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 stable basis, access public services subject to eligibility rules, and move freely within the Schengen Area for short stays. Arta is part of the Epirus region, and applications from residents or property owners in Arta are examined by the competent migration authority for Epirus. The legal framework is national, so the same immigration rules apply in Arta as elsewhere in Greece, with local administrative practices affecting timing and document handling.

There are several routes to a long term or permanent residence right in Greece. The most common are the EU long term resident permit after five years of lawful residence, permanent residence for family members of Greek or EU citizens, and the investor residence permit often called the Golden Visa. Each route has different eligibility, documents, rights, and renewal rules.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Greek migration laws are detailed and change regularly. A lawyer can assess the most suitable route for your goals, whether that is the EU long term resident permit, family based permanent residence, or an investor permit, and can map out the fastest lawful path based on your current status and travel history.

For investor permits connected to property in Arta, a lawyer is essential for due diligence on title, checking zoning and cadastral records, confirming no liens or encumbrances, preparing the notarial purchase deed, and ensuring the purchase satisfies the investment rules. A lawyer can also obtain a Greek tax number, coordinate bank compliance, and prepare powers of attorney if you cannot travel.

For non investment routes, a lawyer can help gather the correct foreign documents, arrange certified translations and apostilles, track deadlines, and book submissions and biometrics. If an application is delayed or refused, a lawyer can file objections and appeals within strict time limits before the competent administrative bodies or courts.

Local practice matters. A lawyer familiar with the Decentralized Administration that covers Arta can advise on appointment availability, expected timelines, and any local document formatting preferences that can affect processing.

Local Laws Overview

The core legislation is the Greek Immigration and Social Integration Code, Law 4251-2014, as amended. Additional rules govern EU citizens and their family members under the EU free movement regime. Investor residence permits are provided under Article 20B of Law 4251-2014 and subsequent amendments that modify investment thresholds and eligible property types. The EU long term resident status implements Directive 2003-109-EC in Greek law and provides a durable residence right after five years of legal residence with integration and means tests.

Key permanent or long duration options relevant in Arta include:

EU long term resident permit. Available after five years of continuous lawful residence in Greece, with sufficient stable income, health insurance, and proof of integration such as language competence. The status is permanent, while the physical card is renewed periodically.

Permanent residence for family members of Greek or EU citizens. Non EU family members of Greek or EU citizens who have resided in Greece for five years acquire a permanent residence card that is typically valid for ten years and is renewable.

Investor residence permit. Granted to third country investors who acquire eligible real estate in Greece and meet the minimum investment threshold that applies to the location and property type. Thresholds have been revised by recent reforms and can vary by region. Arta has historically fallen in a lower threshold category compared to high demand areas, but applicants must verify the threshold in force at the time of purchase.

Competent authority in Arta. Applications are filed with the Directorate of Aliens and Immigration of the Decentralized Administration of Epirus - Western Macedonia, which serves residents and property owners in Arta. Appointments, biometrics, and card issuance are scheduled by that authority. Citizen Service Centers known as KEP can assist with certain procedural steps and e fee payments.

General process. Applicants prepare the required documents, pay the state e fee, submit the application, and enroll biometrics. A submission certificate is issued and serves as temporary proof of lawful stay until a decision is made. Successful applicants receive a residence card. Processing times vary by workload, document completeness, and permit type.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for permanent residency in Arta

Eligibility depends on the route. Third country nationals can seek the EU long term resident permit after five years of continuous lawful residence in Greece. Non EU family members of Greek or EU citizens living in Greece can qualify for a permanent card after five years. Investors can apply for a renewable five year residence permit tied to their qualifying investment. EU citizens obtain a permanent right after five years of residence under free movement rules.

What is the difference between the EU long term resident permit and the investor permit

The EU long term resident permit is a durable status after five years of lawful residence with integration and means requirements. It is not tied to an investment and offers certain mobility rights within the EU under specific conditions. The investor permit is based on a qualifying investment such as real estate. It is initially granted for five years and is renewable as long as the investment is maintained, but it does not by itself grant access to salaried employment.

What investment amount is required for an investor residence permit in Arta

Minimum investment thresholds are set by national law and have been revised in recent years. High demand areas have higher thresholds. Arta has historically been in a lower threshold category, but the exact amount and any property size or type restrictions can change. Before purchasing, confirm the current threshold and eligible property criteria with the Ministry of Migration and Asylum or a local lawyer.

Do investor residence permit holders need to live in Greece full time

No. The investor residence permit can be renewed without a minimum physical presence requirement as long as the qualifying investment is maintained and health insurance remains in force. However, if you aim for Greek citizenship by naturalization, you must meet residence and integration requirements that go beyond merely holding the permit.

Can family members be included in my application

Yes. Spouse or partner in a recognized partnership, dependent children up to the legal age limit, and in some cases dependent parents can receive residence cards as family members of the principal applicant. Each family member must file a linked application and provide civil status documents and health insurance. Eligibility categories and age limits are set by law and should be checked for your situation.

Can an investor residence permit holder work in Greece

Investor residence permit holders do not have the right to salaried employment in Greece. They may engage in business activities such as holding shares, serving as a director, or owning and managing a company. Family members have the same work restrictions as the principal holder. Other permit categories may allow employment.

What documents are typically required

Core items often include a valid passport, recent passport photos, proof of lawful entry or stay, comprehensive health insurance, clean criminal record from your country of origin or residence when applicable, proof of stable income for certain categories, civil status documents for family members, payment of the state e fee, and biometric enrollment. For investor permits, you will also need the notarial purchase deed, proof of property registration at the Hellenic Cadastre, and proof of payment of the purchase price through lawful channels.

Is there a language requirement

For the EU long term resident permit, proof of integration that typically includes Greek language competence is required. For family based permanent residence and investor permits, there is generally no language test for issuance or renewal. For naturalization as a Greek citizen, language and integration testing apply.

How long does processing take in Arta

Timeframes vary by category and workload at the Directorate that covers Arta. Straightforward investor or family applications can be completed within a few months after biometrics if documents are complete. EU long term resident applications may take longer due to eligibility assessments. Delays occur if documents need corrections or verifications.

Will my tax residence change if I obtain Greek permanent residency

Tax residence is determined by factual criteria such as where you spend at least 183 days per year and where your vital interests are located, not only by your residence permit. You can hold a residence permit without becoming a Greek tax resident if you do not meet the tax residence criteria. Consult a tax advisor to plan correctly.

Additional Resources

Ministry of Migration and Asylum immigration portal for application categories, forms, and announcements about thresholds and fees.

Decentralized Administration of Epirus - Western Macedonia, Directorate of Aliens and Immigration, which is the competent authority for residence permits relating to Arta.

Citizen Service Centers known as KEP in Arta for assistance with e fees and document submissions where applicable.

Hellenic Cadastre known as Ktimatologio for property registration extracts and title checks in Arta.

Arta Bar Association for referrals to local lawyers experienced in immigration and property law.

Notaries Association for locating a notary in Epirus to prepare property deeds and related acts.

Independent Authority for Public Revenue known as AADE for obtaining a Greek tax number and guidance on tax residence and filings.

Next Steps

Define your goal. Decide whether your target is a durable right to reside for family life, business, or investment, or eventual naturalization. Your route and timeline will follow that goal.

Verify your eligibility route. A brief eligibility check with a lawyer can confirm whether you should pursue the EU long term resident permit, a family based permanent card, or an investor permit tied to property in Arta.

Collect documents early. Order criminal record certificates, civil status documents, and financial proofs in advance. Arrange apostilles or consular legalization and certified translations into Greek.

For investors in Arta. Engage a lawyer for property due diligence, open a Greek tax number, and plan the purchase method that complies with the current investor rules. Confirm the applicable minimum investment threshold and any property size or location constraints before signing a contract.

Plan the filing. Your lawyer can book submission and biometrics with the competent Directorate, prepare the application forms, generate the correct e fees, and obtain the submission certificate that keeps you lawful while your case is processed.

Track and renew. Keep copies of all filings, note card expiry dates, and calendar renewals. For investor permits, maintain the investment and health insurance. For long term resident status, keep records of residence, income, insurance, and integration evidence.

If you face a refusal or delay. Act within deadlines. Provide requested clarifications, submit missing items, or seek a legal remedy before the competent administrative body or court with the assistance of counsel.

Professional help at the start can prevent costly mistakes. A lawyer familiar with Arta and the Epirus migration authority can streamline your process and protect your position from purchase to permit issuance and renewal.