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A dependent visa generally refers to the immigration pathway that allows family members to join a primary visa holder living in Greece. In Acharnes - as part of the Attica region - dependent family members can apply for a form of family reunification or family residence permit if they are related to a person lawfully residing in Greece. Rules vary depending on whether the sponsor is an EU/EEA citizen, a Greek national, or a non-EU national holding a Greek residence permit. Basic requirements normally include proof of family relationship, proof that the sponsor can provide accommodation and financial support, valid travel documents, health insurance, and compliance with local procedural requirements such as translated and legally authenticated documents.
Immigration procedures can be complex and outcomes have important consequences. You may need a lawyer in the following common situations:
- Your case involves non-standard family relationships - for example unmarried partners, dependent adult children with special needs, or complex custody situations.
- Your initial application was refused or you need to file an appeal within a strict legal deadline.
- You need help interpreting Greek law in relation to EU rights - for example when an EU citizen exercises treaty rights in Greece and their family members seek residence rights.
- Documentation requires careful preparation - translations, apostilles, criminal record checks from another country, or proof of sufficient income and accommodation.
- You are dealing with criminal-record issues, previous immigration violations, or questions about long-term residence and naturalization implications.
- You prefer to have a representative handle appointments with authorities, prepare the application in Greek, and follow up with the responsible administrative office.
Key aspects of the legal framework that relate to dependent visas in Acharnes and the rest of Greece include the following practical points:
- Family reunification paths differ for EU/EEA nationals and third-country nationals. EU family members rely primarily on EU free-movement rules, while third-country family members use national family reunification procedures.
- The sponsor generally needs a valid residence permit or status that permits family reunification - examples include work permits, student permits, or permanent/long-term resident status.
- Authorities typically require proof of stable income or resources and adequate housing for the sponsor and dependents. The required level of resources is assessed case-by-case.
- Required documentation commonly includes passports, marriage certificates, birth certificates, evidence of relationship, criminal record certificates, health insurance, and proof of accommodation. Documents issued abroad usually need translation into Greek and an apostille or legalization.
- Applications may be submitted at Greek consulates abroad for entry visas, or at the competent Greek administrative authority for residence permits after entry. Local services that process applications may be in Athens or the Decentralized Administration of Attica; municipal Citizen Service Centres (KEP) can provide procedural assistance.
- Decisions have statutory timeframes but actual processing times vary. If an application is denied, administrative appeal and litigation options exist and are time-limited.
A dependent visa permits family members of a lawful resident in Greece to join or remain with the sponsor. Eligible dependents typically include spouses, registered partners, minor children, and sometimes adult dependent children or dependent parents - subject to proof of dependency and the sponsor meeting income and housing requirements.
Start by identifying whether you need an entry visa at a Greek consulate or a residence permit after arrival. Gather required documents - passports, civil status records, proof of the sponsor's legal residence and income, proof of accommodation, and health insurance. Ensure documents from abroad are translated and authenticated. Contact the local administrative office or a Citizen Service Centre (KEP) in Acharnes or the responsible regional migration office for appointment and filing details.
Common documents include valid passports, marriage or partnership certificates, birth certificates for children, proof of the sponsor's legal status in Greece, proof of income or employment, rental contract or property proof to show adequate housing, health insurance covering the applicant, and a criminal record certificate if requested. Documents from foreign authorities generally need translation into Greek and an apostille or legalization.
Processing times vary by case complexity and the office handling the file. Some consular entry visas can be issued within a few weeks, while residence permit applications processed in Greece may take several months. Expect variation and plan for possible delays. If time limits apply for appeals or renewals, adhere to those deadlines strictly.
Whether a dependent may work or study depends on the type of residence permit granted. Spouses of many permit holders may obtain work authorization, but specific permissions differ by permit category. Studying is commonly permitted, but the dependent may still need to register for a student permit or comply with particular administrative steps. Confirm the exact rights tied to the issued residence card.
If refused, you will usually receive a written decision explaining the reasons and indicating appeal options and deadlines. Appeals can be administrative or judicial and require careful preparation. A lawyer experienced in immigration law can evaluate the grounds for refusal and advise on the best remedies, including filing an appeal or submitting additional evidence for reconsideration.
Yes. Documents issued outside Greece are typically required in Greek or accompanied by an official Greek translation. Many foreign documents also require an apostille or legalization at the issuing country's competent authority to be accepted by Greek authorities. Local Citizen Service Centres (KEP) and the responsible migration office can advise on exact requirements.
Possibly, depending on the legal recognition of the relationship in Greece and the evidence provided. Greece recognizes registered partnerships and marriages, and in some cases long-term cohabitation can be considered if sufficient proof of a durable relationship is presented. Legal recognition and evidentiary standards can be complex, so legal advice is often helpful.
Authorities generally require the sponsor to demonstrate sufficient financial means and adequate housing to support dependents. There is no simple universal numeric threshold that applies to every case - authorities evaluate financial stability and living conditions on a case-by-case basis. Documentation such as employment contracts, bank statements, tax returns, and a rental agreement or property title is commonly used as proof.
Applications may be lodged at the appropriate regional migration office, the competent administrative body in Attica, or at a Greek consulate if you are abroad. Locally, the Municipality of Acharnes may provide guidance through its Citizen Service Centre (KEP), and regional migration offices or the Decentralized Administration of Attica are responsible for processing. For legal advice, consult a qualified immigration lawyer or the local bar association to find a lawyer experienced in family reunification matters.
Below are types of bodies and organizations that can be helpful. Contact the relevant office locally in Acharnes or the Attica region for specific guidance:
- Ministry responsible for migration and citizenship matters in Greece - for official policy and application procedures.
- Decentralized Administration of Attica and regional migration offices - for processing and local administrative requirements.
- Municipality of Acharnes - Citizen Service Centre (KEP) - for procedural assistance and document guidance.
- Hellenic Police - immigration or aliens department - for residence permit registration and biometric residence cards.
- Local bar association or the Athens Bar Association - to locate qualified immigration lawyers who practice in Attica.
- Non-governmental organizations and migrant support groups active in Greece - for practical help with forms, language support, or social services.
Follow these practical steps if you need legal assistance with a dependent visa in Acharnes:
- Gather basic information: identify the sponsor's immigration status, the relationship type, and whether you currently require an entry visa or a residence permit applied for inside Greece.
- Collect and organize documents: passports, civil certificates, sponsor's residence permit, proof of income, accommodation documents, health insurance, and criminal record certificates. Arrange for translations and apostilles where needed.
- Visit your local Citizen Service Centre (KEP) or the regional migration office to confirm exact filing requirements and whether an appointment is necessary.
- If your case is straightforward and you are confident with Greek procedures, prepare and submit the application as instructed. Keep copies of everything submitted.
- If your case is complex - such as unusual family circumstances, previous immigration refusals, or imminent deadlines - consult an immigration lawyer experienced in Greek family reunification law. Ask about fees, expected timeline, and representation for appeals if needed.
- Track your application and respond promptly to any requests for additional documents. If your application is refused, note appeal deadlines immediately and consult a lawyer to determine next steps.
- Keep records of all communication with authorities, and retain certified translations and legalized originals in a safe place for future renewals or status changes.
If you would like, I can draft a checklist tailored to your specific situation or suggest questions to ask a lawyer during an initial consultation. Provide details about the sponsor's status and your relationship to get started.
