At SF Legal we ensure full compliance with Greek property and immigration laws, offering end-to-end support throughout the real estate acquisition process. Below is a structured overview of the essential legal steps:
- Property Selection & Investment Consultation
Once the client identifies a property of interest, we initiate a targeted consultation to confirm its eligibility for the Golden Visa program and discuss all legal and procedural requirements.
2. Legal Due Diligence on the Property
Our legal team conducts a thorough due diligence review of the selected property, including:
- Verification of the property's legal title and registered ownership (title deeds)
- Examination of encumbrances, mortgages, liens, or other third-party claims
- Confirmation of compliance with zoning laws, urban planning regulations, and building permits
At the end of the review the client receives a detailed Legal Due Diligence Report, summarizing all findings and potential legal issues that may require resolution before the purchase of the property.
3. Tax Registration and Financial Settlements
As part of the Golden Visa application process, each investor is required to obtain a Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM), which is essential for carrying out any financial or legal transactions within Greece. This identification number enables investors to complete property purchases, open bank accounts, and fulfill tax-related obligations.
In addition, all applicable financial obligations to the Greek State must be settled prior to or during the acquisition process. These obligations may include:
- the Property Transfer Tax, currently set at 3.09% of the purchase price, or Value Added Tax (VAT) at 24%, depending on the legal classification and construction status of the property
- additional costs may involve stamp duties where applicable, as well as
- notary fees, legal fees, and Land Registry fees, all of which are necessary to complete and formalize the property transfer process in accordance with Greek law.
Our team in SF Legal Law Firm will provide comprehensive guidance throughout the process to ensure a seamless and efficient experience.
4. Notarial Deed and Contract Finalization
To ensure a smooth and legally sound property acquisition, our firm collaborates with a network of experienced notaries across Greece to facilitate the prompt preparation and signing of the final purchase contract. The timeline for completion depends not only on administrative efficiency but also on the seller’s ability to provide all necessary documentation in a timely manner.
Legal representation ensures that all contractual terms are thoroughly reviewed and that the investor’s rights are fully protected throughout the signing process.
5. Registration of Ownership
The filing and registration of the notarial deed at the pertinent Land Registry or Cadastral Office is a critical step in the legal transfer of ownership. This procedure finalizes the transaction, ensuring that the buyer is officially recognized as the new legal owner of the property. By completing this registration, the transfer is not only validated but also publicly recorded, providing an essential legal safeguard for the rights of the new owner.
6. Residence Permit Application (Golden Visa)
Following the successful completion of the property acquisition, the next step involves filling the Online Application for the submission of the residence permit. At this step, all required documentation must be submitted in accordance with the program’s legal and procedural requirements. After the application process and within 12 months, biometric data—including fingerprints and a digital photograph—will be collected to verify the applicant's identity. Upon successful submission, the applicant is issued a White Paper, which serves as a temporary residence document. This certificate grants legal residency rights in Greece and remains valid until the final residence permit is officially approved and issued. The issuance of the White Paper ensures that applicants can legally reside in Greece and enjoy the associated benefits while their application is under review.
During this period, travel rights are limited strictly to movement between Greece and the applicant’s country of origin; the certificate does not allow travel within the Schengen Area. Once the residence permit (Golden Visa) is formally issued, the holder gains the right to unrestricted travel across the Schengen Zone, in accordance with the standard rules for short-term stays—up to 90 days within any 180-day period in other Schengen member states. This phased approach ensures lawful presence during processing and broader mobility upon approval.
7. Issuance of the Residence Permit
The permanent Golden Visa residence permit is typically issued within a few months following the submission of biometric data. The exact processing time may vary depending on the workload and efficiency of the local immigration office responsible for reviewing the application.
Once approved, the permit grants the investor and eligible family members the right to reside in Greece indefinitely, subject to renewal every five years, provided the qualifying investment is maintained. Our firm, upon receiving the card, will either send it to the client’s agent or directly to the client after relevant communication.
8. Power of Attorney (POA) options
For investors who are unable to be physically present in Greece, the process allows for full legal representation through the issuance of a Power of Attorney (PoA). This document can be executed in any of the following ways:
- at a Greek Consulate or Embassy in the investor’s country of residence,
- with Apostille PoA (Hague Certification)
- in person before a notary public in Greece.
Once the Power of Attorney is granted, our legal team is authorized to act on the client’s behalf for all essential procedures, including property acquisition, tax registration, contract signing, and submission of the Golden Visa application. This provision ensures maximum flexibility and convenience, allowing the entire investment and residency process to proceed efficiently, even in the investor’s absence.
9. Bank Account Opening and Financial Compliance Support
Leveraging our network of connections, our firm offers comprehensive legal assistance throughout the process of opening a bank account with a licensed financial institution in Greece, ensuring full compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations and Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols. We handle the preparation and submission of all required documentation, facilitate the issuance of the Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM), and maintain direct communication with the chosen bank to expedite account approval and activation.
Establishing a Greek bank account is not a mandatory requirement for the Golden Visa process; however, it is highly beneficial. It can simplify property transactions, facilitate the payment of taxes and fees, help meet the financial requirements for the residence permit application, enable the receipt of rental income, support investment activities, and offer financial security against foreign monetary policies. By managing this process end-to-end, we ensure that our clients meet all regulatory obligations while minimizing delays and administrative burdens.