Best Permanent Residency Lawyers in Thivais

About Permanent Residency Law in Thivais, Greece

Permanent residency in Greece is governed by national law and applied locally in every municipality, including Thivais. In practice, most applications for residence permits in Thivais are handled by the Directorate of Foreigners and Immigration of the Regional Unit of Boeotia, under the Decentralized Administration of Thessaly and Central Greece, with biometric cards issued by the Hellenic Police. Greek law provides several routes to long-term or permanent residence for non Greek citizens. Core categories include the EU long-term resident permit for third country nationals who have lived lawfully in Greece for a qualifying period, the investor residence permit known as the Golden Visa for qualifying investments, permanent residence for family members of Greek or EU citizens after a period of continuous residence, and permanent residence certificates for EU citizens living in Greece for at least five years. Although the legal status is called permanent, the physical residence card is typically renewed every five years. Permanent residence is distinct from citizenship, which has separate eligibility rules.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Greek immigration procedures are rule heavy and document intensive. A lawyer can assess which route best fits your situation, for example EU long-term resident, investor, family member, or another category. Counsel can plan your strategy, including timing for entry visas, lawful stay, and counting residence periods. Many applicants need help preparing evidence of stable income, health insurance, clean criminal record from the country of origin, and integration credentials where required.

If you plan to qualify via real estate investment, legal due diligence on the property is essential. A lawyer can confirm clean title, check the Land Registry or Cadastre, review notarial deeds, manage tax number registration, oversee funds transfer compliance, and ensure the purchase contract meets Golden Visa rules. For business investments, legal support is often required to structure the investment, register entities, and document source of funds.

Applicants often need certified translations, apostilles, and notarizations. A lawyer can coordinate sworn translations, certify copies, and submit complete files to the competent authority. If your permit is refused or delayed, a lawyer can file objections, administrative appeals, or seek judicial review, and monitor strict deadlines. Counsel also assists with renewals, family reunification, travel rules while an application is pending, and remedial steps after overstays or status gaps.

Local Laws Overview

Permanent residency in Thivais follows national rules found mainly in the Immigration and Social Integration Code, related presidential decrees, and ministerial decisions. Key points include who qualifies, what documents are required, and how applications are filed and renewed. The EU long-term resident permit generally requires a qualifying period of lawful residence in Greece, sufficient and stable resources, comprehensive health insurance, and compliance with integration requirements, which may include proof of Greek language ability and basic knowledge of Greek society. The investor residence permit is available to third country nationals who make qualifying investments in Greece and maintain them. The minimum investment thresholds and eligible investment types are set by law and have been revised from time to time, so you should confirm the current threshold that applies to Boeotia before committing funds. Family members of Greek or EU citizens can obtain residence permits and may qualify for permanent status after five years of continuous residence, provided the family relationship and other conditions continue to be met.

Applications are lodged with the locally competent immigration office of the Decentralized Administration, which will invite you to provide biometrics for the residence card. Fees are paid through the state e fee system, and official notifications are usually provided electronically or through the filing office. Identity verification, lawful entry via the appropriate visa, and clean criminal records are standard considerations. Local services such as Citizen Service Centers can assist with procedural steps like tax number issuance, appointments, and document submissions. Because requirements and thresholds can change, it is wise to verify current rules before you start.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as permanent residency in Greece

Permanent residency refers to residence statuses that allow you to live in Greece without a fixed end date, although the physical card is typically renewed every five years. Common examples are the EU long-term resident permit, the investor residence permit if the investment is maintained, and permanent residence for EU citizens and their family members after five years in Greece.

Who handles applications in Thivais

Applications are filed with the Directorate of Foreigners and Immigration that is competent for the Regional Unit of Boeotia under the Decentralized Administration of Thessaly and Central Greece. Biometrics and card issuance are handled by the Hellenic Police. Local Citizen Service Centers can help with practical steps such as appointments and document submissions.

Do I need a visa to apply

If you are a third country national outside Greece, you generally need to enter with the correct national visa for the category you intend to apply under. Some categories, such as investor permits, have specific entry rules. EU and EEA citizens do not need a visa to live in Greece but must register locally and can obtain a permanent certificate after five years.

What are the main routes to permanent residency

Main routes include the EU long-term resident permit after a qualifying period of lawful residence in Greece, the investor residence permit for qualifying investments, permanent residence for family members of Greek or EU citizens after five years, and in certain cases permanent permits that follow long duration work or family reunification paths. The best route depends on your residence history, family ties, and investment plans.

What documents are usually required

Requirements vary by category, but typical documents include passport, proof of lawful entry, proof of address in Greece, health insurance, evidence of stable resources or investment, clean criminal record from your country of origin, civil status documents for family cases, and certified Greek translations. Biometric data are collected for the card. Always check the current checklist for your specific category.

How long does the process take

Processing times vary by category and office workload. It commonly takes several months from filing to decision. You will receive a certificate of filing that allows legal stay while the application is pending. Plan ahead and avoid travel that could conflict with biometrics appointments or document requests.

Can my family members be included

Yes, most permanent residency routes allow family members to apply as dependants or to reunify after your permit is issued. Eligibility, age limits for children, and documentary proof of relationship apply. Family members usually receive permits aligned to the main applicant and may later qualify for permanent status in their own right.

Can I work with permanent residency

Work rights depend on the permit type. EU long-term resident permit holders generally have full access to the Greek labor market. Family members of Greek or EU citizens can usually work. Investor residence permit holders are allowed to live in Greece but are restricted from paid employment as employees. They can own shares, serve as directors, and conduct business activities through companies subject to Greek law.

Will I lose permanent residency if I leave Greece

Absence rules vary by permit. EU long-term resident status can be lost after prolonged absence from the EU or if you live outside Greece for an extended period. EU citizen permanent residence can lapse after a long absence from Greece. Investor residence permits generally do not impose a minimum stay but require you to maintain the qualifying investment and renew the card on time. Always check the absence limits for your exact permit.

Does permanent residency lead to Greek citizenship

Permanent residency can support a later citizenship application because it helps you live lawfully and continuously in Greece, but it does not guarantee citizenship. Naturalization has separate residence duration, language, integration, and good character requirements. Time spent under certain permits may count differently toward naturalization. Legal advice is recommended to plan the transition.

Additional Resources

Ministry of Migration and Asylum for official residence permit categories and procedures. Decentralized Administration of Thessaly and Central Greece, Directorate of Foreigners and Immigration for Boeotia for local filing and appointments. Municipality of Thivais Citizen Service Centers for guidance on documents, tax number issuance, and e fees. Hellenic Police Aliens and Immigration Departments for biometrics and card issuance. Independent Authority for Public Revenue for tax number and tax compliance. Hellenic Cadastre and local Land Registry for property due diligence. Hellenic Ministry of Interior for civil status records. The Livadia Bar Association for finding licensed lawyers serving Boeotia. The Hellenic Notary Association for locating a notary for property transactions.

Next Steps

Define your goal clearly. Decide whether your path is based on residence history, family ties, or investment. This choice determines the documents, timing, and costs.

Collect core documents early. Obtain a valid passport, entry visa if required, health insurance, proof of income or investment, criminal record certificate from your home country, and civil status documents. Arrange certified Greek translations and apostilles as needed.

Confirm the competent office and current requirements. Contact the Directorate of Foreigners and Immigration for Boeotia or a local Citizen Service Center to verify checklists, fees, and appointment availability. Requirements and thresholds can change, especially for investor permits.

If investing, engage professionals before you commit funds. Retain a lawyer and notary to perform due diligence on property or business investments, open a Greek tax number, and structure the transaction so it complies with immigration rules.

File a complete application and attend biometrics. Keep copies of everything you submit. Monitor your file for requests for additional documents and respond within deadlines. Hold on to your filing certificate while the decision is pending.

Plan renewals and travel. Note card expiry dates, absence limits, and any conditions that could affect your status, such as maintaining an investment or continuous residence. Seek legal advice promptly if you receive a notice of deficiency or a refusal so you can appeal on time.

If you need legal assistance, schedule a consultation with a licensed immigration lawyer who practices in Boeotia. Bring your passports, current permits, proof of residence, and any prior correspondence with authorities so the lawyer can provide tailored advice and a precise action plan.