Georgios Karaviotis & Associates · Law Firm · Heraklion, Crete
Legal Support in Immigration Law & Citizenship
Residence permits, family reunification, naturalisation and citizenship matters, asylum and administrative appeals — with comprehensive legal support, careful case file preparation, and strategic approach at every stage of the process.
For property purchases and contracts tied to residence permits or the Golden Visa, we regularly coordinate civil law and commercial law review so titles and agreements match your immigration strategy.
We handle all procedures related to the issuance, renewal, and change of purpose of residence permits, covering all basic and special categories, such as:
With comprehensive guidance at every stage, we ensure the proper preparation and submission of your application, a crucial factor for the successful outcome of the process.
The Financially Independent Person (FIP) residence permit is designed for non-EU nationals who can demonstrate stable, passive income from sources outside Greece — such as pensions, rentals, dividends, or investments — without engaging in local employment or business activity in Greece.
We guide clients through the full FIP application process, including:
Our office in Heraklion, Crete handles FIP cases for clients relocating to Crete and across Greece, ensuring the file is complete from the first submission to avoid delays or rejections.
We provide specialized legal assistance for the issuance of entry visas, as well as for family reunification procedures, ensuring the lawful and smooth settlement of family members in Greece.
We handle cases involving modern forms of residency and business activity, such as:
We handle all aspects of cases involving the acquisition of Greek citizenship, including, but not limited to:
We provide comprehensive legal support at every stage of the asylum process, from the initial submission of the application through to judicial review at the appellate level.
We handle the drafting and filing of appeals against rejection decisions or in cases where subsidiary protection is granted, the thorough preparation and strengthening of the case file with additional evidence, as well as full representation before the Appeals Authority. At the same time, we provide ongoing guidance regarding deadlines, the applicant’s obligations, and the strategic management of the case, preventing actions that could lead to rejection.
In the event of a negative outcome, we undertake the judicial challenge of the decision by filing a motion for annulment and a motion for suspension before the competent administrative courts, with the aim of protecting the right to remain in the country.
Our goal is to provide substantive support for every application for international protection and to effectively defend our clients’ rights at every stage of the process.
Our approach is based on a detailed analysis of each case and the selection of the most appropriate procedure.
We provide comprehensive legal support for the recruitment of workers from foreign countries, meeting businesses’ needs for the lawful employment of staff in accordance with the applicable regulatory framework.
Our firm provides full representation for our clients:
In cases of negative decisions regarding residence permits, we proceed with judicial challenges by filing motions for annulment and suspension, ensuring the effective protection of our clients’ rights.
The successful outcome of every case requires precision, timely action, and a strategic approach. Even minor errors can significantly impact the result, making proper legal support essential for avoiding risks and ensuring legal residency.
Our goal is to provide clear guidance, comprehensive information, and reliable solutions, ensuring the smooth and effective handling of every case.
FAQ
As of 2026, applicants must demonstrate a minimum passive income of €3,500/month after tax, with an additional 20% for a spouse and 15% for each dependent child. Income must originate from sources outside Greece — such as pensions, dividends, rental income, or investments.
No. The FIP residence permit does not permit employment or business activity in Greece. It is designed for individuals with sufficient passive income from abroad — such as pensions, dividends, rental income, or investments.
The initial FIP permit is typically valid for up to 5 years and is renewable, provided the holder continues to meet the income and residence requirements, including spending at least 6 months per year in Greece.
Timing depends on the permit category, file completeness, and authority workload. We prepare a complete bundle, monitor deadlines, and keep you updated at each stage to avoid delays from missing documents.
Legal counsel helps choose the right pathway, review investments and contracts, and file correctly with the competent authority—prioritising compliance and the security of your investment.
Yes. We are based in Heraklion and support clients across Crete and Greece, with in-person meetings where needed and secure remote communication.
We are at your disposal to thoroughly discuss your matter and provide you with personalised guidance and substantive solutions, with professionalism, confidentiality and a high sense of responsibility.
Heraklion, Crete, Greece