Best Dependent Visa Lawyers in Melissia

About Dependent Visa Law in Melissia, Greece

A dependent visa in Melissia, Greece refers to the immigration route that allows family members to join a primary applicant or sponsor who is lawfully residing in Greece. Dependent visas commonly arise in two main contexts - family reunification for third-country nationals who hold a Greek residence permit, and family member entry and residence rights connected to European Union citizens. The local procedures for Melissia follow national Greek immigration law and EU family-rights rules where they apply. Processing usually involves a visa or entry permit for arrival, followed by an application for a residence permit once in Greece.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Most straightforward family reunification cases can be handled by applicants with careful preparation, but legal help is often necessary in many common scenarios:

- Denied applications or administrative refusals - lawyers can prepare appeals and represent you before immigration authorities and administrative courts.

- Complex family relationships - adoption, recognized partnerships, de facto relationships, same-sex marriages performed abroad, or contested paternity/maternity often require legal guidance to prove the relationship to authorities.

- Document problems - missing documents, problems with legalization or certified translation, or discrepancies in civil-status records can delay or derail an application.

- Criminal record issues or security concerns - if the sponsor or dependent has a criminal history, a lawyer can advise on likely outcomes and mitigation strategies.

- Urgent timeframes - lawyers can expedite procedures, request priority handling when justified, and ensure deadlines for appeals and renewals are met.

- Work and social rights - lawyers can advise whether a dependent can work, access health care, enroll in education, or qualify for social benefits under Greek law or EU rules.

Local Laws Overview

The following are key legal elements that affect dependent visas in Melissia and across Greece:

- Primary national framework - Law 4251/2014 governs entry, stay and social integration of third-country nationals in Greece, including family reunification provisions for holders of Greek residence permits.

- EU-derived rights - Family members of EU citizens rely on Directive 2004/38/EC when the sponsor is exercising EU free-movement rights. Third-country nationals may rely on the family reunification directive 2003/86/EC where applicable.

- Residence permits - After entry, dependents will typically apply for a residence permit for family reasons. Initial permits are often issued for a defined period and are renewable subject to continuing eligibility.

- Evidence requirements - Authorities require identity documents, proof of relationship, sponsor status (residence permit, work permit or Greek citizenship), proof of adequate accommodation, and proof of sufficient resources or income. Health insurance or access to the Greek public health system may also be required.

- Legalisation and translation - Foreign documents usually must be legalized or bear an apostille depending on the issuing country, and be officially translated into Greek by a certified translator.

- Procedural rules and appeals - Administrative rules set strict timelines for applications and appeals. Decisions can be challenged administratively and brought before administrative courts within specified time limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dependent visa and who qualifies as a dependent?

A dependent visa allows family members to join a primary resident in Greece. Qualifying family members typically include spouses, registered partners in some cases, minor children, dependent adult children in limited circumstances, and dependent parents. Exact eligibility depends on whether the sponsor is an EU citizen or a third-country national with a Greek residence permit.

How do I start the application process from outside Greece?

Begin at the Greek consulate or embassy that has jurisdiction where the dependent lives. The consulate will provide the visa application form and list of required documents. After arrival in Greece on the issued visa, the dependent usually must apply for a Greek residence permit at the competent immigration authority.

What documents are commonly required?

Common documents include passports, proof of legal stay or citizenship of the sponsor, marriage certificate or birth certificates proving relationship, proof of adequate accommodation, proof of sufficient income or resources, health insurance, and police or criminal-record certificates where requested. Documents issued abroad often need apostille or legalization and certified Greek translation.

How long does the process normally take?

Timelines vary. Consular visa processing can take several weeks to a few months. After arrival, residence-permit applications can also take weeks to months depending on workload and completeness of documentation. Complex cases or appeals can extend timelines significantly.

Can a dependent work in Greece?

Work rights for dependents depend on the type of permit issued. Some family reunification permits grant work authorization, while others require a separate work permit. EU family members often benefit from broader employment rights under EU rules. Confirm the specific permission granted on the residence permit card.

Does Greece recognise same-sex marriages and partnerships for family reunification?

Legal recognition can be complex. Greece recognises same-sex unions in certain contexts, and family-reunification rights may be available depending on whether the relationship is recognised under Greek law and how the relationship is proved. Because rules and practices can vary, legal advice is recommended for non-standard relationships.

What happens if my application is refused?

If an application is refused, the decision should state the reasons and the deadline for appeal. You can usually file an administrative appeal and, if necessary, proceed to the administrative courts. A lawyer can evaluate the refusal, compile missing evidence, and represent you in appeals to improve the chance of success.

Do I need to legalise and translate my documents?

Yes. Most foreign civil-status documents must be legalised or carry an apostille depending on the country of issue. They also generally must be translated into Greek by a certified translator. Authorities will not accept uncertified translations or improperly legalised documents in many cases.

Can children born in Greece to non-Greek parents obtain Greek citizenship?

Birth in Greece does not automatically confer Greek citizenship. Children born in Greece to non-Greek parents may acquire Greek citizenship in limited cases, such as when parents have held legal and continuous residence for a specified period or under other statutory conditions. Always check current statutory conditions and seek legal help for citizenship cases.

How much does a lawyer cost and how do I choose one?

Legal fees vary widely based on complexity, the lawyer's experience, and the services required. Some lawyers offer fixed-fee packages for straightforward visa applications and hourly rates for appeals or court representation. Choose a lawyer with specific experience in immigration and family-reunification cases, check client references, confirm credentials with the local bar association, and request a clear written fee agreement before engaging.

Additional Resources

Helpful authorities and organizations to contact or consult include:

- Hellenic Ministry responsible for migration and asylum policy for national rules and official announcements.

- Hellenic Police - Directorates for Aliens and Immigration and local immigration offices for application submission and procedural information.

- Greek consulates and embassies abroad for visa applications and guidance before travel.

- Citizens Service Centres - KEP for assistance with administrative forms and information on local procedures.

- Local municipality offices in Melissia for registration and information about local services after arrival.

- Non-governmental organisations that assist migrants and refugees for practical support and information on rights and access to services.

- Certified translators and notary public offices for document translation and legalization requirements.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance with a dependent visa in Melissia, Greece, follow these practical steps:

- Gather your documents - start collecting passports, civil-status documents, your sponsor's residence documentation, proof of accommodation and income, and any previous correspondence with authorities.

- Check legalization and translation requirements - identify whether documents need apostille or consular legalization and locate a certified Greek translator.

- Seek an initial consultation - contact a lawyer who specialises in immigration and family-reunification law. Ask about experience with similar cases, likely timelines, success rates, and fees. Request a written engagement letter outlining services and costs.

- Meet deadlines - note any visa or appeal deadlines and act promptly. Late filings can remove legal remedies.

- Keep copies and records - keep certified copies of every document submitted, all receipt slips, and written communications from authorities.

- Consider alternative remedies - if a case seems weak, a lawyer can advise on alternative visas, temporary measures, or administrative routes that preserve rights while pursuing long-term solutions.

When in doubt, consult an experienced immigration lawyer early. Clear legal guidance can reduce delays, prevent mistakes that lead to refusals, and increase the likelihood of a successful family reunification outcome.