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Immigration Law

Economou & Economou Law Office > Immigration Law

Immigration Law

The Best Immigration Lawyers in Greece of Economou & Economou law office in Athens, are your gateway to seamless immigration solutions in Greece. Whether you’re dreaming of residency, exploring investor visas, or reuniting with family, our seasoned legal expertise is here to guide you through the intricate maze of Greek immigration law. The best Immigration Lawyers in Greece of Economou & Economou law office in Athens1 are working in our law firm and are experts in providing you details in every aspect of immigration law you might need advice, as the new Immigration Code introduces the requirement for electronic submission of residence permit applications, with applicants receiving a valid certificate of submission. The residence permit for executives has been abolished, and a new investment permit is introduced, available to shareholders of domestic companies with a paid-in capital of at least 500,000 euros or BoD members, legal representatives, and administrators of domestic companies or branches of foreign companies with assets or turnover of at least 4,000,000 euros.

As the Best Immigration Lawyers in Greece of Economou & Economou law office, we are always ahead and updated in the latest news in immigration law, as the Greek authorities recently approved a new Immigration Code, which will enter into force on 1 January 2024. Once the new Immigration Code is implemented, the following changes will go into effect:

  • highly skilled third-country nationals will be eligible to apply for Blue Cards.
  • Third-country nationals who are already lawfully present in Greece using a C Visa, residence permit or their valid passport will be able to apply for a Blue Card from within Greece provided they meet the eligibility criteria
  • Third-country nationals who hold a valid Blue Card issued in another EU Member State and have resided in that Member State for at least 12 months will be eligible to apply for a Greek Blue Card residence permit.

How can you obtain a residence permit in Greece?

As the Best Immigration Lawyers in Greece of Economou & Economou law office in Athens, we are aware of the questions that bother many people 

In Greece there are 5 options

  • Work
  • Studies
  • Family
  • Humanitarian,
  • Victims

For obtaining a residence permit.

As the Best Immigration Lawyers in Greece, we can guide towards the easiest, fastest and more convenient way to reach it by multiple ways like for example after living in Greece for at least 7 years, residents permit holders may apply for Greek citizenship. In order to get it, they must pass an exam on Greece’s geography, culture, history and political system, as well as prove knowledge of Greek at a B1 level.

We also can help you providing information and preparing relevant documents for:

  • EU Bluecard 
  • Investment Residence permit 
  • Buying property in Greece
  • Golden visa program
  • Political Asylum 
  • Decent and family reunion 
  • Documents required and applying procedure for obtaining Greek citizenship
  • Greek dual citizenship 
  • filling taxes for immigrants,expats,green card holders 
  • Obtaining a greek Tax number
  • Tax advisory for expats, international students, workers

What is the new immigration law in Greece 2023?

Greece has recently enacted a new immigration law, the Immigration Code (L. 5038/2023), which introduces new processes and requirements for the entry and residence of non-EU nationals in Greece. The new Immigration Code is set to enter into force on January 1, 2024.

How long can you stay in Greece if you own a property?

How long can you stay in Greece if you own property? You can get a residence permit if you own a property in Greece. With this document, you are allowed to stay in Greece for as long as you want. However, you need to renew your residence permit every five years.

What happens if I stay in Greece longer than 90 days?

In Greece, fines for overstaying the 90 day visa free period run from €600 to €1,200. If you are unable to depart before your 90 day limit and wish to apply for an extension, you must contact the closest Aliens Bureau at least two weeks prior to your required departure date to apply for an extension of stay.

How long can a US citizen stay in Greece?

Greece is a party to the Schengen Agreement; therefore, U.S. citizens may enter Greece without a visa for stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes. For additional details about travel into and within Schengen countries, please see our Schengen fact sheet.

How long can I live in Greece with a US passport?

If you wish to stay in Greece for longer than 90 days within a 180-day period, you should apply for a visa at Greek Embassy or Greek Consulate prior to your arrival in Greece. Visas may be issued for property owners, students, employment, athletes, coaches, etc.

Can you retire in Greece as an American?

If you just want to retire in Greece, work be gone, then you should apply for a residence permit. The plus side of being a US citizen is that you can visit Greece for up to 90 days without a permit or visa. This is a type of entry visa. It can give you more than enough time to see if Greece is indeed the place for you.

What country can US citizens stay the longest without a visa?

Canada – 180 days

Unsurprisingly, they have one of the longest visa-less allowances for US citizens. If you want to move somewhere different but don’t want a huge culture shock or learn a new language (with the exception of Quebec), Canada is an ideal option.

How do you calculate 90 180 day rule?

The 180 days are calculated as a rolling period which you can count backward from your entry or exit date in the Schengen. Basically, count back 180 days and see how many of those days you’ve spent in the Schengen zone; if you’re over 90 days, you’ve broken the 90/180-day rule.

How much is the fine for overstaying in Greece?

If someone is caught having resided in Greece for more than an additional 30 days, but less than an additional 90 days then the penalty is Euros 1200. If someone exceeds their tourist visa by more than 90 days, then the penalty is Euros 1500, which is the maximum penalty.

Can you buy a house in Greece as a US citizen?

Yes, there are no restrictions on foreigners owning property in Greece. Buying Greek property can be a way to obtain a residence permit and build wealth in Europe.

Can a US citizen purchase a house in Greece?

Do you need to be a Greek resident or citizen to purchase property? No, you do not. However, you do need a Greek AFM (tax number). You can get a non-resident AFM number through a fairly simple procedure.

Does buying a house in Greece gives you residency?

Yes, you can get a residence permit in Greece if you buy a house. However, the house you’re going to buy should be €250,000 or €500,000 minimum (depending on the location) to be able to qualify for Greece residency. If the house you’re buying costs less, you’ll not be able to apply for Greece Golden Visa program.

What is the new 7 year immigration law?

The Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929 would update the existing Registry statute so that an immigrant may qualify for lawful permanent resident status if they have lived in the U.S. continuously for at least seven years before filing an application for lawful permanent resident status.

Who is eligible to move to Greece?

How Can I Move to Greece as a Non-EU Citizen? As a non-EU citizen moving to Greece, you will need to get a D visa, also known as a National Visa (long-stay). This type of visa is required for all non-EU citizens that want to reside in Greece for the long term.Who is eligible for permanent residency in Greece?

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE PERMANENT RESIDENCY (PR)? Anyone who invests a minimum of 250,000 Euros in Greek property, along with their family members are eligible. Family includes spouse, children (under 21 years, but can be extended to 24), parents of the applicant and of the spouse.

How do they check 90 day rule?

To work out if your stay is within the 90 day limit, use the following steps.

  • Check the date you plan to leave the Schengen area on your next trip.
  • Count back 180 days from that date to get the start of the 180-day period.

What happens if you break the 90 day rule?

Each Schengen Area country has its own set and standards for penalties for overstays; however, individuals who exceed the 90-day period will typically be issued with a monetary fine and an order to depart the country and entirety of the Schengen Area within a certain period of time (sometimes immediately).

Is the 90 day rule enforced?

The 90-day rule is an EU rule, with sanctions including fines, passport stamps and deportation for people who overstay their 90-day limit. However, enforcement of the rule is left to each individual country, and there is some variation between countries on the sanctions they impose and how strict enforcement is.

Can a U.S. citizen stay out of the country for more than 1 year?

If you intend to stay outside the United States for 1 year or more, you must apply for a re-entry permit with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) prior to leaving the United States.

Can a U.S. citizen stay out of the country for more than 6 months?

While there is no specific time limit, staying outside the United States for an extended period can have consequences. If you remain outside the United States for over a year without getting a re-entry permit or returning to the country, you may lose your permanent resident status.

What countries do not accept US passport?

The US passport is recognized by all countries in the world, and while the majority of nations accept US passports for entry, there are a few exceptions and limitations. Some countries that have restrictions on US passport holders are North Korea, Iran, Syria, Yemen, and Libya.

Can I collect Social Security if I live in Greece?

Normally, people who are not U.S. citizens may receive U.S. Social Security benefits while overseas. Only if they meet certain requirements. Under the agreement, however, you may receive benefits as long as you reside in Greece regardless of your nationality.

Does Greece tax US Social Security?

Yes, the United States and Greece have a totalization agreement to help prevent double taxation of Social Security benefits for individuals who have worked in both countries. The agreement ensures that workers are not required to pay Social Security taxes to both countries for the same work.

Is it cheaper to live in Greece or USA?

Cost Of Living In Greece Vs. The USA. It’s 54% less expensive to live in Greece compared to USA. The average cost of living for one person in Greece is $1020/month while it’s $2213/month in the USA.

Digital nomads and expatriate Greeks, globe-trotting multimillionaires, pensioners and property investors are all arriving in growing numbers to set up residence in Greece. Attracted by the country’s favorable tax regime, investment incentives and unparalleled quality of life, recent data show that Greece is becoming a destination for highly skilled and high net worth individuals from around the world.

For more information about emmigrating to Greece, click here

Multilingual Support: Breaking language barriers is pivotal in immigration matters. Benefit from our multilingual support, ensuring clear communication and understanding throughout your immigration journey.

1. Special purpose residence permit
Third-country nationals who are to be employed or reside in Greece, under special legislation, intergovernmental agreements or to serve the public interest, culture, sports and national economy, are allowed to enter the country after obtaining a national visa.
These citizens who are going to be active or employed, in the qualities described below are given a special purpose residence permit, two years or equal to the planned period of stay in the country which is renewed every three years, provided that the interested parties continue to provide their services.
The following third country nationals may be accompanied by their family members
More specifically, these are:
I. Board members, shareholders, managers, legal representatives and senior executives of domestic companies as well as subsidiaries and branches of foreign companies operating in Greece.
The domestic employment company must have at least twenty-five (25) employees.
It is necessary to present a degree and two years of professional experience unless the company employs more than 50 locals
II. Employees under special status
• Employees in companies based on special transnational agreements or suggestions of competent Greek authorities
• Managers, business and technical executives of companies of law 27/1975 (A 77) engaged in marine exploration, drilling and extraction of hydrocarbons.
• Employees and legal representatives employed exclusively in companies that have been subject to the provisions of the legislation (Law 3427/2005), as well as in domestic companies that have undertaken in the context of project execution for promotion and technical support to foreign companies.
• Technicians employed in conditional industries or mines
III. Athletes, Spiritual and Religious ministers
• Athletes and coaches of recognized sports
• Intellectual Creators, Writers, Writers, Directors, Painters, Sculptors, Actors, Musicians, Singers, Choreographers and Set Designers
• Religious ministers performing hierarchical duties
• Foreign correspondents
• Members of a foreign archeological school under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture.
• Teachers of foreign schools operating with the permission of the Ministry of Education and Religions.

Consultation for Your Immigration Goals: Ready to embark on your immigration journey? Contact the Best Immigration Lawyers in Greece of Economou & Economou law office in Athens for a consultation tailored to your specific needs. Let’s chart a course for your success in making Greece your new home.

Please contact the Best Immigration Lawyers of Economou & Economou law office in Athens Greece at (+30) 210 3603824 or contact us at econlaw@live.com

Contact us now
Date:

September 15, 2023

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