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A dependent visa in Greece allows certain family members of a person who is lawfully residing in the country to join them and live together. Vouliagmeni is within the Municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni in the Attica region, so applications and appointments are handled by the Attica authorities. There are two main pathways. Family members of non-EU nationals typically use the family reunification route, which involves a national type D entry visa from a Greek consulate abroad followed by a Greek residence permit card. Family members of EU or EEA or Swiss citizens usually follow the free movement rules, applying in Greece for a residence card as family member of an EU citizen. Each route has different documents, forms, and timelines.
Greek migration law sets conditions such as proof of the family relationship, the sponsor’s lawful residence in Greece, sufficient resources and accommodation, and health coverage. All foreign civil status documents must be legalized and officially translated into Greek. After entry, family members provide biometrics and receive a biometric residence card. The card can allow access to work, education, and health services, subject to eligibility.
A lawyer can help you understand the correct route based on nationality and status, whether your situation falls under family reunification, EU free movement, or another category. They can map the sequence of steps between the Greek consulate abroad and the Decentralized Administration in Attica, and help you avoid missed deadlines.
Common situations where legal help is useful include complex marital or parental histories, name mismatches across documents, adoptions or guardianship, previous visa overstays, changes of sponsor status, or where partners rely on a civil partnership rather than marriage. Lawyers can verify whether a specific partnership or custody order is recognized, advise on income thresholds and acceptable evidence, and prepare sworn translations and apostilles or legalizations.
In Attica, appointment backlogs and evolving procedures are common. A local practitioner can help secure the correct appointment type, monitor file progress, respond to requests for additional documents, and handle refusals or appeals. If your case involves asylum or international protection, or the sponsor is an EU long-term resident, Blue Card holder, student, or researcher, tailored legal analysis is often needed. A lawyer can also advise on work rights, travel within Schengen, and renewal or status change.
Greece regulates family reunification for third-country nationals under the national migration code, which implements EU standards on the right to family unity. Family members typically include the spouse or registered partner where recognized, minor unmarried children, and in limited cases dependent adult children or parents when strict conditions are met. The sponsor must hold a valid residence permit in Greece and show stable and regular income, suitable accommodation, and health insurance. Authorities periodically set income benchmarks, and they may increase with each additional family member.
The family reunification process usually starts in Greece with a sponsor’s application to the competent Decentralized Administration of Attica, followed by issuance of a national type D visa by the Greek consulate where the family member resides. After entry, the family member files for a residence permit card, enrolls biometrics, and receives a printed card. Processing can take several months.
For family members of EU or EEA or Swiss citizens residing in Greece, rules on free movement apply. Eligible family members apply in Attica for a residence card as a family member of an EU citizen. This card typically allows work and study. Marriage, registered partnerships recognized by Greek law, and evidence of genuine family life are key. Durable partners may be considered in specific circumstances under EU rules when adequately documented.
Key procedural points in Attica include the need for legalized and officially translated documents, passport validity, proof of accommodation in the south Athens area if residing in Vouliagmeni, and on-time renewals. Late filings can lead to fines or gaps in rights. Family members who hold a valid Greek residence card can normally travel within the Schengen Area for short stays subject to the 90 or 180 days rule and visa policies.
Typically the spouse or registered partner where recognized, minor unmarried children of the sponsor or spouse, and in limited cases adult dependent children or parents when strict dependency and accommodation conditions are met. Eligibility depends on the sponsor’s status and the specific legal route. Always verify the category that applies to your family situation before applying.
Unmarried partners are not always eligible under the third-country family reunification route. Registered partnerships recognized by Greek law may qualify. For family members of EU citizens, durable partners can sometimes qualify if the relationship is duly attested. Evidence requirements are high, so legal advice is recommended.
Yes in many cases. Family members admitted for family reunification with a third-country sponsor generally have access to the labor market. Family members of EU citizens with a residence card as family member of an EU national also have the right to work. Check your card category and any annotations upon issuance.
You will usually need valid passports, legalized and officially translated marriage and birth certificates, proof of the sponsor’s lawful residence permit in Greece, proof of sufficient income and accommodation, health insurance, and clean criminal record certificates where required. The Greek consulate or the Attica authority may request recent re-issues of civil status documents.
Processing varies based on workload. Consular visa issuance can take weeks to a few months. The residence permit card after arrival can take additional months from the time of biometrics. The law sets maximum timeframes for decisions, but practical timelines in Attica can be longer, so start early and keep proof of pending status.
Sometimes, but not always. Many family reunification cases require entry with the appropriate national type D visa. Certain status changes within Greece might be possible under specific rules. Consult a lawyer before attempting an in-country change to avoid unlawful stay.
The sponsor must show stable and regular resources not less than benchmarks set in Greek law and practice, with increases per additional family member. Acceptable proof can include employment contracts, payroll, tax returns, or business income. Requirements and acceptable evidence are subject to updates, so verify current thresholds before filing.
Yes. Civil status and court documents must generally be apostilled under the Hague Convention or legalized by a Greek consulate, then officially translated into Greek. Translations must meet the standards accepted by Greek authorities.
Minor children with lawful residence in Greece have access to public education. Access to healthcare depends on enrollment in the national system or private insurance, depending on the family member’s status. Your lawyer can advise on obtaining necessary numbers and enrollment after card issuance.
Separation, divorce, or withdrawal of the sponsor’s residence status can affect the family member’s permit. Some permits can be retained in limited circumstances, for example in cases of death, domestic violence, or long duration of residence. Early legal advice is essential if your family situation changes.
Ministry of Migration and Asylum of Greece.
Decentralized Administration of Attica - Aliens and Immigration Directorates and one-stop residence permit services.
Greek Consulates and Embassies for national type D visas.
Hellenic Police - Aliens Departments for EU citizen registrations and residence cards for family members of EU nationals.
Municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni and local Citizens Service Centers for certifications and guidance on local procedures.
Greek Ombudsman and Bar Associations in Athens for assistance and lawyer referrals.
Identify your route. Determine whether you are applying under family reunification for a non-EU sponsor or as a family member of an EU citizen. This choice drives the authority, forms, and documents.
Audit your documents. Collect passports, civil status certificates, proof of income and accommodation, health insurance, and criminal record certificates where needed. Arrange apostille or consular legalization and official Greek translations.
Map the sequence. If family reunification applies, the sponsor usually begins with the Attica authority in Greece, then the family member applies for a national type D visa at the Greek consulate. After entry, book biometrics and file for the residence card.
Plan timelines. In Attica, appointments and processing can take months. Keep copies of all submissions and receipts that show pending status. Do not let permits or entry visas expire while waiting for the next step.
Consult a local lawyer. A practitioner familiar with Attica procedures can pre-check eligibility, prepare your file to avoid rejections, book the correct appointment type, and respond to any requests from the authorities. Seek help early if your case involves non-standard relationships, prior overstays, or a need to switch status.
Protect your rights. After you receive your card, confirm work rights, register for tax and healthcare where applicable, and diarize renewal deadlines. If circumstances change, such as divorce or a new child, obtain legal advice promptly to maintain lawful status.
