Best Residence by Investment Lawyers in Xanthi

About Residence by Investment Law in Xanthi, Greece

Residence by investment in Greece - commonly called the Golden Visa program - offers non-EU nationals a path to a long-term residence permit in exchange for qualifying investment. The most widely used route is real-estate purchase. Xanthi is a regional city in northern Greece where property prices are often lower than in major urban centers, making it an attractive location for investors seeking the real-estate route. The permit is typically renewable and grants visa-free travel within the Schengen area for short stays, but it does not automatically confer citizenship.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Buying property or making another qualifying investment in a foreign country involves legal, tax and administrative risks. A local lawyer helps you understand and manage those risks by:

- Performing title and cadastral searches to confirm ownership and detect encumbrances or claims.

- Preparing and reviewing sale contracts and escrow arrangements to protect your funds and conditions for transfer.

- Advising on zoning, building permit and land-use restrictions that may affect intended use or future resale value.

- Ensuring compliance with immigration rules and preparing the residence permit application, translations and legalized documents.

- Helping with tax planning and compliance - for example, transfer taxes, VAT issues, annual property taxes and tax residency consequences.

- Representing you before notaries, registry offices, immigration authorities and local administrations to speed up processes and avoid mistakes.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal aspects to know when pursuing residence by investment in Xanthi include:

- Investment route - Real-estate purchase is the most common route. Other options may exist, such as strategic business investments or certain capital transfers, but they usually require higher amounts or separate approvals.

- Minimum investment thresholds - Historically the Greek Golden Visa has been associated with a minimum real-estate investment of around 250,000 euros, but rules and thresholds can change. Confirm current thresholds before committing funds.

- Property due diligence - Greek law requires careful checks at the land registry or Hellenic Cadastre, searches for encumbrances, mortgages or pending disputes, and verification of building permits.

- Notary and contracts - Property transfer is completed before a Greek notary public. A preliminary contract often secures the transaction and sets payment schedules and conditions.

- Taxes and fees - Purchases typically involve transfer taxes or VAT for new properties, notary fees, registry fees and lawyer fees. Owners are also subject to annual property taxes and possibly income tax if the property is rented.

- Immigration procedures - Residence permit applications require supporting documents, proof of investment, criminal record checks, proof of legal entry and other administrative requirements. Applications are submitted to the competent immigration authority or regional migration office.

- Family inclusion - Greek rules allow principal applicants to include close family members, although the exact definition and age limits for dependents can vary under current law.

- Long-term consequences - Holding a residence permit may affect your tax residence status, and the permit does not equal a right to work automatically in all cases. Naturalization and citizenship require additional criteria and a longer period of legal residence with integration requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum investment required to get a residence permit in Greece via real-estate purchase?

Minimum thresholds have historically been around 250,000 euros for real-estate purchases under the Golden Visa program. However, legislation can change and there may be regional differences or new categories. Always confirm the current minimum with a local immigration or property lawyer before making an offer.

Can I apply for the residence permit if I buy property in Xanthi?

Yes - property purchases in regions outside the main metropolitan areas have been accepted under the Golden Visa framework. Your eligibility depends on meeting the current investment threshold and submitting all required documents. A lawyer can verify that the specific property and transaction will qualify.

Who can be included on my residence-by-investment application?

Most programs allow the main investor to include immediate family members - typically a spouse and dependent children - and sometimes dependent parents subject to conditions. Age limits and dependency definitions can vary, so check current rules with a legal adviser.

Does the residence permit give me Greek citizenship?

No. A residence permit allows legal long-term residence and short-term travel within the Schengen area, but it does not grant citizenship. Naturalization into Greek citizenship requires a separate process with residency duration requirements, language and integration criteria.

How long does the application and issuance process usually take?

Processing times vary depending on the regional offices and workload, but you should expect several weeks to a few months from submission to issuance, assuming all documents are in order. Delays are common if documents need translation, legalization or if due diligence reveals issues.

What documents are typically required?

Common documents include a valid passport, title deed or purchase contract, proof of payment of the investment, criminal record certificate from your country of residence, certified translations and apostilles where required, photos and completed application forms. Specific local requirements may apply, so confirm the checklist with your lawyer.

What tax implications should I expect if I buy property in Xanthi?

Purchasing property can trigger transfer taxes or VAT, notary and registration fees, and ongoing property taxes. If you spend significant time in Greece you may also become a tax resident and face income tax on worldwide income. Consult a Greek tax adviser or lawyer to understand liabilities and planning options.

What happens if I sell the qualifying property after getting the residence permit?

Selling the investment may impact your permit if the law requires you to maintain the qualifying investment. Some programs allow you to keep the permit for a transitional period or to replace the investment with another qualifying asset. Verify the consequences with a lawyer before selling.

How do I verify that a property in Xanthi has clear title and no hidden problems?

Hire a Greek lawyer to run a full title search at the land registry or Hellenic Cadastre, check for mortgages, liens, pending litigation, zoning restrictions, and confirm that building permits and property descriptions match the seller's representations. A thorough due diligence report reduces the risk of future disputes.

How much does it cost to hire a lawyer and a notary for a residence-by-investment transaction?

Fees vary by lawyer and complexity. Typical costs include lawyer fees for due diligence and contract drafting, notary fees for the final deed, registration fees and ancillary administrative costs. Expect a mix of fixed fees and percentage-based charges for some services - get a written fee estimate before you commit.

Additional Resources

Useful local and national bodies and resources to consult include:

- Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum - for up-to-date immigration policy and permit categories.

- Hellenic Police - Aliens Directorate and regional migration offices - for local appointment procedures and document submission.

- Hellenic Cadastre - for land registry searches and property records.

- Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) - for tax registration and obligations.

- Local Municipality and Decentralized Administration of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace - for zoning, permits and local administrative matters.

- Local Chamber of Commerce and the Xanthi Municipality - for business, local market and community information.

- Hellenic Bar Association and local bar associations - to find licensed lawyers experienced in property and immigration law.

Next Steps

If you are serious about pursuing residence by investment in Xanthi, follow these practical next steps:

- Arrange an initial consultation with a Greek lawyer experienced in Golden Visa and property law - ask for references and examples of similar cases.

- Prepare basic documents: passport, proof of funds, and any preliminary property information. Your lawyer will provide a precise checklist.

- Instruct your lawyer to perform full due diligence on any candidate property - title checks, encumbrance search, planning and permit verification.

- Obtain cost estimates for legal fees, taxes, notary costs and expected timeline for the purchase and permit application.

- Open a Greek tax number (AFM) and bank account when advised - these are commonly required for transactions and tax compliance.

- Submit the residence permit application with your lawyer or agent, ensuring that all documents are correctly translated and legalized.

- Plan for tax and residency implications - consult a tax professional if you expect to spend significant time in Greece.

- Keep records of all payments, contracts and official correspondence, and schedule regular check-ins with your legal advisor until the permit is issued and renewed as required.

Taking these steps with local legal guidance reduces risk and helps ensure your investment qualifies and remains compliant with Greek law.