Family Reunification Greece procedures allow eligible family members to join or remain with a person legally residing in Greece, subject to the requirements of the applicable immigration framework.

The process can involve an entry approval, visa requirements, proof of the family relationship, residence documentation and a subsequent application for a residence permit in Greece. The correct procedure depends on the nationality and legal status of the person already residing in Greece, as well as the relationship with the family member.

The Law Office of Anna Deftereou, based in central Athens, provides legal assistance to foreign nationals and their families with family reunification applications, residence permits, supporting documents, renewals and related immigration procedures in Greece.

Family Reunification Greece – Legal Assistance

Family reunification is not a single procedure that applies identically to every family.

Greek immigration rules distinguish between different categories, including family members of third-country nationals, family members of Greek citizens and family members of EU citizens.

Our legal assistance may include:

assessment of eligibility for family reunification;
identification of the appropriate residence category;
preparation and review of supporting documents;
assistance with proof of family relationship;
review of foreign marriage and birth certificates;
Apostille or legalisation requirements;
official translations;
entry approval procedures where applicable;
residence permit applications;
renewal of family residence permits;
assistance with applications involving spouses and children;
examination of applications for other qualifying family members;
communication with the competent immigration authorities;
assistance where documentation contains discrepancies;
legal representation where permitted.

Before an application is submitted, the immigration status of both the sponsor and the family member should be examined carefully.

What Is Family Reunification in Greece?

Family reunification generally refers to the immigration procedure through which eligible family members can join a person who is legally residing in Greece.

Under the Greek immigration framework, residence permits for family reunification constitute a specific category of residence permits.

The Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum currently lists separate procedures for:

approval of entry of a family member;
family members of a third-country national;
family reunification where the family is formed in Greece;
minor children of third-country nationals;
family members of Greek citizens;
other specific family residence categories.

The exact route therefore depends on the circumstances of each family.

Who Can Apply for Family Reunification in Greece?

Eligibility depends on the immigration status of the person residing in Greece, often referred to as the sponsor, and the relationship with the person seeking to enter or reside in the country.

Different rules may apply to:

spouses;
registered partners where recognised under the applicable framework;
minor children;
children of the spouse or partner;
dependent family members in certain circumstances;
family members of Greek citizens;
family members of EU citizens.

It is important not to assume that every relative automatically qualifies for a family reunification residence permit.

The relationship, age, dependency and residence status involved can affect the applicable procedure.

Family Members of Third-Country Nationals in Greece

One of the main family reunification categories concerns a third-country national who already resides legally in Greece and wishes to be joined by eligible family members.

Greek immigration legislation provides specific residence permit procedures for this category.

The current residence-permit categories published by the Ministry of Migration and Asylum include Residence Permits for Family Reunification, with separate procedures for entry approval, initial residence permits and renewals.

The sponsor’s residence status should be examined before beginning the process, as the type and duration of the existing permit can be relevant to eligibility.

Family Reunification for a Spouse in Greece

Spouses are among the most common applicants in family immigration cases.

The authorities may need to establish:

the identity of both spouses;
the existence and validity of the marriage;
the sponsor’s legal residence in Greece;
the authenticity of the marriage certificate;
whether the foreign certificate requires authentication;
whether an official translation is required;
whether the applicable immigration requirements are satisfied.

A marriage certificate issued outside Greece may require additional preparation before it can be used in an immigration procedure.

Where a marriage performed abroad must also be reflected in Greek civil-status records, see our Register Foreign Marriage in Greece service.

Family Reunification for Children

Minor children can also fall within family reunification provisions, depending on the circumstances.

Documentation can include evidence establishing:

the identity of the child;
the identity of the parents;
the family relationship;
parental responsibility;
custody where relevant;
the sponsor’s residence status;
the child’s existing immigration status.

Where a child was born outside Greece, the foreign birth certificate may need to be authenticated and translated before use.

If the matter also involves registration of a foreign birth in the Greek civil-status system, see our Register Foreign Birth in Greece service.

Family Reunification When the Family Is Formed in Greece

Not every family reunification case begins with a family member living outside Greece.

Greek immigration legislation also contains provisions addressing circumstances where the family relationship is formed while the persons concerned are legally residing in Greece.

The Ministry currently lists a separate procedure for the initial granting of a family reunification residence permit to family members of third-country nationals legally residing in Greece where the family is formed in Greece.

This means that the correct procedure should be identified according to the actual circumstances rather than assuming that departure from Greece and a new entry procedure are always required.

Family Reunification and Entry into Greece

In cases where the family member is outside Greece, the procedure may involve more than the final residence permit application.

Depending on the applicable category, the process can include:

examination of the sponsor’s eligibility;
preparation of family documentation;
an entry approval procedure;
visa formalities where required;
lawful entry into Greece;
application for the appropriate residence permit.

The Ministry expressly lists approval of entry of a family member as a distinct part of the family reunification residence framework.

For this reason, applicants should distinguish between permission to enter Greece and the residence documentation required after arrival.

Family Reunification Residence Permit Greece

After the applicable entry requirements have been satisfied, the family member may need to apply for a family reunification residence permit in Greece.

The exact supporting documentation depends on the applicable legal category.

Typical issues that may need to be addressed include:

valid passport or travel document;
lawful entry;
proof of family relationship;
sponsor’s residence permit;
foreign civil-status certificates;
official translations;
authentication of foreign documents;
additional documentation required for the particular category.

The current official categories and supporting-document requirements can be found through the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum – Residence Permit Categories.

Documents for Family Reunification Greece

There is no single document list that applies to every family reunification case.

Depending on the category, relevant documents may include:

application documentation;
valid passport;
existing residence permit of the sponsor;
marriage certificate;
birth certificate;
family-status certificate;
evidence of parental responsibility or custody;
evidence relating to dependency where required;
evidence concerning residence in Greece;
authenticated foreign documents;
official Greek translations;
additional documents required by the competent immigration authority.

The documents should be reviewed according to the particular residence category before submission.

Foreign Marriage Certificates

A foreign marriage certificate is frequently central to a family reunification application involving a spouse.

However, possessing a marriage certificate does not necessarily mean that it is immediately ready for use before Greek authorities.

It may be necessary to examine:

which authority issued it;
whether it is an original or accepted certified copy;
whether an Apostille is required;
whether consular legalisation applies;
whether an exemption from authentication exists;
whether an official Greek translation is required;
whether names correspond with passports and Greek records.

Problems with the underlying marriage documentation can delay the immigration procedure.

Foreign Birth Certificates

Birth certificates are particularly important in applications involving children.

The certificate may be used to establish the relationship between the child and parent.

Particular attention should be paid to:

child’s full name;
parents’ names;
date of birth;
place of birth;
nationality information where recorded;
discrepancies in transliteration.

Where custody or parental responsibility is relevant, additional documentation may be necessary.

Apostille and Legalisation

Foreign public documents used for a Family Reunification Greece application may require authentication.

Whether an Apostille is necessary depends on the issuing country, the type of document and the applicable international or European framework.

An Apostille should therefore not automatically be obtained for every foreign document.

Depending on the circumstances:

an Apostille may be required;
consular legalisation may be necessary;
an exemption may apply;
European Union rules may simplify the use of certain public documents.

The correct authentication procedure should be determined before preparing the final application.

Official Translation of Documents

Documents issued in a language other than Greek may need an accepted official translation.

The translation should accurately reproduce important information including:

names;
dates;
places of birth;
marriage information;
parental information;
official annotations.

A difference between a translated name and the spelling appearing in the passport can create problems when the authorities attempt to verify the family relationship.

Differences in Names and Personal Information

International families frequently encounter differences in the way names are written across documents.

Examples include:

different transliterations;
missing middle names;
different surnames;
different spelling of a parent’s name;
different dates or places of birth;
name changes after marriage.

These discrepancies do not necessarily mean that an application cannot proceed, but they should be identified and addressed appropriately.

Submitting inconsistent documents without explanation can create unnecessary complications.

Family Reunification for Family Members of Greek Citizens

A family member of a Greek citizen should not automatically be treated as an ordinary family reunification case involving two third-country nationals.

Greek immigration rules contain separate residence categories for family members of Greek citizens.

The Ministry’s current residence-permit list separately identifies residence documentation for spouses or partners of Greek citizens and other qualifying relatives.

This distinction is important because the requirements and legal basis can differ substantially.

For a non-EU spouse of a Greek citizen, the more specific procedure should be examined rather than automatically applying the general third-country-national family reunification rules.

Greek Spouse Residence Permit

Where a foreign national is married to a Greek citizen, the appropriate residence category is generally connected specifically with status as a family member of a Greek citizen.

The Ministry’s current categories include a residence card for the spouse or partner of a Greek citizen, as well as separate categories concerning descendants and other qualifying family relationships.

This is therefore distinct from the standard family reunification route where the sponsor is another third-country national residing in Greece.

Family Members of EU Citizens in Greece

Another separate legal framework applies where the sponsor is a citizen of another European Union Member State exercising residence rights in Greece.

Third-country nationals who are family members of EU citizens may qualify for residence documentation under the EU free-movement framework.

The Greek Ministry states that third-country-national family members of an EU citizen must generally apply for a residence document within three months of arrival in Greece.

The rules in this category should therefore not be confused with ordinary family reunification under the Migration Code.

Spouse of an EU Citizen

For a spouse or registered partner of an EU citizen, the authorities may require documentation establishing:

the EU citizen’s residence in Greece;
the marriage or registered partnership;
the applicant’s identity;
lawful entry where applicable;
other documents required under the applicable EU residence framework.

The Ministry separately publishes the documentation applicable to third-country nationals who are family members of EU citizens.

Children and Other Family Members of EU Citizens

EU free-movement rules can also cover qualifying descendants and, under particular conditions, other family members.

The applicable requirements can differ according to:

age;
dependency;
family relationship;
residence with the EU citizen;
health or care circumstances in certain cases.

The Ministry’s guidance expressly distinguishes spouses and partners, descendants, ascendants and certain other family members.

Each relationship should therefore be assessed separately.

Family Reunification and Residence Permit Renewal

Obtaining the initial permit is not always the end of the immigration process.

A family residence permit may subsequently need to be renewed.

Renewal can require proof that the relevant conditions continue to be satisfied.

Applicants should therefore monitor:

expiry date of the permit;
validity of passport documents;
changes in family circumstances;
changes in the sponsor’s residence status;
supporting documents required for renewal.

For broader assistance with renewals, our office also provides legal assistance with Residence Permit Renewal Greece procedures.

What Happens if Family Circumstances Change?

Marriage, divorce, separation, death or children reaching adulthood can affect residence rights.

However, the effect is not identical in every immigration category.

Some family members may, under specific legal conditions, obtain or retain an independent or personal right of residence.

For example, the Ministry publishes separate provisions concerning personal residence rights of third-country-national family members of EU citizens following circumstances such as death, departure, divorce or dissolution of a registered partnership.

Legal advice should therefore be obtained before assuming that a change in the family relationship automatically terminates—or automatically preserves—a residence right.

Family Reunification After Marriage in Greece

Where two foreign nationals marry while legally residing in Greece, it may be possible in qualifying circumstances to deal with the family residence status without using exactly the same procedure as a family member entering Greece from abroad.

The current Greek framework expressly includes a category for family reunification where families are formed in Greece.

The immigration status of both persons at the time the family is formed is important.

Family Reunification for Families Living Abroad

A common situation involves a person already living and working in Greece while their spouse or children remain in another country.

In these cases, preparing the documentation in the correct order can be important.

Before beginning, it may be useful to establish:

whether the sponsor is eligible;
which relatives qualify;
which foreign civil-status documents are required;
whether the documents need Apostille or legalisation;
whether official translation is required;
whether entry approval is required;
whether a visa is required;
which residence permit should be requested after arrival.

This can reduce delays caused by obtaining incorrect or incomplete documentation abroad.

Family Reunification and Work Residence Permits

The sponsor in a family reunification case may be legally residing in Greece on the basis of employment or another professional activity.

However, the existence of a work residence permit does not by itself answer every question concerning family reunification.

The precise type of permit, its validity and the applicable family-reunification provisions should be examined.

For employment-related immigration matters, see our Work Residence Permit Greece service.

Family Reunification and General Residence Permit Matters

Where the primary issue is not specifically family reunification but obtaining or maintaining lawful residence in Greece, see our Residence Permit Lawyer Greece service.

That page covers the broader residence-permit framework, while this page focuses specifically on family-based immigration.

This distinction helps determine the appropriate legal strategy from the beginning.

Immigration Lawyer for Family Reunification in Athens

Family immigration cases often involve both Greek immigration law and documents issued by foreign authorities.

A lawyer can assist in coordinating the different stages of the procedure and identifying issues before an application is submitted.

The Law Office of Anna Deftereou can assist with:

eligibility assessment;
document review;
foreign civil-status certificates;
authentication requirements;
translations;
residence applications;
renewals;
communication with immigration authorities;
related civil-status matters.

For broader immigration assistance, see our Immigration Lawyer Athens service.

Can a Lawyer Apply for Family Reunification on My Behalf?

Whether a particular step can be completed through a lawyer depends on the applicable procedure.

Some actions may permit legal representation, while others may require the applicant’s personal presence, biometric data or attendance before a Greek authority or Consular Authority.

A lawyer can nevertheless assist with preparation of the file, review of supporting documents and representation for those stages where representation is legally permitted.

Power of Attorney from Abroad

Where legal representation is possible, a person living outside Greece may need to execute a power of attorney.

Depending on where the document is executed and how it will be used in Greece, it may require:

specific wording;
certification of signature;
Apostille;
consular legalisation;
official translation.

It is advisable to determine the required form before executing the power of attorney abroad.

Common Problems in Family Reunification Applications

Applications may encounter difficulties because of:

incomplete documentation;
incorrect residence category;
expired passports;
missing civil-status certificates;
incorrectly authenticated foreign documents;
missing official translations;
differences in names;
unclear family relationships;
custody issues;
insufficient evidence where dependency must be established;
changes in the sponsor’s residence status;
missed renewal deadlines.

Many of these problems can be identified during a preliminary review of the application file.

How Long Does Family Reunification in Greece Take?

There is no single processing time applicable to every family reunification case.

The total period can depend on:

the type of application;
whether an entry approval is required;
whether a visa must first be issued;
the competent authority;
completeness of the documents;
authentication of foreign certificates;
requests for additional documentation;
the applicant’s circumstances.

Applicants should therefore avoid relying on a single general processing estimate for all family reunification procedures.

Family Reunification Application Refused

A family reunification or residence application may be refused where the competent authority considers that the applicable legal requirements have not been satisfied.

The available response depends on the decision and the legal framework applicable to the particular residence category.

Where an application is refused, the written decision should be examined carefully to determine:

the reason for refusal;
the applicable deadline;
whether an administrative or judicial remedy is available;
what documentation may be relevant;
whether a new application is appropriate.

Deadlines following an adverse immigration decision can be important, so the decision should be reviewed promptly.

Family Reunification Greece – Frequently Asked Questions

What is family reunification in Greece?

Family reunification is an immigration framework through which eligible family members may join or reside with a person legally residing in Greece, subject to the conditions applicable to the particular category.

Can I bring my spouse to Greece?

Potentially, yes, if the relevant immigration requirements are satisfied. The appropriate procedure depends on whether the sponsor is a third-country national, Greek citizen, EU citizen or falls within another legal category.

Can my children join me in Greece?

Minor children can fall within family reunification provisions, subject to the requirements applicable to the family and residence category. Birth certificates and, where relevant, custody documentation may be required.

Do I need a marriage certificate?

For an application based on marriage, evidence establishing the marriage will normally be necessary. Foreign marriage certificates may require authentication and official translation.

Does my marriage certificate need an Apostille?

Not always. The requirement depends on the country that issued the document and the applicable international or EU rules.

Can I apply if my family is already in Greece?

Potentially. Greek immigration law contains specific provisions addressing family reunification where qualifying family relationships are formed in Greece. The existing legal status of the family members must be examined.

Is family reunification the same for a spouse of a Greek citizen?

No. Family members of Greek citizens have specific residence categories and should not automatically be treated under the standard procedure for family members of third-country nationals.

Is it the same for a spouse of an EU citizen?

No. Third-country-national family members of EU citizens can fall under the EU free-movement residence framework, which has its own requirements.

Can a lawyer assist if I am outside Greece?

Yes. Legal assistance can include reviewing eligibility, preparing documents, checking authentication requirements and coordinating the immigration procedure. Personal attendance may still be required at particular stages.

Can a family reunification permit be renewed?

Family-based residence permits can be subject to renewal procedures. The requirements depend on the permit category and the circumstances at the time of renewal.

Family Reunification Greece – Contact Our Law Office

If you require assistance with Family Reunification Greece, our office can review your circumstances, determine the appropriate immigration category and assist with the preparation of the necessary documentation.

We assist foreign nationals and their families with family reunification, residence permits, foreign marriage and birth certificates, Apostille and legalisation requirements, official translations and residence permit renewals.

Related services:

Immigration Lawyer Athens
Residence Permit Lawyer Greece
Work Residence Permit Greece
Register Foreign Marriage in Greece
Register Foreign Birth in Greece

Law Office of Anna Deftereou
39 Stadiou Street, Athens, Greece
Tel.: +30 210 323 8062

Family Reunification Greece – Immigration Lawyer