Best Citizenship by Investment Lawyers in Melissia

About Citizenship by Investment Law in Melissia, Greece

Greece does not operate a direct citizenship-by-investment program that grants nationality immediately in exchange for capital. Instead, Greece offers residency-by-investment schemes - commonly known as the Golden Visa - that provide a residence permit to qualifying investors and their families. Residency can create a pathway to permanent residence and, after meeting strict legal requirements for continuous residence, language and integration tests, and other statutory conditions, may lead to naturalization as a Greek citizen. Rules and thresholds for investment routes are set at the national level and are subject to change, so up-to-date legal advice is essential.

Melissia is a municipality in the Athens metropolitan area. If you invest there - for example by buying property - you will deal with local authorities for municipal permits and the Hellenic Cadastre for land registration, but immigration and nationality issues are governed by national law and administered by central government agencies. A local lawyer familiar with both the national immigration framework and regional property practice in the Athens area can help you navigate both sides of the process.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Citizenship-by-investment inquiries often involve complex intersections of immigration, property, corporate and tax law. A lawyer experienced in Greek immigration and investment matters can help you understand eligibility, structure the investment to meet legal requirements, and reduce risk.

Common situations where legal help is valuable include due diligence before buying real estate, drafting and negotiating purchase agreements, verifying title and encumbrances in the Hellenic Cadastre, preparing and filing the residency application, compiling source-of-funds documentation for anti-money-laundering checks, and advising on tax residency and reporting obligations.

Legal counsel is also important if you face administrative or judicial challenges - for example an application denial, a dispute over title, inheritance issues affecting a purchased property, or questions about whether time spent outside Greece affects eligibility for long-term residence or eventual naturalization. Lawyers can coordinate with other advisors - notaries, tax advisors, and real estate professionals - to provide an integrated approach.

Local Laws Overview

Immigration and nationality law - National laws determine who may receive a residence permit and the conditions for naturalization. A residency-by-investment permit typically grants the right to live in Greece but does not automatically grant citizenship. Naturalization requires fulfilling statutory residence periods, good character, basic knowledge of the Greek language and culture, and compliance with administrative procedures.

Real estate and property law - Property purchases in Melissia are governed by Greek civil law and recorded in the Hellenic Cadastre or local land registries. Title searches and searches for encumbrances are essential. Notaries play a central role in property transfers and must confirm identity, capacity and the transaction terms. Local zoning and planning rules may affect allowed uses and permit requirements.

Tax law - Buying property and obtaining residency have tax consequences. Property transfer taxes, notary fees and registration taxes apply at purchase. Owning property in Greece may create annual property tax liabilities and potential capital gains exposure at sale. Moving to Greece can also create tax-residence issues - Greek tax residence generally depends on days present and center-of-vital-interests tests - which have implications for worldwide income reporting and social security.

Anti-money-laundering and source-of-funds - Greek authorities and financial institutions require robust documentation showing the lawful origin of funds used for investment. Expect to provide bank records, sale contracts, corporate financials or inheritance documents. Failure to document source-of-funds can delay or block applications.

Corporate and investment structures - Some investors prefer buying property through a company or making other types of qualifying investments. Greek corporate law, corporate taxes and reporting obligations will apply. Structuring may affect eligibility for residency and future naturalization, so legal advice is needed to balance privacy, tax and immigration objectives.

Family, succession and local municipal rules - Residency permits commonly extend to spouses and dependent children, and sometimes to dependent parents. Local municipal rules affect property use, utilities and planning permissions. Greek inheritance rules apply on death; for foreign investors, estate planning that accounts for Greek succession law and double-tax conventions is important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I obtain Greek citizenship immediately by investing in Melissia?

No. Greece does not grant citizenship immediately in exchange for investment. Investment programs are designed to grant residency permits. Citizenship is a separate process that generally requires legally residing in Greece for the statutory period and meeting other conditions set out in the nationality law.

What types of investment typically qualify for a residency-by-investment permit?

Common qualifying routes include purchasing real estate, making capital contributions to certain businesses, or other government-approved investments. The primary and most widely used route has historically been property purchase. Exact qualifying categories and minimum investment requirements can change, so check current rules with a lawyer or authorities.

Do family members get the same rights if I obtain a residency permit?

Yes. Residency-by-investment permits ordinarily allow the investor to include eligible family members such as a spouse and dependent children. Extended family coverage can vary by program and national policy. Legal counsel can confirm who qualifies and how to add family members to an application.

How long until I could be eligible for Greek citizenship?

Naturalization is not automatic and depends on meeting the legal residency period and other statutory conditions, including language and integration requirements, good character, and administrative procedures. The time frame can vary and is subject to changes in law. A lawyer can assess your specific path and what continuous residence will be required in your circumstance.

What due diligence should I do before buying property in Melissia?

Do a full title search in the Hellenic Cadastre or local land registry, check for liens, mortgages or easements, confirm planning and zoning status, verify building permits and municipal clearances, confirm the seller's right to sell, and obtain independent valuation. Engage a local lawyer and a licensed surveyor or property specialist to perform these checks.

Will buying property automatically make me a Greek tax resident?

No. Buying property alone does not automatically make you a tax resident. Tax residency depends on factors such as days spent in Greece and where your vital interests are located. However, acquiring residency and spending significant time in Greece can lead to tax residency, so you should consult a tax advisor and lawyer to understand reporting and tax consequences.

What documents will authorities typically require for a residency-by-investment application?

Authorities commonly request identity documents, criminal record certificates, proof of health insurance, evidence of the qualifying investment, and detailed source-of-funds documentation. Documents often need to be translated and legalized or apostilled. A lawyer can prepare a checklist tailored to your case and ensure documents meet formal requirements.

Can I use a company to purchase property for the investment requirement?

Yes, investors sometimes use corporate vehicles. Corporate purchases can offer certain advantages but also bring additional compliance, reporting and tax obligations. The choice between personal and corporate ownership should be made after legal and tax analysis to align with immigration goals and regulatory requirements.

How do anti-money-laundering rules affect my application?

AML rules require transparent and verifiable documentation of the source of funds. Banks, notaries and migration authorities will scrutinize transactions. Insufficient or inconsistent documentation can cause delays, additional inquiries or rejection of an application. Early preparation of source-of-funds paperwork is critical.

How do I choose the right lawyer in Melissia or Athens for this process?

Choose a lawyer licensed in Greece with demonstrated experience in immigration, real estate and investment matters. Look for professionals who have handled Golden Visa or residency-by-investment cases, provide client references, and can coordinate with tax advisors and notaries. Confirm communication arrangements, fees and whether they will work with interpreters if needed.

Additional Resources

Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum - national body that administers immigration permits and residency procedures.

Greek Ministry of Interior - responsible for naturalization and civil registry matters related to citizenship.

Hellenic Cadastre - the national land registry, where property title and cadastral information is recorded.

Independent Authority for Public Revenue - the tax authority that administers tax rules applicable to property, income and corporate matters.

Local municipal office of Melissia - for local permits, planning information and municipal taxes.

Hellenic Bar Association and local bar associations - for lists of licensed attorneys and ethical standards.

Local notaries and licensed surveyors - for property conveyancing, title certification and technical surveys.

Next Steps

1. Clarify your objective - decide whether your immediate goal is residency, long-term relocation or eventual naturalization. Different goals require different strategies.

2. Gather preliminary documents - passport, proof of funds, basic criminal record checks, and any documents related to a planned investment. Early collection avoids delays later in the process.

3. Consult a qualified Greek lawyer - choose someone with immigration and real estate experience in the Athens area. Ask about fees, services, and timelines. An initial consultation will identify potential legal hurdles and documentation needs.

4. Conduct due diligence - have your lawyer perform title searches, review contracts, verify municipal permits, and assess tax and inheritance implications.

5. Structure the investment - decide on personal or corporate ownership, agree purchase terms, and prepare source-of-funds documentation in consultation with your lawyer and tax advisor.

6. Submit the residency application - let your lawyer compile and file the application and liaise with authorities. Be prepared to respond promptly to requests for further information.

7. Maintain compliance - follow residency conditions, record keeping, and tax obligations to protect your status and preserve any future eligibility for naturalization.

8. Plan for the long term - work with your lawyer and tax advisor to draft an estate plan and a timeline for meeting naturalization requirements, if citizenship is your objective.

If you need help finding a lawyer, ask for referrals from the local bar association or from professional advisors such as accountants and real estate agents who work in the Melissia and greater Athens market. Always verify credentials, request references, and get a clear engagement letter that defines services, fees and expected timelines.