Are you looking to move to Greece? Then your journey should start with an immigration lawyer. In this article, you will read more about the assistance that an immigration lawyer can provide. You will also find more information about different types of visas.

Immigration lawyer for moving to Greece

Greece is becoming an attractive destination for ex-pats, families, and digital nomads. With its welcoming climate, relaxed lifestyle, beautiful Greek islands, and rich history, Greece is the perfect place for anyone looking to relocate.

Families, retirees, and others are following their dream to Greece, searching for a home in Athens or on the islands. Some decide to stay for a few months first, to test the waters. Others buy a house immediately and are permanently relocating.

Read also: Moving to Greece: the ultimate guide for preparing your relocation

Immigrating to Greece? Hire an immigration lawyer

To buy a home, apply for a visa, or to build on your own land, you will need several services. These include a property lawyer, tax advisors and accountants, real estate agents, engineers, a notary, and possibly more. The start of your plan, however, starts with the guidance of an immigration lawyer.

Immigration: residence permit and citizenship in Greece

Are you applying for Greek citizenship? Or do you have dual citizenship and are looking for a residence permit for your partner? Are you a non-EU member and transferring your student visa into a residency permit?

There are many options. But in all cases, you will need the help of an expert. The immigration lawyer will inform you about your possibilities and with his or her help, you will be able to make the right decisions and take the necessary steps to successfully move to your new home. 

An immigration lawyer will sort out all your paperwork, deal with the Greek authorities, and apply for exams or guide you through other requirements. He/she will arrange your visa and make sure that you understand all the fine print.

Visa for Relocation to Greece

If you are not an EU citizen, you will need an immigration lawyer to help you through the process of the right visa. In Greece are 5 main types of visa. Below you will find the most important options.

Golden Visa Scheme

The Golden Visa program grants a five-year residency permit to foreigners investing in property in the country. You’ll need to spend at least €250,000 on your home and meet other criteria such as having health insurance and no criminal record. Once granted, the holder of a Golden Visa and their immediate family members can legally live and work in Greece. The investment requirements are currently €250,000. To date, this will be valid until at least the 1st of July 2023. After that, the Greek government will announce if the minimum amount will be increased to €500,000.

The best of the Greece Golden Visa program is that you will be able to travel visa-free within Europe’s Schengen Area. You don’t need to reside in Greece. But you can rent out the investment property. Your residence permit will be available within 60–90 days and has an unlimited expiry date. The residence is applicable to the whole family (married spouse, children under 21 years old, and parents of the main applicant and spouse) and you are eligible to apply for citizenship after seven years of residence.

All this considered, the Greek Golden Visa program is a great way for people to live and work in the EU, as well as the accessibility to healthcare and education. In most cases, Golden Visa holders are able to apply for permanent residence and citizenship after a certain period of time.

Financially Independent Person (Type D)

This visa program is a good choice for retirees, pensioners, business owners, and entrepreneurs seeking to spend 6 months or more per year in Greece.

Digital Nomad

Greece is a leading country for digital nomads. Non-EU citizens who are self-employed, freelancers, or employees, who work remotely with employers or clients who are located outside Greece can apply for a digital nomad visa allowing them to live in Greece. 

Brexit

British citizens who are moving to Greece are dealing with specific requirements for residency, passports, healthcare, and driving. That is why an immigration lawyer is recommended. He can help you with your residency and passport requirements.

FAQ: Can an immigration lawyer help you move to Greece?

Most immigration lawyers offer a complete pre – and post-arrival immigration service package. This includes ongoing assistance because, in Greece procedures and state, offices work slowly. The immigration lawyer starts with filling in your visa or residence permit application forms.

Do you need an immigration lawyer to apply for a visa?

Here below are the requirements to get a visa for Greece.

Greece Visa Application

  • Find out whether you need to apply for a visa in Greece
  • Check when is the right time to apply
  • Lodge your application
  • Complete the application form for a Schengen Visa
  • Make a visa appointment
  • Collect the required documents
  • Attend the visa interview

As you understand, these are complicated matters, and it is advised that you hire an immigration lawyer to guarantee a smooth and relaxed process.

What is the new immigration law in Greece, 2023?

With the new immigration law, Greece permits non-EU nationals to leave and return more than once until December 31, 2023. In other words, third-country nationals will be subject to more straightforward entry rules when planning to head to Greece. The Ministry of Citizen Protection has announced that they will be eligible to exit and re-enter the country from January 1 until December 31, 2023.

Procedures for your Greek residence permit

  • Collect the documents, and get a visa
  • Enter Greece and apply for a residence permit
  • Give biometric data
  • Receive a residence permit card

U.S. Citizens: Visa and residency permits

Visas

If you are a U.S. citizen you wish to stay in Greece for longer than 90 days within a 180-day period, you should apply for a visa at the Greek Embassy or the Greek Consulate prior to your arrival in Greece. Visas may be issued for property owners, students, employees, athletes, coaches, etc. Contact the closest Greek consulate to your area of residence for requirements. U.S. officials and diplomatic passport holders must obtain a visa prior to arrival to Greece. More information can be found here.

Residency Permits

There are many categories of residence permits. In most cases, U.S. citizens will need to obtain a visa from the Greek consulate or embassy that has jurisdiction over the area of their residence abroad. Upon your arrival in Greece, you should apply for the residence permit at the Decentralized Administration Office of your area of residence prior to the expiration of your visa. U.S. citizens married to European citizens may apply for a Greek residency permit. For questions and more information concerning residence permits, head over to the website of gr.usembassy.gov

Kae International Movers

To conclude, if you are planning to immigrate to Greece, you will need the help of an immigration lawyer. When you have arranged all your paperwork and found a house, KAE International Movers is here to do the rest.

We help you move your household items, works of art, or car, safely to Greece. We also offer storage solutions. Contact our team today to find out how we can customize your relocation.

Are you ready to move? Fill out the website form for a free quote!