Best Golden Visa Lawyers in Arta

About Golden Visa Law in Arta, Greece

The Greek Golden Visa is a residence-by-investment permit that grants non-EU and non-EEA nationals the right to live in Greece for five years with renewals, as long as they maintain an eligible investment. Arta is a regional hub in Epirus, and applications connected to properties or investments located in Arta are handled under the same national framework that applies across Greece, with local processing conducted by the competent regional immigration authority.

Most applicants qualify through the purchase of real estate, although Greek law also recognizes alternative routes such as long-term hotel or tourist accommodation leases and certain financial instruments. The program permits family reunification for a spouse or registered partner, dependent children, and in many cases the dependent parents of the main applicant or spouse.

Investment thresholds and eligible property types are set at the national level and have been revised in recent years. Historically, regional areas such as Arta have had lower thresholds than large urban centers and high-demand islands. Because amounts and conditions change, investors should verify the current minimum investment and any property-specific criteria that apply in Arta before committing funds.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Greek property and immigration procedures involve multiple authorities, technical documents, and strict compliance checks. A local lawyer can help you avoid costly errors and delays.

Common situations where legal help is valuable include carrying out real estate due diligence in Arta, confirming clear title and checking the cadastral records, ensuring building legality and zoning compliance, and reviewing notarial deeds and contracts. Lawyers also coordinate the issuance of a Greek tax number, advise on tax exposure, and work with notaries and engineers to collect the certificates needed for a safe transfer.

For the immigration process, a lawyer can assess eligibility, prepare and translate documents, arrange apostilles or consular legalizations, and file your application with the competent authority. If you are abroad, a lawyer with a power of attorney can handle most steps remotely, including property closing and submission for the residence permit. Legal counsel is especially helpful when adding family members, switching investment types, or replacing a property while maintaining your status.

Local Laws Overview

Investment routes and thresholds. Greek law sets minimum investment amounts that may vary by area and property type. Reforms in 2023 and 2024 introduced tiered thresholds and special categories such as listed buildings. Arta has typically fallen in lower-threshold categories compared to Athens and certain islands, but you must confirm the current rules for Arta at the time of purchase. Some rules require the investment to be in a single property and may impose minimum size or usage conditions.

Property transfer in Arta. Purchases in Arta follow the national conveyancing process via a notary. Before closing, your lawyer will review title at the local land registry or the Hellenic Cadastre, check for mortgages or liens, verify zoning, and obtain an engineer’s legality certificate and an energy performance certificate. In rural and semi-rural parts of Arta, special attention is given to zoning, agricultural designations, forest maps, and any Natura 2000 environmental protections near the Amvrakikos wetland area.

Tax and fees. Buyers typically pay transfer tax, notary and registry fees, and annual property tax. VAT treatment depends on the property’s characteristics and the current national regime. Owning property does not by itself make you a Greek tax resident, but you must obtain a Greek tax number and may need to appoint a tax representative. If you rent the property short-term, you must register on the national short-term rental platform and comply with tax reporting rules; local municipalities may adopt additional rules, so check the situation in Arta at the time you start renting.

Immigration procedure. Applications linked to Arta properties are filed with the competent Directorate for Foreigners and Immigration of the Decentralized Administration for Epirus and Western Macedonia. After submitting your file and paying state fees, you attend biometrics. A certificate of submission allows you to remain in Greece while the file is processed. The residence permit is typically valid for five years and can be renewed as long as the investment is maintained and other conditions remain satisfied.

Alternative investment routes. Apart from purchasing real estate, Greek law allows certain alternatives such as long-term leases of hotel or tourist residences and, under separate provisions, specific financial investments. These options have their own thresholds and documentation. If you prefer not to own property in Arta, discuss with a lawyer whether a compliant alternative route suits your goals.

Border and security considerations. Some parts of Greece are designated border or security zones where non-EU buyers face additional restrictions. Arta is generally not designated as such, but verification is a standard part of legal due diligence and should be completed before you sign any agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Greek Golden Visa linked to property in Arta

Any non-EU and non-EEA national who makes a qualifying investment and meets character and documentation requirements can apply. Property ownership in Arta or an eligible long-term lease can qualify if it meets the current national rules.

What is the minimum investment amount in Arta

Minimum amounts are set nationally and have changed over time. Regional areas such as Arta have historically had lower thresholds than high-demand urban and island areas. Confirm the current minimum amount and whether there are rules on property size or whether the investment must be in a single property before you proceed.

Can I finance the purchase with a mortgage

The qualifying investment typically must be funded with the applicant’s own capital. Banks may offer mortgages to cover amounts above the qualifying threshold, but loan financing cannot be used to meet the minimum investment itself. Lenders also apply strict source of funds and anti-money laundering checks.

Which family members can be included

A spouse or registered partner, dependent children, and in many cases the dependent parents of the investor or the spouse can be included. Age limits and dependency criteria apply, and children who age out may need to transition to a different status. Your lawyer will verify the current family reunification rules at the time of filing.

Do I need to live in Greece to keep the permit valid

No minimum stay is required to maintain the Golden Visa. However, naturalization as a Greek citizen has separate residence and integration requirements, including physical presence over a number of years. If citizenship is your goal, plan your stay pattern accordingly.

How long does the process take in Arta

Timeframes vary with document preparation, biometrics appointment availability, and the workload of the regional authority. With complete documentation, the submission certificate is issued relatively quickly, but final card issuance can take several weeks to several months. Local backlogs can change, so confirm current timelines with counsel.

What documents will I need

Typical documents include a valid passport, proof of eligible investment such as a notarial deed and registry certificates, evidence of payment through the banking system, health insurance valid in Greece, a clean criminal record from your country of residence if requested, and civil status documents for family members. Most foreign documents require apostille or consular legalization and certified translation.

Can I rent out my Arta property

Yes, subject to national and local rules. Short-term rentals must be registered with the tax authority, and you must comply with tax and safety obligations. Some buildings may have bylaws that restrict short-term rentals, and certain areas can be subject to additional municipal rules. Always verify the current framework in Arta before listing.

What happens if I sell the property

If you sell without simultaneously replacing it with another qualifying investment that meets the current rules, you will generally lose eligibility for renewal. If you plan to switch properties in Arta or elsewhere in Greece, coordinate the timing so there is no gap that jeopardizes your status.

Does the Golden Visa grant work rights

The Golden Visa allows residence and certain economic activities like owning and managing your own company, but it does not by itself grant unrestricted dependent employment. If you need work rights as an employee, discuss the correct permit route with your lawyer.

Additional Resources

Hellenic Ministry of Migration and Asylum for residence permit policies and procedures.

Decentralized Administration of Epirus and Western Macedonia - Directorate for Foreigners and Immigration for regional processing of applications connected to Arta.

Hellenic Cadastre and the local Land Registry or Mortgage Office serving Arta for title checks and registrations.

Independent Authority for Public Revenue for tax numbers, short-term rental registration, and tax compliance.

Notaries in Arta and the Regional Bar Association of Arta for conveyancing and legal representation.

Technical Chamber of Greece and licensed engineers for building legality certificates, energy performance certificates, and zoning verification.

Next Steps

Clarify your goals, budget, and preferred investment route. Decide whether you will buy property in Arta or pursue an alternative route such as a long-term hotel or tourist accommodation lease.

Engage a local lawyer in Arta or the wider Epirus region. Ask for a scope of work that covers tax registration, due diligence, conveyancing, translation, and immigration filing through to card issuance.

Obtain a Greek tax number and prepare source-of-funds documentation. Your lawyer will guide you on acceptable evidence and banking requirements.

Identify a property and conduct technical and legal due diligence in Arta. Verify title, planning compliance, environmental constraints, building legality, and any condominium or municipal rules that may affect your intended use of the property.

Complete the purchase before a notary, ensure that payments are made through traceable banking channels, and register the deed with the land registry or cadastre.

Assemble the immigration file, including health insurance and legalized translations, and submit the application to the competent regional authority. Attend biometrics when scheduled and retain the submission certificate for lawful stay.

Plan for ongoing obligations, including property tax, insurance, and compliance if you rent out the property. Track renewal deadlines and maintain the investment to keep your status valid.

Because thresholds and rules can change, always verify the current requirements for Arta immediately before you commit funds or file your application.