Before beginning your move to Greece, ensuring that you have the right documents to support your transition is extremely important. You don't want to be stopped by an immigration officer at the airport, pleading to get past the airport gates. In our guide, we'll walk you through the process of finding a good immigration lawyer in Greece who will support you in obtaining the right papers you need to enter Greece.
Selecting the right visa based on your needs is crucial prior to your arrival. Each visa caters to specific needs and durations, ensuring you make an informed decision that aligns with your plans. If you're planning on visiting Greece in a short 3-month stint to test out the waters and visit a few attractions, then obtaining a 90-day visa is going to be the most suitable thing for you.
Here are the different types of visas:
This type of visa is for third-country nationals that allows you to stay in Greece for more than 90 days and up to a year. This is beneficial if you have access to a Greek Consulate or Embassy to submit an application prior to entering the country, and this visa can be renewed a year later.
If you’re a digital nomad and your earnings come from abroad, then you can apply for a Digital Nomad Visa at the Greek Consulate or Embassy of your place of residence. This visa valid for up to 12 months, however if you would like a Digital Nomad Residence permit which is valid for up to two years, you can apply in Greece.
Please note that extending your Digital Nomad Visa into a permit is only possible only after obtaining the original visa from your country of residence.
For more information, please see Applying for a Digital Nomad Visa in 2024.
The FIP visas are valid for two years. These are for third-country nationals, ideally retirees, who have the financial means to cover their expenses during their residency. These permit holders can travel freely to all Schengen countries during this time, but are required to reside a minimum of 6 months per year in Greece.
If you're looking for more details about what paperwork you need for these types of visas, please refer to our guide, How to Get Greek Residency Permits in 2024.
Encountering difficulties at the Greek Consulate or Embassy? Need help with document translation? If you are having issues with the visa application or residency permit renewal procedures, you can fill out a form on our Services and we'll match you with a qualified lawyer based on your needs and preferences.
Time to be social! Expat forums, social media groups, and local events are great for getting recommendations for qualified immigration lawyers. The new and modern co-working space in Metaxourghio, pi55, is a great hub for expats and digital nomads to network. They host events on a monthly basis.
Another expat forum and community we recommend is Internations. Create an account with them here and get a list of events sent to your inbox.
To connect with a qualified, English-speaking lawyer, get in touch with us by visiting our Services page and filling out a form with your request, and we'll get back to your shortly.
In a nutshell, finding the perfect immigration lawyer in Greece is like making a new friend – it might take a bit of effort, but the rewards are totally worth it.