Best Work Permit Lawyers in Vouliagmeni

About Work Permit Law in Vouliagmeni, Greece

Work authorization in Vouliagmeni operates under Greek national immigration and labor laws. Vouliagmeni is within the Municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni in the Attica Region, so applications are handled by the competent Attica authorities. Citizens of EU or EEA countries and Switzerland can work in Greece without a work permit, though they should register their residence if staying beyond three months. Most non-EU nationals need a residence permit for employment, which typically follows a national visa D issued by a Greek consulate and then an in-country residence permit card issued by the Decentralized Administration of Attica. Greece offers several employment categories, including dependent employment, seasonal work, intra-corporate transferees, EU Blue Card for highly skilled roles, researchers, and limited self-employment or investment routes. Employers must comply with Greek labor rules, register hires in the ERGANI information system, and ensure social insurance coverage.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can be valuable when you need to select the correct permit category, meet tight deadlines, and avoid refusals. Common situations include switching status from student to worker, changing employers, renewing an expired or soon-to-expire card, handling family reunification and work access for spouses, responding to a negative decision or a request for additional documents, aligning an employment contract with Greek labor law, regularizing undocumented work history, or dealing with complex cases such as criminal record checks, gaps in insurance, or qualifications recognition. A lawyer who works regularly with Attica authorities can also help schedule biometrics, prepare certified translations, ensure apostilles or consular legalizations, and monitor quotas or regional needs planning that may affect your eligibility.

Local Laws Overview

Key points for Vouliagmeni applicants include the following. Most non-EU workers start with a national visa D from a Greek consulate based on a job offer and an approval tied to Greece’s annual migration needs planning. After entry, you submit a residence permit application to the Decentralized Administration of Attica and complete biometrics to receive a residence permit card. Many steps are now handled through online platforms, but biometrics and some document checks are in person. The EU Blue Card is available for highly skilled roles that meet education and salary thresholds. Seasonal permits exist for agriculture and tourism for limited durations. Intra-corporate transferee permits apply to managers, specialists, and trainees transferred within a group. Students have limited work rights and may need to change status for full-time employment after graduation. Digital nomad residence allows remote work for foreign employers and does not permit local employment. Employers in Greece must register employees in ERGANI before work starts, pay at least the Greek statutory minimum wage, and enroll employees with e-EFKA for social insurance. Employees usually need a Tax Number AFM and a Social Security Number AMKA or a temporary number PAAYPA in certain cases. Overstaying or unauthorized work can lead to fines, entry bans, and future permit complications. Processing times in Attica can vary based on category and workload, and temporary certificates provided after filing can allow legal stay and, in some cases, work until the card is issued.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a work permit to work in Vouliagmeni

EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens do not need a work permit, though they should obtain a registration certificate for longer stays. Most non-EU nationals need both a national visa D for entry and a residence permit for employment issued in Attica after arrival.

What is the difference between a visa and a residence permit

The national visa D is issued by a Greek consulate and allows entry and initial stay. The residence permit card is issued inside Greece by the Decentralized Administration and serves as your ongoing authorization to live and, if applicable, work.

Can I work in Greece on a tourist visa

No. Work is not allowed on a Schengen tourist visa C or visa-free tourist stay. You must hold the correct employment-based status to work legally.

How long does the work permit process take in Attica

Timeframes vary by category and office workload, often several weeks to a few months from filing to card issuance. You may receive a filing certificate that confirms legal stay and can allow work until the card is printed, depending on the category.

Can I change employers after I get my permit

It depends on your permit type. Some permits are employer-specific and require a modification or new permit to change employers. Others, such as the EU Blue Card after a certain initial period, may allow job changes if you notify authorities and maintain eligibility criteria.

What are the salary and contract requirements

Your contract must comply with Greek labor law, including the statutory minimum wage and sectoral rules. The employer must register the hire in ERGANI before work starts and ensure social insurance with e-EFKA. Some permits, like the EU Blue Card, require higher salary thresholds and specific qualifications.

Do students and researchers have work rights

Students may work under limited conditions and hours depending on their permit. Researchers generally have broader work rights within their research activity. For full-time employment after studies, a status change and a new basis of stay may be required.

Can my spouse or family work in Greece

Family members’ work rights depend on their status. Family of EU citizens in Greece typically have work access. Family reunited with a non-EU worker may gain work rights according to the terms of their family reunification permit and current law.

What documents are usually needed

Typical documents include a valid passport, national visa D if required, job offer and employment contract, proof of qualifications, criminal record from your country of residence, proof of health insurance, proof of accommodation, passport photos, and official translations or apostilles where applicable. Employers provide ERGANI registration and supporting corporate documents.

What happens if I overstay or work without authorization

Unauthorized stay or work can lead to fines, difficulties with future applications, and possible entry bans. It is important to maintain valid status, file renewals on time, and limit work to what your permit authorizes.

Additional Resources

Ministry of Migration and Asylum for residence permit categories and application procedures. Decentralized Administration of Attica - Directorate of Foreigners and Immigration for local processing of applications and biometrics. Citizens Service Centers KEP for guidance on forms and appointments in the Municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni. Hellenic Police Aliens Bureaus for certain registrations and checks. Greek Manpower Employment Organization DYPA for labor market programs and unemployment services. Single Social Security Fund e-EFKA for social insurance numbers and contributions. Independent Authority for Public Revenue AADE for tax numbers AFM. Your municipal services in Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni for local certificates and residency documentation.

Next Steps

Identify the correct permit category for your role, such as dependent employment, EU Blue Card, seasonal work, intra-corporate transfer, or another eligible route. Confirm eligibility with your prospective employer, including contract terms and any salary or qualification thresholds. Gather core documents early, including passport, criminal record certificates, degree or professional credentials, and proof of accommodation. Arrange certified translations into Greek and obtain apostilles or consular legalizations where required. If you are abroad, apply for the appropriate national visa D at the Greek consulate with your employer’s approval documents. If you are in Greece, prepare your residence permit filing and book your biometrics appointment with the Decentralized Administration of Attica when prompted. Obtain your AFM tax number and AMKA or PAAYPA as needed to activate payroll and social insurance. Keep copies of all submissions and receipts, and track deadlines for renewals to avoid gaps in status. If you face complex issues or uncertainty, consult an immigration and labor lawyer familiar with Attica practice to review your documents, avoid errors, and represent you before authorities.