Areas of law

We ensure flawless transactions and successful end results on top of a prudent cost estimation and minimum fees.

Agent’s Fee (the agreed agent’s commission/if an agent is involved): From our experience, it is about 2% (with a reservation for what an agent is entitled to ask).

Architect-Engineer Technical Fees: When selling Greek land and/or buildings, the owner is required to provide a “Declaration of Legal Property Status – Law No. 4178/13” from a licensed Architect-Engineer. While you may not be required to provide this certificate as a buyer, when purchasing a property, we strongly recommend appointing an Engineer who will conduct an inspection.

Notary Public Fee: The state determines the fee that each Notary must be paid depending on the deed they will draw up. In fixed deeds, such as power of attorneys, parking declarations, deposit of documents, etc., their fee is determined according to the sheets of the deed, while in proportional transactions, such as parental donations, purchases, donations, etc. the Notary fee depends on the value of the property to be transferred. From our experience, it is about 1,2%-2% (with a reservation for what a Notary is entitled to ask according to his/her work.

Lawyer’s Fee: Our fee is subject to an agreement between us and the client and it depends on the circumstances of each case and the complexities that may arise. The Legal Fee is a matter of agreement, but it usually amounts to 1.5% – 2% +24% VAT of the property price. The Legal Fee is affected by the extent of the service provided and it is agreed from the beginning by mutual consent between the buyer and the lawyer.

Transfer Tax Fee: The transfer tax as of 1.1.2014 amounts to 3% percent of the property value multiplied by 3% (priceX3%=A, Ax3%=B, purchase tax = A+B). If the construction is new, taxation of 24% VAT of the purchase price will apply upon the net price and not transfer tax. You might be entitled to a first house tax exemption which we investigate.

Registration fee: Land registry fees include the registrar’s rights, certificates, and stamp duty. They amount to 0.475-0.575% of the sale price defined in the contract, plus 24% VAT plus some other much smaller amounts for the Lawyers’ Pension Fund and the Municipality of the property’s location.

Launched in 2013, the Greek Golden Visa Program grants a five-year residence permit in exchange for as low as a €250,000 real estate investment in Greece (and Crete in particular).

Non-EU Nationals obtaining the 5-year residence permit may:
– Live in, exit, and re-enter Greece without a visa.
– Travel in all Schengen countries without further documentation other than their passport and their Greek residence permit. The Schengen zone consists of 26 European countries that have officially abolished visas and border control at their mutual borders.
– Be accompanied by their family members, including the spouse, children under 21 years old, and the parents of the spouses. There is no limitation to how long you can stay. As a matter of fact, there is no minimum stay requirement either. The right to live in Greece comes with public healthcare and education benefits as well.
– Lease this property.
– Renew the residence permit for an equal period each time for as long as the property remains in their ownership.

Key Requirements:
1. Entering Greece with a valid Visa of any type, issued by the Greek consulate/embassy in the country of origin or already having a Greek residence permit issued for any purpose.
2. Own immovable property in Greece of a minimum value of €250.000.

Among the Golden Visa programs in Europe, Greece has the lowest investment threshold. You can invest as little as €250,000 in Greek real estate to qualify for the program except in municipalities in Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini. In these specific areas, the minimum investment threshold is €500,000 since July 31st, 2023.

The Greek property market took a big hit in the 2008 financial crisis and suffered for more than a decade. As of 2023, the Greek real estate market is adjusting in an upward trend.

Greece currently offers unprecedented opportunities in the real estate market as prices are low and prospects for a return on the original investment high so long as you make the right choice on the property.

The supervision of a Greek property lawyer when buying property in Greece is extremely important as real estate law in Greece is complex and requires an independent, competent, honest/impartial party to search titles for defects or burdens, supervise, co-draft, and approve the process of buying property in Greece.

Our extensive experience in the area of Greek Real Estate Law and Investment Migration Law & Procedure shall provide you with peace of mind as you will end up with a clean property title and a successful grant of a residence permit (if you also happen to apply for a Schengen Residence Permit in Greece).

In the event of purchases toward the Golden Visa Greece Residency, we provide the following additional services:
– Collecting all necessary documentation for the residence permit application;
– Submitting the application and documentation to the competent immigration office;
– Receiving the Permit on your behalf;
– Advising on any tax-related matters.

Basic Documentation for 1st Issuance:
1. A true copy of a valid passport or equivalent travel document recognized by Greece, together with a valid visa.
2. Copy of the contract for the purchase of immovable property or properties, of minimum value of €250.000.
3. Certificate of Registration of the contract to the competent Land Registry.
4. Certificate that the applicant has applied to a medical insurer for full coverage of his medical care and expenses.

After submitting the application:
The competent Greek authorities provide the applicants with a certificate of receipt (blue paper with photo), permitting the third-country national to stay in Greece until the authorities reach a final decision on the application. The resident permit is typically issued within a period of two months although earlier issuance is possible upon consultation with the competent authorities.