Best Dependent Visa Lawyers in Arta

About Dependent Visa Law in Arta, Greece

A dependent visa in Greece allows eligible family members to join or accompany a sponsor who is lawfully residing in the country. In Arta, applications are handled under national immigration rules that apply across Greece, with local processing through the competent regional authorities for Epirus. There are two main frameworks. First, family reunification for third-country nationals who hold a valid Greek residence permit such as work, study, research, investment, or international protection. Second, residence rights for family members of EU-EEA-Swiss citizens under EU free movement rules when the sponsor lives and works or has sufficient resources in Greece.

Eligible dependents typically include a spouse or partner in a civil partnership recognized under Greek law, unmarried minor children, and in some cases other family members who are demonstrably dependent or part of the household. The exact definition of who qualifies depends on whether the sponsor is a third-country national or an EU-EEA-Swiss citizen, and on the family relationship and dependency proof. Most applicants first obtain a national visa type D for family reunification at a Greek consulate, then apply for a residence permit in Greece and complete biometrics. Upon submission, applicants receive a certificate that legalizes their stay while the application is examined.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may wish to consult a lawyer in Arta if any of the following apply.

- You are unsure whether your relationship or family member qualifies under the correct legal framework.

- You need to prove dependency for adult children or parents, or you have shared custody or adoption documents from abroad.

- Your sponsor has changed status, changed employer, or has a residence permit close to expiry and you need to align timelines.

- You have prior visa overstays, entry bans, criminal record issues, or previous refusals that require legal strategy and evidence.

- Your marriage or civil partnership was concluded abroad and you need certified translation, legalization, or apostille guidance.

- Your file includes complex financial proofs, self-employment income, or mixed income from Greece and abroad.

- You received a request for additional documents, an interview notice, or a negative decision and need to file an appeal within strict deadlines.

- You are facing family separation due to divorce, death of the sponsor, or domestic violence and need advice about retaining an independent right of residence.

Local Laws Overview

Greek immigration for dependents is governed by the Greek Immigration Code and relevant EU directives. In practical terms for applicants residing in Arta.

- Competent authority. Applications and renewals for Arta are processed by the regional Directorate of Foreigners and Immigration within the Decentralized Administration responsible for Epirus. Local Citizen Service Centers known as KEP in Arta often assist with appointments, e-paravolo fee codes, and guidance on required forms.

- Two legal tracks. Family members of third-country nationals typically use the family reunification route. Family members of EU-EEA-Swiss citizens rely on EU free movement rules and receive a residence card as the family member of a Union citizen.

- Entry and application. Most dependents apply for a national visa type D at a Greek consulate abroad, then submit the residence permit application in Greece within the allowed timeframe. Some categories who are already in Greece lawfully may apply in-country.

- Documents. Expect to provide a valid passport, proof of family relationship such as marriage or birth certificates, proof of sponsor status such as residence permit and tax registration, proof of sufficient resources and suitable accommodation, and health insurance coverage. Foreign documents must be legalized by apostille or consular legalization as applicable and translated into Greek by a recognized translator or a lawyer entitled to provide certified translations.

- Sponsor requirements. The sponsor must hold a valid residence permit or be an EU-EEA-Swiss citizen residing in Greece, demonstrate stable and regular income at or above the required threshold, and have health coverage. The sponsor’s permit usually must be valid for a period sufficient to cover the family member’s application and initial residence period.

- Biometrics and residence card. After electronic or in-person filing, the applicant receives a submission certificate and is scheduled for biometrics. A residence card is issued upon approval. For EU family members, a residence card specific to EU rules is issued. For third-country family members, a residence permit card is issued.

- Rights. Spouses who are granted residence through family reunification generally have access to employment and self-employment. Children have access to education. Travel within the Schengen area remains subject to Schengen rules and the conditions of the residence card.

- Validity and renewal. Initial permits are typically issued for a limited period and can be renewed if the family relationship and all conditions continue to be met. Renewal requires timely filing before expiry and updated proofs of income, accommodation, and insurance.

- Changes in circumstances. Divorce, separation, death of the sponsor, or domestic violence can affect status. In many cases, the law allows the family member to retain or convert their status if specific conditions are met, such as duration of the marriage in Greece, custody of minor children, or evidence of abuse. Legal advice is recommended to map the correct pathway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies as a dependent for family reunification in Arta

Commonly eligible relatives are the spouse, a partner in a recognized civil partnership, and unmarried minor children of the sponsor or of the couple. In the EU track, dependent ascendants and adult children may qualify if they are genuinely dependent and part of the household. Exact eligibility depends on the sponsor’s status and proof of relationship and dependency.

Do we need to marry in Greece or is a foreign marriage certificate accepted

A foreign marriage certificate is generally accepted if it is valid in the country of issuance, properly legalized with apostille or consular legalization as applicable, and translated into Greek by a recognized translator or a lawyer authorized to provide certified translations. Civil partnerships concluded abroad may be accepted if they are recognized under Greek law.

Can same-sex spouses or partners apply as dependents

Greece recognizes civil partnerships that include same-sex partners. Eligibility depends on the sponsor’s status and whether the partnership is recognized under Greek law. Same-sex spouses married abroad can often apply if the marriage is valid and properly legalized and translated. Legal advice is helpful to confirm the correct route.

Do dependents need health insurance

Yes. Dependents must have health coverage. This can be through the sponsor’s insurance if the family member can be registered as a beneficiary, or through private health insurance that satisfies Greek requirements, especially at the time of first application.

What income or financial proofs are required

The sponsor must show stable and regular resources sufficient to support the family without recourse to social assistance. Evidence can include employment contracts, recent payslips, tax returns, bank statements, social insurance records, and lease or property documents. Self-employed sponsors submit business tax and social insurance proofs.

Do dependent spouses have the right to work in Greece

In most cases, yes. Spouses granted residence through family reunification are allowed to work, subject to general labor and registration rules. Family members of EU citizens also have broad access to employment. Always check the specific notation on the residence card and comply with tax and social insurance registrations.

How long does the process take

Timelines vary by consulate, season, and local caseload. Consular visa processing can take several weeks. The residence permit stage can take a few months from filing to card issuance. The submission certificate allows lawful stay during processing. Plan for contingencies and track deadlines closely.

Can I apply inside Greece or must I start at a consulate

Most third-country dependents start with a national visa at a Greek consulate. Some categories who are already in Greece lawfully may be eligible to apply in-country. Family members of EU citizens who can lawfully enter Greece may apply for the residence card inside Greece within the required timeframe after arrival.

What happens if my application is refused

You generally have the right to file an administrative appeal and, if necessary, seek judicial review. Deadlines for appeals are strict. The refusal letter states the reasons and the appeal route. A lawyer can evaluate grounds for appeal, gather additional documents, and represent you before the competent authorities.

What if we divorce or the sponsor dies

Depending on the duration of residence in Greece, the presence of minor children, evidence of domestic violence, or death of the sponsor, you may have a path to keep or convert your residence right. The rules differ for EU and third-country tracks. You should seek legal advice promptly to avoid gaps in status.

Additional Resources

- Ministry of Migration and Asylum of Greece for immigration policy, residence permits, and electronic application systems.

- Decentralized Administration of Epirus and Western Macedonia, Directorate of Foreigners and Immigration, which is the competent regional authority for Arta.

- Greek Consulates and Embassies abroad for national visa type D applications for family reunification.

- Citizen Service Centers KEP in Arta for assistance with appointments, fee codes, and general guidance.

- Hellenic Police Aliens and Immigration services for certain residence procedures related to EU family members.

- Bar Association of Arta for referrals to licensed immigration and family law attorneys.

- Recognized translators such as the Translation Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and lawyers authorized to provide certified translations.

- Social insurance authority EFKA and tax authority AADE for registration, insurance, and tax numbers often needed during and after approval.

Next Steps

- Confirm your eligibility. Identify whether you are applying under the third-country family reunification track or the EU family member track.

- Map the process. If abroad, plan the national visa type D filing at the Greek consulate. If already in Greece, verify if in-country application is permitted in your category and your deadlines.

- Gather documents early. Passports, marriage or civil partnership certificates, birth certificates, proof of lawful sponsor status, income, accommodation, and health insurance. Arrange legalization and certified translations.

- Budget for state fees. You will need e-paravolo payment codes for the residence permit card and related fees. Keep payment receipts.

- File the application correctly. Use the competent regional authority for Arta, submit complete forms and supporting evidence, and obtain the submission certificate.

- Attend biometrics. Bring originals to your appointment and promptly respond to any requests for additional documents.

- Track your case and protect your status. Note renewal windows, keep your address updated with authorities, and maintain health insurance and income documentation.

- Seek legal help when needed. If your case is complex or time sensitive, consult a lawyer in Arta who handles immigration and family reunification to avoid errors and missed deadlines.