Migration questions Greece

To obtain a residence permit in Greece, various types of permits should be considered depending on the purpose of stay.

Main document requirements:

   - Passport: The validity period must cover the planned stay.

   - Passport-type photos (usually 4 pieces).

   - Proof of residence address: Document confirming rent or ownership of housing or utility payment receipts.

   - Health insurance: Must cover at least 80% of medical expenses, though some authorities may require full coverage.

   - Financial documents: Proof of means for living (e.g., bank statement, income certificate, pension, or employment contract).

   - Additional documents depending on the type of residence permit: Each type of residence permit (e.g., for financially independent individuals, investors, students, etc.) may require specific documents.

Review times: The process for reviewing a residence permit application can take from 2 to 6 months, depending on the type of permit. For some types, like investors (Golden Visa), processing times may be reduced to 4 months.

Important details:

   - The residence permit is issued for different periods depending on the type (1-5 years) with the possibility of renewal.

   - The holder of a residence permit is obliged to regularly renew the permit, observing the deadlines for the renewal application (usually no later than 2 months before the current residence permit expires).

These procedures may vary depending on the applicant category (students, employees, investors, etc.), so it is important to clarify the specific requirements for each category on official websites or at Greek consulates.

Obtaining a residence permit in Greece is an important process for those planning to stay in the country long-term. Below are the main stages of the application process.

 

1. Determine the type of residence permit

 

- Work residence permit: for those who have received a job offer from a Greek employer.

- Student residence permit: for those admitted to Greek educational institutions.

- Family reunification: if you have relatives with Greek citizenship or residence permit.

- Investment residence permit (“Golden Visa”): for investing a certain amount in Greek real estate or economy.

- Retirement or financially independent resident: for people with sufficient financial means without the need to work.

 

2. Collect the necessary documents

 

3. Translation and legalization of documents

 

- All documents in foreign languages must be translated into Greek by a certified translator.

- Documents from your country must be apostilled or undergo consular legalization.

 

4. Apply for a national visa (type D)

 

Before entering Greece, you need to obtain a national visa:

- Contact the Greek embassy or consulate in your country.

- Submit a visa application for the appropriate category.

- Provide the collected documents and attend an interview if necessary.

 

5. Enter Greece and apply for a residence permit

 

After obtaining the visa and entering the country:

- Within 30 days, visit the local department of Migration and Asylum.

- Apply for a residence permit.

- Pay the state fee.

 

6. Complete biometric procedures

 

- Submit fingerprints and have a photo taken for the biometric card.

 

7. Waiting for a decision

 

- The application review period may take from a few weeks to several months.

- Additional documents or information may be requested if necessary.

 

8. Obtaining a residence permit

 

9. Compliance with residence conditions

 

- Follow the conditions related to your status (e.g., do not exceed the permitted number of working hours for students).

 

Useful Advice

Migration laws may change, so check the latest information on official websites. It is recommended to consult a migration law specialist for personalized advice.

Residency in Greece

 

EU and EEA citizens have the right to freely enter and stay in Greece without needing a visa or residence permit if their stay does not exceed 90 days.

 

Registration for long-term stay

If you plan to stay in Greece for more than 90 days (e.g., for work, study, or family reunification), you must register with local authorities.

 

Registration steps:

- Visit the nearest police station or city administration.

- Apply for the EU Citizen Registration Certificate.

- Provide the following documents:

  - A valid passport or ID card.

  - Proof of the purpose of your stay (e.g., employment contract, letter of enrollment in an educational institution).

  - Proof of sufficient financial means for living.

  - Proof of health insurance (or a European Health Insurance Card).

 

The registration is issued indefinitely and does not require renewal if you continue to meet the residency conditions (work, study, etc.).

 

Right to work

 

EU and EEA citizens can freely work in Greece without needing a work permit. This right extends to:

- Employees: when employed by Greek companies.

- Self-employed persons: opening your own business or providing services privately.

  

Social security

 

EU and EEA citizens working in Greece are entitled to social benefits and healthcare equal to Greek citizens; the ability to transfer accumulated pension rights to other EU and EEA countries when changing residency.

 

Family reunification

 

EU and EEA citizens have the right to reunite with close relatives. Your spouse, children, and other dependents can join you in Greece with documents proving familial ties and financial support.

 

Extending the stay

 

If you plan for a long-term stay or want to secure your status officially, you can apply for permanent residency after 5 years of continuous stay in Greece.

Citizens of countries outside the European Union need to go through certain procedures and comply with strict regulations to live and work in Greece. Depending on the purpose of stay (work, study, family reunification, etc.), the requirements and process for obtaining documents may vary.

1. Obtaining a national visa (type D) to enter Greece

Before entering Greece for a long-term stay, citizens of non-EU countries must obtain a national visa (type D), which allows staying in the country for more than 90 days.

Types of visas suitable for long-term stay:

- Work visa: for those who have a job offer in Greece.

- Student visa: for those admitted to Greek educational institutions.

- Family reunification visa: if you have relatives with Greek citizenship or residence permit.

- Visa for financially independent persons: for those who have sufficient financial means to reside without the need to work.

 

2. Obtaining a residence permit

After entering with a national visa, you must apply for a residence permit at the local Department of Migration and Asylum in Greece. A residence permit allows you to legally stay and work in the country.

3. Work rights for third-country nationals

To work in Greece, citizens of non-EU countries require a work permit, which is usually issued simultaneously with the residence permit.

Work categories:

- Employees: employment requires an invitation from a Greek employer, who must prove there are no available candidates from the EU for the position.

- Self-employed and entrepreneurs: must prove financial viability and provide a business plan approved by Greek authorities.

4. Social security and taxes

Non-EU citizens working in Greece are required to register in the social security system, which provides access to medical and social services; they must also pay taxes on par with Greek citizens.

5. Family reunification

Third-country nationals with a residence permit in Greece can apply for family reunification for spouses and children. Proof of financial means and suitable housing is required.

 

6. Permanent residence and citizenship

After 5 years of continuous residence in Greece, third-country nationals may apply for permanent residence. It is also possible to obtain Greek citizenship under additional conditions.

Preparation for extending a residence permit

 

- Application deadline: the application for extending the residence permit should be submitted at least 60 days before the expiration of the current permit.

- Importance of timely submission: if the application is submitted late, you may face fines or even denial of the extension.

 

Collecting necessary documents

 

The exact list of documents depends on the type of your residence permit, but the general set includes the following items:

 

- Completed application form for extending the residence permit (available at local migration offices or on the official website).

- Valid passport and copies of all its pages.

- Existing residence permit (original and copy).

- Proof of financial means: this could be an income statement, bank statement, or employment contract.

- Proof of health insurance that covers your stay in Greece.

- Documents confirming the purpose of stay (e.g., employment contract, letter from an educational institution, or rental agreement).

- Passport-sized photographs.

- Medical certificate of health status (if required depending on permit category).

- Payment of state fee (its amount varies depending on the type of permit).

 

Submitting the application

 

Once you have gathered all documents, you need to:

- Submit the application for extending the residence permit to the local Department of Migration and Asylum or a Citizens' Service Center, if applicable in your region.

- Schedule an appointment in advance, as there may be a limited number of slots for document submission in many regions.

 

Biometric Data

 

As part of the renewal process, you may be required to submit biometric data (fingerprints and photographs) to update your residence permit card.

 

Awaiting a Decision

 

- The processing time for a renewal application can vary from a few weeks to several months depending on the workload of local immigration services.

- During the waiting period for the issuance of a new permit, you may be provided with a temporary receipt that confirms legal residency in the country during the consideration period.

 

Obtaining a New Residence Permit

 

After your application is approved, you will be issued a new residence permit, which usually has the same validity period as the previous one (for example, 1-2 years).

 

Renewal for Different Categories

 

Work Permits

If you are employed in Greece, for renewal you will need:

- An updated employment contract.

- Confirmation from the employer that your contract is being renewed.

 

Study Permits

Students must provide:

- A letter from the educational institution confirming the continuation of studies.

- Proof of financial support for the duration of studies.

 

Family Reunification

For renewal under family reunification, you will need:

- Proof of cohabitation with the family member.

- Confirmation of housing and income to support the family.

 

Useful Tips

Check the latest information on the Ministry of Migration and Asylum of Greece's website or with local authorities, as requirements may change.

Obtaining health insurance is one of the key steps for immigrants planning to live and work in Greece. The country has both a public healthcare system and private insurance. Health insurance is mandatory for all citizens and residents, ensuring access to medical services.

 

Types of Health Insurance in Greece

 

There are two main types of health insurance in Greece:

- Public health insurance: mandatory for all employed citizens and residents. It covers most medical services through the public healthcare system.

- Private health insurance: provided by private insurance companies and may cover services not included in the public system or offer higher quality services.

 

Public Health Insurance

If you work in Greece or are an official resident, you need to register with the EFKA system that manages public health insurance.

 

Steps to Obtain Public Insurance:

1. Obtain a Social Security Number (ΑΜΚΑ)

   - AMKA is a unique social number required for registration in the health insurance system. To obtain it, you need to visit the local Citizen Service Center (ΚΕΠ) or an EFKA office.

   - To get AMKA, you will need:

     - A passport or ID card.

     - A residence permit.

     - Documents confirming your employment or registration in the social security system.

 

2. Register with EFKA

   - After obtaining AMKA, your employer must register you with the EFKA system if you are employed. The employer will automatically deduct insurance contributions from your salary to cover medical and social insurance.

   - If you are self-employed or an entrepreneur, you need to register with EFKA yourself and pay the contributions.

 

3. Covered Services

State insurance through EFKA covers: visiting doctors and specialists; hospitalization in state hospitals; emergency services; medications (partially); laboratory studies and analyses. You can access services through the National Organization for Healthcare Provision.

 

Private Health Insurance

Citizens and residents of Greece can also arrange additional private health insurance, which provides access to an expanded range of medical services and reduces waiting times.

 

Obtaining Private Insurance

Choosing an insurance company: Many private insurance companies operate in Greece, such as Interamerican, Eurolife, Ethniki Asfalistiki, among others, which offer health insurance.

 

Medical Insurance for Students and Pensioners

 

Students

- Foreign students studying in Greece can obtain medical insurance through their educational institutions or use the state system EFKA if they work during their studies.

 

Pensioners

- Foreign pensioners residing in Greece may be eligible for state medical insurance depending on their country of origin. This may require an international agreement or registration with EFKA.

 

Checking Current Information

- It is important to check current information on official websites such as [EFKA](https://www.efka.gov.gr) and [EOPYY](https://eopyy.gov.gr), as well as consult with your employer or insurance companies to correctly arrange insurance.

Main Paths to Obtain Greek Citizenship

- Citizenship through naturalization: for foreign citizens residing in Greece for a long time.

- Citizenship by descent: if one of the parents is a Greek citizen.

- Citizenship through marriage: for foreigners married to a Greek citizen.

- Citizenship for children: children born in Greece may obtain citizenship under certain conditions.

Citizenship through Naturalization

The naturalization process is available for foreigners who have resided in Greece for a certain period of time. Conditions for submitting a naturalization application include:

- Length of residence: you must reside in Greece for at least 7 years with a valid residence permit. For those who have invested in the Greek economy or purchased property under the "Golden Visa" program, the period may be reduced to 5 years.

- Knowledge of the Greek language: you are required to prove proficiency in the Greek language sufficient for communication and understanding of legislation.

- Social integration: you must demonstrate active participation in community life (work, education, taxation).

- No criminal record: you need to provide a certificate of no criminal record both in Greece and in other countries.

Citizenship through Marriage with a Greek Citizen

If you are married to a Greek citizen, you can apply for citizenship 3 years after registering the marriage. It is important that you live together in Greece and have a valid residence permit.

Citizenship for Children Born in Greece

Children born in Greece to foreign parents can obtain citizenship if:

- One of the parents has legally resided in Greece for at least 5 years.

- The child attends a Greek school for at least 6 years.

Process of Obtaining Citizenship by Descent

Citizens whose parents or grandparents were Greek citizens can apply for citizenship by descent. It is necessary to provide proof of family ties, such as birth certificates and citizenship certificates of the parents; other documents confirming Greek descent.

Greek Language and Culture Examination

To confirm the level of integration, applicants must pass an examination that includes questions on the Greek language (comprehension and written expression); the history and culture of Greece; the constitution and basic laws of the country. The exam is mandatory for all categories of applicants, except those who studied in Greek schools or universities.

The process of reviewing a citizenship application may take from 1 to 3 years. After approval, you will receive a citizenship certificate, and then you can apply for a Greek passport and identity card.

If you have a valid temporary residence permit, you can freely leave Greece and return without restrictions, provided the following conditions are met:

- Your residence permit is valid at the time of travel and return.

- You have a valid passport.

- You have not exceeded the stay limits allowed by your status.

When applying for a residence permit renewal, it is recommended to:

- Wait for the decision in Greece, as leaving the country at this stage may complicate the renewal process.

- In case of necessity to leave, you may be issued a temporary receipt that confirms your legal stay in Greece until you receive the new permit. However, this receipt does not always allow for hassle-free border crossing, especially into other Schengen Zone countries. If you urgently need to leave the country, check with Greek authorities the possibility of returning with a temporary receipt.

Understanding the reasons for denial

 

The first step after receiving a denial is to thoroughly review the decision letter. It should specify the reasons for the denial. The most common reasons may include:

- Incomplete application package or missing necessary documents.

- Incorrectly filled application form.

- Insufficient financial means demonstrated by the applicant.

- Issues with health insurance or its absence.

- Criminal records or legal problems.

- Non-compliance with residence or employment requirements.

 

Understanding the specific reasons for the denial will help you determine the next step.

 

Appealing the decision

If denied, you have the right to appeal the decision within a specified timeframe. This is usually 60 days from the date of receiving the denial notice.

 

Appeal process:

- Contact the same authority that issued the denial to submit a written objection.

- Gather additional evidence or documents to demonstrate that the decision was incorrect (e.g., corrected documents, new certificates).

- In the appeal, outline all arguments supporting your case and reasons why the decision should be reconsidered.

- In some cases, consulting a lawyer specializing in immigration law may be beneficial.

 

Reapplying

If your application was rejected due to errors or missing documents, you can reapply with corrections. It is important to ensure that all documents are gathered and formatted correctly this time.

 

Judicial appeal

If the appeal was not successful or you believe your rights were violated, you can approach an administrative court for a judicial review. This is a more complex and lengthy process but can be effective in case of wrongful decisions by immigration authorities.

 

Process of filing a lawsuit in court:

- Contact a lawyer who can help prepare a lawsuit for the administrative court.

- The legal process may take several months, depending on the complexity of the case.

 

Important tips upon denial

If you are unsure about what to do next, legal assistance can be useful in understanding Greek legislation and the migration process.

Translators may be needed at different stages of migration procedures, including:

 

- Submission of a residence permit application: translation of documents such as birth certificates, employment contracts, income statements, and other official documents that need to be translated into Greek.

- Interviews at migration authorities: if you do not have sufficient Greek language skills, a translator's presence may be required to properly understand questions and provide accurate answers.

- Appeals and courts: when filing appeals in case of denial or participating in legal proceedings, a professional legal translator may be needed.

- Translation of documents for family reunification: documents proving family relations, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, must be translated into Greek.

 

Translation requirements

Greek migration services require that all documents submitted in foreign languages be translated into Greek. The translation must be done by a certified translator or notarized at the Greek consulate.

- Certified translations: the translation must be done by a translator who is authorized to certify official documents. In Greece, the Translation Institute can confirm the legal validity of the translation.

- Consular certification: documents can be translated at the Greek consulate in your country or an officially accredited translation company.

 

Where to find a translator for migration procedures

In Greece, there are several licensed translation agencies that provide professional translation services for immigrants.

 

Translation Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece

The Translation Institute at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece offers document translation services for immigration and legal purposes. You can apply for a translation directly through the [mfa.gr](https://www.mfa.gr) website or at the Athens branch.