Legal

The Ultimate Guide To The Greek Golden Visa

People who want to start a new life in a different country are increasingly turning to residency by investment, or eventually citizenship by investment.

Consequently, there are numerous Golden Visa programs available to choose from. The Greek Golden Visa is one that stands out to us the most.

The Greek Golden Visa option should definitely be at the top of your list if you are an EU third-country national seeking a path to residency (or even citizenship) in the EU economic area, a non-EU retiree, self-employed, or digital nomad wanting to establish a home, and you have enough money to invest in Greek real estate.

It is one of the most family-friendly options for obtaining a Golden Visa in Europe, allowing you to bring your grandparents along with you after making the investment (typically only your spouse and unmarried children are eligible).

Even though this sounds great, you should keep in mind that while it is a great option for people who want to get EU citizenship, you won’t get there unless you really want to settle down in Greece with your family and become a full member of Greek society.

In any case, frankly, on the off chance that you like great climate, laidback way of life and delectable food, it will not be extremely difficult to come by yourself feeling at ease in Greece.

There are a few good reasons to think about it:

There are no stay prerequisites to keep the residency.
low qualifying investment threshold
You can qualify by buying land anyplace in the country.
During your residency, you have access to the entire Schengen and EU region.
Excellent route to Greek citizenship, with the world’s eighth-strongest passport.
Greece is a secure member of the European Union with a low cost of living, affordable real estate, and a favorable climate and standard of living for expats.
Unlike many other Golden Visa programs, the OECD does not place the program on a blacklist.
Program of tax incentives in which foreign residents pay a single rate of 7% for the first ten years of their stay.
In contrast to other visa programs, there is a family benefit added. The Golden Visa allows you to bring not only your spouse and any children under the age of 21, but also your parents and in-law parents.

Negative aspects:

If you don’t have citizenship, you can’t work in Greece or anywhere else in the EU.
You can’t sell your venture following a set number of years, so you should keep up with the speculation to save the residency for all your loved ones. As long as your family members are no longer dependent on the Golden Visa for their residency status, you are free to sell your citizenship once you have it.
To be eligible for citizenship, one must have resided in the country for seven years in a row for 183 days per year.

In general, applying for Greek citizenship through naturalization is difficult because you must pass a citizenship test, demonstrate strong language skills, and demonstrate strong affinity ties to the country in an interview with a special naturalization committee. If you want more information so please visit this site residence-greece.com.

The beginning of the Greek Golden Visa

The beginning of the Greek Golden Visa program can be traced back to 2013. Over 15,000 dependents and over 8,000 applicants have received Golden Visas since then.

The visa program truly required off in later years. In 2017, 958 Golden Visas were issued, 1,891 in 2018, and 3,504 in 2019. However, that number significantly decreased to 403 in 2020.

This was because of Coronavirus, as at that point, it was expected to visit Greece to begin the visa interaction. The laws have changed since the end of 2020, making it possible to complete the majority of the Golden Visa process—and in some cases, the entire process—from a distance. Your temporary residence card might arrive in the mail in this scenario.

The Golden Visa has resulted in investments worth approximately 2.6 billion euros in Greek real estate and funds, according to the Ministry of Migration and Asylum. The majority of applicants have come from the Middle East, China, Turkey, and Russia.

Prerequisites for acquiring the Brilliant Visa

Who is qualified for the Brilliant Visa?

The Greek Golden Visa is open to applicants from third countries. This means that after making an appropriate investment, anyone who is not already a citizen of an EU or EEA nation can apply.

You must be at least 18 years old, have a clean criminal record, and be of “good character” to be eligible. You must also have medical insurance for yourself and your family.

What are your residency and citizenship requirements?

You must make one of the following investments in order to be eligible for the Golden Visa and maintain Greek residency:

Put 250,000 euros into Greek property. This is by a wide margin the most famous course and the speculation can be made anyplace in the country. It is not necessary for it to be a high-density versus a low-density area

Contribute 400,000 euros in Greek government bonds, Greek real estate investment companies, Greek venture funds, and Greek private equity shares, or both as a capital contribution.

Sign a ten-year rent understanding for inn convenience or an outfitted traveler home, gave that the base expense of the rent is 250,000 euros.

Contrasted with other European Brilliant Visa programs, a large number of which search for a 500,000 euros interest in land, Greece is a substantially more reasonable choice for some individuals.

What’s additionally perfect about the Greek Brilliant Visa program, is that there are no stay necessities for the residency. You can live in Greece as long as you keep your investment.

In spite of the fact that there are no stay prerequisites for residency on the off chance that you are searching for a way to citizenship you want to have invested significant energy in Greece.

To fit the bill for Greek citizenship, you probably been an expense paying occupant in Greece for quite some time, with no less than 183 days out of every year spent in Greece. There is also a Greek citizenship test and a language proficiency test.

The application process is fairly straightforward, but you’ll need a lot of documentation from Greece as well as your home country.

Although you are free to carry out all of this on your own if you so choose, it is in your best interest to enlist the assistance of a lawyer or at least a person who is fluent in Greek to complete some of the steps.

Choose a property and investment option

Choose one of the previously mentioned investment options. For the capital commitment choice, the main prerequisite is that the venture should decidedly affect public turn of events and the economy.

There are no rules regarding the project’s location or particular sectors to consider. All things considered, the most well known businesses to browse in Greece are the travel industry, food, and drink, ICT, producing, coordinated factors, drugs, and energy.

Get a Greek bank account

You will need a Greek non-resident tax number (AFM) in order to open a Greek bank account and thus make the investment. To do this, you either need to do it face to face at a Greek duty office or somewhat through conceding legal authority to a neighborhood bookkeeper or attorney.

Kindly note that an ordinary public accountant isn’t sufficient, and you are expected to sign the legal authority before a Greek department.

If you are married, you will require a copy of your passport, birth certificate, and marriage certificate. In Greece, regardless of your income or residency, you are required to submit your tax return annually once you have an AFM tax number.

You can send the investment purchase amount from a foreign bank account without a Greek bank account; however, you must use a Greek bank account to pay your property tax and utility bills. Pireus Bank is currently the only option for opening a remote bank account in Greece.

Additionally, you will need to grant your legal representative power of attorney for this. Despite the fact that the majority of banks are still firmly based in brick-and-mortar locations, Covid appears to be causing things to shift, so it is likely that more options for remote banking will become available in the future.

Procure the speculation

To get this show on the road with the visa cycle, you should get a legal counselor to assist with practicing an expected level of effort for your benefit. In the event that everything is clear and you are prepared to push ahead, you should sign a promissory deal and buy understanding.

Submit your paperwork for the Golden Visa. Because the amount of paperwork required is so overwhelming, we strongly recommend working with a lawyer, especially if you can’t visit Greece. In order to obtain a Greek residency visa, you will need to submit the following general documentation:

The only part of the Greek Golden Visa process that can’t be done remotely is the biometrics, which must be provided for all family members applicants.

Copy of all passports for you and your family members. Signed insurance contract covering all hospitalization and medical care costs. Certificate of criminal record. Certificate of medical care.

Four recent color passport photos. Proof of funds. A 500 euro fee paid through e-paravolo, the Greek online platform for paying administrative fees.

A 16 euro processing fee, also paid through e-para After you have submitted your application and received your blue papers (temporary residency permit), you will have up to a year to complete them in Greece with your family. After this, you can at long last apply for extremely durable home.

If you want your family to move with you, you can also submit their documents at the same time. You can, however, pursue their visas at a later stage if you so choose, and it is not necessary.

Legal

Thai Court Amends Law to Allows Wives to Sue Husband’s Lovers

Thailand's Constitutional Court Allows Wives to Sue Husband's Lovers

Angry Thai Wife: File Image

Thailand’s Constitutional Court has changed the Civil Code will allow women to sue their husbands’ lovers, male or female. The Constitutional Court found on Tuesday that Section 1523 of the Civil Code breached Section 27 of the constitution, which safeguards Thais’ rights and liberties regardless of gender.

The court directed that the verdict be enforced within 360 days.

Section 1523 of the Civil Code states that husbands can sue their wives’ lovers, and wives can sue other women who publicly display an adulterous connection with their husband.

Keirov Kritteeranon, secretary-general of the Office of the Ombudsman, stated that the Ombudsman had previously urged the court to rule on the legality of Section 1523, which allowed wives to suit only female lovers.

Husbands can now sue their wives’ boyfriends regardless of gender, and there was no requirement for any public declaration of an adulterous connection, he claimed.

Once enforced, Tuesday’s Constitutional Court order, according to the Ombudsman, will correct this imbalance.

Thailand Amends Marriage Law

Meanwhile, Thailand is set to become the first Southeast Asian country to recognise same-sex marriage, after its marriage equality law was passed in the Upper House on Tuesday and is now on its approach to being promulgated before going into effect in the coming months.

LGBTQ+ advocates rejoiced as the Senate voted 130-4 to pass the bill on its final reading, with 18 abstentions. They hailed the development as a win in their long struggle for equal rights.

When the advocates who had gathered at parliament on Tuesday to witness the Senate’s final reading and vote on the measure heard the outcome, they burst out in cheers.

They next went to authorities House, where the authorities had planned a celebratory reception for them later in the day. They then went to the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, where the party lasted until late at night.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who is on sick leave due to Covid-19, congratulated them via Zoom call from Government House.

The new law will allow any two people aged 18 or older to register their marriage and obtain the same advantages and rights as heterosexual couples. The bill refers to married couples as “two individuals” rather than “a man and a woman,” and changes their legal status from “husband and wife” to “spouses.”

LGBTQ+ people from any country can legally marry in Thailand. When the bill goes into force, foreign same-sex married partners will be eligible for a spousal visa.

The law will be sent to the government for approval before being presented to the monarch.

It will take effect within 120 days of its publication in the Royal Gazette, making Thailand the third Asian country to accept same-sex marriages after Nepal and Taiwan.

Senator Kamnoon Sidhisamarn, spokesman for the Senate’s special committee evaluating the proposed law, called it a victory for equal rights campaigners.

“There is no reason for the Upper House to disagree with the judgement made by the House of Representatives,” he told reporters. He was referring to the legislation’s passage in the Lower House prior to its submission to the Senate for approval.

The battle for same-sex marriage legislation began 23 years ago. Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat, a Move Forward Party list-MP, said that the law’s passage on Tuesday signified the beginning of a new chapter in Thai history.

Source: Bangkok Post

Court Upholds Israel’s Ban on News Agency Al Jazeera

Court Upholds Israel’s Ban on News Agency Al Jazeera

Legal

Thailand’s Senate Passes Landmark Marriage Equity Bill Legalizing Gay Marriage

Thailand’s Senate has approved a long awaited marriage equality bill on Tuesday, making the country the third Asian country to accept same-sex couples. The Senate approved the law 130-4 with 18 abstentions.

The marriage equality bill will be sent the palace for royal clearance. The marriage equality law takes 120 days to take effect after Royal Gazette publication.

LGBTQ+ advocates welcomed the proposal a “monumental step forward” because Thailand would be the first Southeast Asian country to legalise marriage equality. Thailand is popular with travellers due to its LGBTQ+ culture and tolerance.

“This would underscore Thailand’s leadership in the region in promoting human rights and gender equality,” the Civil Society Commission of marriage equality, activists, and LGBTI+ couples said.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who wore a rainbow shirt to commemorate Pride Month, joined thousands of LGBTQ+ revellers and activists in a Bangkok parade at the start of June.

The prime minister will open Government House to commemorate the bill’s passage. Pride supporters will march from Parliament to the prime minister’s office. Mr. Srettha, who has Covid-19, will join them online after taking several days off.

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai anticipates June’s Pride Month to create approximately 4.5 billion baht in economic cash flow.

Marriage Equity Bill

Pride Month in Thailand

On Saturday, Mr. Phumtham said the government under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is encouraging sexual diversity and working with the commercial sector to plan more Pride Month festivities to attract LGBTQ+ tourists.

He claimed it will increase the country’s trade potential by giving SMEs business expansion chances and adding soft power value.

Mr. Phumtham claimed Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office, told him Pride Month celebrations will make Thailand a “pride-friendly destination” for LGBTQ+ Thai and global consumers.

This would help the country become a regional tourism hub under the government’s “Ignite Tourism Thailand” initiative to enhance tourism in 55 “worth visiting” provinces.

He added that such festivals will support downstream industries like event planners, food and beverage companies, hotels, and transport services and disperse cash to local areas. Mr. Phumtham stated Thailand’s Pride Month began in 1999. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Chon Buri host parades, festivities, and campaigns.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects approximately 860,000 people to attend this year’s festival and contribute at least 4.5 billion baht for the economy. LGBT Capital estimates that the world’s LGBTQ+ population has US$4.7 trillion in purchasing power and Thailand’s sexually varied population has US$26 billion.

LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand are improving, but there’s still much to do. The LGBTQ+ community in Thailand is notably strong in Bangkok and Pattaya.

Strong legal recognition allows transgender people to change their names and titles. Many LGBTQ+ couples lack legal rights since same-sex marriage is banned.

Marriage Equity Bill

LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand

Thailand is becoming more accepting despite these difficulties. LGBTQ+ rights are gaining favour. Activists want legal changes to guarantee equality.

Pride parades are becoming increasingly visible, demonstrating diverse acceptance. While challenges remain, LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand are improving as awareness and acceptance expand.

Legal

Protecting Your Designs: Intellectual Property Rights in the Jewelry Manufacturing Industry

Intellectual Property jewellery

The jewelry manufacturing industry is a vibrant and highly competitive sector where creativity and innovation are paramount. Designers invest significant time, effort, and resources into crafting unique pieces that appeal to consumers’ tastes and preferences. However, this industry faces a persistent challenge: the protection of original designs from imitation and unauthorized use.

Intellectual property rights (IPR) play a crucial role in safeguarding jewellery designs, ensuring that creators receive recognition and financial benefits from their work. This article delves into the various forms of intellectual property rights pertinent to the jewelry manufacturing industry and offers insights on how designers can protect their creations.

Understanding Intellectual Property Rights

Intellectual property rights are legal mechanisms that grant creators exclusive rights to their inventions, designs, and artistic works. These rights encourage innovation by providing creators with the means to control the use of their creations and to benefit financially from them. In the context of jewelry design, the most relevant forms of IPR are copyrights, trademarks, patents, and design rights.

Copyrights

Copyright protection extends to original works of authorship, including artistic creations such as jewelry designs. Under copyright law, the designer of a piece of jewelry automatically acquires the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, and display the design upon its creation. This protection does not require registration, although registering the copyright with the appropriate governmental body, such as the U.S. Copyright Office, can provide additional legal benefits and evidence of ownership.

For jewelry designers, copyright protects the aesthetic aspects of a piece, such as the specific design, patterns, and artistic expressions. However, it does not cover the functional elements or the materials used. The duration of copyright protection varies by country, but it typically lasts for the life of the creator plus an additional 50 to 70 years.

Trademarks

Trademarks protect symbols, names, logos, and slogans that distinguish goods and services in the marketplace. For jewelry manufacturers, a trademark can cover the brand name, logo, or even a unique product line name.

Registering a trademark with the appropriate authority, such as the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), provides nationwide protection and the exclusive right to use the mark in connection with the specified goods or services.

A strong trademark helps consumers identify and differentiate a brand’s products from those of competitors, fostering brand loyalty and reducing the risk of confusion in the marketplace. It also provides legal recourse against counterfeiting and unauthorised use of the brand’s identity.

Patents

Patents protect new inventions and technical innovations. In the jewelry industry, this could include innovative manufacturing processes, unique mechanisms for adjustable or interchangeable jewelry, or novel materials and techniques. A patent grants the inventor the exclusive right to use, make, and sell the invention for a limited period, usually 20 years from the filing date of the patent application.

Obtaining a patent involves a rigorous process of proving that the invention is novel, non-obvious, and useful. For jewelry designers, the primary benefit of patent protection lies in safeguarding their innovative techniques and mechanical features, which can provide a competitive edge in the market.

Design Rights

Design rights specifically protect the visual appearance of a product, including its shape, configuration, pattern, and ornamentation. These rights are particularly relevant to the jewelry industry, where the aesthetic appeal of a product is a key selling point. In many jurisdictions, design rights must be registered to be enforceable, though some countries offer unregistered design rights that provide limited protection.

Registering a design right involves submitting detailed representations of the design to the relevant authority, such as the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) for protection within the EU. Registered design rights typically offer protection for up to 25 years, subject to renewal fees.

Steps to Protect Jewelry Designs

Document Your Designs: Maintain detailed records of your design process, including sketches, prototypes, and finished pieces. This documentation can serve as evidence of originality and ownership in case of disputes.
Conduct Searches: Before launching a new design, conduct thorough searches to ensure it does not infringe on existing intellectual property. This can prevent legal issues and costly disputes.
Register Your IP: Where applicable, register your copyrights, trademarks, patents, and design rights with the appropriate authorities. Registration enhances protection and provides legal advantages in enforcing your rights.
Use NDAs and Contracts: When working with manufacturers, suppliers, and collaborators, use non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and detailed contracts to protect your designs and outline the terms of use. ( Check out EJ: A Jewelry Manufacturer with NDA’s.
Monitor the Market: Regularly monitor the market for potential infringements. This can involve online searches, attending trade shows, and staying informed about competitors’ activities.
Take Legal Action if Necessary: If you discover an infringement, take prompt legal action to enforce your rights. This may involve sending cease-and-desist letters, pursuing litigation, or seeking alternative dispute resolution methods.

Challenges and Considerations

While intellectual property rights offer significant protection, there are challenges and limitations to consider. The cost and complexity of obtaining and enforcing IPR can be prohibitive, especially for small designers and startups. Additionally, the global nature of the jewelry market means that protections obtained in one jurisdiction may not be recognized elsewhere, necessitating international strategies for comprehensive protection.

Moreover, the fast-paced nature of fashion and jewelry trends can make lengthy registration processes impractical for certain designs. In such cases, relying on unregistered design rights or focusing on brand protection through trademarks may be more viable strategies.

Conclusion

Intellectual property rights are a vital tool for protecting the creativity and innovation that drive the jewelry manufacturing industry. By understanding and strategically utilizing copyrights, trademarks, patents, and design rights, designers can safeguard their creations, enhance their competitive edge, and ensure they reap the financial rewards of their ingenuity. As the industry continues to evolve, staying informed about IPR and adapting to emerging challenges will be crucial for sustaining success in the dynamic world of jewelry design.