Best Residence by Investment Lawyers in Peristeri

1. About Residence by Investment Law in Peristeri, Greece

Residence by Investment in Greece is most commonly pursued through the so-called Golden Visa program. In Peristeri, as in the rest of Greece, it is a national framework that grants a multi-year residence permit to qualifying investors and their immediate family. The primary route is real estate investment meeting a minimum threshold, currently set at €250,000, which allows the investor and eligible family members to live in Greece and travel within the Schengen Area.

The program is national and not specific to Peristeri, but buying a property in Peristeri can be a practical option due to its proximity to Athens, established services, and transit links. A Greek solicitor or lawyer can help ensure the purchase aligns with the investment criteria, verify title and due diligence, and coordinate with authorities for the visa and permit process. Importantly, the permit framework does not require the investor to reside full-time in Peristeri or Greece, though it may be advantageous for ongoing compliance and local integration.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

• Purchase a Peristeri apartment with compliant title and due diligence. A solicitor reviews the property title, confirms there are no liens, and prepares the investment documentation needed for the Golden Visa file, preventing delays caused by a defective deed or ambiguous ownership.
• Coordinate family inclusion on the permit. If you plan to bring a spouse or children, a lawyer helps compile birth/marriage certificates, translates and authenticates documents, and ensures all dependents meet age limits and paperwork requirements.
• Verify source of funds and anti-money-laundering checks. Counsel ensures funds originate from legitimate sources and prepare bank and tax documents that satisfy Greek AML rules for the application.
• Manage local address registration and tax matters in Peristeri. An attorney assists with Greek tax ID (AFM) registration, residence address verification, and compliance with local municipal requirements.
• Prepare for application submission and respond to requests for information. A lawyer drafts and bundles the Golden Visa package, negotiates timelines, and handles any follow-up queries from migration authorities.
• Plan renewal and long-term status, including potential permanent residence. Legal counsel guides you on maintaining investment conditions, renewal deadlines, and eligibility for longer-term status after several years.

3. Local Laws Overview

Key statutory and regulatory framework pieces govern Residence by Investment in Greece, including the Golden Visa route. The items below are commonly cited in planning and practice, though you should verify current texts with official sources for any updates.

• Law 4251/2014 on Residence Permits for Third-Country Nationals. This foundational statute governs several categories of residence permits, including investment-based permits, and has been amended over time to reflect evolving policy and compliance standards. Effective dates and amendments are published through official portals and consolidated texts.
• Presidential Decree implementing investment-based residence permits. Decrees implementing the law provide the administrative details for issuance, renewal, and eligibility, including documentation requirements and the treatment of family members within the permit.
• Circulars and Ministerial Decisions related to the Golden Visa program. These administrative guides address practical aspects such as source of funds verification, property thresholds, renewal procedures, and changes to the application flow. Recent updates reflect enhanced scrutiny of funds and documentation to comply with EU anti-money-laundering standards.

For official information on Greece’s Golden Visa framework and current procedures, see: Migrations Policy - Golden Visa information and Gov.gr - official government portal for residence permits.

The Hellenic Police and immigration authorities oversee permit issuance and compliance under Greek law. See Hellenic Police - Aliens and Immigration Unit.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum investment for Greece Golden Visa?

The standard minimum is real estate investment of €250,000. This amount may be subject to official amendments, so verify current thresholds with a Greek solicitor or authorities.

How do I start the residency by investment process in Peristeri?

Begin by engaging a local solicitor, identify qualifying property in Peristeri, arrange title checks, and prepare documentation for the Golden Visa application with migration authorities.

What documents are needed for the Golden Visa application?

You typically provide passports, birth and marriage certificates, proof of property purchase, title deeds, proof of funds, bank statements, and health insurance. Documents may need translation and legalization.

How long does the process take from property purchase to permit grant?

Timelines vary, but a typical property closure and dossier compilation can take 2-4 months, with a visa decision often within 3-6 months after submission, depending on the workload of authorities.

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

No, physical residency is not strictly required to keep the initial residence permit. You must maintain the investment and comply with reporting and renewal requirements.

Can my family join the Golden Visa with me?

Yes, eligible family members such as a spouse and dependent children can be included, subject to age limits and the submission of additional documents.

Should I hire a lawyer to handle the process in Peristeri?

Yes. A lawyer helps with due diligence, document preparation, timeline management, and liaison with migration authorities to avoid errors that cause delays.

Do I need to show a source of funds and tax compliance?

Yes. Applicants must demonstrate legitimate funds and may be required to show tax and financial compliance checks as part of AML controls.

Is there a renewal requirement for the residence permit?

Yes. The permit is typically issued for a multi-year period and must be renewed before expiry, with continued compliance with the investment condition.

What is the difference between temporary and permanent residence?

Temporary residence under the Golden Visa is tied to the investment or permit term, while permanent status generally requires longer residence history and meeting specific criteria under Greek law.

How much do legal and government fees typically cost?

Legal fees vary by case complexity and counsel, while government fees cover application processing and issuing the permit. A lawyer can provide a detailed, itemized estimate.

Can I buy more than one Peristeri property for the program?

Yes, multiple properties can be used, but the combined investment must meet the required threshold and be clearly documented in the application.

Will Peristeri property meet the investment criteria if the assets are in multiple regions?

As long as the overall investment meets the threshold and the property details are properly documented, regional distribution does not disqualify the application.

5. Additional Resources

• Migrations Policy - Golden Visa information - Official Greek government information page; explains eligibility, documentation, and steps for investment-based residence permits. migrations.gov.gr
• Gov.gr - Official portal linking to public services for residence permits, including application portals and guidance for third-country nationals. gov.gr
• Hellenic Police - Aliens and Immigration Unit - Administrative and enforcement authority for immigration, residency permits, and compliance. astynomia.gr

6. Next Steps

1. Define your investment goals and the Peristeri property profile you prefer, including budget and timeline (2-6 weeks).
2. Identify a qualified Greek solicitor in Peristeri and schedule an initial consultation (1-2 weeks).
3. Gather essential documents for you and family members, and arrange translations and apostilles as needed (2-4 weeks).
4. Engage the lawyer to conduct due diligence on the Peristeri property and prepare the Golden Visa file (2-6 weeks).
5. Complete the property purchase, secure the title, and finalize investment documentation (6-12 weeks, depending on negotiations).
6. Submit the residence permit application to migration authorities and respond promptly to any requests (8-16 weeks total from start).
7. Plan for renewal and long-term status by maintaining investment records and compliance (ongoing, with renewals as due).