Best Business Visa Lawyers in Vouliagmeni

About Business Visa Law in Vouliagmeni, Greece

Vouliagmeni is a coastal district in the Municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni within the Attica region. Because it is part of Greece and the Schengen Area, business travel to Vouliagmeni is governed by Greek immigration law and the EU Schengen framework. In practice, most short visits for meetings, negotiations, conferences, trade fairs, and site inspections use the Schengen short-stay category known as a Business Visa. Longer business stays or activity that goes beyond meetings may require a Greek national long-stay visa and, in many cases, a residence permit.

There are two main pathways for business visitors:

1. Schengen short-stay visa type C - business purpose. This allows stays up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period for activities like attending meetings, exploring partnerships, signing contracts, or after-sales service that does not amount to local employment.

2. Greek national long-stay visa type D. This is used for extended business activity, investment, employment as a manager or specialist, intra-corporate transfer, EU Blue Card, digital nomad status, and similar categories that require residence in Greece. After entry with a D visa, you normally apply for a Greek residence permit if you intend to stay.

Choosing the correct route depends on the purpose, the duration, and whether you will perform work for a Greek employer or establish an ongoing business presence in Greece.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Immigration and business rules are detailed and time-sensitive. A lawyer can help you avoid delays, refusals, and compliance risks. Common situations where legal support is valuable include:

- Determining the right visa type for your activities. For example, distinguishing between a short-stay business visit and a stay that actually requires a national visa and residence permit.

- Preparing invitation letters and corporate documentation that match consular expectations, including demonstrating the bona fides of the Greek host company registered in the General Commercial Registry.

- Structuring an investment or start-up plan that fits Greek immigration categories, including residence by investment and sector-specific incentives, and understanding thresholds that apply in the South Athens area that includes Vouliagmeni.

- Converting from a business visit to a longer stay, or preparing to bring dependents under family reunification rules if your status allows.

- Addressing prior visa refusals, overstays, or criminal record issues with a clear strategy and supporting evidence.

- Coordinating parallel legal needs such as forming a Greek company, obtaining a tax number, registering with social insurance when relevant, and arranging compliant health coverage.

- Managing appeals and reconsideration requests within strict deadlines if a visa is refused or a residence permit is denied.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal sources and practices you should know before planning business travel to Vouliagmeni include:

- Schengen Visa Code. Short-stay business visas are processed by Greek consulates abroad under EU rules. The standard allowance is up to 90 days within any 180-day period. You must show purpose of travel, adequate funds, accommodation, and travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros.

- Greek Immigration Code. Greek national law sets the categories for long stays such as employment, investment activity, management roles, intra-corporate transferees, EU Blue Card, and digital nomad residence. These are typically entered with a type D visa and followed by an application for a residence permit inside Greece.

- Business activity vs employment. A Schengen business visa allows meetings, negotiations, and similar activities. It does not authorize local employment or receiving Greek payroll income. If you will work for a Greek entity, you likely need a D visa and a work-authorized residence permit.

- Entry and registration steps. After entering on a D visa, you usually file your residence permit application within the visa validity period, enroll biometrics, and maintain required insurance. Depending on your category, you may also need a Greek tax number and to register for social insurance when employment is involved.

- Investment and property related residence. Greece offers residence by investment routes regulated by national law. Certain areas of Attica that include Vouliagmeni have higher property investment thresholds. Requirements and thresholds are subject to change, so confirm the current rules before committing funds.

- Translations and legalization. Foreign public documents often need an apostille or consular legalization and official translation into Greek. Lawyers admitted to a Greek bar and certain authorized services can provide valid translations for use with authorities.

- Overstays and compliance. Overstaying a Schengen visa can result in entry bans and Schengen Information System alerts. Maintain accurate travel records and keep copies of entry stamps, boarding passes, and confirmations relevant to your stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Schengen business visa and a Greek national business visa?

A Schengen business visa type C is for short stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period for business visits like meetings and conferences. A Greek national visa type D is for longer stays and categories that allow residence in Greece, such as employment, investment, intra-corporate transfer, or digital nomad status. The D visa is typically followed by a residence permit application in Greece.

Can I work in Greece on a Schengen business visa if I am paid by my company abroad?

No. A Schengen business visa permits business visits like attending meetings and signing contracts, but it does not authorize local employment. If you will perform ongoing work in Greece, even when paid abroad, you may need a national visa and a residence permit that authorizes work.

How long does it take to get a business visa for Greece?

Processing times vary by consulate and season. For a Schengen business visa, it is common to allow 15 to 45 days from appointment to decision. National visa processing for employment or investment can take longer. Apply early and provide complete documentation to avoid delays.

Do I need an invitation letter from a Greek company?

For a Schengen business visa, an invitation letter is usually required. It should state the purpose of the visit, dates, locations, and who will cover expenses. It is helpful if the Greek host includes its General Commercial Registry number and contact details. For national visas, the required documentation depends on the category and may include employment contracts or investment plans.

What insurance coverage do I need?

For Schengen short stays, you must have travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros valid for the entire Schengen area and for the full duration of your stay. For long stays and residence permits, you need Greek-compliant health insurance that meets the requirements of your permit category.

Can I extend a Schengen business visa while in Greece?

Extensions are exceptional and only for serious unforeseen reasons. Most travelers must leave when their authorized stay ends and, if needed, apply for a new visa later. If you plan a longer business presence, consider a national visa and residence permit route instead.

Can I convert a Schengen business visa into a residence permit after arrival?

Generally no. Conversion inside Greece is limited and category specific. Most long-stay categories require entering with the appropriate national visa before applying for a residence permit. A lawyer can review whether any exception applies to your situation.

Can my family accompany me on a business stay?

Family members may apply for their own visas, but rights depend on your status. Short-stay visitors do not have family reunification rights. If you hold a residence permit that allows family reunification, your spouse and minor children may be eligible for dependent residence permits under Greek law.

What happens if my business visa application is refused?

The refusal letter explains the reasons and how to request reconsideration or file an appeal. Deadlines are short. You can usually reapply with stronger evidence, but an appeal might be strategic if the refusal was based on a misunderstanding. A lawyer can help select the best approach and address the specific refusal reasons.

Is there a digital nomad option for working remotely from Vouliagmeni?

Yes. Greece has a category for remote workers who are employed or contracted by non-Greek entities. It typically starts with a national visa and can be followed by a residence permit. Digital nomads cannot work for Greek employers while holding this status. You must show sufficient income and compliant health insurance.

Additional Resources

Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Authorities. Handle Schengen and national visa applications submitted outside Greece and provide refusal appeal instructions.

Hellenic Ministry of Migration and Asylum. Sets national immigration policy and categories for residence permits and publishes guidance on required documentation.

Decentralized Administration of Attica - Directorates of Aliens and Migration. Process residence permit applications and biometrics for applicants residing in the Attica region that includes Vouliagmeni.

Hellenic Police - Aliens Department of Attica. Involved in residence card issuance and certain verifications during the permit process.

General Commercial Registry - GEMI. Source for Greek company registration details that are often cited in invitation letters and corporate filings.

Independent Authority for Public Revenue - AADE. Issues Greek tax numbers and manages tax registrations that business residents may need.

Enterprise Greece. National body promoting investment and trade that can guide investors on frameworks that may align with residence options.

Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Offers business support and can assist with documentation, certificates, and networking for companies active in Attica.

Municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni and Citizens Service Centers. Local administrative points of contact for certain certificates and information about local processes.

Authorized Translators and Greek Bar Members. Provide official translations and certifications of documents needed for visa and residence applications.

Next Steps

1. Define your purpose and timeline. Clarify whether your activities in Vouliagmeni are limited to short meetings or require a longer stay with work authorization or investment.

2. Gather documentation. Common items include a valid passport, recent photos, travel itinerary, accommodation details, proof of funds, invitation letter from the Greek host, corporate documents, travel medical insurance for short stays, or Greek-compliant coverage for long stays. For national visas, add contracts, diplomas, investment proof, criminal record certificates, and medical certificates as required.

3. Prepare legalization and translations. Obtain apostilles or consular legalizations for foreign public documents and arrange official Greek translations.

4. Book a consular appointment early. Submit your application at the Greek consulate responsible for your place of residence and allow enough time for processing.

5. Plan for post-arrival steps. If entering on a national visa, be ready to file your residence permit application promptly, enroll biometrics, and complete any tax or social insurance registrations required for your category.

6. Consult a local immigration lawyer. A lawyer can confirm the correct category, prepare a compliant file, communicate with authorities, and manage appeals if needed. Ask about timelines, fees, and realistic outcomes before you proceed.

7. Keep compliance records. Maintain copies of visas, entry stamps, boarding passes, insurance policies, and official receipts. Track your days in the Schengen Area to respect the 90-180 rule.

This guide provides general information only. For advice tailored to your situation in Vouliagmeni, consult a qualified lawyer who practices Greek immigration and business law.