Best Work Permit Lawyers in Melissia

About Work Permit Law in Melissia, Greece

Melissia is a suburb in the Attica region of Greece and follows the national framework for work and residence permits that applies throughout the country. Work-permit rules differ depending on whether you are a citizen of an EU/EEA member state or a third-country national. EU/EEA citizens benefit from free movement and may work in Greece after a short registration process for stays over three months. Third-country nationals generally need both a visa to enter Greece and a residence permit that explicitly allows employment. Employers often play a key role in the procedure for hiring non-EU nationals, and different permit types cover employed, seasonal, highly skilled, self-employed and family-reunification situations.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Work-permit procedures can involve complex administrative rules, deadlines and documentation requirements. People commonly need a lawyer when they face any of the following situations:

- Application or renewal refusals that require administrative appeal or judicial review.

- Complex cases involving family reunification, dependent family members, or mixed-status families.

- Employer disputes over registration, non-payment of salary, wrongful dismissal or non-compliance with social-security registration.

- Criminal-record issues, immigration detention or deportation proceedings.

- Requests to change permit type - for example, from seasonal or employer-sponsored to long-term resident, self-employed status or EU Blue Card.

- Situations requiring urgent action to prevent loss of status - for example, if a permit is about to expire and renewal is delayed or refused.

- Business start-up and self-employment permits that require preparation of business plans, tax registration and proper licensing.

- Navigating language barriers, obtaining certified translations and assembling technical or professional qualification evidence.

Local Laws Overview

Key points of local law relevant to work permits in Melissia mirror national Greek law and enforcement practices:

- EU/EEA citizens: Free movement applies. If staying longer than three months you must register with local authorities and obtain a registration certificate. For employment, you must register with the tax office and social-security system.

- Third-country nationals: Generally require an entry visa (from a Greek consulate) and a national residence permit with permission to work. The employer often initiates or supports the application for employed permits.

- Permit categories: Common categories include employed work permits, seasonal-work permits, permits for highly skilled workers or the EU Blue Card, permits for researchers and trainees, self-employed permits and family-reunification permits.

- Documentation and checks: Typical requirements include a valid passport, visa if applicable, employment contract, proof of qualifications, criminal-record certificate, medical certificate, proof of accommodation, tax-identification number (AFM) and social-security registration (AMKA).

- Labour-law protections: Employees in Greece - including foreign workers with legal status - have rights under employment law and social-security rules. Employers must register workers with the national employment and social-security systems and comply with minimum wage and collective-agreement obligations where applicable.

- Penalties and enforcement: Employing undocumented workers can result in significant fines, suspension of business activity and administrative sanctions. Immigration authorities and labour inspectors carry out checks.

- Appeals and judicial review: Most administrative refusals can be appealed through administrative procedures and, ultimately, to the administrative courts. Deadlines for appeals are strict, so timely legal help is often required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs a work permit to work in Melissia?

EU and EEA citizens do not need a traditional work permit; they must register locally for stays over three months. Third-country nationals generally need an entry visa and a residence permit that authorizes employment. The exact permit depends on the type and duration of the work.

How do I start the application process?

If you are outside Greece, begin at the Greek consulate in your country to obtain the correct entry visa. If you are already in Greece, contact the local Aliens and Immigration Unit or the Decentralized Administration of Attica for guidance on the residence-permit application. Employers often assist in preparing the documentation for employed permits.

What documents are typically required?

Common documents include a valid passport, passport photos, visa (if applicable), employment contract or job offer, proof of qualifications, criminal-record certificate from your country of origin, medical certificate, proof of accommodation, tax-identification number (AFM) and evidence of health insurance or social-security coverage. Requirements vary by permit type.

How long does the process take?

Processing times vary by permit type and workload at the relevant office. It can take anywhere from several weeks for straightforward renewals to several months for first-time or complex applications. Seasonal permits are usually faster but still require timely preparation. Delays are common, so apply well before your current status expires.

Can my family join me in Greece?

Family reunification is possible for many residence-permit holders. Spouses and dependent children are the most common categories allowed to join. Each application requires evidence of family ties, suitable accommodation and proof that the sponsor can support family members financially. Rules differ for EU citizens and third-country nationals.

What happens if my permit is denied?

If your application is denied you will receive a written decision explaining the grounds. You can usually file an administrative appeal within a strict deadline and, if necessary, seek judicial review in the administrative courts. A lawyer can help evaluate the reasons for refusal and prepare the appeal or a new application.

Can I switch employers while I have a work permit?

Switching employers is possible but often requires notifying or getting approval from immigration authorities, especially for employer-tied permits. You should not start work for a new employer until the new employer and/or the immigration service confirms the change is permitted. A lawyer can help ensure the transfer is done correctly to avoid losing status.

Can I work while my renewal application is pending?

Many applicants are allowed to continue working while a timely renewal application is pending, provided they applied before their current permit expired and followed the correct procedure. Confirm the specific rules for your permit type with the immigration office or a lawyer to avoid gaps in authorization.

What are seasonal work permits and who can apply?

Seasonal permits cover temporary jobs in sectors like tourism and agriculture. They are typically limited in duration and may be renewable for specific seasons. Employers must usually demonstrate the temporary nature of the work and comply with labour and social-security registrations. Third-country nationals usually need a specific seasonal visa and residence permit.

How much do legal services cost and how should I choose a lawyer?

Legal fees vary by complexity and the lawyer s experience. Simple consultations or document checks are generally less expensive than appeals, court cases or complicated status changes. Choose a lawyer who specializes in immigration and employment law, has experience with Greek administrative procedures, and offers a clear fee structure. Consider local bar association membership and client references.

Additional Resources

For reliable help and up-to-date rules, consider these types of resources and bodies in Melissia and the wider Attica area:

- Decentralized Administration of Attica - the administrative region that processes many residence and work-permit matters.

- Local Aliens and Immigration Unit or Aliens Directorate - handles residence-permit applications and renewals in the Athens area.

- Municipality citizen-service centres (KEP) - KEP offices can provide information and registration help for EU citizens and general administrative guidance.

- Ministry of Migration and Asylum - national policy and guidance on immigration and asylum rules.

- Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and national employment authorities - for labour-law rules, social-security registration and employment contracts.

- Hellenic Police immigration services - for certain procedural matters and document processing.

- Greek Bar Association and local lawyers - for referrals to lawyers specialising in immigration and employment law.

- Tax offices and social-security offices - for AFM, AMKA and EFKA registrations needed to work legally.

- Local NGOs and migrant-support organisations - often provide free or low-cost advice, document help and translation services.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance with a work permit in Melissia, follow these practical steps:

- Collect basic documents: valid passport, current visa or permit, employment contract or job offer, academic or professional certificates, proof of address and any prior immigration decisions.

- Book a consultation with an immigration or employment-law lawyer who practises in Attica. Ask for a fee estimate and an outline of the likely timeline and possible outcomes.

- Contact the relevant local authorities to confirm the exact local office responsible for your case and any application forms you must complete.

- If you are an employee, ask your employer to confirm they have registered the job with the national employment system and that social-security contributions will be made.

- Keep copies of all submissions, receipts and official correspondence. Note deadlines for renewals and appeals and set reminders well in advance of expiry dates.

- If you face an imminent deadline, refusal, detention or deportation order, seek legal help immediately because time limits for appeals are strict.

Taking these steps will help you understand your options and act promptly to protect your right to live and work in Melissia, Greece.