Best Golden Visa Lawyers in Kos

1. About Golden Visa Law in Kos, Greece

The Golden Visa program in Greece offers a residence permit to non-EU nationals who invest in Greek real estate or meet other investment criteria. In Kos, as in the rest of Greece, the program is governed by national law and administered through the Greek immigration system. The purpose is to enable long term residency for investors and their families while encouraging foreign investment in Greek property markets, including popular islands like Kos.

Key features include a five-year residence permit that can be renewed, access for eligible family members, and the ability to travel freely within the Schengen area for short stays. The program does not grant immediate Greek citizenship, but long-term residence can support a future citizenship application if all criteria are met. Real estate investment traditionally anchors eligibility with a minimum value that has been standardized nationwide.

Practical reality in Kos is that you typically work with a local solicitor or law firm to navigate real estate title checks, ensure clean transfer of funds, and coordinate with Greek authorities for the visa application. The process is highly document focused, relies on tracing funds legally, and requires translation and authentication of documents as needed. For up-to-date guidance, consult official government resources and engage a Kos-based legal professional early in the process.

According to the Greek Migration Policy Ministry, the Golden Visa is regulated by core statutes including Law 3386/2005 and Law 4251/2014, and requires a minimum real estate investment threshold that has applied nationwide since its inception.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

• Due diligence on a property purchase in Kos - A lawyer analyzes title deeds, encumbrances, zoning compliance, building permits, and potential liens that could affect your Golden Visa eligibility.
• Proving lawful source of funds for investment - An attorney helps assemble bank statements, tax records, and gift or inheritance documents to satisfy anti-money-laundering requirements.
• Drafting and coordinating all documentation - A lawyer coordinates translations, apostilles, certifications, and notary acts, ensuring documents meet Greek authority standards.
• Navigating immigration procedures and timelines - An attorney guides you through submission to the Aliens Directorate, responses to requests for additional information, and renewal cycles.
• Family inclusion and dependent planning - A legal counsel ensures that eligible spouses and children are properly added to the application and that residency rights extend to dependents in Kos and Greece.
• Tax and succession planning related to Greek residency - An attorney coordinates with tax counsel to address property taxes, inheritance rules, and potential double taxation concerns for residents of Kos.

3. Local Laws Overview

Two core Greek statutes underpin the Golden Visa framework used across Kos and the wider country. They set the foundation for investor residency, family inclusion, and ongoing compliance with immigration requirements.

• Law 3386/2005 on entry, residence and social integration of third-country nationals in the Hellenic Republic. Effective since 2005, this law provides the general pathway for non-EU nationals to enter and reside in Greece, including status categories used for Golden Visa applicants. Changes over time have refined procedures and documentation expectations.
• Law 4251/2014 on residence permits for investors and financially independent persons (Golden Visa). Effective since 2014, this statute specifically creates the framework for real estate investments and other qualifying investment activities to secure a long term residence permit for the investor and eligible family members.

In Kos, these national laws operate through implementing guidance and circulars issued by the Ministry of Migration and Asylum and the Hellenic Police, which set out step-by-step requirements, document checklists, and processing timelines. While island authorities do not create separate real estate investment thresholds, local aspects such as address registration, notarisation, and timely submission at the local Aliens Desk are essential. Always verify current practice with a Kos-based attorney and consult official portals for the most recent updates.

Implementing regulations and ministry circulars under Law 3386/2005 and Law 4251/2014 determine the exact documents and order of submission for Golden Visa applications in Kos.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Golden Visa program in Kos Greece?

The Golden Visa program offers a five-year residence permit to non-EU nationals who invest in Greek real estate or meet other investment criteria. It allows family members to join and enables travel within Schengen for short stays. Citizenship is not granted by the visa itself but may be pursued after long-term residence with eligibility criteria satisfied.

How does property investment trigger a Greek Golden Visa?

Investing a minimum threshold in Greek real estate makes you eligible for a residency permit under Law 4251/2014. In practice, buyers must demonstrate clear title, source of funds, and complete the investment before filing the visa application.

Do I need to live in Kos to qualify for the Golden Visa?

No specific residence in Kos is required to obtain the visa; however, you must maintain the qualifying investment and meet ongoing conditions. You may reside anywhere in Greece while maintaining eligibility.

What documents are required for the initial Golden Visa application?

Common documents include a valid passport, proof of legal title to the investment asset, proof of funds, clean criminal record, health insurance, translations and apostilles, and proof of address in Greece. A lawyer often coordinates the compilation and submission of these items.

How long does the Greek Golden Visa application take in Kos?

Processing typically ranges from 2 to 6 months, depending on document completeness and backlogs at the Aliens Directorate. Expedited timelines are sometimes possible with complete packages and professional representation.

How much does the Golden Visa cost in Kos, including fees?

Costs include the property investment itself plus government processing fees, notary and translator fees, and legal counsel. Budget a range from the investment amount plus roughly 1-3% in ancillary fees for processing and legal services.

Do I need a local lawyer in Kos to apply?

Engaging a Kos-based lawyer is highly advisable. A local attorney understands the island's administrative nuances, local addresses, and timing peculiarities that can influence approval chances.

Can family members be included in the Golden Visa in Greece?

Yes, immediate family members such as spouses, dependent children, and sometimes dependent parents or other dependents may be included, subject to the law and supporting documents. Each additional family member may incur separate processing steps and fees.

What is the difference between temporary and permanent residence in Greece under Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa provides a multi-year residence permit that is renewable. It is not initial permanent residence, but after certain years of continuous residence and meeting criteria, applicants may pursue permanent status or naturalization as allowed by law.

Can I obtain Greek citizenship through the Golden Visa?

Citizenship requires long-term legal residence, typically several years, plus language and integration requirements. The Golden Visa itself does not confer citizenship and there is no automatic pathway to citizenship through investment alone.

How do I renew my Golden Visa in Kos?

Renewals are submitted before the permit expires, with updated documents and continued investment proof. A lawyer can prepare renewal applications and coordinate any changes in investment or personal circumstances.

What if my investment is in Kos real estate versus another Greek region?

The investment threshold and eligibility are national standards; the location in Kos does not change the fundamental requirements. Local processing is typically similar, but property due diligence and local taxes may differ by municipality.

5. Additional Resources

• Migration Policy Ministry (official guidance on immigration and Golden Visa) - Provides the overarching framework and current requirements for residence permits including investment-based visas. migration.gov.gr
• Gov Portal for Greek Public Administration - Central hub for official information on visas, residence, and related procedures. gov.gr
• Hellenic Police - Aliens Directorate (general guidance on residence permits) - Official police authority handling residency documentation and compliance for non-EU nationals. astynomia.gr

6. Next Steps

1. Clarify your investment goal and budget for the property in Kos, and confirm it meets the 250 000 euro threshold if using real estate.
2. Engage a Kos-based lawyer with experience in Golden Visa applications to assess eligibility and prepare a document checklist within 2 weeks.
3. Assemble documentation, including evidence of funds, property title, criminal record, and translations, and have them authenticated where required.
4. Submit the initial Golden Visa package to the local Aliens Directorate through your legal counsel, and monitor for requests for additional information.
5. Plan for a potential 2-6 month processing period and schedule interim consultations to address any government requests promptly.
6. Schedule a plan for ongoing compliance after approval, including permits renewal, tax considerations, and family documentation updates.
7. Keep a watchful eye on changes in Greek immigration policy and local Kos procedures through official channels and your attorney.