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Business visa rules that apply in Acharnes follow national Greek and European law. Business visas fall into two main categories - short-stay Schengen visas for business trips up to 90 days in any 180-day period, and national long-stay visas or residence permits for people who intend to work, invest, establish a company, or run a long-term business activity in Greece. Applications for entry visas are typically made at Greek consulates abroad. Residence permits and work authorization for non-EU nationals are processed by Greek authorities once the applicant is in the country or through a national visa issued by a consulate. Local administrative bodies in Attica, including municipal offices in Acharnes and regional immigration units, handle certain registration, licensing, and compliance matters after arrival.
Business visa matters often involve complex administrative and legal requirements. A lawyer can help in these common situations:
- Preparing and reviewing visa and residence permit applications to ensure all legal criteria and documentary requirements are met.
- Advising on the correct visa or permit category for your planned activities - for example, entrepreneur, intra-company transfer, investor, or self-employed.
- Assisting with company formation and registration under Greek company law, including choice of entity, drafting founding documents, and registration with tax and commercial registries.
- Obtaining work permits, navigating employment law obligations, and meeting social security and tax registration requirements.
- Responding to visa denials, preparing appeals or administrative remedies, and representing you before immigration authorities or administrative courts.
- Ensuring regulatory compliance such as local business licenses, health and safety permits, zoning approvals, and sector-specific authorizations.
- Advising on family reunification, renewal of permits, and changes of status from visitor to resident or from one permit type to another.
Key legal and administrative aspects relevant to business visas in Acharnes include:
- Immigration framework - National law governs entry, stay, and integration of third-country nationals, together with EU directives where applicable. Relevant rules define visa categories, eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and procedures for short-stay and long-stay permits.
- Work and residence permits - Non-EU nationals generally need a work permit or a specific residence permit authorizing self-employment or investment activity. Permits set conditions such as type of activity, duration, and renewal requirements.
- Company law and business registration - Common Greek company forms include the Private Company (IKE), Limited Liability Company (EPE), and Public Limited Company (AE). Company formation requires registration with the General Commercial Registry, tax registration, and sometimes sector-specific licensing.
- Tax and social security obligations - Businesses and employees must register with tax authorities to obtain a tax identification number (AFM) and with social security funds to obtain contributions status. Noncompliance can affect permit renewals and legal standing.
- Local permits and municipal rules - Municipal approvals, zoning permissions, and municipal business licenses may be required to operate a physical business in Acharnes. Local fire, health, and safety regulations can also apply depending on the activity.
- Administrative procedures - Applications often require certified translations, apostilles or consular legalization of documents issued abroad, and submission to specific government offices such as regional immigration services or the Hellenic Police - Aliens Department for Attica.
If your stay will be up to 90 days within a 180-day period, you need a short-stay Schengen business visa. This covers meetings, conferences, negotiations, market research, and similar activities. You must apply at the Greek consulate in your country of residence and provide invitation letters, proof of business purpose, travel medical insurance, and proof of means of support.
Non-EU nationals normally apply for a national visa type D for residence and then apply for the appropriate residence permit once in Greece. You will need a clear business plan, company formation documents or proof of investment, financial means, health insurance, and criminal record checks. A lawyer or certified consultant can help prepare the application and required supporting documentation.
Company formation in Greece can often be performed remotely or during a short visit, but starting business operations and hiring staff typically requires the correct residence or work permits. Acting as an active manager or employee as a non-EU national without the relevant permits can breach immigration and labor law, so obtain legal advice before undertaking operational activities.
Typical documents include a valid passport, visa application form and photos, invitation or business letters, proof of company registration or business plan, bank statements proving sufficient funds, health insurance, criminal record certificate, certified translations, and, for residence permits, proof of accommodation. Additional sector-specific permits may be needed.
Short-stay Schengen visas are often processed within 15 calendar days, but processing can take longer depending on consulate workload. National long-stay visas and residence permits can take several weeks to several months. Administrative delays are possible, so plan well in advance and allow time for document collection and translations.
Many Greek residence permits allow family reunification for spouses and dependent children. Specific eligibility rules and documentation apply, including proof of adequate income and suitable accommodation. Family members generally apply for their own visas or permits based on reunification provisions.
If a visa or permit is denied, you will receive a written decision explaining the reasons. You may have the right to appeal or request an administrative review within a specified timeframe. A lawyer can assess the grounds for refusal, advise on remedies, and prepare an appeal or new application addressing the deficiencies.
That depends on the permit type. Some residence permits include authorization to work for a specific employer or for self-employment. Other cases require a separate work permit. Check the terms of the permit and consult a lawyer to ensure you have both immigration and employment authorization if needed.
After arrival, you will typically register with the local tax office to obtain an AFM tax number, register with social security for contributions, and contact municipal offices in Acharnes for local business permits or licenses. Immigration-related residence permit procedures are handled by regional immigration offices or the Hellenic Police - Aliens Department serving Attica. A local lawyer or consultant can point to the correct offices and assist with filings.
Costs vary widely by case complexity. Consular visa fees are fixed amounts, while residence permit application fees, translations, certifications, and professional fees vary. Lawyer fees depend on the scope of work - document preparation, representation, appeals, company formation, and ongoing compliance. Always request a written fee estimate and engagement agreement before retaining counsel.
To navigate business visa matters in Acharnes, useful authorities and organizations include:
- Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs for consular visa guidance and application requirements.
- Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum and Hellenic Police - Aliens Department for residence permits and immigration procedures.
- Regional authorities for Attica and the Municipality of Acharnes for local registrations and permits.
- Tax authorities for obtaining an AFM tax identification number and registering a business.
- Social security institutions to register employees or self-employed contributors and obtain AMKA where relevant.
- Enterprise Greece and local chambers of commerce for practical business information and investment guidance.
- Athens Bar Association and local law firms for lists of qualified immigration and business lawyers who can provide legal representation.
If you need legal assistance with a business visa in Acharnes, follow these practical steps:
- Clarify your objective - short trip, long-term residence, investor program, company formation, or intra-company transfer.
- Gather preliminary documents - passport, company or business proposals, proof of funds, and any invitations from Greek contacts.
- Contact a lawyer experienced in Greek immigration and business law for a case assessment. Ask for a written scope of work, timeline estimate, and fee structure.
- Prepare certified translations and apostilles for foreign documents where required, and obtain any required criminal record certificates and insurance documents.
- File the appropriate visa application at the Greek consulate or prepare the residence permit application in Greece, following your lawyer's guidance.
- Keep copies of all submissions and track deadlines for renewals or appeals. Maintain compliance with tax and social security duties to protect your immigration status.
Working with a competent local lawyer or specialist greatly reduces the risk of mistakes that can delay or jeopardize your ability to conduct business in Acharnes. Start early and seek professional help for complex or urgent matters.
