Power of Attorney explained – Making the Greek Golden Visa easier
Securing Greece’s Golden Visa is a multi-step process, but there are ways to speed up the procedure, helping save time and money.
A pivotal step in the Greek Golden Visa process is the signing of a Power of Attorney (PoA), a legal instrument that authorizes a lawyer or law firm to handle most of the procedural heavy lifting required to obtain the residence permit.
This means that the appointed legal representative can act in a client’s name as determined in the specific purpose outlined in the document. Tasks such as submitting documents, liaising with authorities, and completing necessary formalities can therefore be done in Greece without the applicant being physically present in the country.
In fact, apart from the submission of biometric data to Greek authorities, applicants don’t have to visit the country at all through the visa process. At the same time, however, applicants maintain full control and oversight of the process.
“Our Powers of Attorney are meticulously drafted, drawing on our extensive experience in the field to ensure that clients receive comprehensive legal representation throughout their investment process – covering both expected and unforeseen issues that may arise,” explains Christiana Mouli, a senior associate lawyer at Varnavas Law Firm.“Over time, the process for the Power of Attorney has become more streamlined. When the Golden Visa program was first introduced, PoAs could only be signed either in Greece or at a Greek consulate. However, the government has since simplified the procedure, allowing for additional options in line with the authentication rules set by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” she adds.
Getting started
So how do you get the process started and sign a PoA?
There are several ways to do this but at Varnavas Law Firm we have the knowledge to get the job done hassle-free.Step 1 – Our law firm prepares a draft PoA document containing the applicant’s personal details – full name, address, date of birth, etc. – and the legal proxy’s information, such as their ID number and Bar association number.
Step 2– The PoA is signed by the applicant in the presence of a notary, in order for it to be legally binding.The fastest way to complete this step is at our office. Passport in hand, the applicant physically attends a scheduled appointment at our premises in central Athens. Here, the legal document is signed in a meeting that normally lasts about an hour.
Important note – Varnavas Law Firm has its own in-house team of notaries, ensuring smoother communication and a more efficient process.
Furthermore, under Greek law, the Power of Attorney must be drafted in Greek. As a result, the applicant will require an interpreter during the signing – our office can arrange this service.
“In order to ensure a smooth completion of the process, our law team is present throughout the process of signing the PoA if this takes place in Athens,” explains Ms. Mouli.
Alternatively, the PoA can be signed abroad at a Greek consulate or at a local notary. This way, the document is certified for international use so that clients are represented by their attorney in Greece.
Each jurisdiction follows its own timeline, and the process can vary depending on whether an apostille is required. An apostille is a certified authentication of a public document issued in one country, allowing it to be legally recognized in another country under the Hague Apostille Convention. Typically, documents such as birth certificates, powers of attorney, or academic diplomas require an apostille when they are used abroad.
Working with Varnavas Law Firm offers a holistic experience. We manage our clients’ cases from start to finish, providing up-to-date advice and guidance to clients from over 63 countries.
Please contact our team for any inquiries about the Greek Golden Visa and how you can start your process.
