Best Citizenship by Investment Lawyers in Thivais

About Citizenship by Investment Law in Thivais, Greece

Greece does not offer direct citizenship by investment. There is no program under Greek law that grants Greek or European Union citizenship purely in exchange for an investment. What Greece does offer is residency by investment, widely known as the Golden Visa. The Golden Visa grants a renewable residence permit to eligible investors and their family members when they invest in qualifying assets. Following a period of lawful residence and integration, some residents may later apply for citizenship through the standard naturalization process.

For people considering opportunities in Thivais, Greece, it is important to understand this distinction. An investment in real estate or other eligible assets in or around Thivais can support a residency by investment application if it meets statutory criteria. Citizenship, however, remains a separate step that involves residence duration, language proficiency, knowledge of Greek civics and culture, and a clean record, rather than a one-time investment alone.

If you are exploring long-term settlement, business expansion, or family relocation centered on Thivais, plan for a two-stage path. First, assess whether you qualify for a Golden Visa or another residence permit category. Second, if citizenship is your ultimate goal, work toward the residence, integration, and examination requirements set out in Greek nationality law.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Because there is no standalone citizenship by investment route in Greece, you will need to navigate overlapping areas of law and procedure. A lawyer can help you understand the correct pathway and avoid costly mistakes. Common reasons to retain counsel include selecting the proper residence route, comparing investment options that qualify under current rules, and structuring purchases to meet minimum thresholds and documentation standards.

Real estate transactions in Greece require careful due diligence. A lawyer can verify title history, mortgages, encumbrances, zoning compliance, building legality, and whether the property is properly registered with the Hellenic Cadastre. Your lawyer will coordinate with a notary to finalize the deed and ensure your interests are protected in the preliminary agreement and final contract.

Residency and eventual naturalization involve procedural filings and strict document standards. Counsel can help you obtain a Greek tax number, prepare certified translations and apostilles, satisfy anti-money-laundering source-of-funds checks, and assemble a compliant Golden Visa or other residence file. For those aiming at citizenship in the long run, a lawyer can map residence timelines, physical presence, language exam preparation, and evidence of integration, and handle appeals if an application is refused.

If you invest or reside in or near Thivais, local counsel can also liaise with regional authorities, land registries, and municipal services, address practical issues such as utilities and property taxes, and coordinate with tax advisors regarding Greek and cross-border tax implications.

Local Laws Overview

Nationality and naturalization. Greek citizenship is governed by the Greek Nationality Code. Naturalization for third-country nationals typically requires at least seven years of lawful residence, a clean criminal record, sufficient integration into Greek society, and successful completion of standardized examinations in Greek language and civic knowledge. Shorter residence periods may apply in limited cases, such as recognized refugees or EU family ties, but there is no shortcut based solely on investment.

Residency by investment. Residency rules are set out in the Greek Immigration Code, which includes the Golden Visa provisions. The Golden Visa offers a renewable residence permit for investors who meet minimum investment thresholds in qualifying assets, traditionally including real estate. Thresholds and qualifying categories have been adjusted by law and may vary by geographic area and asset type. In recent years, minimums have increased in high-demand regions. Prospective investors in Thivais should verify the current threshold and whether their intended property and its size and use meet the latest criteria before committing funds.

Property purchase and registration. Real estate acquisitions are executed by notarial deed and must be registered with the local land registry or the Hellenic Cadastre. Before completion, a legal due diligence of the property file is essential to confirm ownership, legal use, absence of liens, and compliance with planning rules. Non-EU buyers will usually obtain a Greek tax identification number and may open a Greek bank account to process payments. Taxes and fees apply on purchase and annually, including transfer tax or VAT where applicable, notarial and registry fees, and municipal charges.

Anti-money-laundering and source-of-funds. Banks, notaries, and authorities must confirm that funds used for investment are legitimate and traceable. You should be prepared to document the origin of funds and the path of the money transfer with bank statements, contracts, and tax records.

Residence permit conditions. Golden Visa permits are typically issued for multiple years and can be renewed as long as you maintain the qualifying investment and comply with legal requirements. The Golden Visa historically does not impose a strict physical presence requirement for permit renewal, but extended absence can affect tax residency and can later be relevant when assessing eligibility for naturalization, which does require substantive integration and residence in Greece.

Tax considerations. Holding a residence permit does not automatically make you a Greek tax resident. Tax residency depends on factors such as days spent in Greece and the location of your vital interests. Greece offers certain preferential tax regimes for new residents who qualify under specific conditions. You should consult a tax advisor to coordinate investment, residence, and cross-border tax planning.

Document formalities. Foreign civil status documents often need an apostille or consular legalization and a certified translation into Greek. Greece recognizes translations performed by authorized translators, including court-certified professionals. Incomplete or improperly translated documents are a common cause of application delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Greece offer citizenship by investment?

No. Greece does not grant citizenship in exchange for an investment. Investors can apply for a residence permit, and after meeting residence duration and integration criteria, they may apply for citizenship through naturalization.

What is the Golden Visa and can it be used in Thivais?

The Golden Visa is a residency by investment program. If you invest in qualifying assets that meet current thresholds and criteria, you can apply for a residence permit, regardless of whether the property is in Thivais or another eligible area. You must confirm that the specific property and investment amount meet the law currently in force.

What are the current minimum investment amounts?

Minimums have changed in recent years and vary by asset type and location. Real estate thresholds have increased in higher-demand zones, and there are separate thresholds for other eligible investments. You should obtain up-to-date confirmation from legal counsel before committing to any investment.

How long do I need to live in Greece before I can apply for citizenship?

Most third-country nationals need at least seven years of lawful residence and must pass standardized exams in Greek language and civics, show integration, and meet character requirements. Time spent merely holding a residence permit without genuine residence and integration may not suffice.

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

The Golden Visa has historically allowed renewal without strict physical presence requirements if you maintain the qualifying investment. However, for citizenship, you will need substantial residence and integration. Always verify current rules, as requirements can evolve.

Can my family be included in my application?

Yes. Spouses or registered partners, dependent children up to the statutory age limits, and in some cases dependent parents can be included if they meet documentation requirements. Each family member receives their own residence permit.

Can I finance the property purchase with a mortgage?

Authorities typically require that the qualifying investment amount be paid from the applicant's own funds. Financing may be permitted for amounts over and above the required threshold. Your lawyer can structure the transaction to ensure compliance.

What documents will I need?

Common items include a valid passport, proof of investment, proof of health insurance, clean criminal record certificates, civil status documents, tax number, and certified translations. For citizenship later, you will also need evidence of residence, tax compliance, language and civics exam results, and integration documents.

How long does the process take?

Real estate due diligence and purchase timelines vary with the property. Golden Visa processing times depend on the regional authority workload. Naturalization is a separate multi-year process and depends on residence history and examination schedules. A lawyer can provide a timeline estimate based on your case and the competent authorities in your area.

What happens if the law changes after I invest?

Greece has periodically revised thresholds and criteria. Transitional provisions sometimes protect pending applicants who meet deadlines. To reduce risk, ensure you understand any transition windows and submit a complete application promptly. A lawyer can help you plan around announced legislative changes.

Additional Resources

Ministry of Migration and Asylum - information on residence permits, including investment-based categories.

Ministry of Interior - Directorate of Citizenship for naturalization policies and procedures.

Decentralized Administration of Central Greece - Aliens and Immigration Directorate competent for residence applications in the broader region that includes Thivais.

Hellenic Cadastre and local Land Registry - property registration and title verification.

Hellenic Police - Aliens Bureaus for residence card biometrics and related procedures.

Independent Authority for Public Revenue - Greek tax numbers, tax residency, and compliance guidance.

Bank of Greece - supervisory guidance relevant to anti-money-laundering and banking procedures.

Local Bar Associations in Central Greece and Athens - lawyer directories for immigration and real estate specialists.

Notaries Association of Greece - information on notarial deeds and property transactions.

Greek consular authorities in your country of residence - visa support, document legalization, and certification services.

Next Steps

Clarify your goal. Decide whether your objective is long-term residence, eventual citizenship, or both. If your primary goal is citizenship, understand that investment alone is not sufficient in Greece and you will need a residence and integration plan.

Obtain a preliminary legal assessment. Engage a lawyer experienced in Greek immigration and real estate to review your eligibility, family composition, budget, and timelines. Ask for written confirmation of the current thresholds and criteria relevant to Thivais and any transition periods.

Organize documentation. Secure a valid passport, clean criminal record certificates, civil status records, and proof of funds. Arrange apostilles or consular legalizations and certified Greek translations early to avoid delays.

Secure a Greek tax number and banking arrangements. Your lawyer can assist with obtaining a tax identification number and coordinating a compliant fund transfer path for the investment.

Select and verify an investment. If you plan to purchase property in or near Thivais, instruct counsel to conduct title and planning due diligence, verify cadastre entries, confirm the property meets size and use criteria if applicable, and review the contract terms before signing. Use a notary for the deed, pay applicable taxes and fees, and ensure registration is completed.

File the residence application. Assemble the full application package with proof of investment, insurance, and personal documents. Submit to the competent authority and attend biometrics when scheduled. Keep copies of all submissions and receipts.

Maintain compliance. Keep the investment in place for as long as required, renew permits on time, retain updated insurance, and track any changes in law that could affect your status. Coordinate with a tax advisor regarding Greek and home-country tax obligations.

Plan for naturalization if desired. Work with counsel to track your lawful residence period, prepare for the language and civics examinations, and gather integration evidence. When eligible, submit a well-documented naturalization application and be prepared for interviews or additional requests.

This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice. For personalized guidance tailored to your circumstances in Thivais, Greece, consult a qualified Greek lawyer who can provide up-to-date advice and representation.