Best Golden Visa Lawyers in Xanthi

About Golden Visa Law in Xanthi, Greece

The Greek Golden Visa program is a residence-by-investment scheme that allows third-country nationals to obtain a renewable residence permit in Greece in return for a qualifying investment. The most commonly used path is a real estate purchase. Xanthi is a regional city in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace where the same national Golden Visa rules apply as in the rest of Greece, but local practical steps - such as property searches, notary procedures and interactions with local authorities - are carried out in Xanthi.

Key features of the program include a family-friendly permit that covers close family members, a renewable residence permit usually issued for five years, and the ability for the permit holder to travel within the Schengen area for short stays. The Golden Visa is primarily a residence permit - it does not automatically grant Greek citizenship or unlimited work rights.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Buying property and applying for residency are legally and administratively complex processes. A local lawyer experienced in Golden Visa matters can help with:

- Due diligence on property title, mortgages, encumbrances and building permits to reduce the risk of post-purchase disputes.

- Structuring the purchase - for example buying as an individual, jointly, or through a legal entity - in a way that meets Golden Visa rules and your personal tax and estate planning goals.

- Drafting and reviewing preliminary contracts, reservation agreements and notary deeds to protect your deposit and clarify obligations.

- Preparing and submitting the Golden Visa application package - translating and legalizing documents, preparing certified copies, and ensuring compliance with immigration rules.

- Advising on tax consequences - including property transfer taxes, annual property taxes, and potential income tax or capital gains implications.

- Representing you before local authorities in Xanthi - notaries, land registry or cadastre, municipality, tax office and immigration services - to speed up administrative steps and reduce errors.

Local Laws Overview

When seeking a Golden Visa in Xanthi, you should be familiar with several local legal and administrative areas:

- Real estate ownership and transfer - sales in Greece are completed in front of a notary public. The notary prepares the final contract and registers the transfer at the local Land Registry or Cadastre office.

- Land Registry and Cadastre - Xanthi properties may be recorded in the local cadastre; confirming registration and boundaries is essential to prevent disputes.

- Planning and building permits - ensure the property was constructed with valid permits and that there are no unresolved violations subject to fines or regularization proceedings.

- Encumbrances and mortgages - check for mortgages, liens, easements, or pending claims that could affect title or use of the property.

- Tax and municipal obligations - obtain a Greek tax number - AFM - for the investor and settle any outstanding municipal charges, property taxes and transfer taxes arising from the purchase.

- Immigration formalities - initial visa steps are usually handled through a Greek consulate abroad, while residence permit issuance and renewals are processed by the competent immigration authority; local police or immigration offices in Xanthi will be involved for biometric registration and renewals.

- Family law and inheritance - Greek succession rules apply to property in Greece; estate planning considerations are important for non-residents to avoid unintended consequences on heirs and tax exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What investment qualifies for the Greek Golden Visa in Xanthi?

The most common qualification is the purchase of real estate with minimum value set by national rules. Real estate must be legally purchased and free of legal defects that would invalidate the transfer. There are other investment routes at national level - such as capital investments or strategic investments - but the real estate route is the most frequently used by applicants in Xanthi.

What is the minimum investment amount required?

The widely used threshold is the national minimum for real estate investment. This threshold is set at the national level and can change over time. Always confirm the current minimum before planning a purchase.

Can my family join me on the Golden Visa?

Yes. Golden Visa rules generally allow close family to be included in the residence permit application. This typically covers the spouse, dependent children and, in many cases, dependent parents of the investor or the spouse. Check specific age and dependency criteria with a lawyer or immigration authority.

Does the Golden Visa grant the right to work in Greece?

The Golden Visa is primarily a residence permit. It does not automatically grant full employment rights in all situations. If you intend to work in Greece, you should confirm whether an additional work permit or notification is needed. Legal advice is important if you plan to run a business or be employed locally.

How long does the residence permit last and can it be renewed?

Residence permits issued under the Golden Visa program are typically granted for an initial period and can be renewed so long as the qualifying investment is maintained. Renewal usually requires submission of updated documents and proof that the investment still meets the program criteria.

Does Golden Visa lead to Greek citizenship?

No - the Golden Visa is not an automatic path to citizenship. Citizenship requires meeting separate naturalization criteria under Greek law, including residence, language and integration requirements. The Golden Visa may help build a long-term presence that could support a future citizenship application, but it is not a shortcut.

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

The program does not typically require continuous physical residence in Greece. However, rules can require periodic renewals and administrative presence for biometric registration. Also consider tax residency rules - spending significant time in Greece or establishing a permanent home can create tax obligations. Ask a lawyer about minimum physical presence requirements and tax consequences.

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

Costs include the purchase price plus transfer taxes, notary fees, registration fees with the Land Registry or Cadastre, and legal fees for professional advisors. After purchase you will be liable for annual property taxes and any local municipal charges. Tax rates and fees can change, so get a breakdown from your lawyer and notary before signing contracts.

Can I buy property through a company or a trust?

Buying through a legal entity is possible and is sometimes used for privacy, estate planning or financing reasons. However, the eligibility of an investment made through a company for Golden Visa purposes depends on current program rules and how the investment is structured. A local lawyer should advise on the best structure for immigration, tax and inheritance goals.

How long does the Golden Visa application process take in practice?

Timing varies depending on document preparation, consular processing and the workload of local immigration services. The process can range from a few weeks to several months. Delays are often avoidable with thorough document preparation, certified translations and correct legalization of foreign documents. A lawyer can help speed up and smooth the process.

Additional Resources

When seeking legal advice in Xanthi, consider contacting or consulting the following types of local and national authorities and bodies for up-to-date information and procedural requirements:

- The local Municipality and Planning Department in Xanthi for property and permit questions.

- The Xanthi Land Registry or Cadastre office to confirm title registration and boundaries.

- Local notaries who manage real estate closing and can confirm the formal transfer process.

- The local Tax Office - DOY Xanthis - for tax registration, AFM procedures and tax obligations.

- Greek consular missions abroad for initial national visa applications and consular requirements.

- The national authority responsible for immigration and residence permits for current program rules and administrative steps.

- Professional associations - local bar associations and groups of property lawyers or real estate agents - to identify qualified advisers with relevant experience in Golden Visa and property law.

Next Steps

If you are considering the Golden Visa in Xanthi, follow these practical next steps:

- Arrange an initial consultation with a Xanthi-based lawyer experienced in Golden Visa, property law and immigration. Prepare basic information about your investment plans, family composition and timing.

- Get a Greek tax number - AFM - as early as possible. Your lawyer or accountant can help with this and with setting up a bank account if needed.

- Start property due diligence before committing funds. Ask your lawyer to check title, encumbrances, planning permissions and any local restrictions that could affect use of the property.

- Prepare and legalize documents for the immigration application - passports, birth and marriage certificates, proof of investment funds and translations as required.

- Agree the purchase structure and sign a reservation or preliminary agreement with clear conditions for deposit, deadlines and exit options.

- Coordinate the timing of property closing and the immigration application so you can submit the Golden Visa application promptly after purchase.

- Keep records of all payments, contracts and official communications. Maintain contact with your lawyer until the residence permit is issued and for future renewals.

Working with a local legal professional will reduce risk and clarify obligations under Greek and local Xanthi rules. If you need help finding a qualified lawyer, contact the local bar association or a reputable professional referral service in Xanthi to request a list of experienced immigration and property lawyers.