A residence permit in Greece is a mandatory document for those who decide to stay on its territory for a long time. Most often, this state is chosen by migrants who plan to open a business, buy real estate, get an education or start a family. Those who have the opportunity to live on the income received in their homeland also give preference to Greece almost without hesitation. A history rooted in the distant past, a unique atmosphere and color, warm sea and picturesque landscapes - all this plays an important role in making a decision when moving.
Benefits of a Greek residence permit
Greece is a Schengen signatory country. This means that migration legislation is in force on its territory, which is the same for all states included in the zone.
A Greek residence permit provides the opportunity to move freely within the entire Schengen territory, as well as apply for a simplified procedure for issuing visas of some other states, for example, the United States and Canada.
But it must be remembered that the status of a residence permit is temporary, requires constant renewal and is just an initial stage in the process of legalization in the country. Its owner does not have the right to vote and take part in elections, hold government posts and serve in the army. Moreover, not all varieties of this document even make it possible to work.
For example, a residence permit in Greece for pensioners: the main condition for obtaining it is having a permanent income at home, which will allow you to lead a decent lifestyle without getting a job.
Having lived in the country for 5 years on the basis of a temporary status, a candidate can apply for permanent residence - permanent residence, and after another 5 years - for citizenship. Some categories of foreigners can follow this path according to a simplified scheme (for example, spouses of Greeks).
The opportunities that a residence permit in Greece gives include:
- living in a country with beautiful nature, clean ecology and a healthy climate;
- work or business in a country that is gradually overcoming the economic crisis;
- study at any European university;
- high chances of finding a prestigious job if you have education and work experience in your specialty;
- use of some types of social security.
But in order to take advantage of all these benefits, you need to learn the language, learn to respect local traditions and customs, and observe Greek laws.
On what basis can a residence permit be obtained
A residence permit in Greece for Russians and other foreigners gives the right to long-term residence in the territory of the state. But in order to get it, the applicant will have to prepare a basis and prove with documents that he meets certain requirements.
Residence permit for financially independent foreigners
Emigration to Greece under the program for financially independent persons is available to applicants who have a constant source of income abroad, not affected by possible difficulties in the economy of the country and the world as a whole. This applies both to the young generation of candidates for a residence permit and to pensioners, single foreigners and whole families.
Very often this way of emigration is chosen by wealthy businessmen who transport their families to Greece.
The income can be:
- well-established profitable business;
- renting out housing or other real estate;
- dividends from bank deposits.
Residence permit in Greece for financially independent persons is possible under the following conditions:
- the income level must be at least 2,000 euros per month per applicant. A prerequisite is the presence of a deposit in the amount of 24 thousand euros for the main applicant, plus 20% to this amount for the spouse of the migrant and another 15% for each child who is under 18 years old;
- candidates for a residence permit do not have the right to get a job.
This type of residence permit obliges temporary residents to reside in Greek territory for at least 183 days a year. The document is valid for 2 years with the right to renew for another three-year period.
Residence permit for employees
Employment-based emigration is one of the most difficult paths for those who decide to leave for this particular state. The economic crisis, from which Greece is just beginning to emerge, has had a significant impact on the number of jobs. To accept a foreign citizen, a Greek company must hold a competition among local residents and submit a petition to the Ministry of Labor, showing that there were no candidates among the residents.
Working in Greece as a way of migration is suitable for those who are ready to work in such positions:
- auto mechanics, tire changers, welders;
- maids, bartenders, waiters;
- nurses, nurses in nursing homes;
- crop pickers;
- handymen, cleaners.
IT specialists and financiers are in demand among qualified workers. But here, too, the priority right when applying for a job belongs to citizens of Greece and the EU. Foreign specialists from the list of in-demand professions can receive a Blue Card and a residence permit for a period of 2 years.
Residence permit for students
Obtaining a residence permit in Greece is possible on the basis of admission to an educational institution in the country.
To be able to apply for this status, you will have to secure an invitation from the university, which will indicate that a foreign citizen is enrolled in it. The period of study must be indicated.
For admission, you will need a certificate of complete secondary education and a certificate of passing the language exam.
But if a residence permit is issued to a student, this does not mean that his whole family will be able to emigrate with him. The legalization conditions for this category of foreigners are as follows:
- the presence on the account of the amount necessary for studying at the university during the entire period;
- open student visa;
- university enrollment - a residence permit is not issued to applicants;
- after graduation, a foreign citizen must leave the country or legalize his status on a different basis.
Immigration for businessmen
An applicant who was able to organize a business in Greece can become a resident. Primary requirements:
- the amount of investments in the company - from 60 thousand euros for private entrepreneurs and from 20 thousand - for the shareholders of the company;
- number of jobs - at least 10;
- providing annual evidence of the company's profitability.
The process begins with drawing up a business plan, which must be submitted to a special commission at the Greek Consulate in the homeland of the entrepreneur. If the authorized representatives of the state decide that the declared company is relevant and interesting to Greece, the candidate will be issued a business visa, on the basis of which he can apply for a residence permit.
Residence permit for refugees
You can apply for refugee status at any police department in the country immediately after arriving in Greece. After passing a short interview, the candidate will be issued a “pink card” confirming that the holder has applied for asylum from the Greek authorities.
Consideration of the application is carried out within three months, but in practice it can take up to a year or more. During this time, financial assistance from the state is not provided (only in emergency cases, if the applicant has lost the ability to work), but asylum seekers have the right to get a job. The applicant is provided with food and lodging only.
If a positive decision is made, the foreigner will be issued a refugee certificate for a period of 5 years, which will be automatically renewed an unlimited number of times.
After 10 years of being in the country with refugee status, a foreigner can apply for citizenship.
Reuniting with relatives
One of the ways to get a residence permit in Greece for a Russian citizen is to marry a resident of the state. This also includes such a basis as family reunification.
Children, parents and spouses of Greeks can be candidates. At the same time, a person who is reunited with relatives can stay not only in the status of a citizen, but also live in the country on the basis of a residence permit or permanent residence.
Conditions for this method of emigration:
- the main applicant must have a document confirming the status of a resident;
- he needs to show income sufficient to support relatives;
- he is obliged to have housing (rented or own);
- Persons living on the basis of a residence permit must have lived in Greece for at least two years before they can take their family.
Spouses of Greeks can apply for citizenship after 3 years of marriage.
Real estate and investment
Residence permit in Greece when buying real estate is issued on condition that its value exceeds 250 thousand euros. The document is valid for 5 years. If the ownership of the object is not lost during this time, the status is extended for the same period.
An alternative to buying is renting residential premises in hotels or tourist complexes for a period of 10 years for the same amount.
The desire to invest in the Greek economy can also become one of the ways of emigration. In 2021, the following conditions for investors apply:
- the amount of investments must not be less than 300 thousand euros;
- the investment object must provide at least 10 jobs, a third of which will be occupied by the Greeks;
- the project must show its effectiveness.
The decision to issue a residence permit for investors is made by two departments - the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The document is issued only for 2 years. To extend it, it will be necessary to show the profitability of the company.
How to apply for a residence permit
The procedure for obtaining a residence permit in Greece includes two stages:
- Application for a Category D national visa at the Greek Consulate in the migrant's home country.
- Submission of an application for a residence permit directly in the Greek territory.
The step-by-step process can be represented as follows:
- Appointment at the Consulate General.
- Filling out a visa application.
- Visit to the representative office with a full package of papers.
- Tracking the status of the application.
- Obtaining a passport with a visa and entering Greece.
- Submission of an application for a residence permit at the Greek Migration Service at the place of residence. It is important to do this before the time when the visa permit expires.
- Providing a package of papers for a residence permit.
- Submission of biometric data.
- Obtaining a certificate of acceptance of the application. This document will be a residence permit in the country while the case is pending.
- Receive notification of the decision.
What documents will be needed
The next step in the process of obtaining a Greek residence permit for a Russian citizen is the collection of documents. The speed of consideration of the application and its result will depend on the correctness of the preparation of the package of papers. To apply to the Greek consulate you will need:
- Visa application.
- A valid international passport with copies of the completed pages.
- Three photos.
- Insurance policy.
- Certificates stating that the applicant has no criminal record and is not under investigation.
- Documentary evidence of the basis for issuing a national visa.
When contacting the migration service at the place of arrival, in addition to this list, you will have to prepare:
- Application for a residence permit.
- Passport and a copy of visa category D.
- A certificate from a Greek medical institution stating the absence of dangerous diseases.
- For financially independent applicants - income certificates and a bank statement on the availability of funds in it.
- If the reason for emigration is the purchase of real estate in Greece - a copy of the purchase and sale agreement in the amount of 250 thousand euros or more.
- For reunification with relatives - certificates of marriage and birth of children.
- For students - a letter from the university indicating the period of study, faculty and specialty.
- For labor migrants - "Blue Card" or an invitation from the employer with a copy of the employment contract, which must indicate the name of the employee, his position and salary.
- For businessmen - a business plan, proof of the availability of start-up capital.
- Receipt for payment of the fee of 150 euros.
The documents must be prepared in duplicate. All papers drawn up in a foreign language must be translated into Greek and certified by a notary.
How to renew a status
The holder of a temporary status will have to independently control such an issue as the extension of a residence permit in Greece. The application must be submitted no later than 2 months before the expiration of the document.
The applicant will need:
- Application of the established form.
- A foreign passport valid for 2 years.
- 2 photos.
- A receipt confirming the payment of the fee.
- Insurance.
- Financial guarantees.
- Certificate of registration at the place of residence.
You need to contact the police department of the area where the migrant lives. The period for which the document will be extended depends on the purpose of stay in the country (on average, 1-2 years).
How to get citizenship
For those who are aiming at further legalization, it is important to remember that a residence permit is only the first stage. To obtain Greek citizenship, you will have to:
- To live in the country on the basis of a residence permit for at least 5 years (for Greek spouses, 3 years are enough).
- Apply for permanent residence.
- Live on the basis of permanent status for another 5 years.
- Learn Greek, show income and availability.
- Apply for citizenship.
Permanent residence status is issued to foreign citizens for an unlimited period. It does not need to be renewed, and the number of years during which it can be used to live in the country is not limited.
Where is the best place to settle in Greece
Russians in Greece most often choose Crete, Athens and Thessaloniki for life. It is here that the largest Russian diaspora in the Greek state lives. But the choice of a place where to settle should depend on the goals of the move.
Life in large cities and resort areas is best chosen by those who intend to realize themselves as a specialist or do business. It also makes sense for students to come.
But for the quiet life of pensioners and those who are tired of the hustle and bustle, the countryside and islands are more suitable. One has only to remember that during the recession of the tourist season, there may be difficulties with transport links; this is especially true of the ferry crossing from the island part of the country to the continent.
Outcomes
To become the holder of a residence permit in Greece, you need to secure a foundation. This capacity can be the purchase of real estate for a certain amount, starting a business, employment, investment, university studies or reunification with a resident of the country. The process begins with a request for a national visa and the preparation of a package of documents; the main one will be confirmation of the purpose of the move of a foreign citizen.
