Best Work Permit Lawyers in Thivais

About Work Permit Law in Thivais, Greece

Work permits in Thivais operate under national Greek immigration and labor rules. If you are a non EU-EEA-Swiss national, you generally need a national entry visa for work and a residence permit that authorizes employment. EU-EEA-Swiss citizens do not need a work permit, but if they stay longer than 3 months they must register their residence. Thivais falls within the Regional Unit of Boeotia in Central Greece, so local processing is handled by the competent Department of Aliens and Immigration under the Decentralized Administration of Thessaly and Central Greece, together with local labor and social security services.

Greece recognizes several employment related residence categories, such as dependent employment, seasonal work, highly skilled work including the EU Blue Card, intra corporate transferees, researchers, investors and executives, and special schemes like the digital nomad visa. Each category has its own eligibility criteria, documentary requirements, and duration rules. Greek labor compliance also applies locally in Thivais, including minimum wage, social insurance registration, and reporting of hires on the ERGANI platform.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

- Determining the correct category: Choosing between dependent employment, EU Blue Card, seasonal work, intra corporate transfer, or self employment can be complex and affects your rights and processing time.

- Employer sponsored positions and quotas: For many third country roles, employers must secure a position within regional quotas and follow strict steps. A lawyer can coordinate the employer application and the worker’s visa and permit stages.

- Preparing a complete file: Missing or incorrectly translated documents, wrong apostille-legalization, or outdated certificates often lead to delays or refusals. A lawyer can prepare, translate, and check all documents.

- Deadlines and renewals: Entry visas, biometrics appointments, and renewals have strict timelines. Legal help reduces the risk of lapses that can lead to loss of status.

- Changing employer or role: Moving to a new employer, changing job title, or switching permit category typically requires prior approval or an amendment to your permit. Legal guidance helps you stay compliant.

- Appeals and objections: If your application is refused or your permit is revoked, a lawyer can file an administrative appeal or seek judicial review and advise on your right to remain pending the outcome.

- Family members and dependents: Family reunification, spouses’ work rights, and children’s residence documents raise additional procedural questions a lawyer can manage.

- Compliance with labor and tax rules: Local employment contracts, ERGANI notifications, EFKA social insurance registration, and AADE tax number issuance must all align with immigration status.

Local Laws Overview

- National framework: Greek migration and integration rules are primarily set by the Migration Code and related ministerial decisions. These govern entry visas for work, residence permits, renewals, category changes, and rights while pending. Greece also applies EU directives for categories such as the EU Blue Card and intra corporate transferees.

- Competent authorities in Thivais area: Processing of residence permits is handled by the Directorate-Department of Aliens and Immigration of the Decentralized Administration of Thessaly and Central Greece that serves Boeotia. Initial national visas are issued by Greek consular authorities abroad. Local Citizens Service Centers KEP in Boeotia can assist with appointments and issuing certain numbers and certificates. The Public Employment Service DYPA, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, and the Hellenic Police Aliens services have roles depending on your status.

- Entry and first permit: For most third country workers, the employer initiates approval of a job position under the regional quota. The worker then obtains a national Type D visa for work from a Greek consulate. After entry, the worker files for a residence permit within the visa’s validity and provides biometrics. A receipt of application the blue certificate is issued and may allow work until the permit card is printed.

- Renewals and changes: Renew before expiry, typically within the last 60 days of validity. Changing employer, sector, or region may require prior authorization or proof that job conditions remain within the permitted category. Always notify changes of address or employer to the authorities.

- Seasonal work: Seasonal permits are time limited and linked to specific sectors like agriculture or tourism. They usually allow up to a set number of months within a 12 month period and are not always convertible to longer term permits.

- EU-EEA-Swiss citizens: No work permit is required. If staying over 3 months, register at the competent Police Aliens Department to obtain a Registration Certificate. Family members who are third country nationals may need a residence card.

- Labor compliance in Thivais: Employers must register hires on the ERGANI system, pay at least the national minimum wage, enroll employees with EFKA social insurance, and comply with health and safety rules. Workers need a tax number AFM and a social security number AMKA. Contracts should be in Greek or accompanied by an official Greek translation.

- Translations and legalization: Foreign documents typically require apostille or consular legalization and an official Greek translation. Translations can be provided by authorized translators or licensed Greek lawyers in accordance with Greek law.

- Travel and Schengen: A valid Greek residence permit card generally allows short stays in other Schengen states for up to 90 days in any 180 day period, except if your category is restricted. The blue certificate alone is not a travel document and travel while your application is pending is limited. Always confirm current rules before traveling.

- Fees and processing times: Applications involve state fees e paravolo and a separate biometric card fee. Amounts vary by category and duration. Processing times can range from a few weeks to several months depending on workload and the type of permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs a work permit in Thivais

Third country nationals who wish to work for a Greek employer or conduct certain paid activities in Greece need a work authorized residence permit. EU-EEA-Swiss citizens do not need a work permit, but must register their residence if staying more than 3 months.

What is the typical process to obtain a work permit

For employer sponsored roles, the employer secures approval of a job position under the regional quota, you obtain a national Type D visa for work from a Greek consulate, you enter Greece, then you apply for a residence permit with biometrics at the competent Decentralized Administration office serving Boeotia. You receive a receipt that may allow you to work until the card is issued.

How long does it take to get a residence permit for work

Processing can take several weeks to several months depending on the category and the office workload. Plan for potential delays and maintain valid status by applying early for renewals.

Can I change employer after I get my permit

In many categories you can change employer, but you must meet conditions such as notifying the authority, filing updated documents, or obtaining prior approval. Changing sector or region may require additional steps. Do not change jobs without checking the specific rules for your permit.

What documents are usually required

Common items include a valid passport, entry visa for work, signed employment contract, proof of qualifications, clean criminal record where applicable, health insurance, proof of accommodation, passport photos, application forms, fee receipts, and official Greek translations with apostille-legalization where required. Exact lists vary by category.

Do students and family members have the right to work

Students may have limited work rights depending on their residence permit and hours allowed. Family members under family reunification typically have the right to work, but they must hold the correct residence card proving that right.

What happens if my permit expires

If you do not apply to renew in time, you may lose lawful status and your right to work. Late renewal is only possible in limited situations and may involve penalties. Seek legal help immediately if your permit has expired or will expire soon.

Can I work remotely for a foreign employer from Thivais

The digital nomad visa-residence route allows remote work for employers or clients outside Greece. It does not authorize work for Greek employers. If you plan to work for a Greek company, you need a work authorized permit instead.

What numbers do I need to work and get paid

You will need a tax number AFM from the tax authority, a social security number AMKA from e EFKA or through a KEP, and a bank account. Your employer will register your hire on the ERGANI system and enroll you with EFKA for social insurance.

Can I travel while my application is pending

Travel outside Greece is limited while you only hold the application receipt. Once you receive the residence permit card, Schengen short travel may be possible depending on your category. Always confirm current rules before any trip.

Additional Resources

- Ministry of Migration and Asylum for migration policy, permits, and procedures.

- Decentralized Administration of Thessaly and Central Greece, Directorate-Department of Aliens and Immigration serving Boeotia for residence permit filing and renewals.

- Greek consulates abroad for national Type D work visas.

- Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and the ERGANI information system for employment notifications and labor compliance.

- e EFKA Hellenic social insurance for AMKA numbers and social security enrollment.

- AADE Independent Authority for Public Revenue for AFM tax numbers and employer tax compliance.

- DYPA Public Employment Service for labor market programs and information on seasonal work.

- Citizens Service Centers KEP in Boeotia for assistance with certificates, appointments, and some number issuances.

- Hellenic Police Aliens Departments for EU citizen registrations and certain residence formalities.

- Local bar associations and accredited translators for certified Greek translations and document legalization guidance.

Next Steps

- Identify the correct permit category that matches your role and qualifications. Clarify whether you need employer sponsorship, a quota position, or a high skilled route like the EU Blue Card.

- Gather documents early. Obtain apostille or consular legalization and certified Greek translations where required. Keep copies of everything.

- Coordinate with the employer in Thivais. Ensure they complete ERGANI obligations, provide a compliant contract, and meet any quota or labor market steps.

- Apply for the national Type D work visa at the Greek consulate in your country if you are abroad. If you are already in Greece, confirm whether a category change in country is allowed.

- Upon arrival, submit your residence permit application promptly at the competent Decentralized Administration office serving Boeotia and attend your biometrics appointment. Keep the application receipt safe.

- Obtain AFM and AMKA, open a bank account, and ensure your employer registers you with EFKA and ERGANI before starting work.

- Track deadlines for renewals and keep your contact information updated with the authorities. Do not change employer or address without checking the notification or approval requirements.

- Consider consulting a lawyer who practices immigration and labor law in Central Greece to review your category, documents, and timelines, and to assist with any appeals if needed.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws and procedures change. Confirm current requirements with the competent authorities or a qualified lawyer before acting.