Best Golden Visa Lawyers in Melissia

About Golden Visa Law in Melissia, Greece

The Golden Visa in Greece is a national residency-by-investment program that allows third-country nationals to obtain a Greek residence permit in return for a qualifying investment. Melissia is a suburb in the Attica region and is governed by the same national Golden Visa rules that apply across Greece. The most common route is purchase of Greek real estate that meets the minimum investment threshold. Successful applicants receive a residence permit valid for a defined period and renewable if the investment is maintained. The permit typically allows family reunification for close relatives, visa-free travel within the Schengen area for short stays, and access to local services subject to Greek law. Golden Visa is a residency scheme - it is not an automatic path to citizenship, and program rules, thresholds, and administrative practice can change, so local legal advice is important.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Investing to obtain a Golden Visa involves legal, tax and administrative tasks that can be complex. A qualified Greek lawyer can help in many common situations:

- Property due diligence - confirm title, encumbrances, building permits, and correct registration in the Land Registry or Cadastre.

- Drafting and reviewing contracts - negotiate pre-contracts, purchase agreements, and terms for deposit and completion.

- Compliance with Golden Visa requirements - ensure the chosen investment qualifies and remains compliant for renewal.

- Administrative representation - file applications with migration authorities, submit translations and certified documents, and liaise with local offices in Melissia or Athens.

- Tax planning - explain tax residency rules, property taxation, transfer taxes, VAT and other costs tied to property transactions.

- Structuring investments - advise if you plan to purchase via a company, jointly, or through structured investments and explain the legal consequences.

- Family reunification and residency renewals - prepare documentation for dependants, and manage renewal applications or appeals in the event of refusals.

- Inheritance and succession planning - advise on Greek inheritance rules that can affect ownership of property and family members.

Local Laws Overview

Below are key legal areas relevant to Golden Visa investors in Melissia and the broader Attica region:

- National program framework - Golden Visa rules are set by national Greek legislation and applied locally by migration and Aliens and Immigration services. Eligibility criteria, investment types and minimum amounts are set at national level and may be updated periodically.

- Real estate rules - property purchases must have clear title. Check whether the property is registered in the Hellenic Cadastre or older land registries. Confirm building permits, recent renovations approvals and absence of unresolved municipal or construction liens.

- Investment threshold and qualifying investments - the real estate route is the most widely used. Other investment categories may exist under national law. Thresholds and eligible forms of investment can change, so confirm current requirements with a local lawyer or competent authority.

- Residency permit duration and renewal - Golden Visa permits are issued for a set term and can be renewed if the qualifying investment is maintained. Renewal requires submission of up-to-date documentation and proof the investment is still in place.

- Family reunification - family members such as spouse and dependent children are generally eligible to join the main permit holder. The exact scope and documentation required are set by national policy.

- Tax and residence rules - legal residency under Golden Visa does not automatically create tax residency. Greek tax residency is typically based on physical presence or other objective tests. Investors should seek tax advice to understand income tax, property taxes, transfer taxes and ongoing obligations like municipal charges and ENFIA.

- Permits, local authority interactions and public registers - many transactions require interaction with local municipal offices in Melissia, the Decentralized Administration, tax office for obtaining an AFM (Greek tax number) and Hellenic Cadastre offices for property registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum investment required for a Golden Visa in Greece?

The most common route is a real estate purchase that historically has been associated with a minimum investment threshold. Thresholds can be revised by national legislation. Because requirements can change, you should confirm the current minimum with a local lawyer or the competent Greek authority before you sign any contracts.

Can I get residency for my family through the Golden Visa?

Yes - close family members such as a spouse and dependent children are generally included in a Golden Visa application or can apply for family reunification after the main permit is issued. Specific eligibility and required documentation should be checked with an immigration lawyer.

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

Golden Visa schemes in Greece historically do not require a minimum period of physical presence to retain the permit, provided the qualifying investment is maintained. However, different rules apply for tax residency and for eligibility for naturalization. Consult a lawyer and a tax advisor to understand implications for residency, health care and taxes.

How long does the Golden Visa application process usually take?

Processing times vary by location and workloads at the competent migration services or consulates. Typical processing can range from a few weeks to several months. Allow additional time for property due diligence, notarizations, translations, and obtaining supporting documents.

Can I buy property through a company or a trust?

Purchasing through a Greek or foreign company or a trust may be possible, but it can affect eligibility and raise additional tax and legal issues. Greek authorities may have rules about the beneficial ownership required for Golden Visa eligibility. Get legal advice before structuring an acquisition through an entity.

Does Golden Visa lead to Greek citizenship?

No - the Golden Visa provides residency, not automatic citizenship. Naturalization is a separate process with residency, language and integration requirements. If your goal is citizenship, discuss long-term residency strategies and legal requirements with a lawyer.

What taxes and fees should I expect when buying property in Melissia?

Purchasing property incurs several costs - transfer tax or VAT depending on the property type and age, notary and registration fees, lawyer fees, and recurring property taxes and municipal charges. Exact amounts depend on the transaction details. A lawyer and tax advisor can prepare an accurate cost estimate for your specific purchase.

What documents are typically required for the Golden Visa application?

Common documents include a valid passport, proof of the qualifying investment (such as a property title or purchase contract), police clearance or criminal record certificate from your country of origin, birth and marriage certificates for family members, proof of funds, and certified translations and legalizations when required. Exact document lists vary, so confirm them with your lawyer or the authority handling your application.

Can I rent out the property I buy for a Golden Visa?

Renting the property is often permitted, but rental income has tax and reporting consequences in Greece. Also ensure renting does not conflict with any program rules or local zoning and condominium regulations. Discuss rental plans with your lawyer and tax advisor.

What happens if my investment is sold before renewal?

If you sell the qualifying investment before permit renewal, you may lose eligibility to renew the Golden Visa. Renewal typically requires that the qualifying investment remains in place. If you plan to sell, consult a lawyer before completing the sale to understand immigration consequences and alternative steps you could take.

Additional Resources

Below are the types of local bodies and organizations that can help with Golden Visa matters in Melissia and Greece. Contact these authorities or organizations through their official channels and confirm current procedures and requirements.

- National migration and residence permit authorities responsible for processing Golden Visa applications.

- The local Decentralized Administration and Aliens and Immigration services for residence permit applications and renewals.

- Greek consulates and embassies for visa and pre-application guidance if you apply from abroad.

- Hellenic Cadastre or local Land Registry offices to verify property registration and titles.

- Municipal offices in Melissia for building permits, municipal charges and local information.

- The local tax office to obtain an AFM (Greek tax number) and to understand tax obligations.

- Bar Association of Attica or local bar associations to find licensed Greek lawyers experienced in immigration and property law.

- Professional translators and certified notaries for document preparation and legalization.

Next Steps

If you believe the Golden Visa may be right for you, follow these practical next steps:

- Schedule an initial consultation with a Greek lawyer who has experience in Golden Visa cases and property law in Attica. Ask about their experience with Melissia properties and residency applications.

- Prepare a basic document package for review - passport, proof of funds, preliminary property information if you have a target, and family details. A lawyer can provide a detailed checklist.

- Conduct property due diligence before signing any pre-contract. Your lawyer should review title, permits, encumbrances, and Cadastre status.

- Get a written estimate of the total purchase and application costs - taxes, notary fees, registration fees, legal fees and expected administrative fees for the Golden Visa.

- If you are abroad, check whether you must submit your initial application at a Greek consulate or can apply directly in Greece. Arrange for certified translations and apostilles for documents where required.

- Plan for tax assessment and consider a tax consultation so the investment structure aligns with your residency and financial goals.

- Finally, request a clear timeline and responsibilities in writing from your lawyer so you know who will handle each step - purchase, document filing, permit applications and renewals.

Initial legal advice can significantly reduce risks, prevent delays and help you make informed choices about investing in Melissia or elsewhere in Greece for the Golden Visa. If you need help finding a qualified lawyer, consider contacting the local Bar Association to verify credentials and experience.