Best Dependent Visa Lawyers in Thivais

About Dependent Visa Law in Thivais, Greece

In Greece, a dependent visa is the pathway that allows eligible family members to join or accompany a person who is lawfully residing in the country. If you live in Thivais or the wider Boeotia area and hold a valid Greek residence permit or you are an EU or EEA citizen living in Greece, your close family may be able to enter Greece on a national visa and then obtain a residence card or residence permit as family members. The process is rooted in Greek national law and, for many cases, European Union rules on family reunification and free movement. While the visa for entry is typically issued by a Greek consulate abroad, the residence permit or family member card is issued in Greece by the competent migration authority that serves Thivais.

In practical terms, the procedure usually has two stages. First, the family member applies for an entry visa at a Greek consular post in their country of residence. Second, after arrival in Greece, the family member applies for their residence card or residence permit with the regional Directorate of Aliens and Migration that covers Thivais. Rights and documents differ depending on whether the sponsor is a Greek national, an EU or EEA citizen, or a third country national, and whether the family relationship is a spouse, child, or another dependent relative recognized by law.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Many families navigate the process successfully on their own, but legal assistance can be valuable in several situations. If your family relationship documents need legalization or recognition in Greece, a lawyer can coordinate apostilles, consular legalizations, and certified translations. If the sponsor has a residence permit type with limits on family reunification, such as certain student permits, a lawyer can clarify eligibility and timing. If there are prior immigration violations, overstays, or criminal record issues, a lawyer can assess risks and prepare a strategy.

Legal help is also useful if your case involves complex family status questions, such as custody of minor children, adoption, recognition of foreign divorces, or registered partnerships. If your application has been delayed or refused, a lawyer can prepare an administrative appeal and, if needed, seek judicial review within the short legal deadlines. Finally, a local lawyer familiar with the offices that serve Thivais can help with appointment scheduling, document checklists, fee payments, and communication with the authorities.

Local Laws Overview

Greek migration law is primarily set out in the Migration Code, which includes rules on family reunification for third country nationals and on residence rights for family members of EU or EEA citizens. For EU or EEA sponsors in Greece, family members generally receive residence cards with the right to live and work. For third country sponsors, family reunification is possible if the sponsor holds a valid residence permit, meets income and housing requirements, and has health insurance coverage.

Eligibility typically covers spouses and unmarried minor children. In certain circumstances, dependent adult children or dependent ascendants may qualify, but these categories are more restricted and require proof of dependence. The sponsor usually must show stable and regular income sufficient to support the family without reliance on the Greek social assistance system, proof of suitable accommodation, and comprehensive health insurance for the family member if not already covered.

Documents from abroad such as marriage certificates or birth certificates must be officially legalized. Depending on the issuing country, this is done either through a Hague Apostille or consular legalization. All foreign documents must be translated into Greek by an accredited translator, such as the official translation service or a certified lawyer translator. The family member will generally need a police clearance certificate from their country of residence, valid medical insurance, and a valid passport.

The process usually works as follows. The family member applies for a national visa at a Greek consulate, submitting proof of the family relationship and sponsor eligibility. After entry into Greece, the applicant submits a residence permit or family member card application at the competent Directorate of Aliens and Migration for the area covering Thivais. Biometrics are taken, state fees are paid through the e-paravolo system, and a submission certificate is issued. This certificate serves as temporary proof of lawful stay and often allows access to work rights that accompany family status while the card is being processed.

Processing times vary. Consulates aim to decide family reunification visa applications within a few months, while local residence card processing can also take several months. Some family categories are exempt from certain fees, and minor children are commonly fee-exempt. After approval, the residence document is issued for a fixed period and can be renewed if eligibility continues. Family members of both EU or EEA citizens and many third country sponsors generally have access to employment in Greece once they hold the appropriate residence document.

In Thivais, applications are handled by the regional migration office that serves Boeotia through the Decentralized Administration that covers Central Greece. Many practical steps, such as paying e-paravolo fees and booking or confirming appointments, are handled online or through Citizens Service Centers known as KEP. Local practice varies, so it is wise to confirm exact procedures, opening hours, and required forms before visiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies as a dependent for the purposes of a Greek dependent visa

Typically a spouse and unmarried minor children qualify. Depending on the sponsor status and the specific law that applies, certain other relatives may qualify if they are proven to be dependent. The rules differ for family members of EU or EEA citizens and for family members of third country nationals, so it is important to identify which framework applies to your case.

Can my spouse work in Greece if they come on a dependent basis

In most cases, once your spouse holds the appropriate Greek residence card or permit as a family member, they have the right to work in Greece. If they are waiting for the card, the submission receipt often preserves lawful stay and can support work rights linked to family status, but it is best to confirm the current practice with the local office handling your file.

Do we need to apply for a visa before arriving in Greece

If your family member is a non EU or non EEA national who requires a visa, they must normally obtain a national visa from a Greek consulate before traveling. Some family members already lawfully in Greece on another status may be able to apply in country, but this depends on their situation and should be confirmed before any deadlines pass.

What financial requirements apply to the sponsor

For third country sponsors, Greek law requires stable and regular income sufficient to support the family without recourse to social assistance, plus proof of suitable accommodation and health insurance. The exact income threshold depends on family size and the type of residence permit held by the sponsor. EU or EEA sponsors have different criteria under EU free movement rules.

How long does the process take

Timelines vary by consulate and by the local migration office serving Thivais. Consular visa decisions for family reunification often take up to several months. After arrival and submission in Greece, issuing the residence card can also take a few months. You will receive a submission certificate while you wait.

What documents are needed

Common documents include passports, marriage and birth certificates, proof of the sponsor residence permit, income and housing evidence, health insurance, police clearance for the applicant, photographs, fee receipts, and application forms. Foreign documents usually must be legalized by apostille or consular legalization and translated into Greek by an accredited translator.

Are registered partnerships recognized

Greece recognizes certain registered partnerships under Greek law, and in some situations these can support family reunification or residence rights. Whether a foreign partnership qualifies depends on recognition under Greek law and the specific sponsor status. Legal advice is recommended for partnership cases.

What happens when a child turns 18

Family reunification as a minor typically covers the child until they reach majority. After turning 18, the person may be able to obtain an autonomous residence permit or continue under family status if specific dependence conditions are met. The correct route depends on the permit type and timing, so plan ahead before the child reaches 18.

Can we travel within the Schengen Area

Holders of a valid Greek residence permit or residence card and a valid passport can usually travel for short stays within the Schengen Area, typically up to 90 days in any 180 day period, provided they meet all Schengen entry conditions. Always carry your residence document and passport.

What can we do if our application is refused

You generally have the right to challenge a refusal through an administrative appeal and, if necessary, judicial review. Deadlines are short and strictly enforced, often counted in days from notification. Obtain the written decision and seek legal advice immediately to assess grounds and prepare an appeal.

Additional Resources

Hellenic Ministry of Migration and Asylum for policies, forms, and residence permit categories relevant to family reunification. Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Authorities for visa applications and document legalization. Decentralized Administration serving Central Greece Directorate of Aliens and Migration responsible for residence permits in the Boeotia region that includes Thivais. Citizens Service Centers KEP in Thivais for guidance on procedures, appointments, and e-paravolo fee payments. Independent Authority Greek Ombudsman for help with maladministration issues in public services. UNHCR Greece and partner organizations for information on family reunification for refugees. Local Bar Associations in Boeotia and the Athens Bar Association for referrals to immigration lawyers. Single Digital Portal Gov.gr for online applications and certificates commonly needed for residence cases.

Next Steps

Identify which legal framework applies to your case, namely EU or EEA family member rules or Greek family reunification for third country nationals. Verify the sponsor status, remaining permit validity, and whether your relationship qualifies. Gather civil status documents early and arrange for apostille or consular legalization and certified Greek translations. Check current fee amounts and prepare e-paravolo payments prior to filing. If your family member is abroad, book a consular appointment for the national visa and prepare a complete file to reduce delays.

If your family member is in Greece, confirm whether in country application is permitted and the deadline for filing. In Thivais, contact the competent Directorate of Aliens and Migration that serves Boeotia or a local KEP to confirm appointment availability and required forms. Keep copies of every submission and obtain the submission receipt when you file. If your situation involves prior overstays, complex custody matters, or a potential refusal, consult an immigration lawyer experienced with cases in Thivais and Central Greece. Timely, well prepared applications reduce risks and help keep your family together lawfully in Greece.