Buying from Iraq or the Gulf: Preparing Your Payment and Documents

Start the payment review before reserving a property. A compliant purchase requires a documented source of funds and a payment method accepted by the notary and the banks involved. Residency eligibility and a bank’s willingness to process a transfer are separate questions.

How should I plan a transfer from Iraq?

Before reserving, ask the sending and receiving banks to confirm whether they can process the proposed transaction and what source-of-funds evidence they require. Your lawyer and notary should check the payer, beneficiary and payment record. Do not assume an overseas account removes restrictions or documentation requirements. Transfer acceptance and timing cannot be guaranteed.

How must the purchase price be paid?

Pay the full qualifying purchase price before filing, through a legally accepted, traceable method documented in the notarial deed. The law provides for specified bank transfers, crossed cheques and Greek payment-provider POS payments, including payment by specified close relatives. Have the notary approve the payer and method in advance; cash is not a qualifying substitute.

Can I handle the purchase from Erbil or the Gulf?

Much of the purchase and application can be handled by a lawyer under a properly executed power of attorney. Greek consular services can assist with the relevant formalities, subject to appointments. Bank identification checks may require additional steps. Plan travel to Greece for required biometrics; the exact number of visits depends on appointments and your family’s circumstances.

Do Iraqi documents need an apostille or legalisation?

The correct authentication route depends on the country issuing the document and its acceptance by the Greek authorities. Do not assume an apostille is available or sufficient for every Iraqi document. Confirm the required consular legalisation and accepted Greek translation before ordering certificates or sending originals.

Is a 20% deposit required by Greek immigration law?

No. A 20%/80% schedule is a possible commercial payment arrangement, not a universal Golden Visa rule. Read the reservation agreement for refund conditions, deadlines, legal-check provisions and what happens if the property or applicant is ineligible. Full qualifying payment must be documented before filing.

What documents should I prepare?

Expect valid passports, the applicable entry or lawful-stay evidence, photographs and biometrics, insurance, the purchase deed, registration evidence and proof of payment. Family applications also need civil-status and, where relevant, custody records. A conversion or restoration needs category-specific technical evidence. The lawyer should issue a checklist for each applicant.

Prepare your family’s passport names, civil-status documents and payment records consistently. Explain any spelling differences, account ownership changes or payments by relatives to your lawyer before submission. Do not send funds to an account just because it appears in an unverified message.