legal expert submits your full application to the competent Greek authority, Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD), local Municipal or Immigration Offices, or the Greek consulate.
6. Representation & follow-up: They act as your legal representative in Greece, communicate with public offices, and handle any questions or clarifications during processing.
7. Approval & residence permit issuance: Once approved, your lawyer organizes biometrics appointments, collects residence cards, and ensures proper registration with Greek systems (such as tax number or local municipality).
8. Ongoing legal support: The lawyer continues to assist with renewals, property management, tax guidance, or any legal needs related to your stay in Greece.
How much does an Immigration lawyer in Greece cost?
Immigration lawyers in Greece usually charge based on the service, but many agencies offer fixed-cost packages presented upfront so you know the full price in advance.
- Visa and residence permit applications: around €1,000 – €2,500
- Golden Visa support (including real estate due diligence and filing): usually €5,000 – €10,000
- Ongoing legal or renewal services: from €500 – €1,500
These costs are estimates and can vary depending on your case and the lawyer or agency you choose.
To learn more about the Greece Digital Nomad Visa
Happy Clients from Global Citizen Solutions
Their professionalism was matched with genuine care.
the support from Joana and team made it manageable.
Their team answered all and gave us peace of mind.
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 an Immigration Lawyer in Greece
What does an immigration lawyer in Greece do?
An immigration lawyer in Greece assists foreign nationals and members with navigating the country’s immigration laws to obtain residency, citizenship, or visas. Their services include evaluating eligibility for permits, handling all paperwork and applications for residence permits such as the Golden Visa program, work permits, and citizenship, and representing clients before Greek authorities and consulates.
How much does an immigration lawyer in Greece cost?
The cost of an immigration lawyer in Greece differs by case. It can range from a few hundred euros for simple services to several thousand euros for complicated citizenship or investment visa processes. For Greek citizenship by descent, fees range from around €1,000 to over €3,000, while Golden Visa or Digital Nomad Visa applications can also cost more including the lawyer’s fees.
Can a Greek immigration lawyer help after I arrive in Greece?
Yes, a Greek immigration lawyer can provide valuable assistance after you arrive in Greece, such as helping with practical matters like opening a bank account, handling tax issues, signing utility contracts, and securing housing. They can also guide you through enrolling your children in school, advise on civic integration, and support other post-arrival needs like obtaining health insurance.
Is it worth using an immigration lawyer?
Using an immigration lawyer is worth it if your case is complicated, or if you are not familiar with the process. A legal expert can guide you through the legal steps, help avoid mistakes, and improve your chances of success. For simple cases with clear requirements, you might manage on your own, but a lawyer can still review your application and provide helpful advice.
How hard is it to get permanent residency in Greece?
Obtaining permanent residency in Greece can be challenging and depends on your chosen pathway. Common routes include the Golden Visa family reunification or living in Greece for five consecutive years on a temporary permit, such as a digital nomad visa or the Greece FIP visa. Each route requires meeting specific criteria, such as making a substantial investment, proving family connections, or showing continuous five-year legal residency.
