LAW 2910 IMMIGRATION

Entrance and permanent residency: Immigration laws in Greece are constantly being revised and in 2001 law 2910 was passed detailing the procedures to be followed when entering the country for work purposes. Foreigners who wish to enter Greece must hold a current passport or other valid travel documentation and an entry or tourist visa if entering Greece from countries from where a visa is mandatory. Immigrants, who legally enter Greece and wish to remain in the country as permanent residents, must submit an application for a residence permit two months prior to the expiration of their entry visa. Immigrants who have entered legally without a visa (ie EU citizens) may stay in the country for up to three months; an application must be made for a permanent residence permit before the three months have passed if a longer stay is required. For up to date information on immigration matters please contact us by phone or e-mail.

EU citizens have the right to travel freely in the EU and live and work in the member states. EU citizens who want to live in Greece for more than three months should apply for a residence permit at their local town hall. All EU nationals are eligible to apply for an EU residence permit provided that they can prove that they can financially support themselves during their stay
in Greece. EU nationals do not need work permits.

The name "Schengen" originates from a small town in Luxembourg. In March 1995, seven European Union countries signed a treaty to end internal border checkpoints and controls. More countries have joined the treaty over the past years. At present, there are 15 Schengen countries, all in Europe.

Schengen Visa Member Countries Comprise 13 of the 15 European Union (EU) Member States: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Greece, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden) and 2 European Economic Area (EEA) Member States (Norway and Iceland).

Greek nationals and all immigrants holding residence permits issued by the Ministry of the Interior or the Ministry of Public Order can travel freely without visas to and from countries in the Schengen zone. Exceptions to this rule are the 220,000 immigrants who hold Green Cards. The Green Card, (a limited duration residence and work permit issued by the labour ministry) is the only Greek residence permit not included in the list that Greece distributes to other Schengen countries. Authorities say this is due to the fact that, at present, the Green Card is only printed in Greek. Green Card holders must apply for visas, which is very difficult. Most immigrants travel at their own risk knowing that, if they are stopped and found to be travelling without a visa outside of Greece, they will be denied entry and returned to Greece. If you are a Green Card holder, beware of travel outside of Greece. Many customs officers are unfamiliar with the laws governing your status and on several occasions Green Card holders have been illegally detained on arriving back in Greece and shipped back to their country of origin.

The above information is as recent as possible, for advice and help on how to gain residence or work permits please contact us by phone or email. Greece is still a very bureaucratic country and applying for a residence permit can be a nightmare and time consuming experience. We will be available to personally deal with your case and advise you of the documentation required and how to proceed with your application.