Best Citizenship by Investment Lawyers in Agia Paraskevi

About Citizenship by Investment Law in Agia Paraskevi, Greece

Agia Paraskevi is a municipality in the Athens metropolitan area. There is no separate municipal citizenship-by-investment scheme specific to Agia Paraskevi - citizenship and immigration matters are governed by Greek national law. What is commonly referred to as "citizenship by investment" in Greece usually refers to two different paths - a residency-by-investment program that grants a residence permit in return for certain qualifying investments, and the longer naturalization process that may lead to Greek citizenship after meeting residence and other legal requirements. If you invest in property or a business in Agia Paraskevi you will interact with local authorities for property registration and permits, while the immigration and citizenship decisions are made under national rules.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Legal assistance is important because the process combines immigration law, property law, tax law and administrative procedure. Common situations where a lawyer is useful include:

- Evaluating whether your chosen investment qualifies for a residence-by-investment program and whether it supports a long-term plan toward citizenship.

- Conducting due diligence on real estate in Agia Paraskevi to confirm title, encumbrances, zoning and building permit history.

- Handling contracts, purchase agreements and notary acts to ensure compliance with Greek formalities and to protect your interests.

- Preparing and translating documents, obtaining apostilles and completing applications to immigration authorities.

- Advising on tax residence, reporting obligations, and structuring investments to manage tax exposure lawfully.

- Representing you before Greek administrative bodies and courts if disputes arise or if additional documentation is requested.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal areas that affect investors in Agia Paraskevi are driven by national Greek law and by local administrative procedures:

- Immigration and Residence Rules - Greek national immigration law governs residence permits by investment, renewal requirements, family reunification and the path to naturalization. Residence permits are issued by national authorities following statutory criteria and background checks.

- Property Law - Real estate transactions must follow Greek property registration rules. Purchases require a public notary, and titles are recorded in the Land Registry or Cadastre. Local building permits and planning rules administered by the municipality of Agia Paraskevi apply to renovations or new construction.

- Anti-Money-Laundering and Due Diligence - Financial institutions, notaries and lawyers must perform AML checks on buyers and the source of funds. Expect requests for proof of funds and related documentation.

- Tax Law - Buying property or starting a business brings tax obligations - transfer taxes, annual property taxes, income tax on rental income, and capital gains rules. Greece has tax residency rules that determine when global income becomes taxable in Greece.

- Naturalization and Citizenship Law - Naturalization is governed by the Greek Citizenship Code and implementing regulations. It generally requires a period of lawful residence, proof of integration and good character. Local municipal records - for example certificate of residence - are part of the naturalization file.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is "citizenship by investment" in Greece and does Agia Paraskevi offer it?

Greece does not offer immediate citizenship in exchange for an investment at the municipal level. What is available is residence-by-investment - a national program that grants renewable residence permits to qualifying investors. Citizenship is a separate, later process that typically requires meeting residence and integration criteria under national law.

What kinds of investment qualify for a residence permit?

Common qualifying investments include purchases of real estate, certain business investments, and in some cases capital contributions to Greek entities. Specific eligibility criteria and minimum amounts can change, so you should confirm current rules before proceeding.

How much money do I need to invest?

Minimum investment thresholds have changed over time and vary by program and location. Historically property-based thresholds started at lower amounts and were later adjusted. Because amounts and rules may be updated, consult a local lawyer or official source to get the current minimum for your intended investment.

How long does it take to get a residence permit after making an investment?

Processing times vary with the type of application, completeness of documents and administrative workload. In many cases the initial permit is issued within weeks to a few months after filing a complete application, but delays are possible if additional checks or documents are required.

Can my spouse and children join me under the same application?

Yes. Residence-by-investment programs normally allow family reunification - typically spouse and dependent children under a certain age. Each family member will need supporting documents and may need to satisfy health or background checks.

Does holding a residence permit make me a Greek tax resident?

Not automatically. Tax residency is determined by national tax rules, commonly based on spending more than a set number of days in Greece in a tax year or by having the center of vital interests in Greece. You should get tax advice early to understand obligations and planning opportunities.

How long before I can apply for Greek citizenship?

Naturalization generally requires a prolonged period of lawful residence - commonly several years - together with proof of integration, language ability and no serious criminal record. The typical period for ordinary naturalization applicants has historically been around seven years of residence, but exceptions and different rules can apply in specific circumstances.

Is dual citizenship allowed?

Greece permits dual citizenship. If you acquire Greek citizenship, you generally do not need to renounce your original nationality unless your home country requires it.

What local checks should I make when buying property in Agia Paraskevi?

Have a lawyer verify the land registry or cadastre records, check for mortgages or liens, confirm correct property boundaries, review building permits and compliance with zoning, and ensure there are no outstanding municipal or construction-related fines. A survey and title insurance can provide additional protection.

How much will legal fees and other costs be?

Costs depend on the complexity of the transaction, the type of investment and the scope of legal work. Expect fees for legal due diligence, notary costs, registration fees, taxes and potential translation and certification costs. Obtain a written fee estimate from your lawyer and an itemized projection of third-party expenses.

Additional Resources

When seeking reliable information or official guidance, consider these resources and authorities:

- Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum - responsible for immigration and residence permits.

- Ministry of Interior - handles aspects of civil status and naturalization procedures.

- Local Municipality of Agia Paraskevi - for property permits, local taxes and municipal records.

- Hellenic Land Registry and Cadastre - for property title and registration matters.

- Independent Authority for Public Revenue (tax authority) - for tax registration and obligations.

- Greek embassies and consulates - to clarify visa and consular document requirements for applicants abroad.

- Athens Bar Association or local law firms - for lists of qualified lawyers and professional guidance.

Next Steps

If you are considering investing in Agia Paraskevi with the aim of obtaining residency or eventual citizenship, follow this practical sequence:

- Schedule an initial consultation with a Greece-qualified lawyer who has experience in immigration, property and tax law.

- Prepare a basic document pack - passports, birth certificates, proof of funds, and any existing residency or visa documents - and have them certified and translated as needed.

- Ask the lawyer to perform due diligence on the proposed investment - especially property title searches and verification of local permits.

- Obtain a written plan that outlines expected timelines, costs, tax implications and the steps toward naturalization if that is your ultimate goal.

- Complete the investment transaction with legal oversight - use a local notary for property transfers and register the acquisition in the proper registries.

- File the residence application with the assistance of your lawyer and be prepared to provide source-of-funds documentation for AML compliance.

- Keep accurate records of residence, taxes and local integration activities - this will help if you seek naturalization later.

Because rules and thresholds can change, a local lawyer is essential to ensure compliance with current law and to protect your investment and residency objectives.