Best Residence by Investment Lawyers in Arta

About Residence by Investment Law in Arta, Greece

Greece offers a Residence by Investment program that grants a renewable 5-year residence permit to non-EU nationals who make qualifying investments, most commonly through the purchase of real estate. Arta, a regional unit in Epirus, falls outside Greece’s high-demand property zones, which makes it an attractive and comparatively accessible location for investors seeking the same residence benefits as in larger cities, often at lower property prices and with fewer market pressures. The permit allows visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, family reunification, and long-term residence in Greece, subject to compliance with program requirements.

As of 2024, Greece introduced a tiered framework for minimum investment thresholds. In most of the country, including Arta, the standard minimum for the real estate route is higher than it used to be, and national rules now include conditions on property type and other compliance items. There are also targeted options for listed buildings and specific renovation projects that may qualify at a lower threshold, provided the investor fulfills strict renovation and use obligations within set timelines. Because thresholds, qualifying property types, and transitional rules have recently changed, it is important to check the current requirements before committing to a purchase.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer safeguards your eligibility and your investment. Investors often seek counsel to verify that the property and transaction will qualify for the residence permit, and that the purchase itself is sound under Greek real estate law. A lawyer conducts due diligence on title, building legality, zoning, encumbrances, and tax status, and works with a notary to draft and execute the deed. Legal support is also important for complying with anti-money laundering rules, proving the lawful origin of funds, and coordinating the immigration file and biometrics.

In Arta specifically, local land planning rules, the presence of protected areas, and possible archaeological and environmental restrictions can impact property use and the speed of approvals. A local lawyer can identify these issues early, manage communications with regional authorities, and avoid pitfalls that might delay or invalidate your residence application. Counsel also streamlines steps such as obtaining a Greek tax number, opening a bank account, arranging power of attorney if you cannot travel, and dealing with post-completion registrations and taxes.

Local Laws Overview

Residence by Investment in Greece is primarily governed by the Immigration and Social Integration Code and subsequent amendments that define the investor category, documentation, family reunification, and renewal. Recent reforms introduced a two-tier minimum investment for real estate, with higher thresholds in high-demand areas and a lower tier in the rest of Greece, which includes Arta. The national framework also limits certain use cases, such as short-term tourist rentals in some scenarios, and in many cases requires the investment to be in a single residential property that meets minimum value specifications. Some special categories, such as listed buildings or conversions from commercial to residential with mandated renovation, may be eligible at a reduced threshold under strict conditions and deadlines. Transitional arrangements may apply depending on when a pre-contract or deposit was made, so timing is important.

For property law issues in Arta, Greek real estate transfers must be executed before a notary and registered with the Hellenic Cadastre. Title checks should cover mortgages, liens, pending registrations, urban planning compliance, building permits, and any regularization of unauthorised constructions under Law 4495-2017. Parts of the Arta regional unit are subject to environmental and archaeological protections, including areas tied to the Amvrakikos Gulf National Park and designated Natura 2000 sites. These protections can influence building rights, renovations, and future uses. A local engineer’s certificate and a cadastral search are standard components of due diligence.

Investors must obtain a Greek tax number, pay the real estate transfer tax, notary and registration fees, and maintain private health insurance. Payment for the property must be traceable and compliant with anti-money laundering legislation, with funds typically transferred via bank channels from the investor or a permitted related party. The residence permit is issued by the competent one-stop unit of the Decentralized Administration responsible for the property’s location. For Arta, applications are handled by the Decentralized Administration serving Epirus, with biometrics scheduled after filing. Processing times vary by office and caseload.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum real estate investment required in Arta for a residence permit

Arta is outside Greece’s high-demand zones. Under the current national rules, the standard minimum for most of Greece is set at a higher level than the legacy 250,000 euro threshold, while select renovation and listed-building projects may qualify at a lower amount subject to strict conditions. As reforms are recent and include transitional provisions, you should ask a lawyer to confirm the exact minimum then in force, the property size or type requirements, and whether any grandfathering applies to your case.

Can I buy multiple cheaper properties to reach the threshold

Current rules generally require a single qualifying residential property to meet the minimum value in most scenarios. There may be limited exceptions under particular renovation schemes. A lawyer should confirm whether your intended structure qualifies before you sign any contract.

Can I use a mortgage or financing to fund the investment

Greek law requires that the qualifying investment amount be paid from the investor’s own funds in a traceable manner. Bank financing that reduces the investor’s equity below the required minimum typically disqualifies the purchase. Always verify with counsel and your notary whether any financing arrangement complies with eligibility rules and anti-money laundering requirements.

Can a company hold the property for eligibility

It is possible to invest through a legal entity if it is specifically structured in line with the Residence by Investment rules, usually requiring that the investor holds full or controlling ownership of the entity. The documentation must clearly trace ownership and the lawful origin of funds. Legal advice is essential before choosing a corporate route.

Which family members can be included

Spouses or registered partners and unmarried dependent children under 21 can usually be included. After 21, children may transition to a separate permit of limited duration subject to conditions. Dependent parents of the investor and of the spouse are also commonly eligible. Proof of relationship and dependency is required and must be correctly documented.

Do I have to live in Greece to maintain the permit

Historically there has been no minimum stay to renew the investor permit. However, reforms continue to evolve, and other benefits like eligibility for long-term residence or citizenship require actual residence and integration. If you aim for citizenship, plan on genuine residence, annual tax filings, and success in the Greek language and civics examinations.

How long does the process take from purchase to permit issuance

Timeframes depend on document readiness, due diligence, availability of notaries and engineers, and the workload at the Decentralized Administration. A streamlined case in Epirus can often be filed within a few weeks after completion, with permits commonly issued in a few months following biometrics. A certificate of filing is typically provided after submission so you can stay in Greece lawfully while waiting.

Can I rent out the property

Long-term rentals have generally been permitted. Recent reforms restrict short-term tourist rentals in various scenarios or categories, particularly for properties used to qualify for the investor permit. Before you plan any rental strategy, ask your lawyer to confirm what is allowed for your exact property and permit category.

What taxes and fees should I expect

Expect real estate transfer tax, notary and registration costs at purchase, and annual ENFIA property tax. Rental income is taxable in Greece on a progressive scale. There are also immigration fees for the investor permit, historically 2,000 euros for the main investor and smaller amounts for dependents, plus card issuance fees. Your lawyer and accountant can provide current figures and optimize your structure.

Does the investor permit allow me to work in Greece

The investor residence permit does not authorize dependent employment. You may be allowed to be a shareholder or director of a company, but you cannot take up employment under an employment contract based solely on this permit. If employment is a goal, explore alternative residence routes with your lawyer.

Additional Resources

Ministry of Migration and Asylum provides the national framework and application requirements for investor residence permits. The Decentralized Administration serving Epirus handles filings and biometrics for properties located in Arta. The Hellenic Cadastre provides land registry and cadastral information essential for due diligence. The Independent Authority for Public Revenue issues tax numbers and manages property and rental taxation. The Notarial Chamber of Greece and the Technical Chamber of Greece can help you identify qualified notaries and engineers. The Arta Bar Association can assist with locating locally experienced immigration and real estate counsel.

Next Steps

Clarify your objectives, including family coverage, rental plans, and long-term goals such as citizenship. Engage a lawyer in Arta or the wider Epirus region to assess eligibility, explain the current minimum thresholds and property rules, and design a compliant path forward. Obtain a Greek tax number and begin source-of-funds preparation so your transfers will satisfy anti-money laundering standards. Ask your lawyer to coordinate with a local notary and engineer to perform title and building due diligence on any target property before you sign a pre-contract or pay a deposit.

If you cannot travel, your lawyer can prepare a power of attorney so they can obtain your tax number, open a bank account where possible, and represent you at closing. After completion, your lawyer will compile the immigration file, schedule biometrics with the Decentralized Administration responsible for Epirus, and monitor the application to issuance. Keep your health insurance active, maintain any renovation or use obligations tied to your investment, and calendar your renewal well before the 5-year mark. Throughout, rely on local legal counsel to navigate national rules and Arta-specific land use constraints so your investment remains fully protected and your residence status secure.