Best Residence by Investment Lawyers in Kos

About Residence by Investment Law in Kos, Greece

Kos, like the rest of Greece, participates in the national Residence by Investment program, commonly known as the Golden Visa scheme. This program allows eligible non‑EU investors and their families to obtain a long‑term residence permit in Greece by making an approved investment. The island of Kos does not have its own separate residency law; all approval processes are administered by national authorities and local offices on the island handle the in‑person aspects of administration and documentation.

The initial permit is typically issued for five years and is renewable, with the possibility of extending residency to family members who meet eligibility criteria. Holders of the permit may travel freely within the Schengen Area and can eventually pursue permanent residence and citizenship through the standard Greek naturalization route after meeting residence requirements. This guide focuses on practical, Kos‑relevant steps, deadlines, and local considerations for applicants and their legal counsel.

According to official guidance, the Greek Golden Visa program is a residence permit linked to eligible investment activity and is renewable every five years. Source: gov.gr

The program has evolved through amendments and ministerial decisions since its introduction in the early 2010s. Local practitioners in Kos often coordinate with national agencies to align property purchases or business investments with residency requirements and to anticipate any changes in thresholds or documentation standards.

European guidance emphasizes that Golden Visa schemes are national measures for third‑country nationals and may be subject to change; investors should rely on government portals for current requirements. Source: EU Immigration Portal

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Engaging a lawyer in Kos is typically essential to navigate documentation, timing, and compliance related to a residency by investment. Below are concrete scenarios that commonly require legal counsel on Kos.

• Complex real estate structures on Kos - You plan to acquire multiple properties or hold title through a company. A lawyer helps establish lawful ownership, trace funds, and ensure sale contracts meet investment thresholds and residency criteria.
• Including family members with diverse documentation - Spouse, minor children, or adult dependents require a defined eligibility pathway. Legal counsel helps assemble birth certificates, marriage certificates, and admissibility proofs with proper translations and apostilles.
• Source of funds and anti‑money laundering compliance - Authorities scrutinize funds used for investment. An attorney can prepare source‑of‑fund documentation and co‑ordinate with financial institutions to satisfy AML requirements.
• Documentation gaps or conflicting records on Kos - Incomplete police certificates, inconsistent apostilles, or missing translations can derail applications. A local lawyer coordinates authentic translations and helps resolve gaps before submission.
• Changes in investment thresholds or procedural rules - Legislative amendments or ministerial decisions can alter investment types, amounts, or processing timelines. A legal advisor keeps you updated and adapts filings accordingly.

Local Laws Overview

The residence by investment framework in Kos is anchored in national Greek law, with local actors handling processing, appointments, and document collection on the island. The key framework is designed to regulate entry, residence and social integration for third‑country nationals who invest in Greece.

• Law 4251/2014 - Entry, Residence and Social Integration of Third‑Country Nationals. This law forms the backbone of the investment‑based residence program and is periodically amended to adjust eligibility, timelines, and documentation. (Current text available on official portals; consult gov.gr for the latest version.)
• Presidential Decree and Ministerial Decisions - Implementing regulations and procedural guidelines for the Golden Visa program, including application steps, required documents, and renewal processes. These instruments are updated over time; applicants should verify the current requirements before filing.
• Aliens and Immigration Law platforms (as amended) - Governs how foreign nationals may enter and reside in Greece, including residence permits tied to investment. Local authorities in Kos apply these provisions to island residents and buyers of real estate or equity interests.

Note: The exact form and numbering of these laws may be amended. Always verify the current text and any recent amendments on official government portals before starting an application. See the official Greek government portal for updates: gov.gr.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Golden Visa program in Kos and who qualifies?

The Golden Visa is a Greek residence permit issued upon a qualifying investment by a non‑EU national. Qualifying investments include real estate, business investment, or bank deposits; applicants must meet due diligence and source‑of‑fund requirements. Family members may also be included.

How do I start the Residence by Investment application from Kos?

Begin by selecting a qualified investment category and gathering required documents. Engage a licensed attorney in Kos to coordinate document translation, apostilles, and submission to the relevant Greek authorities. Your attorney can file on your behalf once all documents are ready.

What documents are commonly required for the Kos application?

Typical documents include a valid passport, birth certificates, marriage certificates, police clearance certificates, proof of investment funds, and proof of property or business investment. Translations into Greek and apostilles are usually required. Your lawyer will provide a precise checklist.

How long does the investment residence permit process take on Kos?

Processing times vary by investment type and volumes at the Aliens Directorate. Real estate based cases historically take several months from initial submission to decision, with potential delays due to document verification. Your attorney can give a time range based on current conditions.

Do I need to hire a lawyer or can I self‑file the application in Kos?

While self‑filing is possible, most applicants benefit from a lawyer's guidance. An attorney reduces the risk of missing documents, correcting errors, and meeting all local procedural requirements. A Kos‑based lawyer is familiar with island‑specific scheduling and consular nuances.

How much does the total process cost, including fees in Greece?

Costs include legal fees, government fees for the residence permit, notary and translation fees, and any real estate purchase taxes. Total expenses can range from tens to hundreds of thousands of euros depending on the investment path chosen. A lawyer can provide a detailed budget before you proceed.

Do I need to invest specifically in real estate on Kos, or can other investments qualify?

Real estate is a common pathway on Kos, but other eligible investment categories exist under Greek law, such as business operations or long‑term deposits. Each path has different thresholds, documentation, and timelines. Your attorney will help determine which option best suits your circumstances.

Can I include my family in the permit, and who qualifies as a dependent?

Yes, spouses and dependent children typically qualify, with additional requirements for adult dependents. Documentation must demonstrate dependent status and relationship; mediation by a lawyer helps ensure all dependents are properly listed and documented.

Is a Greek tax registration required for investors living on Kos?

Investors may need tax identification numbers and local tax registration if they own property or generate income in Greece. A local attorney can coordinate tax registrations and advise on tax obligations, including property and rental income taxes.

What is the difference between the Golden Visa and other residency options in Greece?

The Golden Visa ties residency to an investment, with a five‑year initial permit and renewal. Other residency routes may require different criteria such as employment, studies, or family ties. The Golden Visa focuses on investment rather than work or study alone.

How often must I renew and what happens if I miss a renewal?

Residency permits are typically renewed every five years, subject to continued eligibility. Missing a renewal can lead to loss of the permit and possible immigration enforcement actions. A lawyer can manage renewal timelines to avoid lapses.

Can the permit lead to permanent residence or citizenship in Greece?

Permanent residence may be attainable after a period of legal residence and meeting integration criteria. Greek citizenship requires longer residence, usually several years, language proficiency, and other naturalization requirements. A lawyer helps track the path and ensure compliance.

Additional Resources

Access official information and updates from government authorities and international bodies. Always verify current requirements on primary sources.

• Gov.gr - Official Greek government portal for authoritative guidance on residence permits and the investment‑based visa path. https://www.gov.gr
• European Commission - Immigration and Border Policy - EU framework and guidance on residency schemes and cross‑border implications. https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/border-management/residence-permits_en
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Greece) - Information for foreign nationals and visa processes coordinated with Greek authorities. https://www.mfa.gr

Next Steps

1. Define your investment strategy and budget for Kos - Decide whether real estate, business investment, or another eligible category aligns with your long‑term goals. Set a realistic total budget including legal and due diligence costs.
2. Engage a licensed attorney in Kos - Find a lawyer with proven experience in Greek investment residency, real estate, and cross‑border compliance. Request a written engagement letter and transparent fee schedule.
3. Prepare a document checklist with your attorney - Gather passports, birth and marriage certificates, police certificates, and proof of funds with proper translations and apostilles. Ensure consistency across all documents.
4. Complete due diligence on the investment property or business - Confirm clear title, absence of liens or encumbrances, and compliance with local zoning and planning rules on Kos.
5. Submit the application through the appropriate Greek authority - Your attorney coordinates submission, tracks status, and communicates any additional requests quickly to avoid delays.
6. Attend appointments and respond to requests promptly on Kos - Be prepared for in‑person or virtual interview steps and provide any supplementary documents as requested by the authorities.
7. Plan for renewal and long‑term residency considerations - Track renewal windows, maintain investment compliance, and prepare for eventual permanent residence or citizenship steps with your attorney.