Best Golden Visa Lawyers in Mykonos

1. About Golden Visa Law in Mykonos, Greece

The Golden Visa program in Greece offers residency protection to non-EU nationals who invest in Greek real estate or certain approved assets. In practice, this means an applicant and eligible family members can obtain a five-year residence permit, renewable, based on the investment made. The program is popular among buyers of luxury property in Mykonos due to high-end markets and convenient access to the Schengen Area.

Key benefits include visa-free travel within the Schengen Area for short stays and the ability to reside in Greece while maintaining the investment. The Golden Visa does not itself confer Greek citizenship, but long-term residency can support future naturalization efforts if you meet the statutory requirements. Processing times vary by case, but expectations typically range from several months to a year for initial approval and setup.

Holders must maintain the investment and meet ongoing compliance obligations. Real estate purchases are usually the central route, with related requirements on title due diligence, tax registration, and property transfer procedures. For Mykonos buyers, high-value properties often entail careful coordination of real estate, tax, and residency paperwork with local professionals.

Source: Greek Migration Code and official guidance on residency by investment indicate the five-year, renewable residence permit tied to qualifying investments. Travel within Schengen is allowed for short visits with a Greek residence permit.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

Real estate due diligence is essential before applying for Golden Visa. A lawyer can verify clear title, ensure the property is free of encumbrances, and confirm the investment meets program thresholds. In Mykonos, high-value purchases frequently involve complex title chains and multi-party transactions that benefit from legal oversight.

Investment structure matters. If you plan to use a company or a trust to meet investment requirements, a lawyer can structure ownership in a compliant and tax-efficient way. Corporate and cross-border considerations require careful handling of corporate law, banking, and anti-money-laundering rules.

Family inclusion and documentation can be intricate. A lawyer can coordinate dependent and spouse applications, verify identity documents, and handle potential issues with age restrictions for dependents. This reduces delays caused by missing or misformatted paperwork.

Renewals and ongoing compliance require monitoring. A Greek attorney can track renewal deadlines, verify continued eligibility, and help you respond to any government requests. This reduces risk of lapses that could interrupt residency rights or trigger removal of the permit.

Local licensing, taxation, and rental income implications are practical concerns in Mykonos. A lawyer can coordinate with tax advisors and notaries to address capital gains tax, property tax, and occupancy taxes if you plan to rent properties. This helps maintain compliant income streams while preserving visa eligibility.

Common due diligence for Mykonos buyers also includes regulatory checks on renovations and construction. An attorney can liaise with the municipal authorities to ensure permits, zoning compliance, and environmental rules are satisfied before and after purchase. This helps prevent costly delays or penalties.

3. Local Laws Overview

Greece governs Golden Visa eligibility primarily through the Migration Code and related regulations. The Migration Code outlines entry, residence, and renewal rights for non-EU nationals who meet investment criteria. Practically, this framework determines who may apply, how long residency lasts, and what must be maintained to keep status.

The principal statutory reference is Law 4251/2014 (Migration Code), as amended, which provides the broad governance for third-country national residence permits including investment-based options. Updates to this framework occur periodically, reflecting changes in thresholds, documentation, and procedural steps. Always verify the latest amendments with a qualified Greek legal professional.

In addition to the migration framework, Greece has regulations that affect real estate and tourism activities that may impact Golden Visa holders. For example, short-term rental regulations applicable to tourist accommodations are enforced in popular island destinations like Mykonos and can affect investment planning. These rules require proper licensing and tax compliance for rental operations.

Source: Greek government guidance on the Migration Code and real estate investment requirements. See also official tax and licensing resources for rental accommodations in Greece. Gov.gr

4. Frequently Asked Questions

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

The standard minimum real estate investment is €250,000. This threshold is currently applied nationwide, subject to official guidance and regional considerations. Always confirm the latest requirement with a Greek attorney before purchase.

How long does the Golden Visa process typically take in Mykonos?

Initial approval often takes several months, with additional time for due diligence, translation, and document verification. Real estate closings may add weeks to the timeline, so plan for approximately 4-9 months from start to residence permit issuance.

Do I need to hire a Greek lawyer to apply for the Golden Visa?

While not legally required, hiring a Greek lawyer streamlines document collection, translation, and submission. A local attorney understands island-specific procedures and can coordinate with notaries, tax offices, and immigration authorities.

What documents are typically required for the application?

Common documents include a valid passport, birth certificates, police clearance certificates, proof of investment funds, and property purchase contracts. Documents may need apostilles and Greek translations, with some items requiring legalization. A lawyer can prepare the precise list for your case.

Can my family join me under the Golden Visa program?

Yes, spouses and dependent children can be included in the application. Procedures for family members require additional documents and may involve separate authentication steps. A lawyer helps align timelines for all applicants.

Is the Golden Visa valid for a fixed period or always renewable?

The residence permit is issued for five years and renewable, contingent on maintaining the investment. Renewal requires ongoing eligibility checks and documentation updates according to immigration rules.

What is the travel benefit of the Golden Visa across the Schengen Area?

Residence permit holders may travel visa-free for short stays within the Schengen Area. This does not replace long-stay visas for other purposes and must be used in line with Schengen rules.

Do I need to register for Greek tax and property numbers?

Yes. Real estate purchases require tax registration numbers, and investors must handle property taxes and potential wealth taxes. A Greek attorney can coordinate with tax professionals to ensure compliance.

What if I plan to rent the property in Mykonos during a season?

Rental activity is regulated under Greek tourism and rental licensing laws. You may need a license and must comply with tax reporting and safety requirements. Legal counsel can help you navigate licensing and revenue reporting.

How does the investment affect my eligibility for citizenship later?

Residence status provides a path toward naturalization, but citizenship eligibility depends on long-term residence, language, and integration criteria. Golden Visa does not guarantee citizenship by itself. Consult a lawyer about timelines and requirements.

What costs should I expect beyond the purchase price?

Expect legal fees, notary and registration fees, property taxes, annual maintenance costs, and immigration processing fees. A lawyer can provide a detailed cost estimate and a fixed-fee engagement where possible.

Can I change my investment plan after I apply?

Changes during the application can complicate the process. If you anticipate a change, consult your attorney early to assess impact, documents needed, and potential delays. Do not proceed with material changes without legal guidance.

5. Additional Resources

• Gov.gr - Official Greek government portal for residency and immigration guidelines, including Golden Visa procedures. Visit Gov.gr
• European Commission - Residence permits for investment - EU-level guidance on investment-based residence schemes and how they interact with EU law. Visit EC Immigration
• AADE (Independent Authority for Public Revenue) / Tax Authority - Greek tax registration and property tax obligations for real estate investments. Visit AADE

6. Next Steps

1. Define your objective and preferred timeline for obtaining residency in Mykonos, including whether you plan to rely on real estate investment alone or use additional investment routes.
2. Gather your personal documents and property information, including passport copies, birth certificates, and the proposed real estate contract details.
3. Identify 3-5 Greek lawyers or law firms with Golden Visa experience in Mykonos and request written engagement proposals.
4. Schedule initial consultations to review investment structure, fees, and expected timelines; ask for a fixed-fee option and a clear list of deliverables.
5. Obtain detailed due diligence on the property and investment funds, including title checks, encumbrances, and source of funds documentation.
6. Choose a local counsel, sign a formal engagement, and start compiling the filing package with translations and apostilles as required.
7. Submit the Golden Visa application and monitor progress with your attorney, adjusting for any requested clarifications or additional documents.