Best Residence by Investment Lawyers in Naxos

1. About Residence by Investment Law in Naxos, Greece

The Residence by Investment program in Greece, often referred to as the Golden Visa, provides a pathway to a residence permit for non-EU nationals who invest in Greek real estate or other qualifying assets. For investors purchasing property in Naxos or elsewhere in Greece, the program typically requires a minimum real estate investment and offers a five-year residence permit that is renewable. This permit can cover the investor and immediate family members, with potential long-term benefits such as renewal stability and opportunities to pursue permanent residence later on.

In practical terms, a Greek Golden Visa allows the investor to reside in Greece, travel freely within the Schengen Area, and manage personal and business affairs from Greece. It does not automatically confer Greek citizenship or EU citizenship, but continuous residence over several years can lead to permanent residence or naturalization eligibility under applicable rules. Local real estate transactions and immigration procedures are coordinated through Greek authorities with the help of a licensed attorney or legal counsel.

For people purchasing property in Naxos, it is important to align the investment with the current threshold and regulatory requirements, and to understand how the property purchase interacts with immigration processing. Recent years have seen enhancements to investor-related residency rules and related documentation requirements, including family inclusion provisions and extended processing timelines in some cases.

Key takeaway: If you are considering the Greek Golden Visa via real estate in Naxos, engage a qualified Greek attorney early to ensure the property, documentation, and registration steps all align with the immigration pathway.

“The Golden Visa program provides non-EU citizens the ability to obtain a five-year residence permit upon investment in real estate, renewable upon meeting ongoing requirements.”

“Residence permits for investors and their families are issued under the framework of Greek immigration law, with real estate investment thresholds and periodic renewals.”

References and official information regarding the Greek Golden Visa can be found on government portals and investment guidance sites, which outline eligibility, documentation, and processing timelines. See official Greek government resources for current requirements and procedural steps.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

Engaging a lawyer experienced with Residence by Investment matters in Greece, and specifically for projects in Naxos, helps you avoid costly missteps. Here are concrete scenarios where legal counsel is essential.

• Due diligence on title and encumbrances in Naxos: A client bought a seaside villa on Naxos only to discover an unregistered building extension. A lawyer conducts title verification, checks for liens, and confirms proper permits with the Hellenic Cadastre and local planning authorities before closing.
• Archaeological and zoning restrictions: Properties on or near ancient sites or in zones with strict building restrictions require expert interpretation of local zoning and permit requirements. An attorney helps you assess risks and structure the purchase to avoid future enforcement issues.
• Investment structure and family inclusion: You want to include a spouse and dependent children on the Golden Visa application. A lawyer advises on the most efficient ownership structure and ensures all eligible family members are properly documented for the permit.
• Documentation for the immigration file: The application requires comprehensive documentation (birth certificates, police records, medical certificates, translations). A legal professional ensures documents meet Greek authority standards and translates them correctly where needed.
• Ongoing compliance and renewal planning: The initial permit is renewable, but future renewals require evidence of continued investment and compliance. A lawyer helps you maintain records and coordinate renewals smoothly.
• Full service coordination on a property purchase: From notary acts to cadastral registration and tax implications, a local attorney coordinates steps to reduce delays and ensures alignment with immigration requirements.

3. Local Laws Overview

Residence by Investment in Greece is governed by a combination of national migration law, real estate statutes, and regulatory decisions. The following laws and regulations form the core framework that affects investment-based residency in Naxos and elsewhere in Greece.

• Law 4146/2013 on entry and stay of third-country nationals for economic purposes (Golden Visa framework) - introduced the investor residence pathway and set the general criteria for eligibility, including real estate investment thresholds. Effective since 2013 and subsequently amended to refine eligibility and processing.
• Migration Code Law 3386/2005, as amended - governing entry, stay, and residence for non-EU nationals, including procedural rules, biometric requirements, and family inclusion. It provides the overarching structure under which investment-based permits operate.
• Law 4251/2014 on real estate investment and related regulatory amendments - supplements the Golden Visa program by addressing asset acquisition procedures, due diligence, and related real estate transfer processes for foreign investors.

Recent policy updates have emphasized family inclusion, maintenance of investment, and clearer documentation routes for the permit, though the basic threshold of real estate investment commonly cited remains widely applicable (as of 2024). When applying in Naxos, you should expect the same national rules to be implemented by the local immigration authorities.

For official guidance, see government sources that outline residency permits for investors and related immigration procedures. These sources provide current forms, required documents, and processing timelines.

“Residence permits for investors and their family members are issued under the framework of Greek immigration law, with real estate investment thresholds and periodic renewals.”

“The Greek Golden Visa program is administered under Law 4146/2013 and subsequent amendments, with real estate investment thresholds and family eligibility clarified in official guidance.”

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Greek Golden Visa and who qualifies for it?

The Golden Visa offers a five-year residence permit to non-EU nationals who invest in Greek real estate or other qualifying assets. Applicants and their immediate family members may qualify if they meet the investment criteria and provide the required documentation.

How long does the residency permit last and how is renewal handled?

The initial permit is valid for five years and is renewable, subject to continued investment and compliance with program requirements. Renewal depends on maintaining the qualifying asset and meeting ongoing conditions.

Do I need to live in Greece to maintain the permit?

Physical residence is not strictly required to keep the permit, but periodic stays and continued investment support renewal. Long-term stay patterns may influence future residency or citizenship decisions.

Can I buy property in Naxos to qualify for residency?

Yes, property purchase in Naxos can qualify if it meets the minimum investment threshold and all regulatory requirements are satisfied. Local due diligence is essential to avoid issues with permits and ownership records.

What is the minimum investment required for Greece's Golden Visa?

The standard threshold is typically a real estate investment of at least €250,000. This amount can be met by a single property or multiple properties aggregated to reach the threshold.

How much do I typically pay a lawyer for this process in Greece?

Legal fees vary by case complexity, location, and the firm. Expect costs for due diligence, document preparation, and immigration filing, plus government fees and taxes related to the property purchase.

What documents are required to apply for a Greek investor visa?

Documents include identity papers, birth certificates, police records, proof of investment, property deeds, translations, and health insurance. A licensed attorney helps assemble and verify the complete package.

How long does the Greek investor visa process take in practice?

Processing times can range from a few months to over six months, depending on document readiness and local authorities. A lawyer coordinates submissions to minimize delays.

What are the tax implications of owning Greek real estate as a non-resident?

Real estate ownership triggers local taxes, including property tax and potential capital gains considerations on sale. Non-residents should plan for annual property taxes and any local charges.

Should I hire a local Naxos lawyer or a national firm?

A local Naxos lawyer offers better familiarity with municipal processes and property records, while a national firm may provide broader immigration experience. Many clients use a local expert for property work and a national firm for broader immigration strategy.

Can family members be included in the Golden Visa application?

Yes, spouses and dependent children are typically eligible for inclusion, provided documentation is complete and they meet eligibility criteria. Family members require their own supporting materials as part of the application process.

What is the difference between Golden Visa and citizenship?

The Golden Visa provides a residence permit, not citizenship. Citizenship requires a longer residence period, language skills, and other naturalization requirements under Greek law.

5. Additional Resources

• Gov.gr - Official Greek government portal: Central hub for information on residence permits, immigration forms, and government services. https://www.gov.gr/en
• Invest in Greece Agency - Official investment support: Guidance on investment projects, eligibility, and investor services. https://investingreece.gov.gr
• Hellenic Cadastre (Ktimatologio) - Property registry: Official records on land and real estate ownership in Greece. https://www.ktimanet.gr

6. Next Steps

1. Clarify your objective and budget: Determine whether real estate investment meets your residency goals and confirm your total budget, including purchase price, taxes, and legal fees. Estimate a timeline of 6-12 months from initial planning to final approval.
2. Engage a licensed Greek attorney specializing in Golden Visa matters: Seek a lawyer with proven experience in Naxos transactions and immigration filings. Obtain a written engagement letter outlining scope and fees.
3. Conduct preliminary due diligence on potential Naxos properties: Verify title, check for liens, confirm building permits, and assess any archaeological or zoning restrictions with the cadastre and planning authorities.
4. Assemble and translate required documentation: Gather identity papers, birth certificates, police certificates, and mortgage or investment proof. Have documents translated and legalized as required by Greek authorities.
5. Prepare and file the immigration application with proper coordination: Your attorney coordinates dossier submission, appoints a representative, and tracks status with the relevant Greek authorities in Athens or Thessaloniki as needed.
6. Complete the property purchase and finalize registration: Execute notarial deeds, register ownership with the cadastre, and ensure tax registrations are completed in parallel with immigration steps.
7. Plan for renewal and long-term options: Maintain documentation of ongoing investment, schedule renewals, and discuss future pathways to permanent residence or citizenship with your attorney.