Greece family reunification visa guide

What Is a Family Reunification Visa for Greece?

A family reunification visa allows non-EU citizens who already live in Greece to bring their close relatives to join them. This is one of the main legal pathways for families to live together in the country. Greece recognizes certain family relationships as eligible for reunification, and both the person in Greece and their relatives must meet specific requirements.

Who Can Sponsor Family Members?

To sponsor a family member, you generally need to:

• Be a legally residing non-EU citizen in Greece (on a valid residence permit)
• Have stable housing suitable for your family members
• Have sufficient income to support them financially
• Prove your family relationship through official documents

Eligible family members typically include:

• Your spouse or registered partner
• Unmarried children under a certain age
• Dependent parents (in some cases)
• Adult children with severe disabilities (sometimes)

Required Documents and Proof

You'll need to gather several important documents:

• Valid passport and residence permit
• Marriage certificate, birth certificate, or partnership registration (certified copies)
• Proof of housing (lease agreement or property ownership papers)
• Employment contract or proof of income
• Bank statements showing financial capacity
• Health insurance documentation
• Police clearance or background check for your relatives

All documents from your home country must be officially certified and translated into Greek by a certified translator.

The Application Process

The general steps involve:

1. Gathering documents — Collect everything from your country and Greece

2. Submitting your application — File with the local immigration office (Δ.Ο.) in your area

3. Waiting for review — Officials examine your application and documents

4. Interview — You and sometimes your family members may need to attend an interview

5. Decision — Authorities approve or deny your request

6. Residence permit issuance — Approved family members receive their visa or residence permit

Processing times vary by location, so contact your local immigration office for current estimates.

Financial and Housing Requirements

Greece requires you to prove you can support your family without relying on public assistance. You'll need to show:

• Stable employment or business income
• Sufficient savings or bank balance
• Housing with adequate space for all family members

The exact income and housing requirements depend on how many people you're sponsoring and your specific circumstances.

Important Tips

• Start gathering documents early—certified translations take time
• Keep copies of everything you submit
• Contact your local immigration office for specific requirements in your region
• Some requirements vary between different areas of Greece
• Your family members may need medical tests or background checks

This is general self-help information, not legal advice. Always verify current rules on the official government website.