As the enchanting landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture of Greece attract expatriates from around the globe, the journey of establishing a new life in this Mediterranean paradise often presents a myriad of challenges. Among these hurdles, navigating the intricate legal systems stands out as a significant concern. In this context, finding the right law firm that expertly offers legal services for expats in Greece is essential. Choosing wisely will not only alleviate the stress associated with legal complexities but also save valuable time, energy, and resources. As a result, expatriates can focus on truly enjoying their new surroundings. This is where Expat Law comes in—an experienced law firm that genuinely understands the unique challenges faced by expatriates.
Located in the vibrant heart of Athens, Expat Law is driven by a team of seasoned professionals, including skilled lawyers, notaries, accountants, and engineers, all united by a commitment to serving the specific needs of expatriates. At the forefront of this dedicated team is Ms. Kyveli Zahou, the founder and principal lawyer, who has cultivated a solid reputation for excellence and client-focused service over more than 15 years of practice. With her deep expertise in real estate, liability, and immigration law, Ms. Kyveli has become a trusted ally for those seeking to navigate the complexities of settling in Greece.
In this engaging interview, we explore Ms. Zahou’s insights into the world of expatriate legal concerns and discover how Expat Law is uniquely positioned to empower newcomers on their path to building a successful life in Greece, particularly through their specialized legal services for expats in Greece.
Interview with Ms. Kyveli Zahou
What inspired you to establish Expat Law, and what unique challenges do you address for expatriates moving to or living in Greece?
Expat Law was inspired by my personal experience of living abroad for years. Upon returning to Greece, I recognized the significant gap in specialized services—particularly legal support—for expatriates moving to the country. Navigating Greece’s complex legal and bureaucratic systems can be overwhelming, and I wanted to fill that void by offering expert, tailored guidance.
At Expat Law, we address challenges like residence permits, tax compliance, property purchases, and business setups with a client-focused, empathy-driven approach. Our mission is to simplify these processes, empower expatriates, and help them thrive in their new lives in Greece. Expat Law isn’t just about solving legal issues; it’s about creating peace of mind and ensuring a smooth transition for every client.
What are the most common legal issues expatriates face when moving to Greece, and how does Expat Law help navigate them?
Expatriates moving to Greece often encounter various legal challenges. One of the most common issues is navigating residence permits. Greece’s system can be complex, and many expats face delays and confusion during their application process. Whether it’s Digital Nomads exploring the country, falling in love with Greece, and wanting to stay, or retirees looking for a fresh start, we simplify the process and help them secure their permits smoothly and efficiently.
Another frequent concern is real estate investment—many expatriates wish to buy property to secure a Golden Visa or invest in Greece’s promising market. For others, it’s about renting a home, where they often need legal guidance to avoid complications with leases or terms. We ensure these processes are seamless and transparent.
We also assist those managing inheritance issues, where navigating Greek legalities can be particularly daunting. Similarly, expatriates who dream of starting a business in Greece benefit from our expertise in company formation and licensing, ensuring they start off on the right foot. Finally, many expats need clarity on Greece’s tax system, including incentives and deductions designed for expatriates. Our team helps them understand their obligations while maximizing their tax benefits.
The Golden Visa program has raised its investment threshold in popular areas, but €250,000 opportunities still exist.
Do you provide services specifically tailored to certain expatriate demographics, such as retirees, business owners, or digital nomads? Additionally, do you cater to specific nationalities, such as Americans, British, Germans, or others?
Yes, we offer services tailored to specific expatriate demographics, including retirees, business owners, and digital nomads. For retirees, assistance with residence permits, tax incentives, and property purchases makes their transition to Greece smooth and stress-free. Business owners benefit from our expertise in company formation, tax compliance, and navigating local regulations. Meanwhile, digital nomads receive guidance on securing the Digital Nomad Visa and meeting Greek tax requirements.
We also support expatriates from various nationalities, including Americans, British, Germans, and more. For instance, we help British nationals navigate post-Brexit residency requirements and assist Americans with dual taxation agreements.
Additionally, we specialize in helping clients acquire Greek citizenship, whether through naturalization or citizenship by descent for those with Greek heritage. From gathering documentation to meeting eligibility criteria, we ensure the process is clear and straightforward.
No matter your background or legal needs, our personalized approach ensures every client receives expert guidance to navigate the Greek legal system and thrive in their new home.
What are some recent legal or regulatory changes in Greece that expatriates should be aware of, and how has your firm adapted to address these?
Recent legal updates in Greece have brought opportunities and challenges for expatriates. Starting in mid-2025, the ETIAS system will require non-EU citizens, including Americans and Brits, to apply for pre-travel authorization before entering Greece. We’re preparing resources to make this process easy for our clients.
Changes to residence permits are also significant. The Golden Visa program has raised its investment threshold in popular areas, but €250,000 opportunities still exist. We’ve shared actionable tips on how to take advantage of these options in our latest blog post. Similarly, the introduction of the Residence by Investment program for startup investors is creating new opportunities, and we’re ready to guide clients as it develops.
Another notable update is the option to change residence permit categories under certain circumstances. For example, individuals holding one type of permit may now be eligible to transition to another, such as moving from a student permit to a work permit or other residence options. This new flexibility can create more tailored solutions for expatriates, depending on their needs and plans.
For the most up-to-date information on these changes and how they may affect you, visit our blog, where we’ve broken down these updates in detail: https://www.expatlaw.gr/blog.
Starting in mid-2025, the ETIAS system will require non-EU citizens, including Americans and Brits, to apply for pre-travel authorization before entering Greece.
What trends have you noticed regarding expatriates moving to Greece in terms of their legal needs or expectations?
What we’ve seen is that expatriates value streamlined processes. They don’t want to be bogged down in bureaucracy—they’re looking for legal teams that can simplify complexity and deliver faster results. Our experience has shown us that combining a proactive approach with a strong knowledge of local systems is what makes the biggest difference.
Could you share a success story where Expat Law significantly impacted an expatriate’s experience settling in Greece?
One of our most rewarding success stories involved a young family from the U.S. who relocated to Greece for a fresh start. Despite their excitement, they quickly became overwhelmed by bureaucratic challenges: delays with their residence permits, tax number issues, and complications with their home purchase.
We stepped in to fast-track their permits, resolve tax concerns, and liaise with local authorities to finalize their home purchase. Throughout the process, we kept them informed, addressed their worries, and provided the clarity and confidence they needed. In their words, “We couldn’t have done this without you.” That’s the impact we strive for—making a stressful process seamless so expatriates can focus on thriving in their new home.
By staying organized, informed, and proactive, you’ll minimize challenges and enjoy a smoother transition to your new life in Greece.
What are the top three pieces of advice you would give to someone considering moving to Greece regarding legal preparation?
First, start early and get your documents in order. Greece’s bureaucracy can be complex, and missing paperwork is one of the most common reasons for delays. Be proactive by ensuring everything is translated, notarized, and ready before starting the process.
Second, understand which visa or permit best fits your situation. Whether it’s a residence permit, Digital Nomad Visa, or Financially Independent Person (FIP) permit, choosing the right one is critical. Research the options carefully, as the wrong choice can create unnecessary complications.
Third, plan for potential delays. Permit processing times in Greece can vary significantly, so it’s important to have backup plans in place while waiting, whether for travel, work, or housing.
Lastly, consider seeking advice from a local legal expert before you relocate. Someone familiar with Greek laws and regulations can help you understand your unique circumstances, clarify your options, and avoid potential setbacks. This step can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
By staying organized, informed, and proactive, you’ll minimize challenges and enjoy a smoother transition to your new life in Greece.
How do you navigate cultural differences between expatriates and Greek legal systems, ensuring clarity and understanding for your clients?
Navigating cultural differences between expatriates and the Greek legal system is about more than just managing legal paperwork—it’s about understanding the emotions behind the process. Moving to a new country is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming, especially when faced with unfamiliar systems and delays.
At our core, we prioritize empathy and clear communication. Many clients are surprised by Greece’s reliance on in-person visits and official stamps, but we take the time to explain why these steps matter. This not only clears up confusion but helps clients feel more at ease.
We also adapt our approach to each client’s unique background. Someone from the U.S., for instance, may expect a faster, digitized process, so we set realistic expectations and provide a clear plan to tackle delays. Meanwhile, clients from countries with similar bureaucracies might feel more comfortable but need help with specific legal requirements.
Finally, we leverage our local expertise and cultural insight to minimize stress. From navigating bottlenecks to expediting permits when possible, we make sure our clients feel supported at every step. The greatest feedback we get is when clients say, “You made us feel like we weren’t alone in this.” That’s exactly why we do what we do—turning a complex process into one that feels manageable, transparent, and empowering.
When a client tells us, “You made this so much easier,” or “You helped us feel at home in a new country,” it reminds us why we do what we do. Our mission is about more than legalities—it’s about creating a seamless and secure journey for every client we serve.
What do you find most rewarding about working with expatriates, and how has this shaped your approach to running Expat Law?
The most rewarding part of working with expatriates is helping them transform uncertainty into clarity and confidence as they navigate one of the biggest transitions in their lives. At Expat Law, we don’t just solve legal issues—we empower expatriates to thrive in their new homes.
This belief shapes everything we do. We start by listening to each client’s unique needs, simplifying Greece’s complex legal system into clear steps, and tailoring solutions that safeguard their rights and interests. Guided by integrity, empathy, and precision, we’re committed to making a positive impact—not just through legal success but by helping our clients feel supported, informed, and at home.
When a client tells us, “You made this so much easier,” or “You helped us feel at home in a new country,” it reminds us why we do what we do. Our mission is about more than legalities—it’s about creating a seamless and secure journey for every client we serve.
Through our dedication and tailored services, Expat Law not only addresses the legal needs of expatriates in Greece but also fosters a community of support, ensuring that all who seek to build a new life here can do so with confidence and clarity.
