Best Business Visa Lawyers in Melissia

About Business Visa Law in Melissia, Greece

This guide provides an introduction to business visa rules and practical steps for non-EU nationals who want to enter Melissia, Greece for business purposes. Melissia is a suburb of Athens, so most national procedures and services are handled at Athens-area offices and by national authorities. Generally there are two main categories that concern business visitors - short-stay Schengen business visas for meetings and conferences, and national long-stay visas or residence permits for those who intend to work, establish, or manage a business in Greece. Business-related immigration is governed by national immigration and labour rules, tax and company law, and local administrative practice in Attica and the Melissia municipality.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Legal help is often necessary because business immigration involves multiple legal areas - immigration, labour, corporate, tax, and social security. A lawyer can help in situations such as:

- Preparing and checking visa and permit applications to reduce the risk of refusal.

- Applying for work permits or national residence permits for employment, intra-company transfer, or self-employment.

- Setting up a Greek company or branch - choosing the right legal form and drafting shareholder and partnership agreements.

- Navigating investment residency routes such as investor residence programs and ensuring compliance with investment conditions.

- Responding to visa or permit refusals, filing appeals, or handling administrative reviews.

- Ensuring tax and social security compliance for you and any employees you bring to Greece.

- Drafting contracts with Greek suppliers, clients, or local employees and advising on employment law obligations.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal aspects relevant to business visas in Melissia reflect national Greek law with local administrative implementation. Important points include:

- Visa Types - Short-stay Schengen business visas allow stays up to 90 days in a 180-day period for meetings, trade fairs, and similar activities. National long-stay visas and residence permits are required for employment, long-term business management, or establishing a company.

- Work Permits and Residence Permits - Non-EU nationals who will perform paid work for a Greek employer or carry out self-employed business activities generally need both a work permit and a national type-D visa followed by a residence permit. Procedures require employer involvement and proof that a position cannot be filled by an EU candidate in certain cases.

- Company Formation and Registration - Foreign nationals can form companies in Greece, but company registration, tax registration, and compliance with company law are necessary before or shortly after starting operations. Requirements include registration at the tax authority and the local chamber of commerce.

- Tax and Social Security - Operating in Greece brings tax obligations - corporate tax, VAT, payroll taxes, and social security contributions for employees. Tax residency rules determine personal tax obligations - generally 183 days in Greece is a common residency threshold for taxation.

- Local Administration - Many procedural steps are handled in Athens and the Attica regional offices. The Melissia municipal office can assist with local registrations, but immigration and permit processing is usually through national or regional immigration services.

- Compliance and Penalties - Non-compliance with immigration or labour rules can lead to fines, prohibition from entry, and difficulties renewing permits. Proper documentation, translations, and certified copies are required for many steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Short-stay business visas (Schengen Type C) permit up to 90 days in any 180-day period for travel related to meetings, conferences, or negotiations. They do not allow you to take paid work for a Greek employer. Long-stay visas (national Type D) and residence permits are for people who will work, manage, or run a business in Greece for longer than 90 days.

Can I attend business meetings in Melissia on a tourist visa?

Many short business activities can be done on a Schengen business visa or even on a tourist visa if permitted by the consulate and your nationality. However, if your activities amount to entering the Greek labour market, signing employment contracts, or providing services locally on a regular basis, you will likely need a national visa and work permit.

How do I apply for a work permit for Greece?

Work permit procedures vary by type of employment and whether you are self-employed. Typically an employer initiates the process by applying to the competent authority, providing proof of vacancy and supporting documents. For self-employment or investors, different permit categories apply and require evidence of business plans, capital, and compliance with licensing rules. Expect to gather certified translations, criminal record checks, proof of qualifications, and financial documents.

Can a non-EU national open a company in Melissia?

Yes. Non-EU nationals can form companies in Greece. Company formation involves drafting articles of association, registering with the company registry, obtaining a tax identification number (AFM), and registering for VAT and social security if there are employees. Some business activities require specific licences or professional qualifications.

What is the Golden Visa or investor residence program and does it apply in Melissia?

Greece operates an investor residence program that grants residence permits to eligible non-EU investors who meet certain investment thresholds, often through real estate purchase, capital investment, or strategic business investment. Melissia is treated the same as other parts of Greece for eligibility - you must meet the national investment and documentation requirements to qualify.

How long does it take to get a business visa or work permit?

Processing times vary. Short-stay Schengen business visas can take from a few days to several weeks depending on consulate workload. National visas and work permits typically take longer - several weeks to a few months - because of employer approvals and inter-agency checks. Start the process early and prepare complete documentation to reduce delays.

What documents are commonly required for a business visa application?

Common documents include a valid passport, passport photos, invitation letters from Greek companies, proof of travel arrangements, proof of sufficient funds, travel or medical insurance for short-stay visas, and for national visas: employment contract or business plan, qualification certificates, criminal record check, medical clearance, proof of accommodation, and proof of financial means. Many documents need certified translation into Greek and an apostille or legalization depending on the issuing country.

Can I renew or extend a national residence permit while in Greece?

Yes, many residence permits can be renewed in Greece, but renewal requires timely submission of updated documents showing continued eligibility, such as ongoing employment, continuing business activities, or sustained investment. Extensions should be requested well before expiry to avoid gaps.

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

If an application is refused, the refusal letter usually explains the grounds and the period within which you may file an administrative appeal or judicial review. A lawyer experienced in immigration can assess the refusal reasons, advise on remedies, prepare an appeal, and help gather missing evidence to improve the chances of success.

Do I need a Greek tax number and social security number if I start a business?

Yes. A tax identification number (AFM) is essential for any business activity in Greece. If you hire employees or are employed, you will also need to register with the social security system and obtain social security numbers for employees. Tax registration and payroll compliance are key legal obligations and are enforced by tax authorities.

Additional Resources

Useful public bodies and organisations to consult include the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs - for visa rules as applied by consulates, the Ministry of Migration and Asylum - for immigration policy and residence permits, the national immigration services and regional immigration offices in Attica - for permit issuance, and the local municipality of Melissia - for local registrations and municipal services. For company and tax matters, contact the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (tax authority) and the local Chamber of Commerce in Athens. Professional organisations such as the Hellenic Bar Association and local law firms with immigration and corporate practices can provide legal representation and advice. Chambers of commerce and investment promotion bodies can also assist with market entry and business information.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance with a business visa or business immigration in Melissia, follow these steps:

- Assess your objective - determine whether you need a short-stay business visa or a national visa and work permit based on intended activities and duration.

- Gather basic documentation - passport, CV, business invitations, contracts, proof of funds, and any corporate documents if you plan to set up a business.

- Contact a lawyer who specialises in Greek immigration and business law. Look for experience with work permits, investor residence programs, and company formation for non-EU nationals.

- Prepare translations and apostilles - many documents must be translated into Greek and certified. Your lawyer can advise which documents require legalization.

- Start applications early - allow time for consular processing, inter-agency checks, and any administrative appeals.

- Keep records - maintain copies of all submissions, receipts, and correspondence. This is critical if there are delays, audits, or legal disputes.

- Plan for compliance - once in Greece, register for tax (AFM), social security if applicable, and local municipal requirements. Your lawyer or local accountant can help finalise these steps.

Contacting a local lawyer for a consultation is the most effective way to get personalised guidance - bring your documentation and a clear summary of your planned business activities. A lawyer will identify the correct visa category, list required documents, estimate timelines and costs, and represent you before authorities if needed.