Greece allows foreign residents to bring their immediate family members to live with them under a legal framework known as family reunification. This is especially important for non-EU citizens living in Greece with residence permits who want to be joined by spouses, minor children, or dependent relatives.
In this guide, we explain how to apply for family reunification in Greece, including eligibility, required documents, and how Borderless Lawyers can guide your application.
📌 Who Can Apply for Family Reunification in Greece?
To qualify for family reunification, the applicant (called the sponsor) must:
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Be a non-EU/EEA citizen legally residing in Greece
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Hold a valid residence permit (not a short-stay visa)
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Have sufficient income and housing
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Apply to bring eligible family members
👪 Who Qualifies as Family?
Under Greek and EU law, the following family members are eligible:
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👰 Spouse (legally married, not a partner)
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👶 Minor children (biological or adopted, under 18)
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🧓 Dependent parents (only in specific cases)
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👧 Children of the spouse (stepchildren) under specific conditions
Note: Partners in unregistered relationships (e.g., unmarried) may not qualify.
✅ Requirements for the Sponsor (Resident in Greece)
To apply, the sponsor must:
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Have lived in Greece legally for at least 2 years (some exceptions apply)
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Hold a valid residence permit for more than 1 year
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Earn a minimum income of approx. €8,500–€10,000/year (varies by family size)
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Provide suitable housing for the whole family
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Have health insurance covering all family members
📑 Required Documents (Typical)
From the Sponsor (in Greece):
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Valid Greek residence permit
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Proof of income (tax returns, bank statements)
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Rental contract or property ownership
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Health insurance coverage
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Proof of 2 years residence (if required)
From the Family Member (abroad):
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Valid passport
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Marriage certificate / birth certificate (apostilled + translated)
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Application form
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Passport photos
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Clean criminal record (for adults)
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Visa fee
🏛️ Application Procedure
Step 1 – Apply at the Greek Consulate
The family member must apply for a Type D family reunification visa at the Greek consulate in their country of residence.
Step 2 – Enter Greece and Apply for Residence Permit
After entering Greece with the visa, the family member must apply for a residence permit at the local Decentralized Administration Office.
Step 3 – Biometrics & Residence Card
After submission, they’ll receive a blue paper as proof of submission, followed by a biometric appointment and final approval. The residence permit is typically valid for the same duration as the sponsor’s permit.
🧒 Schooling and Healthcare for Children
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Minor children who obtain residence permits can attend Greek schools
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They are entitled to basic public healthcare
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Enrollment in schools requires a tax number (AFM) and residence proof
🔁 Renewal and Extension
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The family residence permit is linked to the sponsor’s permit
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It can be renewed alongside the main permit
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If the family relationship ends (e.g., divorce), the permit may not be renewed unless the applicant qualifies independently
⚖️ Legal Challenges & Common Pitfalls
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Unregistered marriages are not accepted
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Apostilled and translated documents must be correct
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Some Greek consulates have backlogs or delays
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Children nearing 18 should apply early to avoid aging out
This is why working with a legal team is essential.
💼 How Borderless Lawyers Can Help
At BorderlessLawyers.com, we support families throughout the reunification process—both from abroad and within Greece.
We assist with:
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Eligibility assessments for spouses and children
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Certified translations & document legalization
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Filing your application with or without Power of Attorney
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Local representation at immigration offices
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Resolving rejections or appeals if needed
👨👩👧 Want to reunite with your loved ones in Greece? We’re here to help make the process smooth and successful.
❓ FAQ – Family Reunification in Greece
Q: Can I bring my unmarried partner to Greece?
A: Unfortunately, only legally married spouses or those with civil unions recognized in Greece are eligible.
Q: How long does the process take?
A: It may take 2–4 months depending on the consulate and local Greek office.
Q: What if I change my residence permit type later?
A: Your family members’ permits must be updated accordingly.
❤️ Ready to Bring Your Family to Greece?
Let Borderless Lawyers take care of the legal process while you focus on what matters most—being together.