Frequently asked questions
At KNK LAW, our experienced lawyers are ready to answer all your questions on property and real estate law, immigration law, and family reunification cases. We also provide certified translation services to ensure clear communication with clients from any country.
Can someone obtain a residence permit in Greece based on employment?
Yes. A foreign national can obtain a residence permit for employment in Greece if they have a valid job offer from a Greek employer. In order for the application to be approved, proper legal handling by a Greek lawyer is required to secure the official authorization for residence.
Can someone work in Greece as a worker if they do not have formal qualifications?
Yes. A foreign national can be employed in positions that do not require formal academic or professional qualifications, such as general labor or certain service roles. However, a valid job offer from a Greek employer is required, and proper legal handling by a Greek lawyer is necessary to secure the official authorization for residency and work.
What is the Golden Visa Program?
The Golden Visa program refers to the legally established procedure for obtaining a permanent residence permit for investors or for investment activities in Greece, which provides a number of privileges to its holder.
What is the minimum investment required for the Greece Golden Visa Program?
Currently, the minimum real estate investment required for a Golden Visa in central Athens (Attica region) is 800,000€. This threshold also applies to other high-demand areas such as Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini.
Are there areas in Greece where the Golden Visa can be obtained with a lower investment?
Yes. In other regions of Greece outside the high-demand zones, the minimum investment threshold is 400,000€. In addition, a lower threshold of 250,000€ applies nationwide in specific cases, such as investing in the conversion of commercial or industrial properties into residential use, subject to legal conditions.
Does the Greek Golden Visa allow travel within the Schengen Area?
Yes. Holders of a Greek Golden Visa have the right to travel freely within the Schengen Area without the need for an additional visa.
How long can Golden Visa holders stay in other Schengen countries?
Golden Visa holders may stay in other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This limit applies to travel outside Greece. There is no time restriction on staying in Greece itself, as long as the residence permit remains valid.
How to get Greek citizenship through the Greece residence by investment program?
i. They are adults at the time of submitting their naturalization application.
ii. They have not been convicted of certain crimes.
iii. They are not subject to deportation or other pending issues regarding their legal residence in the country.
iv. They have been legally residing in Greece for seven consecutive years.
v. They have sufficient knowledge of the Greek language to fulfill the obligations arising from Greek citizenship.
vi. They have sufficient knowledge of Greek history and geography, Greek culture and the customs of the Greek people, as well as the functioning of the country's political institutions.
vii. They have integrated smoothly into the economic and social life of the country.
We are at your disposal and will be happy to provide you with specialized information regarding your case.
Is any type of entry visa valid for applying for a Permanent Investor Residence Permit in Greece?
Yes. Any type of valid entry visa (Schengen visa or national visa) that allows legal entry into Greece is sufficient for submitting an application for a Permanent Investor Residence Permit, provided that all legal requirements for the investment are met.
What is the minimum duration of the Permanent Investor Residence Permit in Greece, and is it renewable?
The Permanent Investor Residence Permit is issued for a minimum duration of five (5) years.
It is fully renewable for successive five-year periods, provided that the investment is maintained and all legal conditions continue to be met.
Can I sell the property that granted me the Golden Visa, and what are the legal consequences?
Yes, you may sell the property. Life circumstances can change. If the property is sold the only legal consequences is that the residence permit is subject to revocation and everything returns into the previous state. Furthermore, in the absence of a qualifying investment, the residence permit cannot be renewed, as the statutory requirements for renewal are no longer fulfilled under Greek immigration law.
Is your law firm able to guide us from the initial stage of the process, finding suitable property and consulting to the final stage of issuing a Golden Visa?
Yes! Our firm and our associates have the knowledge and experience to handle any issue that may arise during the process. As a team, we also specialize in real estate due diligence, and we have the expertise to guide you toward the right choices and decisions. It is no coincidence that clients who have chosen us recommend us to new clients for handling their cases.
