Best Citizenship by Investment Lawyers in Arta

About Citizenship by Investment Law in Arta, Greece

Greece does not offer direct citizenship by investment. There is no program that grants Greek or European Union citizenship solely in exchange for a qualifying investment. Instead, Greece provides a residence by investment route often called the Golden Visa. After a sustained period of lawful residence and integration, an investor may seek naturalization as a Greek citizen under the Greek Nationality Code.

Arta is a regional unit in the Epirus region. Investors often look to Arta for real estate opportunities, lifestyle benefits, and a quieter pace than major urban centers. If you invest in qualifying assets and obtain a Greek residence permit, you can reside in Arta, travel within the Schengen Area under standard rules for residence card holders, and over time work toward eligibility for citizenship through naturalization. Naturalization requires several years of lawful residence, language proficiency, knowledge of civic matters, tax and social ties, and a clean legal record.

The key takeaway is that in Arta and throughout Greece, investment can open the door to residence. Citizenship follows only after meeting strict residence and integration criteria. A lawyer can help you structure your plans correctly so that today’s investment aligns with tomorrow’s citizenship goals.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Most investors need legal guidance because the path from investment to residence and eventually to citizenship involves multiple legal systems. You must navigate immigration rules, property law, tax requirements, and nationality law. Each step has technical formalities, strict document standards, and deadlines. Errors can delay approvals or jeopardize long term plans.

A lawyer can carry out due diligence on properties in Arta, review titles and encumbrances, coordinate with notaries and the land registry, and ensure the purchase contract matches Golden Visa criteria. For immigration filings, legal counsel can prepare application forms, organize apostilles and certified translations, monitor biometrics appointments and card issuance, and respond to any requests from authorities.

If your long term aim is citizenship, a lawyer can map out residence strategies that help build the physical presence, tax compliance, language training, and documentary record you will later need. Counsel can also address family member inclusion, inheritance planning tied to Greek assets, and risk management for source of funds reviews.

Local Laws Overview

Residence by investment in Greece is governed primarily by the Greek Immigration Code, including the provision commonly known as Article 20B for the Golden Visa. Qualifying investments currently include real estate and certain financial instruments or shares, subject to minimum thresholds and conditions set by law and policy. Threshold amounts and eligible categories can vary by location and may change, so it is important to confirm the current rules before you commit funds.

Naturalization is governed by the Greek Nationality Code. In general, an investor who first becomes a lawful resident must reside in Greece for a prescribed number of years, demonstrate integration, pass required examinations on Greek language and civic knowledge, and show good character and tax compliance. There is no shortcut to citizenship solely through investment, including in Arta.

Property acquisitions in Arta follow Greek civil law formalities. Buyers obtain a Greek tax number, engage a notary for the deed, register the deed at the Hellenic Cadastre, and pay applicable purchase taxes and fees. A lawyer typically reviews title history, cadastral status, zoning, building permits, and outstanding charges such as property tax assessments. Where the Golden Visa is based on real estate, the notarial deed and land registry certificate are key evidence for the residence application.

Immigration procedure involves submitting a complete application with proof of investment, clean criminal record from countries of residence, valid health insurance, certified translations, source of funds documentation, and biometrics. Residence permits are issued as biometric cards. Holders may reside in Greece and travel within the Schengen Area subject to the standard 90 days in any 180 day rule for stays in other Schengen states. Golden Visa holders typically do not have a minimum annual stay to maintain the permit, but naturalization later requires genuine residence and integration in Greece.

Taxes are a frequent planning point. Owning Greek real estate may trigger annual property tax and municipal charges. Rental income is taxable in Greece. Becoming a Greek tax resident has broader consequences. Investors should coordinate immigration timelines with tax advice so that residence steps do not create unwanted tax exposure. A lawyer can work with a tax advisor to ensure filings are accurate and timely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Greece have a citizenship by investment program in Arta or elsewhere

No. Greece does not grant citizenship directly in exchange for an investment. The available route is residence by investment, which can lead to eligibility for naturalization after several years of lawful residence and integration.

How can an investor eventually become a Greek citizen

First obtain a residence permit, often through a qualifying investment. Then maintain lawful residence for the required period, build genuine ties to Greece, pay taxes as required, pass language and civic knowledge tests, and satisfy good character checks. You then apply for naturalization through the Ministry of Interior. Approval is discretionary and based on the legal criteria.

What types of investments qualify for the Greek Golden Visa

Common routes include purchasing real estate that meets location specific thresholds or investing in selected financial instruments or corporate participation. The exact categories and minimum amounts are set by law and may be adjusted. A lawyer should verify current eligibility before you invest.

What is the minimum real estate investment amount for Arta

Minimums are set nationally and can vary by area and over time. Because thresholds have changed in recent years, you should ask a lawyer to confirm the amount that applies to Arta at the time you plan to purchase.

Can my family members be included in my application

Yes. Spouses or registered partners, dependent children, and in some cases dependent parents can be included if they meet relationship and dependency requirements. Each family member receives their own residence card linked to the main investor.

Do I have to live in Greece to keep the Golden Visa

The Golden Visa is known for having no strict minimum stay to maintain the permit. However, if your goal is citizenship, you will later need actual residence and integration in Greece. Plan your physical presence accordingly.

How long does the Golden Visa process take

Timeframes vary with volume and completeness of the file. Once your investment is concluded and documents are ready, initial approvals can often be issued within a few months. Biometric card issuance may follow shortly after. Processing times change, so ask your lawyer for current estimates.

Do I need to prove the source of funds for my investment

Yes. Authorities require transparent documentation showing lawful origin of funds and compliant transfer into Greece. Bank statements, sale agreements, tax returns, and other records are commonly used. Advanced planning avoids delays.

What language and civics requirements apply for naturalization

Applicants must demonstrate Greek language skills and knowledge of Greek history, culture, and institutions through recognized examinations or certifications. Level and format are set by regulation. Preparation takes time, so start early.

Does Greece allow dual citizenship

Greece permits dual citizenship. You should also check whether your current country of nationality allows dual nationality and whether there are any notifications or obligations on your side.

Additional Resources

Hellenic Ministry of Migration and Asylum. Responsible for residence permits, including residence by investment. Provides application rules, document standards, and processing guidance.

Hellenic Ministry of Interior, Directorate for Citizenship. Responsible for naturalization procedures, examinations, and decisions under the Greek Nationality Code.

Decentralized Administration of Epirus and Western Macedonia. Regional authority with competencies that include aspects of immigration administration relevant to applicants residing or investing in Arta.

Municipality of Arta and local Citizen Service Centers known as KEP. Useful for certificates, local registrations, and practical administrative support once you reside in Arta.

Hellenic Cadastre known as Ktimatologio and local land registry offices. Maintain property records. Your lawyer and notary will interact with these offices for title searches and deed registrations.

Enterprise Greece. National investment promotion agency that publishes guidance on investment frameworks and strategic projects in Greece.

Independent Authority for Public Revenue known as AADE. Manages tax numbers, filings, and guidance for individuals and companies, including non residents acquiring property.

Qualified translators and sworn translators in Greece. All foreign documents must be officially translated into Greek. Your lawyer can coordinate certified translations and apostilles or consular legalizations.

Next Steps

Clarify your objective. Decide whether your priority is residence, eventual citizenship, lifestyle, rental income, or a combination. Your goal will determine the best investment vehicle and timeline.

Engage a lawyer in Greece who has experience with residence by investment and naturalization planning, ideally with knowledge of the Arta real estate market and local administration. Request a clear roadmap, a document checklist, realistic timelines, and a fee quote.

Complete preliminary setup. Obtain a Greek tax number, open a bank account if needed, and plan for source of funds documentation. Your lawyer can secure a power of attorney so that essential steps can be handled in Greece while you remain abroad.

Select and diligence the investment. For Arta property, your lawyer will review title, planning permissions, cadastral records, taxes, and any encumbrances, and will coordinate with a notary for the purchase deed. Ensure the purchase agreement and payment structure satisfy Golden Visa criteria.

Prepare and submit the residence application. Assemble legalized and translated documents, including criminal record certificates, health insurance, family status records, and proof of investment. Attend biometrics when scheduled and track issuance of the residence card.

Plan for the long term. Keep your permit valid, maintain compliant tax filings, and build genuine ties to Greece. Begin language study and civics preparation early. Keep records of your residence in Greece, such as lease agreements, utility bills, school enrollment for children, and tax payment confirmations.

Reassess regularly with your lawyer. Laws and thresholds can change. Periodic reviews help ensure your investment and residence arrangements remain aligned with your plan to live in Arta and, if desired, to apply for Greek citizenship in the future.