Best Dependent Visa Lawyers in Kastoria

1. About Dependent Visa Law in Kastoria, Greece

In Kastoria, as in the rest of Greece, a dependent visa (often called a family reunification or residence permit for family members) allows a non-EU family member to live in Greece based on the sponsor's lawful status. The framework is primarily governed by Greek national law and European Union directives. Greek authorities process these applications through the Aliens and Immigration services, typically coordinated by the Hellenic Police and relevant regional services.

The core idea is that close family members of a lawful resident or worker in Greece may obtain a permit to reside, provided they meet criteria such as proof of relationship, financial support, housing, and health coverage. In Kastoria, applicants interact with local authorities, translators, and sometimes municipal offices as part of document verification and local placement considerations. Understanding the specific provincial steps helps prevent delays caused by missing or improperly translated documents.

Because the rules mix national statutes with EU directives, eligibility can hinge on sponsor status (for example a Greek resident, a temporary resident, or a national with long-term status) and on timely submission of required evidence. The process also often requires translations into Greek and, in many cases, apostille or legalization of foreign documents before submission in Kastoria.

Source: gov.gr - Residence permits for family members of third-country nationals (family reunification). https://www.gov.gr

Source: greece.iom.int - IOM Greece guidance on family reunification and related procedures for third-country nationals. https://greece.iom.int

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

Here are concrete, Kastoria-specific scenarios where you would benefit from hiring a qualified immigration lawyer.

• You are the spouse of a Greek resident and your initial application is denied due to documents not properly translated or apostilled, causing a delay in your ability to reside with your family in Kastoria.
• Your sponsor has a temporary permit rather than permanent status, and you need guidance on whether family reunification can be pursued under current Greek law and EU directives.
• You have a child born abroad and need to prove the family relationship for a dependent visa, including translating birth certificates and obtaining apostilles for use in Kastoria offices.
• There are previous immigration issues in your file, such as a curtailment or an ongoing appeal, and you need strategic guidance on timelines and defense options within Kastoria and broader Greece.
• You lack sufficient evidence of housing or income in Kastoria, and you must assemble proof that meets the exact thresholds required by Greek authorities for a family permit.
• There is a request for additional documents or a request for an interview by the Kastoria Aliens Directorate, and you need to respond with properly organized, legally precise information.

3. Local Laws Overview

Two key statutory frameworks shape dependent visas for Kastoria residents and their families:

• Law 4251/2014 on Residence and Social Integration of third-country nationals and other provisions, as amended; this governs most family reunification and long-term residence matters in Greece. Implementing regulations and circulars have refined procedures since its enactment in 2014.
• Law 3386/2005 on the entry, residence and social protection of aliens in Greece; this is an earlier baseline that continues to influence modern processing, with updates spanning subsequent years to incorporate EU directives and national reforms.
• Directive 2003/86/EC on the right to family reunification and its transposition into Greek law; the directive provides the European framework that Greek authorities apply when assessing eligibility for family members residing in Kastoria.

Recent changes generally involve faster processing targets, clearer document requirements, and stricter identity verification steps. In Kastoria, as elsewhere in Greece, successful applications often depend on precise document authentication, timely translations by sworn translators, and, when needed, apostille legalization for foreign documents. Always verify current procedural circulars from the Ministry of Migration and Asylum or the local Aliens Directorate for Kastoria before filing.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What documents are required for a dependent visa in Kastoria, Greece?

The typical package includes proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificates), sponsor’s residence or work status, housing evidence in Kastoria, health insurance, and financial means. Documents from abroad must often be translated into Greek and legalized or apostilled.

How long does the dependent visa process typically take in Greece?

Processing commonly ranges from 3 to 9 months, depending on workload and document completeness. Completing translation and apostille steps early can prevent substantial delays in Kastoria.

Do I need a lawyer to handle a dependent visa in Kastoria?

While not mandatory, a qualified immigration attorney helps organize documents, handle translations, navigate local procedures, and respond to requests from Kastoria authorities efficiently.

What is the difference between a dependent visa and a residence permit for family members?

A dependent visa is usually the initial entry permit tied to a sponsor, while a residence permit allows longer-term stay and often includes renewal and work rights, subject to law and sponsor status.

Do I need Greek health insurance to obtain a dependent visa?

Yes, proof of health coverage that covers asylum or permanent residence requirements is typically required for the visa and subsequent permit renewal. Insurance must be valid in Greece and adequate for family members.

How much are the filing fees for a dependent visa in Greece?

Fees vary by visa type and family status, but expect several hundred euros for application processing, plus costs for translations and apostilles where needed.

Can family reunification be granted if the sponsor holds a temporary permit?

Yes, in many cases a temporary permit can support a dependent visa, provided the sponsor maintains sufficient means and meets residency criteria under Greek law.

Where do I submit the dependent visa application in Kastoria?

Applications are submitted to the local Aliens Directorate or police department that handles Kastoria region matters, with procedural steps guided by the Greek authorities and local staff.

Do translations need to be done by sworn translators?

Certified translations by sworn translators are typically required for official documents to be accepted by Kastoria authorities.

How long after biometric data submission does a decision usually arrive in Kastoria?

Biometrics plus background checks are followed by a decision period that can range from several weeks to several months, depending on case complexity.

Should I expect interviews or additional evidence requests in Kastoria?

Authorities may request additional information or an interview if documents are ambiguous or incomplete. Respond promptly to minimize delays in Kastoria.

5. Additional Resources

• Gov.gr - Official Greek Government Portal - Central hub for residence permits and family reunification guidelines. https://www.gov.gr
• IOM Greece - International Organization for Migration guidance on family reunification and related procedures for third-country nationals. https://greece.iom.int
• European Commission - EU Family Reunification Framework - EU-level policy overview and directives relevant to third-country national family members. https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/legal-migration/directives_en

6. Next Steps

1. Clarify your eligibility by outlining the sponsor's status in Greece and your relationship to the sponsor. This helps target the correct permit type from Kastoria authorities.
2. Gather core documents early, including birth/marriage certificates, passports, and proof of housing in Kastoria. Plan for translations and apostilles where required.
3. Find a Kastoria-based immigration attorney or legal counsel with Greek licensing and experience in family reunification cases. Obtain at least two client references.
4. Schedule a consultation to review your file, discuss timelines, and create a document checklist tailored to Kastoria's Aliens Directorate requirements.
5. Prepare a complete filing package with translations, apostilles, and a clear proof of sponsor status, then submit to the local Kastoria authority following the lawyer's guidance.
6. Track the application, respond quickly to any requests for additional documents or interviews, and plan for possible renewal steps in Kastoria if the initial permit expires.