Best Business Visa Lawyers in Elliniko

About Business Visa Law in Elliniko, Greece

Business visa matters in Elliniko - and in Greece generally - are governed by national immigration and visa rules that implement both Greek law and European Schengen rules. Short-term business travel to Greece is usually covered by a Schengen short-stay visa - Type C - for visits up to 90 days in any 180-day period. For longer stays to set up a company, manage a business on-site, or work, non-EU nationals normally need a national long-stay visa - Type D - followed by a residence permit or a work permit issued under Greek national law. Practical steps - applications, biometrics, interviews and residence permit procedures - are handled by Greek consulates abroad, the Hellenic Police and the local immigration authorities in the Attica region. In Elliniko specifically, applicants will usually deal with Athens-area immigration services or municipal contact points for administrative assistance.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Business visa applications and related immigration matters can involve several legal and administrative hurdles. A lawyer can help in situations such as:

- Preparing and organising supporting documents so applications meet formal requirements and reduce the risk of refusal.

- Drafting business plans, investment summaries or contracts required for long-stay permits and investor routes.

- Applying for work permits and ensuring compliance with labour and social security rules.

- Appealing visa or permit refusals and representing you before administrative authorities or the courts.

- Navigating company formation, registration with the General Commercial Registry - G.E.MI., tax registration (AFM) and regulatory licensing that may affect visa eligibility.

- Handling family reunification requests tied to a business visa holder or residence permit.

- Advising on tax residency, social security obligations and cross-border legal issues that affect your business presence in Greece.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal frameworks and practical points to know if you are pursuing a business visa in Elliniko and Greece:

- Schengen rules apply to short-term business travel - Type C visa - and set common entry requirements across Schengen states.

- Greek national immigration law - including the main immigration code and amendments - governs long-stay visas, residence permits, and work authorisations for third-country nationals. Procedures are implemented by Greek consulates abroad and by national authorities such as the Hellenic Police and the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.

- Work permits generally require either employer sponsorship or a self-employment / investment route. Employment-based residence requires coordination between the employer, the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and immigration services.

- Company law and registration rules - administered through the General Commercial Registry - G.E.MI. - affect the formation of companies, branches or representative offices. Proof of company registration and legitimate business activity is often required for business residence applications.

- Tax and social security rules - handled by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) and EFKA - are relevant for employment, self-employment and residency determinations.

- Administrative timelines, required translations, and legalisation or apostille requirements for foreign documents are regulated by Greek authorities and must be respected during the application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Schengen business visa and a long-stay business or work visa?

A Schengen business visa - Type C - is a short-stay permit for visits up to 90 days in any 180-day period and is intended for meetings, conferences, negotiations and short assignments. A long-stay national visa - Type D - or a residence permit is required if you plan to stay longer, work, establish or manage a business in Greece. Long-stay routes typically require additional documents such as business plans, proof of investment, work permits or company registration.

How do I apply for a business visa if I live outside Greece?

You normally apply at the Greek embassy or consulate that has jurisdiction over your place of residence. The basic steps include completing the visa application form, providing a valid passport, photos, travel insurance for short stays, an invitation or a business letter, proof of accommodation, proof of means of support, and any additional documents requested by the consulate. For long-stay visas, you may also need diplomas, a criminal record certificate, health certificates, and proof of business activity.

Can I work in Greece on a Schengen business visa?

No. A Schengen business visa permits business-related short-term activities like meetings or negotiations, but it does not authorise employment or sustained working activity in Greece. To work you generally need a national visa and a work permit or a residence permit that allows employment.

What documents are commonly required for a long-stay business visa or entrepreneur residence permit?

Typical documents include a passport valid beyond the planned stay, a completed application form, passport photos, a detailed business plan, proof of sufficient funds or investment, company registration documents if you already have a Greek business, professional qualifications, a criminal record certificate, health insurance and, where applicable, evidence of a proposed office or premises. Official translations and legalisation or apostille may be required for documents issued abroad.

How long does visa processing usually take?

Processing times vary. Schengen short-stay visas are often processed within 15 calendar days from the appointment, though consulates may take longer in busy periods or request extra documents. National visas and residence permits for business or work purposes can take several weeks to months depending on the complexity of the case and the need for approvals from different ministries. Start the process early and confirm timing with the relevant consulate or immigration office.

What should I do if my business visa or residence permit is refused?

If your application is refused, the decision letter should explain the reasons and inform you about appeal rights and deadlines. It is important to act quickly - appeals are time-limited. A specialised lawyer can review the refusal reasons, advise on the best remedy - administrative appeal or judicial review - and prepare the necessary submissions and supporting evidence.

Do EU and EEA citizens need a visa to do business in Elliniko?

No. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens do not need a visa to enter, reside or work in Greece. They must still register with local authorities if they stay beyond certain periods and obtain a tax identification number - AFM - and social security registration as required. Municipal offices and Citizens Service Centers - KEP - can assist with some registration formalities.

Can I bring family members with me on a business visa or residence permit?

Family reunification rules depend on the type of permit you obtain. Short-term Schengen visas do not generally allow family reunification for long stays. If you obtain a long-stay residence permit for work or business, you may be eligible to apply for family reunification for immediate family members. The exact requirements and procedures vary, so legal advice is useful to prepare the necessary documents and applications.

What are common reasons for visa application delays or rejections?

Common reasons include incomplete or inconsistent documentation, insufficient proof of funds or business viability, lack of official translations or legalisation for foreign documents, inadequate travel or health insurance for short stays, failure to demonstrate intent to return for short visits, and unmet work permit or labour law conditions for employment-based requests. Presenting clear, complete and well-organised documentation reduces the risk of delay or refusal.

How much does it cost to use a lawyer for a business visa case in Greece?

Lawyer fees vary depending on the complexity of the matter, the type of application, whether litigation or appeals are required, and the lawyer's experience. Fees can be fixed for routine services - document review, application preparation - or hourly for complex litigation. Always ask for a written fee agreement that sets out the scope of work, estimated costs and any additional expenses such as translations or filing fees.

Additional Resources

When seeking information or assistance for business visas in Elliniko and Greece, the following authorities and local resources are relevant:

- Greek embassies and consulates - for visa applications made from abroad and for consular guidance.

- Hellenic Police - Aliens and Immigration Department - for residence permits and local immigration procedures.

- Ministry of Migration and Asylum - for national immigration policy and guidance on residence permits.

- Ministry of Foreign Affairs - for consular instructions and visa policy references.

- General Commercial Registry - G.E.MI. - for company registration and official company extracts required in many applications.

- Independent Authority for Public Revenue - AADE - for tax registration and obligations that affect residency and business activity.

- Local municipality offices and Citizens Service Centers - KEP - in Elliniko-Argyroupoli for administrative assistance and local registrations.

- Professional bodies and translators - certified translators and notaries for document legalisation and translation services.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance for a business visa in Elliniko - follow these practical steps:

- Check which visa type fits your purpose - short-term business (Schengen Type C) or long-stay business/work (Type D and residence permit).

- Gather basic documents - valid passport, passport photos, invitation or employer letter, proof of funds and accommodation. Start collecting any company documents, investment evidence or proof of qualifications for long-stay cases.

- Obtain certified translations and legalisation or apostille for foreign documents when required.

- Book an appointment with the responsible Greek consulate if applying from abroad, or with the local immigration office if you are in Greece and dealing with residence permits.

- If your case is complex - such as company formation, investor residency, work permit applications or an appeal - consult a lawyer who specializes in immigration and business law in Greece. When choosing a lawyer - check their credentials, ask for examples of similar cases, request a written fee agreement and agree on timelines.

- Keep copies of all submitted documents and follow up promptly on any requests from authorities. Early preparation and professional help improve the chance of a smooth application process.