An immigration lawyer in Greece helps individuals, families, investors, and business owners navigate the country’s immigration and citizenship laws. Whether you are applying for a Greek Golden Visa, a Digital Nomad Visa, a residence permit, or Greek citizenship, legal guidance can help make the process less stressful and avoid delays in your application.
Having one stop for immigration necessities like Global Citizen Solutions, legal and immigration specialists under one roof who will help clients through the entire process, from assessing eligibility and preparing documentation to managing property due diligence, residency applications, permit renewals, and citizenship claims, and more.
In this guide, we explain the role of an immigration lawyer in Greece, the residency and citizenship pathways available, how legal professionals support applicants at every stage of the process, and what to consider when choosing the right legal partner for your move to Greece..
Immigration Lawyer in Greece: Key Takeaways
A Greece immigration lawyer helps foreign nationals through the immigration laws in the country, especially when applying for residence permits, visas, work permits or citizenship. They are there to assess eligibility and guide clients on the right visa route.
For those intending to work in Greece, a lawyer helps prepare and submit work permit applications, including employment‑contract review and liaising with authorities until approval.
If you are interested in the Greece residency by investment, Digital Nomad Visa, or other special routes, the lawyer advises on legal requirements, prepares applications, and handles official procedures on your behalf.
After arrival, the lawyer can provide post‑arrival services such as registering your residence, obtaining a tax number (AFM), opening a bank account, setting up health insurance, and more.
In case of application rejection, the lawyer can represent you in appeals, handle legal follow‑up, and resubmit or defend your case with the Greek authorities.
Quick Overview: Services provided by a Greek Immigration Lawyer
| Service | How a Lawyer Helps |
|---|---|
| Greece Golden Visa Applications | Prepares and submits residency applications and supporting documents |
| Residence Permits | Assesses eligibility and ensures compliance with immigration requirements |
| Property Due Diligence | Reviews property ownership records and legal documentation |
| Tax Registration (AFM) | Obtains the tax number required for property purchases and financial transactions |
| Banking Assistance | Supports bank account opening and compliance procedures |
| Family Applications | Assists with applications for spouses, children, parents, and other dependents |
| Permit Renewals | Manages renewal applications and deadlines |
| Appeals and Legal Support | Provides assistance with rejected, delayed, or complex cases |
What does an immigration lawyer in Greece actually do?
Greece Golden Visa and residence permit applications
One of the main responsibilities of an immigration lawyer is helping clients obtain residency in Greece through the various residency routes the country offers.
– Greek Golden Visa
– Greek Digital Nomad Visa
– Financially Independent Person Visa (FIP)
– Prepare applications, collect supporting documents, and ensure all legal requirements are met before submission.
– Greek Golden Visa
– Greek Digital Nomad Visa
– Financially Independent Person Visa (FIP)
– Prepare applications, collect supporting documents, and ensure all legal requirements are met before submission.
Property Due Diligence and Real Estate Transactions
For investors applying through the Greek Golden Visa, legal support is especially important when purchasing property. Starting the property buying process without proper legal checks can expose investors to ownership disputes, hidden liabilities, or residency eligibility issues.
– An immigration lawyer will review ownership records
– Verify that a property is free from legal disputes or debts
– Ensure the investment meets the residency program’s requirements
– Assist with reviewing or drafting property contracts
– An immigration lawyer will review ownership records
– Verify that a property is free from legal disputes or debts
– Ensure the investment meets the residency program’s requirements
– Assist with reviewing or drafting property contracts
Tax registration and banking assistance
Most immigration and investment processes in Greece require applicants to establish a local financial presence. These services can also reduce the need for multiple trips to Greece during the application process. So, a Greek immigration lawyer can assist with:
– Obtaining a Greek tax number (AFM)
– Appointing a tax representative when required
– Opening a Greek bank account
– Completing compliance and anti-money laundering checks
– Acting through a Power of Attorney on behalf of the applicant
– Obtaining a Greek tax number (AFM)
– Appointing a tax representative when required
– Opening a Greek bank account
– Completing compliance and anti-money laundering checks
– Acting through a Power of Attorney on behalf of the applicant
Guiding citizenship applications and ancestry claims
For clients looking to transition from temporary residency to full EU nationality, an immigration lawyer is valuable for navigating Greece’s strict legal requirements and extensive documentation. Since Greece does not grant automatic citizenship through investment, your attorney systematically tracks your legal stay to ensure you meet the requirements of 7 years of continuous, lawful residency, including spending at least 183 days per year in the country.
– Gathering, authenticating, and obtaining official translations for foreign birth certificates, clean background checks, and multi-year Greek tax clearance notices (AADE).)
– For clients claiming Greek citizenship by descent, lawyers trace and verify historical family ties through municipal registries (Mitroo
– Ensuring you have successfully passed the mandatory Ministry of Interior examinations (testing B1-level Greek language, history, and culture)
– Supporting applicants through interviews, background checks, and the final Oath of Allegiance for the citizenship approval process.
– Gathering, authenticating, and obtaining official translations for foreign birth certificates, clean background checks, and multi-year Greek tax clearance notices (AADE).)
– For clients claiming Greek citizenship by descent, lawyers trace and verify historical family ties through municipal registries (Mitroo
– Ensuring you have successfully passed the mandatory Ministry of Interior examinations (testing B1-level Greek language, history, and culture)
– Supporting applicants through interviews, background checks, and the final Oath of Allegiance for the citizenship approval process.
Residence permit renewals and appeals
Legal support does not end once a residence permit is approved. Lawyers at Global Citizen Solutions also help with all legal processes for renewals advice on appropriate legal steps.
– Help clients monitor renewal deadlines
– Submit renewal applications
– Advise on appropriate legal steps and assist with appeals, as necessary.
– Respond to requests from immigration authorities in case of delays, rejection, or more documentation.
– Help clients monitor renewal deadlines
– Submit renewal applications
– Advise on appropriate legal steps and assist with appeals, as necessary.
– Respond to requests from immigration authorities in case of delays, rejection, or more documentation.
Common mistakes applicants make without legal assistance
– Buying unqualified real estate: Unknowingly purchasing a property that does not meet the Greek Golden Visa requirements, risking an investment of up to €800,000 without residency rights.
– Flawed paperwork & translations: Lacking the mandatory Hague Apostille or using unapproved translators, leading to immediate administrative rejections.
– Relying on outdated rules: Applying under expired guidelines because of quick, unannounced changes in Greek immigration laws that clients might not be aware of.
– Missing strict deadlines: Overlooking rigid renewal windows on Greek-only portals can instantly invalidate your legal stay and trigger heavy fines.
– Tax compliance failures: Failing to appoint a mandatory local Fiscal Representative or skip annual filings, blocking future residence permit renewals.
– Flawed paperwork & translations: Lacking the mandatory Hague Apostille or using unapproved translators, leading to immediate administrative rejections.
– Relying on outdated rules: Applying under expired guidelines because of quick, unannounced changes in Greek immigration laws that clients might not be aware of.
– Missing strict deadlines: Overlooking rigid renewal windows on Greek-only portals can instantly invalidate your legal stay and trigger heavy fines.
– Tax compliance failures: Failing to appoint a mandatory local Fiscal Representative or skip annual filings, blocking future residence permit renewals.
Benefits of hiring a Greek Immigration Lawyer
- Expert knowledge of Greek law: Lawyers stay up to date with the latest immigration rules in Greece. This helps you avoid problems caused by using outdated information or following the wrong process.
- Faster and easier applications: Good immigration Lawyers manage the full visa process for you, including the well-known options like the Greek Golden Visa and the Greek Digital Nomad Visa. They know exactly what is required, which helps speed up your application and reduce delays.
- Help with paperwork and laws: Applying for residency in Greece comes with a lot of paperwork. An immigration lawyer in Greece will handle tasks like getting your tax number (AFM), opening a bank account, and dealing with government offices.
- Legal representation and support: If your application is delayed or rejected, your Greek immigration legal expert can step in and deal with the authorities on your behalf. They can also represent you legally if needed.
- Avoiding costly mistakes: Even minor errors in documents can lead to long delays or even rejection. Having a legal professional by your side will ensure that everything is prepared, translated, and submitted the first time correctly.
- All-in-one support: Many lawyers, especially when working with an Immigration agency like Global Citizen Solutions, have all the experts under one roof, so clients can get full support beyond just the visa. They can help with buying property, finding a place to live, and making sure you follow tax rules in Greece.
Greek Immigration Pathways
Greece has a few visas that will require an expert to step in and help with the immigration services. Greek visas are targeted at different types of people, including remote workers, retirees, and investors. Working with an immigration lawyer through a Greek immigration agency like Global Citizen Solutions will make your move to the country stress-free.
| Pathway Type | Program | Minimum Requirement | Key Conditions | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visto Dourado da Grécia | Prime Location Real Estate Investment | €800,000 | Applies to Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and larger islands. Requires a single property of at least 120 sqm. | Investors targeting Greece’s most sought-after property markets |
| Visto Dourado da Grécia | Regional Real Estate Investment | €400,000 | Applies to most other regions of Greece. Requires a single property of at least 120 sqm. | Investors seeking a lower property investment threshold |
| Visto Dourado da Grécia | Commercial Property Conversion | €250,000 | Commercial properties must be converted into residential units or listed buildings fully restored. | Property developers and restoration investors |
| Visto Dourado da Grécia | Mutual Funds / AIFs | €350,000 | Investment in approved Greek-focused investment funds. | Passive investors |
| Visto Dourado da Grécia | Bank Term Deposit | €400,000 | Funds must be held in a qualifying Greek bank deposit. | Investors prioritizing liquidity |
| Visto Dourado da Grécia | Greek Company Bonds or Shares | €500,000 | Investment in Greek companies or REICs. | Business and corporate investors |
| Visto Dourado da Grécia | Greek Government Bonds | €500,000 | Investment in Greek government bonds with a minimum remaining maturity of three years. | Conservative investors |
| Greek Residency | Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa | €2,000/month passive income | Income must originate outside Greece. Employment in Greece is not permitted. | Retirees and passive income earners |
| Greek Residency | Digital Nomad Visa | €3,500/month remote income | Applicants must work remotely for a non-Greek employer or business. | Remote workers and freelancers |
| Greek Citizenship | Citizenship by Descent | Proof of Greek ancestry | Requires documented descent from a Greek parent or grandparent. | Individuals with Greek heritage |
Step-by-Step Process of Working with an Immigration Lawyer in Greece
Phase 01
Eligibility assessment and onboarding
At the start, your lawyer reviews your situation and assesses your eligibility for the residency or citizenship route you are interested in. This is also when a background check is done, and your source of funds is verified. After this, you will get a clear plan with costs and a step-by-step timeline for your application.
Phase 02
Document preparation
A good Greek immigration lawyer will help you prepare all the required documents correctly. This includes legalizing documents like birth certificates and police clearances with an Apostille and arranging official Greek translations. They also prepare legal statements, especially for digital nomads or passive income applicants, to prove your income is valid and that you will not work in the Greek job market.
Phase 03
Visa and application process
The immigration lawyer in Greece takes you through the visa and application stage. They communicate with the Greek authorities, like the Civil Registry and Migration Department, and prepare for possible interviews. Once you arrive in Greece, they book your appointment for biometrics. After submission, you get your temporary residence document, which allows you to stay legally while waiting for your residence permit.
Phase 04
Post-arrival setup and support
After you arrive, the immigration legal expert will be there to help you settle in legally. This entails assisting with getting your Greek tax number (AFM) and opening a bank account. If you are starting a business, they help you register with the social security system.
How much does an immigration lawyer in Greece cost?
The cost of an immigration lawyer in Greece is heavily dependent on the immigration route you have chosen, but clients can budget between 2000 and 10,000 based on the residency or citizenship path they are on.
| Pathway | Average Legal Fees | Government Application Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Greece Golden Visa (Real Estate) | €4,000 – €10,000 | €2,000 (main applicant)€150 per adult dependent |
| Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa | €2,500 – €4,000 | €1,000 (main applicant)€150 per adult dependent |
| Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) | €2,000 – €3,500 | €1,000 (main applicant)€150 per adult dependent |
| Greek Citizenship by Descent | €3,000 – €6,000 | €100–€300 (varies by municipality) |
Happy Clients from Global Citizen Solutions
Worth the cost for me
Linda
“I was hesitant to hire GCS because of the cost, but they have been well worth it. From getting my VFS appointment (which I had been unsuccessful in doing for 2 months), to the peace of mind that they were reviewing and making sure I had the documents I needed, to videoconference calls for all clients from the managing director when the immigration laws were changing, it was a relief to have someone knowledgeable to go to with all my questions. Could I have done it myself? Maybe, but there is enough stress and things to do when you are already moving to a new country without reinventing the wheel. Rachel and Leandro and the entire team were outstanding with their help and their responses to my thousand questions.”
“I was hesitant to hire GCS because of the cost, but they have been well worth it. From getting my VFS appointment (which I had been unsuccessful in doing for 2 months), to the peace of mind that they were reviewing and making sure I had the documents I needed, to videoconference calls for all clients from the managing director when the immigration laws were changing, it was a relief to have someone knowledgeable to go to with all my questions. Could I have done it myself? Maybe, but there is enough stress and things to do when you are already moving to a new country without reinventing the wheel. Rachel and Leandro and the entire team were outstanding with their help and their responses to my thousand questions.”
Excellent guidance through a lengthy process
Jennifer Yan
“Very good experience. Interacted with Alberto and Lorenzo to start, then worked with Ines, Ana, Caroline, Beatrice, Julia, and owner Patricia. They are always available by email or Zoom. Good value, client-oriented. Highly recommend.”
“Very good experience. Interacted with Alberto and Lorenzo to start, then worked with Ines, Ana, Caroline, Beatrice, Julia, and owner Patricia. They are always available by email or Zoom. Good value, client-oriented. Highly recommend.”
Great experience with GCS
Nicki G
“I have had such an incredible experience working with Luan Alves and Rachel Carmine! They have been extremely knowledgeable about changing laws, responsive to emails and very professional. I couldn’t image going through this process without them. Thank you!!”
“I have had such an incredible experience working with Luan Alves and Rachel Carmine! They have been extremely knowledgeable about changing laws, responsive to emails and very professional. I couldn’t image going through this process without them. Thank you!!”
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is an advisory 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.
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