Best Relocation Lawyers in Attiki

What a move to Attiki requires under Greek immigration and residence law

The steps depend mainly on your nationality, purpose of stay and intended length of residence. EU, EEA and Swiss nationals generally have different registration requirements from non-EU nationals, who may need a national visa and a residence permit.

In Attiki, the responsible migration service can depend on your address and permit category. A move to Athens, Piraeus or another municipality may also involve practical steps such as arranging housing, obtaining a Greek tax number and enrolling children in school.

A property purchase, arrival through Athens International Airport or a short-stay Schengen visa does not, by itself, give a non-EU national the right to live or work in Greece. Confirm the correct route before moving or starting work.

When a lawyer may be useful

Legal advice can help resolve eligibility questions and prevent avoidable delays. Common situations include:

• You have a job offer in Athens or Piraeus and need to identify the correct visa and work-authorisation route.
• You plan to work remotely from Attiki for an overseas employer and need to check whether a digital-nomad route fits your circumstances.
• You are joining a family member in Greece and need to establish which family-reunification requirements apply.
• You are considering a property-based residence route and need to verify current eligibility rules before committing funds.
• Your residence permit application or renewal is delayed, refused, or affected by a change of employer, address or family circumstances.
• You are moving with children and need to address the other parent’s consent, custody arrangements or recognition of foreign documents.

Greek laws and rules relevant to a move

Law 5038/2023, the Immigration Code: Published on 1 April 2023, it sets out major rules for third-country nationals, including entry, residence permits and related procedures. The applicable route and documents depend on the person’s circumstances and any later amendments.

Law 3284/2004, the Greek Citizenship Code: This law governs Greek citizenship, including acquisition through naturalisation. Holding a residence permit does not automatically confer citizenship; separate eligibility and application requirements apply.

Presidential Decree 106/2007: This decree implements EU free-movement rules in Greece for EU citizens and qualifying family members. It is relevant to registration and residence rights for EU nationals moving to Attiki.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a lawyer to move to Attiki?

There is no general requirement to hire a lawyer for every move. Advice is particularly useful where the correct permit category is unclear, family circumstances are complex, or an application has been refused or delayed.

Do EU citizens need a Greek residence permit?

EU citizens generally exercise free-movement rights rather than applying for a third-country national residence permit. For stays exceeding three months, registration requirements may apply, subject to the person’s circumstances and applicable EU rules.

Can I move to Athens on a tourist visa and then work?

A short-stay Schengen visa does not ordinarily authorise employment or long-term residence. Check the appropriate visa and work route before travelling or beginning work in Greece.

Does buying a home in Attiki give me the right to live in Greece?

Buying property does not automatically grant a right to reside. A property-based residence route has separate eligibility conditions, which can change and should be checked before a purchase.

Can I work remotely from Attiki for a foreign employer?

Some non-EU nationals may qualify for a digital-nomad residence route, subject to current conditions. Eligibility depends on factors including the work arrangement and supporting evidence, so confirm the requirements before moving.

Can my spouse and children move with me?

Family members may qualify under family-reunification rules or another applicable route. Requirements can depend on the main applicant’s status, the family relationship and documents issued abroad.

How long does a residence-permit application take?

Processing times vary by permit category, workload and whether the application is complete. Ask the responsible service or your lawyer for a current estimate, and do not rely on an assumed decision date when planning travel or work.

What documents should I prepare?

Common documents include a passport, proof of the relevant visa or status, evidence supporting the permit category, and proof of accommodation where required. Foreign civil records may need translation and authentication; confirm the exact checklist for your application.

How much does an immigration lawyer cost in Attiki?

Lawyer fees are not one fixed amount for every case. Ask for a written estimate that explains the scope of work and separates legal fees from government charges, translation costs and other expenses.

What if my permit is refused or renewal is delayed?

Check the decision or application record promptly, since deadlines and available remedies depend on the case. A lawyer can assess the reasons, identify any time limit and advise whether further documents or a challenge may be appropriate.

Do I need permission from the other parent to move with my child?

That can depend on parental responsibility, existing court orders and the child’s circumstances. Obtain legal advice before an international move if the other parent has parental rights or does not agree.

Official resources in Attiki

• Decentralized Administration of Attica: Its relevant Aliens and Migration services handle certain residence-permit matters. Confirm which service is responsible for your address and permit category.
• Ministry of Migration and Asylum: Provides national information on immigration procedures, residence categories and application requirements.
• Athens Bar Association: The professional body for lawyers in Athens; it can help with checking a lawyer’s professional standing and locating legal services.

Next steps for choosing and hiring a lawyer

1. Identify your route. Write down your nationality, intended stay, work or study plans, family members and expected arrival date. Allow a few days to gather this information.
2. Collect relevant records. Assemble passports, visa documents, job or study offers, family certificates and any prior Greek decisions. Check whether foreign documents need translation or authentication.
3. Shortlist immigration lawyers in Attiki. Look for lawyers who handle the specific matter, such as work permits, family reunification or permit appeals. Verify their professional standing with the Athens Bar Association.
4. Arrange an initial consultation. Ask how the proposed route fits your facts, what documents are missing and which authority will handle the application. Book promptly if a visa, appeal or renewal deadline is approaching.
5. Compare written fee proposals. Request the scope, fee basis, expected disbursements and any work excluded from the estimate. Clarify who will prepare and submit each document.
6. Agree the engagement and timetable. Sign a written engagement agreement and set milestones for document preparation, filing and follow-up. Keep copies of submissions, receipts and official correspondence.