Best Immigration Lawyers in Elliniko

About Immigration Law in Elliniko, Greece

Immigration matters in Elliniko are governed by national Greek law, European Union rules and international treaties. Elliniko is part of the Attica region and uses the same immigration procedures and authorities as the rest of Greece. Whether you are an EU national, a third-country national, a student, a worker, a family member, or someone seeking international protection, your rights and obligations are shaped by Greek residence and entry rules as well as by Schengen and EU directives implemented into Greek law. Local public services in the Athens area - including municipal offices and regional immigration units - provide administrative support, but many procedures require contact with national bodies such as the Asylum Service, the Hellenic Police - Aliens Directorate and the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Immigration procedures can be document-heavy, time-sensitive and technically complex. A lawyer can help you in many common situations:

- Applying for a long-stay visa or a residence permit - to ensure the correct category is chosen and the file is complete.

- Renewing a residence permit - to avoid gaps in legal stay and the risk of fines or removal orders.

- Family reunification - to prepare and translate documents and to meet eligibility rules.

- Work permits and employment-based immigration - to interpret labor rules and sponsor obligations.

- Asylum and international protection claims - to prepare the application, gather evidence and represent you in interviews and appeals.

- Challenging refusals, detention or deportation - to file timely appeals and request interim relief when available.

- Accessing social rights - to secure health care, social security registration and housing support when entitlement is disputed.

Using a lawyer helps reduce procedural mistakes, meet deadlines and understand legal risks. Lawyers can also advise on alternatives and negotiate with authorities or employers when appropriate.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal points to know when dealing with immigration in Elliniko:

- Visa and entry rules - Short-stay Schengen visas cover stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period. For stays longer than 90 days, a national long-stay visa type D from a Greek consulate is normally required prior to entry for third-country nationals.

- Residence permits - Greece issues residence permits for purposes such as work, study, family reunification, long-term residence, and humanitarian reasons. Each permit has its own eligibility criteria, required documents and validity periods.

- EU nationals - Citizens of EU member states have the right to enter and live in Greece, but must meet registration requirements if staying longer than three months, including municipal registration and obtaining a registration certificate where applicable.

- Asylum and international protection - Greece implements EU asylum rules and the 1951 Refugee Convention. Applications are handled by the national Asylum Service and there are administrative and judicial appeal routes if protection is denied.

- Deportation and detention - Immigration law provides for administrative detention and removal in specific cases, but procedural safeguards, appeal rights and proportionality requirements apply. Timely legal assistance is critical.

- Administrative fines and regularization - Overstaying a visa or violating permit conditions can trigger fines, blacklisting or removal. Greece has introduced regularization schemes at various times for specific groups - eligibility is limited and time-sensitive.

- Documentation and formalities - Common requirements include a valid passport, visa or permit card, translated and certified civil documents, proof of accommodation, proof of income or financial means, health insurance and tax registration. Certified translations and apostilles may be needed for foreign documents.

- Local administration - In the Athens area, many procedures are handled by central authorities or by Decentralized Administration offices. Municipal offices may assist with registrations and certificates, while the Hellenic Police handles many residence-permit related processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for a residence permit while living in Elliniko?

Third-country nationals normally apply for a residence permit through the Hellenic Police or the competent immigration office where they live. The process typically requires a completed application form, passport, photos, proof of the reason for residence (employment contract, university enrolment, family ties), proof of accommodation and evidence of sufficient funds or insurance. Many applicants must first obtain a long-stay visa from a Greek consulate abroad before entering Greece. Consult an immigration lawyer or the local immigration office to confirm the exact documents for your category.

Can EU citizens live and work in Elliniko without a visa?

Yes. EU citizens have the right to live and work in Greece. If an EU national plans to stay more than three months, they should register their residence with local authorities and obtain any required registration certificate. EU nationals still need to provide identity documentation and may need to register for tax and social security numbers to work legally.

What should I do if my residence permit renewal is about to expire?

Start the renewal process well in advance of the expiry date. Many authorities require a renewal application before expiration and may allow a temporary legal stay while the renewal is processed if you applied on time. Gather updated documents, translated and certified if needed, and consider seeking legal help if your situation has changed or if there is any risk of refusal.

How do I apply for family reunification in Greece?

Family reunification depends on the sponsor's status - whether they are an EU national, a long-term resident, or hold a national residence permit. Typical requirements include proof of the family relationship, proof of suitable accommodation, evidence of sufficient income to support family members and health insurance. Some family members will need a visa from a Greek consulate before entering Greece. A lawyer can help prepare the application and certified translations.

What are the options if my visa or residence permit is refused?

A refusal usually includes information on appeal rights and deadlines. You can often file an administrative appeal or apply to an administrative court, depending on the case. Deadlines are strict and must be observed. Legal representation is strongly recommended to prepare the appeal and any supporting evidence to challenge the decision.

How do I apply for asylum in Elliniko?

To apply for international protection, you must submit an application to the Asylum Service or at an asylum registration point. You will be interviewed about your claim and given information about the procedure. Asylum applications have precise procedural steps and timeframes for decisions and appeals. Seek legal advice and, if needed, help from NGOs experienced in asylum law to prepare your case and gather evidence.

What happens if I overstay my visa in Greece?

Overstaying can lead to fines, temporary or permanent entry bans and possible removal proceedings. If you have valid reasons for overstaying - such as a medical emergency or delays in processing - you should document these reasons and consult a lawyer. Address overstays proactively - regularization paths or corrective applications may be possible in some situations.

How much does an immigration lawyer cost in Elliniko?

Fees vary depending on the lawyer's experience, the complexity of the case and the type of service - advice, application preparation, representation at hearings or appeals. Some lawyers charge a fixed fee for straightforward permit applications and hourly rates for litigation. If you have limited resources, ask about legal-aid eligibility or pro bono services offered by local NGOs or bar associations.

Are there free or low-cost legal services for immigrants in Elliniko?

Yes. Several non-governmental organizations and reception centres provide free or low-cost legal assistance, especially for asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable people. The Athens Bar Association and other legal aid offices can explain whether you are eligible for state-funded legal aid. NGOs can also help with language support and document preparation.

What documents are commonly required and do they need translations?

Common documents include a valid passport, birth and marriage certificates, criminal record checks, proof of accommodation, bank statements or proof of income, employment contracts, and health insurance. Documents issued abroad often need to be legalized or bear an apostille and must usually be translated into Greek by a certified translator. Check with the authority handling your application for exact translation and legalization requirements.

Additional Resources

When seeking legal help or information in Elliniko, consider contacting these types of resources:

- Ministry of Migration and Asylum - national policy and administrative guidance on migration and asylum.

- Asylum Service - for asylum applications and procedures.

- Hellenic Police - Aliens Directorate - handles residence permits, renewals and related administrative services.

- Decentralized Administration of Attica and the local municipality offices - for municipal registrations and local administrative services.

- Athens Bar Association - for lawyer referrals and information about legal-aid eligibility.

- International organizations and NGOs active in Greece - such as UN agencies, refugee assistance organizations and local charities offering legal counseling and support with documentation and interpretation.

- Greek Ombudsman - for complaints about public administration or rights violations.

- Tax and social security authorities - for AFM (tax identification number) and AMKA (social security registration) procedures that are often required for permits and employment.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance with an immigration matter in Elliniko, follow these steps:

- Gather your documents - passport, current permit or visa, identity documents, civil certificates, proof of accommodation, proof of income and any correspondence from authorities.

- Check deadlines - identify any imminent expiry dates or appeal deadlines and act quickly.

- Contact a qualified immigration lawyer - seek a lawyer who specialises in immigration and asylum law. Ask about experience, likely costs and the expected timeline for your matter.

- Ask about legal aid - if you have limited means, ask the lawyer or the local bar association about state-funded legal aid, pro bono options or NGO services.

- Prepare for meetings - bring originals and copies of documents, a list of questions and any official letters you have received. If you need language support, request an interpreter in advance.

- Keep records - save copies of all applications, receipts, official decisions and correspondence with authorities.

- Follow advice and respond promptly - meet deadlines, attend scheduled interviews and provide any requested documents without delay.

Immigration matters can be complex and time-sensitive. Expert legal help increases the chance of a favourable outcome and reduces the risk of procedural errors. If in doubt, consult a specialised lawyer or a reputable organisation as soon as possible.