Best Business Visa Lawyers in Arta

About Business Visa Law in Arta, Greece

A business visa allows non-EU and non-EEA nationals to travel to Greece for short-stay business activities such as meetings, negotiations, conferences, training, and exploring partnerships with Greek companies based in locations like Arta. For short visits up to 90 days in any 180-day period, applicants typically seek a Schengen short-stay business visa, also called a Type C visa. For longer business activity in Greece, such as managing a company, setting up operations, or serving as an executive, applicants may need a Greek national long-stay visa, also called a Type D visa, followed by a residence permit.

Arta is within the Epirus region. Visa applications are filed at Greek embassies or consulates abroad before travel. Once in Greece, any required long-stay follow-up such as residence permit procedures for those living or operating in Arta are handled by the competent immigration authorities for Epirus. The legal framework is primarily the EU Schengen rules for short stays and the Greek Immigration Code for national visas and residence permits.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Many business visitors can apply without legal help, but a lawyer can be important if your case involves complex itineraries, previous visa refusals or overstays, a criminal record or security concerns, a need to set up a company or branch in Arta, a plan to hire staff or bring executives and dependents, uncertainty about the correct visa category, tight timelines for a trade fair or time-sensitive deal, or an appeal after a refusal.

A lawyer can identify the correct visa path, prepare and review invitation letters and corporate documents, advise on translations and legalizations, address questions about paid work versus permitted business activities, coordinate with local authorities in Epirus for residence permits, and manage appeals within strict deadlines set by Greek law.

Local Laws Overview

Short-stay business travel is governed by the EU Schengen Visa Code and the 90-180 rule. Applicants must show a clear business purpose, such as an invitation from a Greek company in Arta or elsewhere in Greece, proof of accommodation and return travel, sufficient funds, and travel medical insurance with minimum coverage of 30,000 euros for emergency medical care and repatriation. Biometric data collection applies to most applicants. Business visitors may attend meetings, trainings, and negotiations, but they cannot take up local employment or perform work that normally requires a Greek work permit.

For longer stays, Greek national law applies to Type D visas and residence permits. Common routes include permits for executives or managers of Greek companies, intra-corporate transferees, and other business-oriented categories. After entry with a valid Type D visa, applicants usually finalize a residence permit through the competent services of the Decentralized Administration of Epirus - Western Macedonia. Applicants should expect requirements such as verified company documents, proof of role and qualifications, adequate resources, health insurance, clean criminal record certificates, and biometrics. Deadlines for submitting a residence permit application and for appearing for biometrics are strict and missing them can lead to rejection.

Foreign public documents typically need legalization, often by apostille under the Hague Convention, and official translation into Greek. Translations should be done by authorized providers such as certified lawyers or official translation services recognized in Greece. Keep records of entry and stay, and avoid overstays, which can trigger fines or entry bans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a business visa for Greece and who needs it?

A business visa is for non-EU and non-EEA nationals who wish to visit Greece for short-term business activities like meetings, negotiations, conferences, or training. If your main destination is Greece, you apply to a Greek consulate. Visa-exempt nationals may not need a visa for short stays but must still respect the 90-180 rule and business activity limits.

What is the difference between a Schengen Type C business visa and a Greek Type D visa?

A Type C visa is a short-stay Schengen visa allowing up to 90 days in any 180-day period for business activities without local employment. A Type D visa is a national long-stay visa used for extended business stays and is usually followed by a Greek residence permit if you intend to live and conduct ongoing business in Greece.

What documents are typically required for a short-stay business visa?

Common documents include a completed application form, passport meeting validity and blank page requirements, photos, invitation letter from the Greek host company, proof of the business relationship or event registration, itinerary and accommodation details, proof of funds, round-trip reservation, travel medical insurance with at least 30,000 euros coverage, and proof of ties to your home country. Additional documents may be requested.

What should be included in an invitation letter from a company in Arta?

The letter should be on company letterhead, identify the visitor and the host, explain the purpose and duration of the visit, outline any costs covered by the host, confirm planned meetings or events, provide contact details, and describe the business relationship. It should be signed by an authorized representative and ideally include the company registration details in Greece.

Can I work or get paid in Greece on a business visa?

No local employment is permitted on a business visa. You may attend meetings, negotiate contracts, and receive training. You cannot take up paid employment with a Greek employer or perform work in Greece that requires a work permit. Payment from your home employer for your regular salary is generally acceptable, but invoicing Greek clients for on-the-ground services may require a different status.

How long can I stay and can I extend my business visa while in Greece?

A Type C business visa allows up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area. Extensions are rare and typically require exceptional reasons such as force majeure. Plan your travel carefully to comply with the 90-180 rule. Long-term business activities usually require a Type D visa and a residence permit.

Where do I apply if my destination is Arta?

You apply at the Greek embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over your place of residence before you travel. There is no local issuance in Arta for first-time visas. If you later transition to a residence permit based on a Type D visa, the competent services for Epirus handle processing after your arrival in Greece.

What if my visa is refused?

You have a right to receive the reason for refusal and a right to appeal under Greek procedures. Appeal deadlines are short and strictly enforced. A lawyer can assess the refusal grounds, help collect stronger evidence, and file an appeal or advise on when a reapplication is more suitable.

Can I bring my spouse or children?

For short-stay travel, each person must qualify individually for a visa unless visa-exempt. For long-stay business routes, some categories allow family reunification after the main applicant obtains a residence permit. Eligibility, timing, and documentation depend on the specific permit category and Greek law.

Do I need translations and legalization of my documents?

Yes, foreign documents often need legalization, typically by apostille, and official translation into Greek by authorized translators or certified lawyers. Improper or informal translations are a common reason for delays or refusals, so plan for this early.

Additional Resources

Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Consular Services

Hellenic Ministry of Migration and Asylum

Decentralized Administration of Epirus - Western Macedonia, Directorate of Foreigners and Immigration

Hellenic Police - Aliens and Border Protection services

Chamber of Arta - General Commercial Registry office

Independent Authority for Public Revenue - Arta Tax Office

Citizens Service Centers in Arta for administrative guidance

Local Bar Association in Ioannina and lawyers serving Arta for immigration and business law

Next Steps

Clarify the purpose and duration of your trip. If your activity is short-term and fits business visitor rules, prepare for a Type C business visa. If you plan to live in Greece to manage or establish a business, explore Type D visa options that lead to a residence permit.

Gather key documents early. Secure a detailed invitation letter from the Greek host in Arta or elsewhere, organize company and financial records, obtain required travel medical insurance, and plan for legalization and official translation of foreign documents. Check your passport validity and prior Schengen travel history to avoid 90-180 rule issues.

Identify the correct Greek embassy or consulate for filing. Schedule your appointment well in advance of travel. Provide accurate, consistent information across all forms and documents, and be prepared to explain your business itinerary and ties to your home country.

If a long-stay is involved, plan your post-arrival steps in Epirus. This may include tax registration, social security matters if applicable, and submitting a residence permit application through the competent authorities, along with biometrics. Keep copies of all submissions and appointment receipts.

If you face complications such as a refusal, tight deadlines, or uncertainty about the best route, consult a lawyer experienced in Greek immigration and business law. A local practitioner familiar with procedures in Epirus can streamline your application and help you stay compliant.

This guide provides general information and is not legal advice. For personalized assistance based on your goals and timeline in Arta, speak with a qualified lawyer before you apply.