Residence permit
As a spouse of a Greek citizen, you are entitled to apply for a residence permit in accordance with Law 4251/2014.The basic requirements include a valid passport, marriage certificate, proof of legal and continuous residence, employment and financial stability documents, as well as proof of health insurance.
Also, demonstration of knowledge of the Greek language and social integration may be required. The procedure may lead to the acquisition of a permanent residence permit, valid for ten years, offering similar rights to those of Greek citizens.
What is Law 4251/2014
According to the provisions of Law 4251/2014, foreign spouses of Greek citizens have the right to apply for a legal residence permit in Greece, provided they meet certain requirements and submit the necessary supporting documents. The application procedure is extensive and requires the submission of a number of personal and legal documents.
One of the legal requirements is that the foreign spouse must be able to prove a genuine spousal relationship with the Greek spouse. In many cases, both the Greek citizen and his/her spouse are required to attend an interview, during which questions are asked to verify the authenticity of the relationship.
The residence permit granted under this law is valid for five years. However, it is important to note that absences from Greece exceeding a total of six months per year or absence of twelve consecutive months for specific reasons may affect the validity of this permit.
After the initial five-year period, spouses of Greek citizens may apply for a permanent residence permit. This permit, valid for ten years, gives full access to the labour market.
Necessary documents for the application
To apply for a residence permit as the spouse of a Greek citizen, you must prepare and submit a number of specific documents. First of all, passport verification is essential; you must provide a photocopy of all pages of a valid passport.
If necessary, you must also ensure that the documents are translated. For example, an officially certified and translated government document from your country of origin showing your place of birth is required.
Proof of residence is another important document. This can be in the form of an entry visa, a special identity card, or a residence permit from another EU Member State, depending on your particular case. It is important that this document proves your legal residence in Greece.
You must also present a marriage certificate issued by the Greek authorities. If the marriage took place abroad, the certificate must be from the special register.
Finally, your application must include a printout of your insurance certificate from a public insurance institution or an insurance policy from a private institution as proof of insurance coverage.
In short, the correct preparation and submission of these documents is essential for the successful processing of your application for a residence permit.
Residence permit as the spouse of a Greek citizen
Proof of Legal Residence in Greece
Once you have gathered the necessary documents, the next important step involves documenting your legal residence in Greece. This process includes several key areas such as address verification, eligibility for employment, financial stability, language proficiency and social integration.
Address verification is important and can be proven through utility bills or lease agreements.
Eligibility for work is determined by your ability to work legally in Greece, often proven through an employment contract or self-employment documents.
Financial stability is another important factor. This can be proven by bank statements or proof of stable income, showing that you can support yourself and your family without needing public resources.
Knowledge of the Greek language is an expected requirement. This can be demonstrated through language certification, showing that you can communicate and interact effectively within Greek society.
Finally, social integration is assessed. This includes demonstrating your participation in local activities, cultural understanding and connections within the community.
Marriage and Civil Partnership Certificates
One of the crucial steps for obtaining a residence permit as a spouse of a Greek citizen is the submission of valid marriage or cohabitation certificates. These documents serve as verification of marriage and proof of cohabitation, respectively, which are necessary to support your application for legal residence in Greece.
The procedure requires an exact photocopy of all pages of a valid passport, an official government document of the country of origin translated into Greek, and a copy of documents certifying legal residence in Greece.
If your marriage took place abroad, a marriage certificate from the Special Registry Office is required. For those in a civil partnership, a certificate of registration is required. Both documents must be officially certified and translated.
Remember that these are supporting documents and must be submitted together with other necessary documents. The Greek authorities follow a strict procedure to ensure the authenticity of these documents, which often involves a face-to-face interview with both spouses.
Obtaining document translation services can help ensure that all of your documents are correct, making the process smoother and more efficient.
Greek ID – Residence permit as the spouse of a Greek citizen
A crucial part of the application process involves presenting a certified copy of the Greek spouse’s identity card. This important document serves multiple purposes in the application process.
First and foremost, it helps to verify the identity, ensuring that the spouse’s Greek citizenship status is authentic. It confirms that the individual is indeed a Greek citizen, which is a necessary requirement for the foreign spouse to qualify for a residence permit.
In addition, the identity card provides important information to confirm residence. It includes details such as the declared address of the spouse, which can be used to verify the couple’s conditions of residence in Greece. This is an essential part of the legal status assessment, ensuring that the foreign spouse meets the residency requirements set out in Greek law.
In addition, identity plays an important role in determining the documents required for the application. It helps the authorities to better understand the couple’s situation, allowing them to determine the documents necessary for a successful application.
Insurance requirements for the application
In addition to the importance of the Greek identity card, the application for a residence permit also includes certain insurance requirements that the foreign spouse must meet. These requirements are intended to ensure the financial stability of the spouse, as well as to provide basic health benefits.
The insurance cover required for the application should ideally cover a wide range of health services, including hospitalisation, emergency care and regular medical examinations. The policy options available to the applicant vary; however, the policy chosen should offer a satisfactory level of coverage.
The foreign spouse should provide proof of consistent premium payments, showing a commitment to maintain insurance coverage. In addition, comprehensive insurance coverage significantly enhances the chances of a successful application, as it provides the Greek authorities with a guarantee of the spouse’s financial readiness and ability to access necessary health services.
Validity and renewal of the residence permit
The residence permit issued to the spouse of a Greek citizen has a validity period of five years, offering access to the Greek labour market. This period is subject to certain conditions, including compliance with established immigration rules and the maintenance of a genuine relationship with the Greek spouse.
The process of renewal of the residence permit starts towards the end of the five-year period of validity. This process includes the submission of updated documents and possibly a follow-up interview to verify the continued validity of the spousal relationship.
Exceptions for absences apply during the period of validity of the residence permit. Temporary absences not exceeding six months per year or extended absences due to compulsory military service, serious illness or educational obligations shall not interrupt the continuity of residence.
After successful completion of two renewal cycles, the spouse of a Greek citizen may qualify for a permanent residence permit. The permanent residence permit has a validity period of ten years, providing long-term security and continued access to the Greek labour market. This process further strengthens the commitment to serving others in the Greek community.
Residence permit as the spouse of a Greek citizen
Deteraiou Anna and Associates Law Office.
39 Stadiou Street, Athens, Greece