Greece Family Reunification Visa

The Greece Family Reunification Visa is a special type of visa available to married individuals. This visa is designed for those seeking to reunite with their family members within Greece. Greek Consulates process these applications in accordance with the country’s regulations. Specifically, marriage procedures for individuals holding a Family Reunification Visa can only be carried out within the framework of the relevant legal rules.

Golden Visa and Residency Through Marriage in Greece

Greece, known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and Mediterranean lifestyle, attracts people from all over the world. For those wishing to settle in this fascinating country, two popular routes are the Golden Visa program and residency through marriage. This guide provides you with all the details you need to know about the Golden Visa and residency through marriage.

What is Residency Through Marriage?

Marrying a Greek citizen is another pathway to obtaining residency. This method is based on the principle of family reunification, granting couples the right to live together in Greece.

Who Can Apply?

• Individuals who are legally married to a Greek citizen.
• Non-EU nationals who have had a long-term relationship with a Greek citizen (must be documented with official proof).

Benefits of Residency Through Marriage

• The right to work in Greece after obtaining residency.
• The opportunity to apply for Greek citizenship in the long term.
• Ease of travel within the EU member states.

Application Process

1. Obtain a marriage certificate.
2. Submit a residency application to the Greek authorities.
3. Provide documents showing financial status and living plans.
4. Wait for the assessment and approval of the residency application.

Which Option Is More Suitable for You?

The Golden Visa program is ideal for individuals with financial resources to invest. However, for those who have established a family union with a Greek citizen, residency through marriage offers a more cost-effective and direct path to obtaining residence in Greece.

Comparison Between the Greek Golden Visa and Residence Permit through Marriage:

Obtaining a residence permit and living in Greece offers numerous advantages:

Education and Healthcare: Access to education and healthcare services that meet EU standards.

Economic Opportunities: Employment opportunities in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and technology.

Cultural Richness: The presence of a vibrant Greek community and local hospitality.

This guide aims to help you determine the most suitable method for obtaining a residence permit in Greece. For detailed information, we recommend consulting with a qualified legal expert.

Visa Process and Processing Time

Applicants for a family reunification visa must ensure that their documents are complete. If additional documents, such as a payslip proving the applicant’s employment within Greece, are submitted, the processing time may be expedited. While the processing time varies depending on the applicant’s region of residence, it typically takes 10 to 15 days. However, in exceptional cases, this period may be extended at the discretion of the consulate.

Family Reunification Visa Fee

The fee for the family reunification visa is determined by the consulate. The cost may vary depending on the period in which the application is processed and the services provided by the consulate.

Required Documents for Family Reunification Visa

The applicant must provide the following documents:

• Biometric Photo: 3 recent passport-sized photos.
• Passport: Must not be older than 8 years and must have at least 1 year of validity remaining.
• Greek Visa Application Form: Must be filled out carefully and completely.
• Marriage Certificate: The original and a photocopy of the internationally valid marriage certificate must be submitted.
• Civil Registry Record: The original and 2 photocopies of the applicant’s civil registry record must be provided.

Note: Regardless of the applicant’s country of citizenship, documents must be apostilled in order to be accepted by Greek authorities.

Documents Requiring Apostille Certification

The following documents must be apostilled as per Greek authorities’ requirements:

• Health Reports: Must be verified by the competent health authority and apostilled.
• Commercial Documents: Must be verified by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce and apostilled.
• Educational Documents: Master’s degrees or academic diplomas must be verified by the respective educational institution and apostilled.
• Civil Registry Documents: Must be verified by the Civil Registry Department and apostilled.

Required Documents for Marriage in Turkey

• Civil Registry Record: Must be obtained for both spouses from the consulate.
• Marriage Certificate: The original marriage certificate issued by the Ecumenical Patriarchate or the Metropolitan Church must be submitted.
• Details in the Marriage Certificate: The certificate must clearly indicate how many times each spouse has been married.

The Greece Family Reunification Visa can be completed smoothly when procedures are followed correctly and documents are submitted in full. Organizing the documents, obtaining the necessary approvals, and carefully following consulate procedures are crucial for the smooth progress of the process.

The Greece Family Reunification Visa is a special type of visa that married individuals can apply for. This visa is designed for those seeking to reunite with their family members within Greece.

Consulate’s Authority to Perform Marriages

The Consulate is authorized to conduct marriage ceremonies only within its premises. Therefore, citizens planning to marry within Greece must apply to the Greek Consulate with the necessary documents to be eligible for a family reunification visa.

Required Documents:

• Multilingual Birth Certificate: A document containing birth details with international validity.
• Certificate of Singleness (Greek Version): A document confirming there are no legal impediments to marriage.
• Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage: This certificate is issued by the Greek Consulate.

Legal Regulations and Conditions

According to Article 33 of Law 2910/01, Article 19 of Law 3013/02, and Articles 4 and 5 of Article 11 of Law 3074/4-12-02:

Residence and Work Permit: Foreigners married to a Greek or EU national are granted a residence permit for a minimum of five years, which also serves as a work permit. After this period, the residence permit can be renewed for another five years. If the foreign spouse has custody of a child under the age of eighteen, the permit also applies to the child. To renew the residence permit, documents proving the continuation of the marriage must be submitted at least two months before the permit expires (official declaration of the spouse and documents showing family status).

Revocation of Residence Permit: If it is determined that the marriage was entered into solely for the purpose of obtaining a residence permit or Greek citizenship, the residence permit will be denied or revoked.

Special Circumstances: The above procedures also apply to repatriated Greek nationals, Greek-descendants, widows or widowers of Greek or EU citizens, and their children.

Family Members: The family members of a Greek or EU citizen are defined as follows: the spouse, children under the age of 21, and the spouse’s parents living with them.

Conditions for Independent Residence Permits: Family members can obtain independent residence permits under the following conditions:

• The age requirement has been met.
• A divorce decree has been issued.
• The individual has been a victim of violence.

Foreign spouses must apply for a residence permit at the municipality or local office where they reside, with the following documents:

Required Documents:

• A photocopy of the passport or travel document.
• A certified and translated document from the home country showing family status.
• Court decision regarding child custody or parental agreement documents.

Children aged 14 or older are granted personal residence permits, and their guardian continues to manage their affairs until they reach adulthood. For applications related to child custody, the guardian must submit the following documents:

• A photocopy of the passport or travel document.
• Two color photographs.
• A certified and translated document from the home country showing family status.
• Court decision regarding child custody or parental agreement documents.

Family Reunification Support Line

• Delal Polat: 

• Samiya Khalid: 90+0535 879 42 99

• Niko 

For more details about the Greece Family Reunification Visa, please contact us.