Best Residence by Investment Lawyers in Agia Paraskevi

About Residence by Investment Law in Agia Paraskevi, Greece

Residence by investment in Agia Paraskevi is a local application of Greece's national residence-by-investment framework - commonly known as the Greece Golden Visa program. Under the program, non-EU nationals who make a qualifying investment in property or other eligible assets in Greece can obtain a renewable residence permit for themselves and certain family members. Agia Paraskevi is a suburb of Athens in the Attica region, so investors who purchase qualifying real estate there are normally eligible under the national rules.

Key features to understand at the outset - the residence permit is primarily a right to live in Greece and to travel in the Schengen area for short stays - it is not automatic citizenship. Eligibility, minimum investment amounts, and documentation requirements are governed by national law and local administrative practice. Local issues that are particularly important in Agia Paraskevi include municipal zoning and building compliance, property title checks at the Hellenic Cadastre, and municipal taxes and fees.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Buying property and applying for residence by investment involves a mix of immigration, real estate, tax, and administrative law. A qualified local lawyer can help you in many common situations:

- Due diligence on property title and encumbrances - ensuring the seller has clean title and that there are no unresolved mortgages, liens, or disputes.

- Checking building compliance and permits - confirming that the property is legal under planning and building laws, and identifying potential irregularities that could affect its value or your ability to obtain a permit.

- Structuring the purchase - advising whether to buy in a personal name or through a company, and explaining advantages and tax consequences of each structure.

- Preparing and reviewing contracts - drafting preliminary and final purchase agreements, escrow arrangements, and ensuring contractual protections.

- Handling the residence application - compiling the residency application package, obtaining translations and certified documents, submitting the application to the competent authority, and representing you in administrative steps.

- Tax planning and compliance - explaining property taxes, income tax on rental income, capital gains implications, and ongoing reporting obligations.

- Dealing with disputes - representing you in negotiations or litigation if disputes arise with sellers, developers, neighbors, or authorities.

Local Laws Overview

This overview highlights the local legal and administrative aspects you are likely to encounter in Agia Paraskevi when pursuing residence by investment.

- National Golden Visa framework - The residence-by-investment regime is a national program administered by Greek immigration authorities. It sets the basic eligibility criteria, types of qualifying investments, and application procedures. Local authorities carry out property and municipal procedures relevant to the investment.

- Minimum investment and eligible assets - The most common qualifying investment is the acquisition of real estate. Minimum investment thresholds and eligible locations are set by national law and may change over time. Verify the current threshold and any area-specific rules before committing funds.

- Property ownership records - The Hellenic Cadastre and local land registries record property title and encumbrances. Confirm that the property is correctly registered and that the seller appears as lawful owner.

- Building and planning compliance - Municipal planning rules, building permits and inspection records are important. Buildings constructed without proper permits or with planning violations can create legal risk and impede municipal services or future transactions.

- Taxes and fees - Purchasers must pay transfer tax, notary fees, registration fees, and annual municipal taxes such as ENFIA. Rental income and capital gains may be taxable. The Independent Authority for Public Revenue administers tax assessments and collections.

- Municipal procedures - The Municipality of Agia Paraskevi handles local permits, utility connections and certain certificates. Local practice can affect the speed of approvals and the documentation you need to obtain.

- Anti-money-laundering and source-of-funds checks - Financial institutions, notaries and authorities are required to perform source-of-funds checks. You must be prepared to provide evidence showing the lawful origin of the investment funds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum property investment required to qualify for residence by investment in Agia Paraskevi?

Minimum thresholds are set by Greek national law and can change. The most commonly referenced figure has been EUR 250,000 for real estate in many areas, but thresholds and eligible zones may vary. Before making any commitment, confirm the current minimum investment amount that applies to properties in Agia Paraskevi with a qualified lawyer or the competent immigration authority.

Can I include family members in my application?

Yes. The program commonly allows the main applicant to include dependent spouse, minor children and financially dependent adult children, and dependent parents in the residence application. Rules on dependency and documentation requirements can vary, so confirm exactly which relatives are eligible and what documents you need to submit.

Does the residence permit allow me to work in Greece?

Policies differ depending on the type of permit. The traditional Golden Visa is primarily a residence permit and does not automatically grant a right to work as an employee. Self-employment or work activities may require additional permits or registrations. Ask a lawyer to clarify work rights associated with the specific permit you will obtain.

How long does the application process take?

Timelines vary with administrative backlogs, completeness of documentation and local factors. In many cases, the residency application can be processed in a matter of weeks to a few months after submission and completion of biometric formalities, but delays are possible. Start early and work with a lawyer to prepare a complete application.

Can I buy property through a company or a trust?

Yes, it is possible to purchase property through a Greek or foreign company in some situations. Corporate purchases have different tax, reporting and immigration implications. For residence purposes, authorities may require that the investor demonstrates control and ownership of the company. A tax and corporate lawyer should advise on the optimal structure for your goals.

Do I need to be physically present in Greece to apply or renew the permit?

Initial document submission and biometric collection normally require personal presence at a competent immigration office. Renewals also usually require presence for biometric updates and submission of documentation. There is generally no strict minimum stay requirement to retain the permit, but excessive absence may affect long-term residency or naturalization prospects.

Is residence by investment a direct path to Greek citizenship?

Residence by investment grants a residence permit, not citizenship. Citizenship requires meeting separate conditions, including legal residence for a specified number of years, language and integration requirements, and other legal conditions. If your ultimate goal is citizenship, discuss the pathway and timelines with a lawyer.

What taxes will I owe after I buy property in Agia Paraskevi?

Common taxes and costs include transfer tax on purchase, notary and registration fees, annual property tax (ENFIA), and, if you rent the property, income tax on rental income. Capital gains tax may apply on sale. Tax rates and exemptions depend on circumstances and may change, so obtain up-to-date tax advice before purchasing.

What property checks should I perform before buying?

Essential checks include a title search at the land registry or Cadastre, verification of outstanding mortgages or liens, confirmation of building permits and compliance with planning rules, an inspection for structural issues, and verification of utility connections. Lawyers commonly work with surveyors and engineers to validate these matters.

Can I rent out the property while holding the residence permit?

Yes, in most cases you can rent out the property. Rental income is generally taxable in Greece and must be declared. Short-term rentals may be subject to additional municipal rules, licensing and taxation. Ensure you comply with local rental regulations and tax reporting obligations.

Additional Resources

To prepare and verify information, consider consulting the following types of resources and public bodies in Greece - request guidance from them through formal channels or through your lawyer:

- Ministry of Migration and Asylum - for information on residence permits and immigration procedures.

- Hellenic Police - Aliens and Immigration Departments - local offices handle residence permit processing and biometric collection.

- Hellenic Cadastre - for official registry information on land title, boundaries and encumbrances.

- Independent Authority for Public Revenue - for tax identification, tax obligations and registration procedures.

- Municipality of Agia Paraskevi - for local permits, municipal taxes, and planning information.

- Hellenic Bar Association and local bar associations - to find accredited lawyers experienced in real estate and immigration law.

- Technical Chamber of Greece - for technical or building compliance questions and accredited engineers.

When you consult these resources, work through a qualified local lawyer or trusted advisor to interpret procedures and obtain certified documentation.

Next Steps

If you are considering residence by investment in Agia Paraskevi, follow a structured approach:

1 - Clarify your objectives - confirm whether your priority is residence, family reunification, investment return, rental income or eventual citizenship.

2 - Verify current legal requirements - ask a qualified Greek lawyer to confirm the applicable investment threshold, eligible property types, and up-to-date immigration rules.

3 - Prepare documentation - assemble passports, proof of funds, bank statements, marriage and birth certificates with certified translations, and any documents required for source-of-funds checks.

4 - Select the property - perform thorough due diligence with legal, technical and tax advisors. Obtain title and compliance reports before signing any binding contract.

5 - Use secure transaction procedures - sign a clear preliminary agreement, hold deposits in escrow where appropriate, and complete the transfer through a notary and the land registry.

6 - Apply for the residence permit - once the investment is completed, prepare and submit the immigration application with all supporting documents and attend biometric appointments.

7 - Plan for post-purchase obligations - register for tax identification numbers, set up local banking if needed, and comply with local taxes and reporting requirements.

8 - Choose legal representation carefully - hire a lawyer who specializes in both immigration and real estate, ask for references, check professional registration, and request a written scope of work and fee estimate.

Finally, remember this guide is informational and does not replace personalized legal advice. A local lawyer will tailor guidance to your facts, confirm current statutes and administrative practice, and help manage risks through the process.