Best Golden Visa Lawyers in Moschato

About Golden Visa Law in Moschato, Greece

The term Golden Visa generally refers to Greece's residence-by-investment program that gives non-EU nationals a renewable residency permit in exchange for a qualifying investment in Greece. Moschato is a suburb of Athens in the Attica region, so applicants buying property or investing there should pay attention to both national Golden Visa rules and local practices that affect property transactions, municipal requirements, and timelines.

Golden Visa permits are typically used to obtain long-term residence rights, family reunification, and easier travel within the Schengen area. The program is administered under Greek national immigration and investment law, with local implementation involving municipal offices, tax authorities and the cadastre or land registry where the property is located.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Purchasing property and applying for a Golden Visa involve legal, administrative and tax steps that can be complex for someone unfamiliar with Greek law and local practice. A lawyer can help protect your investment, speed up the process, and reduce risk.

Common situations where legal help is important include: conducting title and encumbrance searches on property; drafting or reviewing preliminary sale agreements and notarial deeds; advising on tax obligations such as transfer tax and annual property taxes; helping with gathering and legalizing documents from abroad; preparing and submitting the residency application; handling issues that arise with municipal permits or building law; and representing you before immigration authorities if questions or complications occur.

Lawyers who specialize in immigration and real estate can also advise on structuring an investment to avoid unexpected liabilities, and on how any future sale or refinancing might affect your residency status.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal areas that matter for Golden Visa applicants in Moschato include real estate law, resident permit and immigration law, tax law, and municipal and planning rules.

Real estate law - You must ensure the property has clear title, no undisclosed mortgages or liens, correct zoning and building status, and that it is properly registered in the land registry or cadastre. Notaries handle the final deed of sale. Preliminary agreements often require careful drafting to protect deposits and define conditions precedent.

Residency and immigration law - The Golden Visa permit is issued under national immigration rules. The application requires specific documentation, such as proof of investment, certified translations and, in many cases, presence for biometric enrolment. Permits are renewable if the qualifying investment is maintained.

Tax law - Buying property triggers transfer taxes and notary and registration fees. Owners face annual property taxes and potential income tax if the property is rented. Foreign investors will typically need a Greek tax identification number and may wish to plan for tax residency implications if they spend substantial time in Greece.

Municipal and planning rules - Local planning and building regulations can affect renovations and change-of-use. If you plan to renovate or develop a property in Moschato, secure the required municipal permits and building licenses before work starts to avoid fines and enforcement measures that can delay registration and resale.

Administrative procedures - Practical steps require interaction with multiple public bodies: municipal offices for certificates, the land registry or cadastre for title matters, the tax office for tax numbers and tax clearance, and immigration units for residency permits. Processing times vary by office and workload.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Golden Visa and who is eligible?

The Golden Visa is a Greek residence-by-investment permit available to non-EU nationals who make a qualifying investment in Greece. Eligibility depends on making and maintaining a qualifying investment and providing the required documentation and background checks.

What types of investments qualify for a Golden Visa?

The most common route is acquisition of real estate. Other investment options exist under Greek law, such as certain capital contributions, strategic investment schemes or investments in qualifying funds. Specifics and thresholds can change, so confirm current qualifying options before committing.

Is there a minimum investment amount?

Minimum amounts and area-based thresholds have been subject to legislative updates. Historically the market has used a specified minimum real estate value as the usual threshold. Because changes may be introduced, you should confirm the applicable minimum for Moschato and the Attica region with a lawyer or official source before signing any agreement.

How long does the application process usually take?

Processing times vary depending on the completeness of the application, workload at the immigration office, and whether local property registration is complete. Expect several weeks to a few months in typical cases. Local delays can occur with municipal certificates, cadastre registration or notarial scheduling.

Can family members be included in the Golden Visa application?

Yes. Golden Visa schemes commonly allow the main applicant to include spouse or registered partner and dependent children under certain age limits. Specific rules determine who qualifies as a dependent and documentation required for each family member.

Does the Golden Visa give the right to live and work in Greece?

The Golden Visa is a residence permit that allows long-term stay in Greece and visa-free travel in the Schengen area subject to Schengen rules. Whether it gives unrestricted work rights depends on the specific permit type and recent rules. Some Golden Visa permits allow employment, while others may require additional work permits. Confirm work rights with a lawyer before relying on the permit for employment.

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

Typical costs include transfer tax or VAT depending on the property type, notary fees, legal fees, registration fees, and municipal charges. Owners also pay annual property taxes and may have income tax obligations if they rent the property. A lawyer and accountant can provide a full estimate tailored to your transaction.

Can I sell the property after receiving the Golden Visa and keep the permit?

Residency permissibility is tied to maintaining the qualifying investment. If you sell the property, your right to renew the residence permit may be affected unless you replace it with another qualifying investment or meet alternative legal requirements. Discuss potential exit scenarios with a lawyer before buying.

Do I need to be in Greece to apply or complete the process?

Some parts of the process, such as document collection, apostille and translations, can be completed abroad. However, biometric enrolment and some submissions usually require physical presence. Lawyers can often handle many steps on your behalf through power of attorney, but plan to visit for key appointments.

How do I choose a lawyer in Moschato or Athens for Golden Visa matters?

Look for lawyers with experience in Greek immigration law and real estate transactions, good references, fluency in your language or access to reliable translation, transparent fee structures, and knowledge of local municipal and cadastre procedures. Ask for a clear engagement letter detailing services and estimated costs.

Additional Resources

Recommended bodies and organizations to consult for reliable, official information include the Greek Ministry responsible for immigration and residence permits, the local immigration or aliens unit that processes residence applications, the municipal office of Moschato-Tavros for local certificates and permits, the Hellenic Cadastre for title and registration matters, and the Independent Authority for Public Revenue for tax registration and obligations.

Professional resources to consider are licensed Greek lawyers and notaries with experience in international clients, certified translators for official documents, the local bar association for lawyer directories and professional standards, and real estate professionals familiar with the Moschato market for valuation and market intelligence.

Next Steps

1. Get an initial consultation with a lawyer experienced in Golden Visa and Greek real estate. Provide preliminary information about your citizenship, planned investment type, and timing.

2. Confirm current qualifying investment types and minimum amounts that apply to Moschato and the Attica region. Ask for written confirmation of any thresholds and a checklist of required documents.

3. If buying property, instruct the lawyer to carry out due diligence - title search at the cadastre, check for liens or mortgages, verify planning permission, and confirm tax status and any existing leases.

4. Arrange certified translations and apostilles for documents issued abroad. Obtain a Greek tax identification number and open a local bank account if required for the transaction or fee payments.

5. Sign preliminary agreements only after negotiating clear deposit and termination terms. Schedule the notarial deed when all conditions are satisfied and ensure funds are in place for purchase, taxes and fees.

6. Prepare the Golden Visa application package with your lawyer, attend required biometric or in-person appointments, and track submission and renewal deadlines. Maintain the qualifying investment and stay in contact with your lawyer about any changes that could affect residency.

If you need help finding a qualified attorney, ask for referrals from local professional associations or request a brief introductory consultation to evaluate competence and fit before committing to a full engagement.