Best Citizenship by Investment Lawyers in Vouliagmeni

About Citizenship by Investment Law in Vouliagmeni, Greece

Greece does not offer a direct citizenship by investment program. Instead, Greece provides a residency by investment route known as the Greek Golden Visa. This grants a renewable residence permit to qualifying investors and their families. After years of lawful residence and meeting integration criteria, a person may apply for Greek citizenship through naturalization. Vouliagmeni is a high-demand area on the Athens Riviera, and real estate investments here fall under the stricter thresholds that apply to parts of Athens.

In practice, many people use the Golden Visa to live in or frequently visit Greece, benefit from visa-free travel in the Schengen Area, and eventually pursue permanent residence and, if eligible, naturalization. A licensed Greek lawyer can guide you through the steps and ensure compliance with the evolving legal requirements.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer for the following reasons:

- Clarifying the difference between residency by investment and citizenship through naturalization, and setting a compliant long-term plan.- Determining the correct investment path for Vouliagmeni, where higher minimum real estate thresholds and single-property rules may apply.- Conducting property due diligence in a coastal, high-value market, including title checks, encumbrances, building permits, and zoning restrictions near the shoreline.- Structuring the purchase in your name or via a legal entity, and addressing ownership, inheritance, and marital property issues.- Obtaining a Greek tax number, coordinating with a notary, and reviewing contracts before you pay any deposit or sign a preliminary agreement.- Proving lawful source of funds and passing anti-money-laundering checks required by notaries and banks.- Preparing, translating, and legalizing documents for the residence permit application, and handling filings before the Decentralized Administration of Attica.- Managing timelines, biometrics appointments, renewals, and changes in family status.- Advising on tax residence, local taxes, and compliance if you spend significant time in Greece.- Planning for eventual naturalization, including language and civics requirements, and avoiding gaps that reset residence timelines.

Local Laws Overview

- Legal framework: The Greek Golden Visa is governed by the Greek Immigration and Social Integration Code and its amendments. It provides a 5-year renewable residence permit to qualifying investors and eligible family members.- Investment options: The most common route is real estate acquisition meeting the minimum investment threshold. There are also routes linked to strategic investments and certain financial investments, each with specific criteria and documentation.- Vouliagmeni threshold: Vouliagmeni lies in the South Athens sector, a high-demand area with a higher real estate minimum compared to much of Greece. As of 2024, policy set a minimum investment of 500,000 euros in many central and southern Athens areas, often restricted to a single property. Thresholds and eligible postcodes are set by ministerial decisions and can change, so verify the current rule before committing.- Permit features: The residence permit is typically valid for 5 years and is renewable as long as the investment is maintained. It allows travel within the Schengen Area for short stays. It does not grant the right to salaried employment in Greece, though company ownership and directorship are typically permitted.- Family members: Spouse or registered partner, dependent children, and in many cases the parents of the main applicant and the spouse can be included, subject to age and dependency rules in force at the time of application.- Physical presence: There is no minimum stay to maintain the Golden Visa. However, to qualify later for citizenship by naturalization, you must demonstrate continuous lawful residence and meet integration requirements, including language and civics exams, and usually a multi-year residence period.- Naturalization: Greek citizenship is not automatic for investors. Eligibility generally requires at least several years of lawful residence, tax and social ties to Greece, a clean criminal record, and passing standardized exams demonstrating Greek language ability and knowledge of Greek history, culture, and institutions.- Property law and taxes: Buyers pay transfer tax or VAT depending on the property, plus notary, land registry or cadastre, and legal fees. Buyers must obtain a Greek tax number and comply with source-of-funds checks. Seaside properties may involve specific planning and coastal zone rules, which require extra scrutiny in Vouliagmeni.- Compliance and renewals: You must maintain the investment, keep property taxes current, and renew your residence permit before expiry. Substantive changes to the investment may affect eligibility, so seek legal advice before selling or restructuring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Greece offer citizenship by investment in Vouliagmeni?

No. Greece offers residency by investment. Citizenship is only possible later through naturalization if you meet residence duration, integration, and other legal requirements.

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

Vouliagmeni is in a high-demand area of Athens that has a higher threshold than much of Greece. As of 2024, many parts of South Athens require at least 500,000 euros and often limit you to one property. Always verify the current rule for the exact address before you buy.

How long does it take to get the Golden Visa after I invest?

Timelines vary by workload and completeness of your file. Many applicants receive a temporary certificate after filing, allowing lawful stay until a decision. A local lawyer can help you avoid delays by preparing documents correctly and scheduling biometrics promptly.

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

No minimum stay is required to maintain the Golden Visa. However, to apply for citizenship later, you must satisfy residence and integration conditions that do require real ties and presence in Greece.

Can I work in Greece with a Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa does not authorize salaried employment. You can generally own a business, be a shareholder, or serve as a director. If you plan to work as an employee, ask about other permit types.

Can my family be included?

Yes. Spouse or registered partner, dependent children, and in many cases the parents of the main applicant and spouse can be included. Age limits and dependency proofs apply, so check the rules in force when you apply.

Can I finance part of the property purchase with a mortgage?

The minimum qualifying investment usually must be paid from your own funds. Mortgages secured on the same property may reduce the qualifying amount. Your lawyer and notary will verify how financing affects eligibility.

What due diligence should I perform on property in Vouliagmeni?

Conduct title and encumbrance searches, check building permits, zoning, and any coastal or environmental restrictions, verify actual square footage, and review condominium regulations. Inspect for unlegalized alterations, which can block permits and future sales.

What documents will I need for the residence permit?

Common documents include a valid passport, proof of investment, Greek tax number, health insurance, clean criminal record from your country of residence, civil status documents for family members, and evidence of lawful source of funds. Documents must be translated and legalized or apostilled as required.

How do I become eligible for Greek citizenship later?

You must reside lawfully in Greece for the required number of years, show integration through language and civics exams, maintain a clean record, and demonstrate economic and social ties. Time spent outside Greece may affect eligibility, so plan your physical presence with your lawyer.

Additional Resources

- Ministry of Migration and Asylum - oversees residence permits and immigration policy.- Decentralized Administration of Attica - issues residence permits for the Athens region, including Vouliagmeni.- Hellenic Police Aliens Departments - handle biometrics and certain procedural steps.- Enterprise Greece - point of contact for strategic investments and investor services.- Hellenic Cadastre - for property registrations and title verification.- Notarial associations and local bar associations in Athens - for locating licensed notaries and lawyers.- Independent Authority for Public Revenue - for tax numbers, filings, and property taxes.- Local Municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni - for planning, zoning, and local regulations.

Next Steps

- Schedule a consultation with a licensed Greek immigration and real estate lawyer experienced in the Athens Riviera market.- Obtain a Greek tax number and assess tax implications with a tax advisor, especially if you plan extended stays.- Identify suitable properties in Vouliagmeni and instruct your lawyer to run full legal checks before any deposit is paid.- Prepare source-of-funds evidence and gather required civil documents. Arrange certified translations and legalization or apostille as needed.- Coordinate with a notary to finalize the purchase. Ensure the purchase contract and payment structure align with Golden Visa requirements for Vouliagmeni.- File the residence permit application, pay the applicable fees, and attend biometrics. Your lawyer can represent you for filings and appointments where permitted by law.- Keep all records, pay property taxes, and track renewal dates. If you aim for future naturalization, plan your residence and integration steps early, including Greek language study.- Monitor legal changes. Thresholds and rules can change in high-demand areas, so verify the current requirements before any transaction.

This guide provides general information. Always obtain personalized legal advice before making investment or immigration decisions in Vouliagmeni, Greece.