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Permanent residency in Acharnes, Greece refers to a set of immigration statuses that allow a non-Greek national to live in Greece on a long-term or unlimited basis. There are several routes that lead to long-term or effectively permanent residence - for example the EU long-term resident permit granted after a period of continuous legal residence, residence-by-investment programs commonly known as Golden Visa, and national long-term or permanent permits for family members of EU citizens. These statuses give holders rights to live in Greece and may include rights to work, access to health services, and the ability to renew the permit. Greek immigration and residency matters are handled under national law and by local authorities in Attica - including municipal offices in Acharnes and the regional migration and police departments that process applications and issue residence cards.
Applying for or defending a right to permanent residency can involve complex procedural, documentary and legal requirements. A lawyer can help in many common situations:
- Preparing and checking documentation to meet Greek formalities - correct documents, apostilles and certified translations are often required.
- Advising which residency route fits your situation - family reunion, EU long-term status, investment residence or another category.
- Representing you at appointments with immigration authorities, police departments or municipal services, and ensuring fees and forms are submitted correctly and on time.
- Handling renewals and preventing loss of status - deadlines and continuity rules can cause a permit to lapse if not managed properly.
- Appealing refusals or negative administrative decisions - lawyers can prepare appeals and, if needed, bring cases before administrative courts.
- Assisting with naturalization or related civil status matters that interact with residency - for example proving periods of residence or resolving criminal-record issues.
- Advising on tax, property and business implications if your residency is linked to investment or employment.
Key legal and administrative aspects you should know when seeking permanent residency in Acharnes:
- Multiple residency pathways - Greece has different permit categories: temporary residence permits that can be renewed, EU long-term residence after a qualifying period, national permanent or long-term permits for family members of EU citizens, and residence-by-investment schemes. Each has its own eligibility criteria.
- Five-year residence rule - for EU long-term resident status many applicants need to show a period of lawful, continuous residence - typically a continuous period of years as required by national transposition of EU rules. Exact criteria vary by category.
- Local administration and police - initial processing, renewals and card issuance are handled by migration services and the Aliens Directorate of the Hellenic Police in the region. Municipal offices such as the Acharnes town hall provide supporting documents and residence certifications for local procedures.
- Documentation and formalities - most applications require original identity documents, proof of legal entry and stay, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient resources or income, health insurance or social security, and criminal-record certificates. Documents issued abroad usually require apostille or legalization and certified Greek translation.
- Renewals and continuity - many permits must be renewed periodically. Failure to renew on time or prolonged absence from Greece can affect continuity required for long-term status.
- Rights and limits - some residence permits include work rights; others are limited to specific activities. Residence does not automatically equal citizenship - naturalization has separate rules including language and integration requirements.
There are several pathways - EU long-term residence status for those meeting long lawful residence requirements, national long-term or permanent permits for certain family members, and residence-by-investment programs (Golden Visa). Each type has different eligibility requirements, rights and renewal conditions.
Timelines vary by route and local workload. Simple renewals can take weeks to a few months. First-time long-term or investment applications often take several months. Delays can occur due to incomplete documentation or administrative backlogs.
Common documents include a valid passport, recent photos, application forms, proof of legal entry and stay, proof of accommodation in Acharnes, proof of sufficient income or resources, health insurance or social security coverage, criminal-record certificate from your home country, and legalized or apostilled paperwork with certified Greek translation.
Family reunification rules allow dependent family members to apply for residence based on yours - spouses, minor children and sometimes dependent parents. Eligibility depends on the type of permit you hold and family relationship documentation.
No - a Golden Visa or other investment residence permit generally gives a residence right, often renewable, but does not automatically grant Greek citizenship. Naturalization is a separate process with its own residency duration and integration requirements.
Some residence permits include the right to work in Greece, while others are limited to residence only. Check your specific permit category - a lawyer can confirm work rights and advise if a separate work authorization is needed.
If an application is denied you normally receive a written decision explaining the reasons. Administrative remedies include internal appeals and judicial review before administrative courts. Deadlines for appeals are strict - seek legal advice promptly.
There is no universal requirement to speak Greek for most residence permits, although some procedures and local interactions are easier with Greek. Greek language knowledge may be required later for naturalization.
Residency for immigration is separate from tax residency and social security obligations. Long-term residence and presence in Greece can create tax liabilities or social security contributions. Consult a tax advisor or lawyer experienced in cross-border matters if your residency affects income, property or business interests.
Initial applications and renewals are processed by immigration services and the Aliens Directorate of the Hellenic Police in the region, often via the Decentralized Administration of Attica for Attica residents. The Acharnes municipal offices can help with local confirmations and documents you may need. Exact local offices and procedures depend on the permit category.
Organizations and public bodies that can help or provide authoritative information:
- Ministry responsible for migration and asylum matters in Greece - for national immigration policy and application procedures.
- Hellenic Police, Aliens Directorate and local migration service offices - for application submission, residence card issuance and biometric registration.
- Municipality of Acharnes - for local registrations, certificates of residence and municipal services.
- Decentralized Administration of Attica - regional administrative body handling some refugee and migration matters in Attica.
- Citizens Service Centres (KEP) - assist with documents and administrative information for residents.
- Greek tax authority and social security institutions - for AFM and AMKA registration issues.
- Consulates and embassies - for issuing criminal-record certificates, notarizations and advice before arrival.
- Local legal clinics and immigrant support NGOs - for low-cost guidance, document support and community resources.
If you need legal assistance with permanent residency in Acharnes, consider the following practical steps:
- Gather key documents - passport, proof of entry, residency evidence, proof of income, housing documents, criminal-record certificate and any previous permit cards. Begin collecting apostilles and certified translations early.
- Contact the relevant local office to confirm which application form and supporting documents are required for your specific category of residency.
- Consult an immigration lawyer experienced in Greek residency law - ask about fees, experience with cases like yours, likely timeline and potential obstacles. A lawyer can perform a document checklist and prepare your file for submission.
- Make appointments early - many local services require bookings and have limited slots. Submit renewal applications well before expiry to avoid loss of status.
- Keep copies of every submission and all receipts. Track deadlines for renewals and appeals closely.
- If you face a refusal or uncertainty, do not delay seeking legal representation - administrative remedies have strict time limits and procedural requirements.
Working with a qualified local lawyer and following the practical checklist above will give you the best chance of securing and keeping your residency in Acharnes.
