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 in Greece that grants Greek nationality in exchange for an immediate investment. What Greece does offer is a residence by investment route that can lead to eligibility for naturalization after a period of lawful residence. This is commonly known as the Greek Golden Visa. Through approved investments such as real estate or specific financial instruments, non EU or EEA nationals can obtain a renewable five year residence permit for themselves and eligible family members. If an investor later satisfies Greek nationality requirements, including a minimum period of lawful and effective residence and integration criteria, they may apply for Greek citizenship through naturalization.

Thivais and its surrounding area follow national law. Local procedures in Thivais involve the competent Decentralized Administration for migration services, the local land registry or Hellenic Cadastre for property matters, municipal offices for certain certificates, and local notaries. Applicants typically coordinate nationally defined steps while completing property acquisitions and administrative filings with local authorities in the place where the investment is made.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can help you choose the correct pathway. Since Greece does not grant immediate citizenship by investment, investors need tailored advice on the residence by investment route, long term planning toward naturalization, and realistic timelines. An attorney can explain what counts as lawful and effective residence for citizenship purposes and how the Golden Visa interacts with those requirements.

Property purchases require careful due diligence. In Thivais, as in the rest of Greece, lawyers review title history, encumbrances, planning permissions, building legality, and compliance with zoning. They coordinate with a notary, the Hellenic Cadastre or local land registry, and a civil engineer or surveyor to minimize risk before you pay any deposit.

Compliance and documentation are critical. Legal counsel assists with source of funds evidence, anti money laundering checks, translations and certifications, powers of attorney, tax number issuance, and bank account opening. For family members, a lawyer prepares relationship documentation and ensures each dependent meets entry and biometrics requirements.

Strategic planning matters. Attorneys advise on whether to invest in real estate or alternative eligible instruments, how to structure ownership, how to preserve eligibility on renewal, and how to avoid pitfalls such as disqualifying leases or divided titles. For those aiming at naturalization in the future, counsel can map residence patterns, language study, and integration steps well in advance.

Representation before authorities is often needed. A lawyer can file the residence application, liaise with the competent migration office, schedule biometrics, respond to requests for additional documents, and handle appeals. For naturalization, counsel prepares the application file, guides you through language and civics requirements, and represents you in case of delays or rejections.

Local Laws Overview

Residence by investment is governed by national immigration law. The Greek Immigration Code and subsequent amendments set the framework for the Golden Visa program. Qualifying investments include real estate meeting a minimum threshold that varies by area under current law, as well as certain financial investments under specific categories. The residence permit is usually valid for five years and is renewable as long as the investment is maintained. Program thresholds, eligible areas, and categories are subject to legislative updates and should be checked at the time you apply.

Citizenship is governed by the Greek Nationality Code. There is no direct citizenship by investment option. Most non EU or EEA investors must lawfully reside in Greece for at least seven years before applying for naturalization. Applicants are assessed on integration, including knowledge of the Greek language and aspects of Greek history and civic life, good character, and effective ties to Greece. Time spent outside Greece and the nature of your residence status can affect eligibility, so careful planning is important.

Property law and conveyancing have local steps. A notary drafts and reads the purchase deed. Your lawyer performs title checks, reviews cadastral records, and confirms that the property is free of liens and compliant with building and planning rules. Registration of the deed at the Hellenic Cadastre or the local land registry is mandatory. Depending on the property, you may pay transfer tax or value added tax, plus notarial and registration fees. Owners are also subject to annual property tax and municipal charges.

Tax and compliance requirements apply. Investors need a Greek tax number and, if non resident, a tax representative in Greece. Banks will request source of funds documentation. For residence applications, certified translations and document legalization may be required. Health insurance valid in Greece is typically needed for the principal applicant and family members. Biometric data are collected at the competent migration office, which for Thivais area applicants will be the office responsible for that locality within the Decentralized Administration.

Family reunification rules are defined by law. Eligible family members usually include a spouse or registered partner under Greek law, unmarried children up to a specified age threshold, and dependent parents of the investor or the spouse. Each family member receives a residence card tied to the investment holder and must meet documentation and biometrics requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Greece offer citizenship by investment?

No. Greece does not grant citizenship directly in exchange for an investment. Investors can pursue a residence by investment permit and may later apply for citizenship through naturalization after meeting residence and integration requirements.

What is the Greek Golden Visa?

It is a residence by investment program that gives a five year renewable residence permit to third country nationals who make a qualifying investment, most commonly in real estate. It can include eligible family members. It does not automatically lead to citizenship, but it can be part of a longer plan toward naturalization if you meet the criteria.

What are the minimum investment amounts?

Minimum real estate thresholds are set by national law and can differ by location. Some areas have higher thresholds while others retain a lower minimum. Thresholds and eligible areas can change, so you should verify the current rules before committing to a purchase. Non real estate options exist under specific categories with different minimums.

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

The residence permit is typically renewable as long as the qualifying investment is maintained, without a strict physical presence requirement for renewal. However, if your long term goal is citizenship, you will need to show effective and continuous residence in Greece and meet integration standards.

Can my family be included?

Yes. Eligible family members usually include your spouse or registered partner, your unmarried children up to a set age, and dependent parents of you or your spouse. Each family member receives a residence card that is tied to the principal investor’s permit.

How long does the process take?

Timelines vary by investment type and local office workload. Property due diligence and purchase can take several weeks. After filing, authorities issue a filing certificate and later invite you for biometrics. Many applicants receive a decision within a few months, but timeframes can be longer depending on volume and documentation.

Can I finance the investment with a mortgage?

Program rules generally expect that the qualifying investment threshold is met with your own funds. Financing secured on the same asset can affect eligibility. The permissibility of loans and the way they interact with minimum thresholds should be reviewed with a lawyer and notary based on current guidance.

What due diligence should I do on a property in Thivais?

Have a lawyer review the title chain, encumbrances, and cadastral records. Engage a civil engineer to verify building legality and zoning compliance. Confirm there are no unauthorized constructions or outstanding municipal or utility debts. Ensure the property meets any specific criteria relevant to the residence program.

Will I become a Greek tax resident?

Holding a residence permit does not automatically make you a Greek tax resident. Tax residency depends on your days of presence and center of vital interests. You can be a non resident owner and still hold a residence card, but you should obtain tax advice on income, property taxes, and any double taxation treaty implications.

How do I become eligible for Greek citizenship later?

You must lawfully and effectively reside in Greece for the required number of years, demonstrate integration including Greek language and civics knowledge, have a clean record, and meet all conditions under the Greek Nationality Code. The Golden Visa alone is not enough without real residence and integration.

Additional Resources

Ministry of Migration and Asylum, Directorate for Migration Policy, for residence by investment rules and procedures.

Hellenic Ministry of Interior, Directorate of Citizenship, for naturalization guidelines and citizenship applications.

Decentralized Administration office responsible for the Thivais area, for filing and biometrics appointments related to residence permits.

Municipality offices and Citizens Service Centers in the Thivais area, for local certificates and administrative support.

Hellenic Cadastre and local land registry, for property registrations, cadastral maps, and title verifications.

Independent Authority for Public Revenue, for tax number issuance, tax filings, and property tax obligations.

Local Bar Associations and the Hellenic Notaries Association, for finding licensed lawyers and notaries experienced in investment immigration and property law.

Greek consulates in your country of residence, for entry visas, document legalization, and initial guidance before traveling to Greece.

Next Steps

Clarify your objective. Decide whether your goal is long term residence only or eventual citizenship through naturalization. Your strategy for presence in Greece, language study, and integration will depend on that goal.

Engage a licensed Greek lawyer. Choose counsel with experience in residence by investment and property transactions in the Thivais area. If needed, grant a power of attorney so your lawyer can obtain your tax number, open a bank account, and represent you before authorities.

Assess the suitable investment. Compare real estate options in Thivais and nearby areas with any alternative eligible investment categories. Confirm the current minimum thresholds and any location specific conditions before you commit.

Complete due diligence. Have your lawyer and a civil engineer review the property, confirm building legality, and check cadastral entries. Plan for taxes, notarial and registration fees, and ongoing costs such as annual property tax and utilities.

Prepare documentation. Gather passports, proof of funds, marital and birth records for family members, health insurance, and required translations or apostilles. Your lawyer will advise on formatting and certification that Greek authorities accept.

Execute and register the investment. Sign the notarized purchase deed or finalize the chosen investment, settle taxes and fees, and register the title or instrument with the competent authority.

File the residence application. Submit your application with supporting documents to the competent migration office, obtain your filing certificate, attend biometrics, and respond promptly to any requests for additional information.

Maintain compliance and plan ahead. Keep the investment in place, renew your permit before expiry, and track your days in Greece if you plan to pursue citizenship. Begin language and civics preparation early and retain documentation of your residence, integration activities, and community ties.

This guide is for general information. For specific advice on your situation in Thivais, consult a qualified Greek lawyer who can provide current, personalized guidance.