Best Citizenship by Investment Lawyers in Mykonos

1. About Citizenship by Investment Law in Mykonos, Greece

In Mykonos, Greece there is no formal Citizenship by Investment program. The country instead offers residency options tied to investment and a path to citizenship through naturalization after long-term residence. The Golden Visa program remains the most common route for non‑EU nationals seeking residence in Greece, including residents of popular islands like Mykonos.

The Golden Visa provides a residence permit to non‑EU nationals who meet certain investment criteria, most commonly real estate investments of at least 250,000 euros. After maintaining lawful residence for several years, applicants may pursue Greek citizenship through naturalization, subject to language, integration, and background requirements. Importantly, Greek citizenship is not granted automatically by investment; it is earned through a separate naturalization process that follows years of residence and other criteria.

For residents and investors in Mykonos, counsel from a qualified attorney or legal counsel who specializes in Greek immigration and nationality law is essential. A local lawyer can help ensure compliance with property, tax, and immigration requirements, and can coordinate the timing and documentation needed for any eventual naturalization application. Official guidance on these processes is published by Greek government portals such as gov.gr and migration.gov.gr.

Key sources for official information include the Greek government portals on immigration and citizenship. For real estate investments and Golden Visa details, consult gov.gr and migration.gov.gr pages dedicated to residence permits for investors.

Sources: Greek Golden Visa and naturalization framework are summarized by the official portals gov.gr and migration.gov.gr. These pages describe the Golden Visa investment thresholds and the long-term naturalization pathway.

Official references you can visit now: - gov.gr (Greek government portal with immigration and citizenship information) - migration.gov.gr (Ministry of Migration and Asylum guidance on residence permits and investor programs)

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

In Mykonos, specialized legal counsel can save time and reduce risk across several concrete scenarios. Here are real-world examples where a Citizenship by Investment lawyer is essential.

• A non‑EU buyer wants to purchase real estate in Mykonos to qualify for a Golden Visa. A lawyer helps verify title, confirm zoning compliance, and structure the transaction to meet the 250,000 euro threshold while minimizing tax exposure.
• You are married to a Greek citizen and seek naturalization after years of residence. An attorney helps assess eligibility, timelines, and documentation for the naturalization application, including language and integration requirements.
• You plan to rent out a Mykonos property and need a tax plan that aligns with Greek tax rules on non-resident income, VAT, and property taxes. A lawyer coordinates with tax professionals to avoid penalties.
• Your Golden Visa application is delayed or denied. An immigration attorney can file appeals or pursuing alternative pathways while ensuring compliance with due diligence standards.
• You hold multiple properties in Mykonos and wish to optimize asset protection and inheritance planning in line with Greek law. A qualified attorney can advise on estate planning and cross-border succession issues.
• You are navigating local permits and environmental restrictions for building or expanding on a property in a historic or protected area. A lawyer coordinates with municipal authorities to secure the necessary approvals.

Working with a lawyer who understands the Mykonos property market, local planning authorities, and Greek immigration law helps ensure compliance, reduces risk, and clarifies the path to residency and eventual citizenship.

3. Local Laws Overview

The local framework for Citizenship by Investment in Greece centers on national statutes and EU alignment. The main instrument underpinning investor residency is the Golden Visa program, with naturalization governed by Greece's citizenship provisions.

Law 3386/2005 establishes the Golden Visa program for third-country nationals and sets the framework for residency permits based on investment, including real estate purchases. This law has been amended multiple times to reflect evolving due diligence standards and investment thresholds. In practice, the real estate option requires a minimum investment of 250,000 euros, with ongoing compliance obligations for residents.

The Greek Constitution and Citizenship Law govern naturalization paths to Greek citizenship. Naturalization typically requires an extended period of lawful residence, language proficiency, and integration into Greek society. While investment can support a residency basis, citizenship is not granted solely on investment and must be pursued through the statutory naturalization process.

Recent developments emphasize enhanced due diligence for investor applicants and careful alignment with EU standards for residency and citizenship. For Mykonos residents, these rules apply to real estate investors as well as regional planning and environmental compliance when acquiring and holding property.

Official sources you can consult for the above matters include:

• gov.gr - Golden Visa rules, residency, and citizenship pathways
• migration.gov.gr - Immigration policy and investor residence information
• ec.europa.eu - EU citizenship and residency guidelines that influence Greek naturalization rules

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Greek citizenship and residency by investment?

Residency by investment, such as the Golden Visa, provides the right to live in Greece but not citizenship. Citizenship requires a separate naturalization process after years of lawful residence and meeting integration requirements.

How long does the Golden Visa process take in Greece, including Mykonos?

Preliminary due diligence and documentation can take 1-2 months. The residence permit is usually issued within 2-3 months after submission, depending on processing times and local authorities.

Do I qualify for a Greek Golden Visa with a property purchase in Mykonos?

Yes, a real estate purchase with a minimum value of 250,000 euros qualifies for the Golden Visa, subject to title verification and due diligence checks.

What documents are typically required for naturalization in Greece?

Common documents include a valid passport, proof of legal residence for the required period, proof of Greek language ability, clean criminal record, and evidence of integration into Greek society.

Can a non-EU national obtain citizenship by investment in Greece directly?

No. Citizenship by investment is not offered as a direct program. Citizenship is earned through naturalization after meeting statutory residency and integration criteria.

How much does due diligence cost for Golden Visa applicants in Mykonos?

Due diligence costs vary by provider, but expect to pay several thousand euros for initial checks and ongoing monitoring as part of the application process.

Do I need a Greek attorney to apply for the Golden Visa in Mykonos?

While not legally mandatory, a qualified immigration lawyer helps with document preparation, property verification, and interactions with authorities, improving odds of a smooth process.

What are the tax implications of owning property in Mykonos as a non-resident?

Non-residents face Greek property taxes, potential rental income taxes, and VAT on certain transactions. A Greek tax advisor can tailor a plan to your situation.

How long after obtaining a Golden Visa can I apply for citizenship?

Typically after 7 years of lawful residence, subject to language and integration requirements. Each case depends on individual circumstances and compliance.

Is there an alternative route to Greek citizenship beyond naturalization?

Other routes may exist, such as citizenship by descent or marriage to a Greek citizen. These paths depend on specific eligibility and documentation.

What changes have occurred recently to Greece's investor residence rules?

Recent changes emphasize enhanced due diligence, higher transparency, and alignment with EU standards. Specific updates are published by government portals and enforcement agencies.

5. Additional Resources

Access official guidance and current requirements from these organizations. They provide authoritative information on residency, naturalization, and investor-related policies.

• Gov.gr - Official Greek government portal for immigration, residency, and citizenship procedures. https://www.gov.gr
• Migration and Asylum Ministry - Guidance on residence permits for investors and related requirements. https://www.migration.gov.gr
• European Union - EU citizenship and long-term residency guidelines that influence national citizenship processes. https://ec.europa.eu

6. Next Steps

1. Define your objective clearly: residency for investment vs a route to citizenship through naturalization, and confirm Mykonos as your locale of interest.
2. Consult a Greek immigration attorney with experience in Golden Visa and naturalization matters in Mykonos. Request a written assessment of eligibility and timelines.
3. Prepare a document checklist tailored to your situation, including identity papers, investment proof, and background disclosures required by Greek authorities.
4. Obtain due diligence reviews from a qualified attorney or licensed provider, focusing on property title, encumbrances, and zoning compliance in Mykonos.
5. File the Golden Visa application with the relevant Greek authority through your attorney, ensuring all forms and translations meet official standards.
6. Plan for ongoing residency requirements and property maintenance, including tax and local licensing obligations in the Mykonos area.
7. Monitor the naturalization path and maintain lawful residence for the required period, preparing for language and integration criteria as part of final citizenship applications.