Best Permanent Residency Lawyers in Arta

About Permanent Residency Law in Arta, Greece

Permanent residency in Greece allows non-Greek nationals to live in the country on a long-term basis, access key public services, and build a stable life in their local community. Arta is part of the Epirus region, so applications from residents of Arta are handled under the national Greek Immigration Code and processed by the competent migration services of the Decentralized Administration that covers Epirus. The legal framework is national, which means the rules are the same across Greece, while practical steps like where you file and where you appear for biometrics are tied to the regional authority that serves Arta.

Several routes can lead to a long-duration or permanent residence status. Common pathways include the EU long-term residence permit after at least five years of continuous lawful residence, permanent residence as a family member of an EU citizen after five years, and the residency by investment program often called the Golden Visa, which is based on a qualifying property or other investment. Each path has distinct eligibility, documentation, and renewal rules.

This guide is general information to help you understand the process in Arta. It is not legal advice. Immigration rules and investment thresholds change, so you should verify current requirements with the competent authority or a qualified lawyer in Greece.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You have lived in Greece on temporary permits for several years and want to switch to an EU long-term residence permit, but you are unsure whether absences, gaps, or your income documentation meet the criteria.

You are buying property in Arta for residency by investment and need coordinated advice on due diligence, notarial procedures, taxes, and the residency application to avoid delays or refusal.

You are the non-EU family member of a Greek or EU citizen living in Arta and want to secure a permanent residence card after five years as a family member, including resolving issues with civil registry documents, translations, and apostilles.

Your application was refused or delayed, and you need to file an appeal, submit additional documents, or correct errors in the record.

You must prove integration and language skills for the EU long-term permit and want guidance on accepted certificates, the integration exam, or exemptions.

Your situation involves special factors such as business activity, remote work, criminal record checks, changes of address, divorce, or adult dependent children, and you want to understand their impact before you apply.

Local Laws Overview

Core legal framework - Greece regulates residence permits through its Immigration Code and related ministerial decisions. The code sets uniform rules nationwide, including in Arta. Key categories include EU long-term residence, family members of EU citizens, family reunification with third-country nationals, and residency by investment. National police and migration authorities enforce compliance, while Decentralized Administrations issue most permits.

Competent authority for Arta - Applications from Arta are processed by the migration services of the Decentralized Administration that covers Epirus and Western Macedonia. Applicants usually submit materials to the competent local migration office as instructed and attend a biometrics appointment. Exact filing points and appointment systems can change, so always confirm with the Decentralized Administration or a local lawyer before filing.

EU long-term residence permit - Typically available after at least five years of continuous lawful residence in Greece with limited absences, stable and regular resources sufficient to support yourself and any family members, full health insurance, and proof of integration. Integration commonly means A2 level Greek language and basic knowledge of Greek society and institutions, usually proven via the official integration examination or accepted equivalencies. A clean record and compliance with previous permits are also required.

Permanent residence for family members of EU citizens - Non-EU family members of EU citizens who have resided legally with the EU citizen in Greece for five continuous years can receive a permanent residence card. Proof focuses on the family relationship, joint residence, and continuity of stay, along with insurance and identification documents.

Residency by investment - Greece offers residence permits to third-country nationals who make qualifying investments, most commonly through real estate purchase. The minimum investment amount and property criteria are set by national law and have been subject to periodic changes. Many areas of Greece have a 250,000 euro threshold, while certain municipalities and islands have higher thresholds. Arta has not historically been in the higher-threshold zones, but you should verify the current threshold before committing to a purchase. The investor permit generally allows you to live in Greece and include eligible family members. It does not allow salaried employment, although business ownership and dividend income are generally permitted.

Applications and documents - Typical filings include a valid passport, proof of lawful residence to date, proof of accommodation in Greece, health insurance, tax number AFM, payment of the state fee e-paravolo, and the specific documents for your category, for example purchase deed and land registry proof for investment, or income documentation and integration proof for EU long-term residence. All foreign documents usually need official translations and apostilles or consular legalization as applicable.

Processing and interim status - After filing, applicants usually receive a certificate of submission that confirms lawful stay until a decision is made. You will be called for biometrics if they were not taken at filing. Processing times vary by office and category. Travel outside Greece while holding only a submission certificate can be restricted, so seek up-to-date guidance before leaving Greece.

Renewals and rights - Permanent or long-term permits often have multi-year validity and can be renewed if you continue to meet the conditions. Rights vary by category. The EU long-term permit is more robust and can facilitate mobility within the EU under certain conditions, while investor permits are more limited regarding access to employment. All residents must keep their address data current, maintain insurance, and comply with tax rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between permanent residence and EU long-term residence in Greece

The term permanent residence is used broadly, but legally the EU long-term residence permit is a specific status issued after five years of continuous lawful residence with integration and financial criteria. Other routes, such as permanent cards for family members of EU citizens or residency by investment with long validity, are also long duration permits but have different rights and conditions.

How many years do I need before I can apply for EU long-term residence

Generally at least five years of continuous lawful residence in Greece. Certain long absences can break continuity. Short absences are allowed within limits. Keep evidence of residence, such as permits, tax filings, leases, and utility bills.

Can I get a residence permit in Arta by buying property

Yes, if the property and purchase meet the national residency by investment criteria. The minimum investment threshold is set by national law and can differ by area. Arta has typically been in the standard threshold group, but you should confirm the current threshold and any special rules before proceeding.

Does the investor permit allow me to work as an employee in Greece

No. The investor permit does not grant the right to salaried employment. You can usually own a business, serve as a director, and receive dividends or passive income. If you want employee work rights, ask a lawyer about a different permit type or a change of status.

Do I need to speak Greek to get EU long-term residence

Yes, you generally need to prove A2 level Greek language and basic knowledge of society and institutions, typically through the official integration exam or approved certificates. There can be limited exemptions, so check with the competent authority.

Where do I file my application if I live in Arta

You file with the competent migration services of the Decentralized Administration that serves Arta in the Epirus region. Filing procedures, appointment systems, and biometrics locations can change, so confirm current instructions before submitting.

How long does processing take

Timelines vary by category and office. Many applications take several months, and some take longer if additional checks are needed. You will receive a submission certificate that keeps you in lawful status while you wait.

Can my family members be included

Yes. Family members can often accompany or join you, either under family reunification, as dependents of an investor, or as family members of an EU citizen. Eligibility typically includes spouses or registered partners and dependent children. Dependent parents may be eligible in some categories. Documentation of dependency and family ties is required.

What happens if my application is refused

You usually have the right to appeal or submit a new application with corrected or additional documentation. Deadlines for appeals are strict. A lawyer can review the refusal grounds and advise on evidence and procedure.

Can I travel while my permit is being processed

Your submission certificate confirms lawful stay in Greece until a decision. Travel rules depend on your specific status, the validity of your passport and prior visa or permit, and current border guidance. Before traveling abroad, consult the migration office or a lawyer to avoid problems reentering Greece.

Additional Resources

Ministry of Migration and Asylum - Responsible for residence permit policy, integration requirements, and national guidance.

Decentralized Administration of Epirus and Western Macedonia - Migration services competent for applications from residents of Arta, including filings, biometrics, and issuance.

Hellenic Police - Aliens departments and passport control authorities that may check residency documents during travel or local checks.

Citizens Service Centers KEP in Arta - Help with appointments, e-paravolo payments, and certified copies.

Greek Consulates abroad - Visa applications and legalization of foreign documents if you are applying from outside Greece.

Independent Authority for Public Revenue AADE - Tax number AFM issuance and tax compliance, often needed for residency filings.

e-EFKA - Social security and health insurance information for persons who need public insurance to meet residency requirements.

Hellenic Cadastre and local Land Registry in Arta - Property registration and searches for residency by investment cases.

Notaries and surveyors in Arta - Essential for property due diligence and real estate transactions tied to investor residency.

Arta Bar Association - Source for finding licensed lawyers with experience in immigration and property law in the local area.

Next Steps

Clarify your goal - Decide which path best fits your situation, for example EU long-term residence after five years, permanent residence as a family member, or residency by investment.

Audit your eligibility - Check residence history, absences, income, insurance, and any Greek language or integration requirements. Collect evidence such as leases, tax statements, employment records, and insurance certificates.

Organize civil documents - Obtain passports, birth and marriage certificates, apostilles or consular legalizations, and official translations into Greek. Confirm document validity periods to avoid expiries.

Plan the filing - Contact the competent migration service that handles Arta to confirm appointment procedures, biometrics, and the correct e-paravolo fees. If investing, coordinate your property due diligence and notarial acts before filing.

Consult a lawyer - A local immigration lawyer in Arta or Epirus can review your file, identify gaps, prepare submissions, and attend appointments with you. This is especially helpful for complex histories, refusals, or mixed family situations.

Submit and monitor - File your application, obtain the submission certificate, and attend biometrics. Track your case progress and respond promptly to any request for additional documents.

Maintain compliance - Keep your insurance active, update your address when you move, file taxes as required, and prepare early for renewals to avoid lapses.

Important note - This guide is general information and not legal advice. Immigration rules change. For current and personalized guidance in Arta, consult the competent authority or a qualified Greek immigration lawyer.