Best Citizenship by Investment Lawyers in Nea Erythraia

1. About Citizenship by Investment Law in Nea Erythraia, Greece

In Nea Erythraia, as in the rest of Greece, there is no direct “citizenship by investment” program. The primary pathway associated with investment is a residence program commonly referred to as a Golden Visa. This program grants a long-term residency permit to investors who meet certain investment thresholds, typically in real estate or other qualifying investments.

Practically, a Greek Golden Visa provides the right to live in Greece and travel freely within the Schengen Area for the duration of the permit, which is initially issued for five years and renewable. Family members can often be included in the same application, subject to eligibility criteria. Importantly, the Golden Visa is a residency route, not a direct grant of Greek citizenship.

Citizenship may be pursued later through naturalization, but it is not granted as a direct result of investment. In Greece, naturalization generally requires a prolonged period of lawful residence, linguistic integration, and good character, with decisions made by the competent authorities. An attorney or legal counsel can map a realistic timeline from initial residency to potential citizenship and help manage expectations.

Source: Greek Golden Visa program overview and residency rules outline the five-year residence permit for real estate investment and family inclusion as a key feature of the program. While investment can lead to long-term residence, citizenship is earned through naturalization after a extended period of residence, not via a direct investment entitlement.

For authoritative details on current residency pathways and eligibility, consult official sources maintained by the Greek government. The Golden Visa program remains the most studied route for foreign nationals seeking to establish a base in Greece, including Nea Erythraia.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

• You're considering real estate investment in Nea Erythraia and need to confirm title and due diligence. A lawyer can review the property’s title, ensure it is free of encumbrances, verify permits, and coordinate with a notary for the deed. This helps prevent hidden liabilities that could affect residency eligibility.
• You want to include family members on the Golden Visa application. An attorney can determine who qualifies, assist with documentation for spouses and children, and handle any additional registration steps with the relevant authorities.
• Your funds come from cross-border sources or complex ownership structures. A legal counsel can structure the investment in a compliant way, prepare source-of-funds explanations, and conduct enhanced due diligence to avoid delays or refusals.
• You face a possible regulatory change or a request for additional information during processing. An experienced solicitor can respond quickly, gather the necessary documents, and liaise with authorities to reduce processing times and minimize risk of denial.
• You plan eventual Greek citizenship and need a long-term strategy. A lawyer can chart a path from residency to naturalization, including language requirements, residency thresholds, and documentation needed over the years.
• You want to understand the specific local implications in Nea Erythraia. A local attorney can explain property taxes, municipal obligations, and any neighborhood-specific conditions that affect residency and future plans.

3. Local Laws Overview

Law 3386/2005 on Entry, Stay and Removal of Foreigners

This fundamental framework governs how third-country nationals enter Greece, obtain stay rights, and may be subject to removal. It sets the base rules for visas, residence permits, and the criteria that immigration authorities use to assess long-term stays. Because Golden Visa residence permits operate under the broader immigration regime, this law shapes eligibility and ongoing compliance for investors in Nea Erythraia.

Law 4251/2014 on Greek Citizenship and Naturalization

This statute addresses the process for obtaining Greek citizenship through naturalization. It describes residence requirements, language prerequisites, and character standards that applicants must meet to be considered for citizenship after a period of lawful residence in Greece. Investors should recognize that citizenship is not guaranteed by investment and is subject to ministerial discretion guided by the law.

Key regulatory framework and updates

In addition to the main laws above, the Golden Visa program operates through implementing regulations and ministerial decisions that interpret the eligibility criteria, acceptable investment forms, and due diligence expectations. Recent trends have included tighter due diligence and a focus on ensuring that the investment remains in place for the duration of the permit, along with periodic updates to processing timelines and documentation requirements. Investors in Nea Erythraia should stay informed about these regulatory interpretations through official channels.

Source: Official Greek government portals outline the entry and stay regime for third-country nationals (Law 3386/2005) and naturalization provisions (Law 4251/2014). These authorities govern the legal framework used by investors seeking residency and potential citizenship in Greece.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Greek Golden Visa and how does it work?

The Greek Golden Visa offers a five-year residence permit for qualifying investments. Real estate is a common path with a minimum investment threshold. The permit can be renewed, and family members may be included subject to eligibility rules.

How long does it take to obtain residency through investment in Greece?

Processing times vary with the completeness of the file and due diligence checks. Typical timelines range from two to six months for initial approval, with additional time for issuing the actual permit.

Do I need to live in Greece to keep the Golden Visa?

No mandatory residency is required to hold the permit, but maintaining the qualifying investment is essential. Travel is allowed, and the visa supports Schengen mobility while the investment remains in place.

What is the minimum real estate investment for the Golden Visa?

Real estate investments typically require a minimum of €250,000 in most cases. Other investment forms may be available, but real estate is the most common route for investors in Greece.

Do I need to learn Greek to obtain citizenship later?

Yes, language proficiency is usually part of the naturalization process. The government requires knowledge of the Greek language to demonstrate integration for citizenship applications.

Can my family join me on the Golden Visa?

Yes, spouses and dependent children are often eligible to be included in the same application, subject to meeting requirements and providing appropriate documentation.

How much do legal services cost for Citizenship by Investment in Greece?

Fees vary by law firm and the complexity of the case. Typical costs include a combination of upfront consultation, document review, and filing charges, plus government fees for the permit application.

What documents are required to start the Golden Visa application?

Common documents include a valid passport, birth certificate, police clearance, proof of funds, property purchase or lease documents, medical insurance, and translations into Greek.

Is citizenship by investment available in Nea Erythraia, Greece?

There is no direct citizenship-by-investment option in Greece. Citizenship, if pursued, follows naturalization after long-term lawful residence and meeting language and integration requirements.

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

Residency by investment grants permission to live and travel within Greece and the Schengen Area for a period; citizenship by naturalization grants full Greek citizenship after meeting residence, language, and character criteria.

How long does it take to obtain Greek citizenship after residency?

Naturalization timelines vary, but the typical minimum residence period is several years (commonly around seven years) before an application can be considered.

Do Greek authorities perform due diligence on applicants?

Yes, robust due diligence checks are standard to verify the legitimacy of funds and assess risk. Delays can occur if information is incomplete or questionable.

What happens if I sell the investment or miss payments after obtaining the visa?

The visa relies on maintaining the investment conditions. Loss of the investment or failure to meet ongoing requirements can jeopardize the permit and may require remediation or withdrawal of the status.

5. Additional Resources

• gov.gr - Residence permit for financially independent persons (Golden Visa) - Official government portal detailing eligibility, investment pathways, and application steps for non-EU citizens seeking residency in Greece. https://www.gov.gr/en/categories/immigration-and-asylum/residence-permit-for-foreign-nationals/residence-permit-for-financially-independent-persons
• migrations.gov.gr - Golden Visa information and residence permits for investment - Central portal with guidance on documentation, processing, and ongoing obligations for investors. https://migrations.gov.gr/en/
• Greek naturalization framework - Law 4251/2014 (citizenship and naturalization) - Summary of requirements for Greek citizenship through naturalization, including language and residence expectations. https://www.gov.gr/en/categories/immigration-and-asylum/citizenship

6. Next Steps

1. Define your goals and confirm the pathway. Decide if you primarily seek residency, future citizenship, or both, and note the Nea Erythraia implications for property or business investments.
2. Gather core documents with jurisdiction-specific translations. Prepare passports, birth certificates, police records, proof of funds, and property documents in Greek or professionally translated.
3. Engage a local qualified lawyer (dikigoros) in Nea Erythraia. Choose a solicitor with prior Golden Visa and naturalization experience to review documents and plan steps.
4. Conduct a thorough due diligence review of the investment. Have the attorney verify title status, encumbrances, and compliance with investment thresholds and sources of funds.
5. Prepare and file the initial residency application. Your lawyer coordinates with the notary for deeds, translation of documents, and submission to the Greek authorities.
6. Monitor processing, respond to requests, and manage renewals. Your counsel will address any additional information requests and support renewal processes upon expiry.
7. Plan for long-term citizenship considerations. If citizenship is your goal, start early with language studies and documentation that aligns with naturalization requirements.