GreeceResidence permit

Family reunification in Greece

A residence permit for family members of third-country nationals lawfully resident in Greece. Provision is made for the initial issue to families formed in Greece and for separate categories for minor children. The permit gives access to the labour market. Once the periods of continuous residence have been completed, long-term resident status and naturalisation become available to family members.

Source: Υπουργείο Μετανάστευσης και Ασύλου (migration.gov.gr)

Whom a sponsor may bring to Greece

A sponsor with resident status in Greece may bring various family members, each through their own process.

Family members from other countries

The spouse of a third-country national (art. 72)
Minor children of third-country nationals who lived abroad (art. 79)
Parents of third-country nationals where there is financial dependence

Children born or settled in Greece

Minor children born in Greece (art. 80)
Minor children who previously lived in Greece
Children of third-country nationals settled in the country

Available statuses and periods

Initial permit of up to 2 years (art. 72, spouses)
Initial permit for the sponsor's period (art. 80, children)
Renewal for 3 years for spouses (art. 73)

When the programme is not a fit

The sponsor does not hold resident status in Greece

The sponsor first has to obtain a residence permit under one of the other programmes (work, investment, study, financial independence)

The family member is an adult who is financially independent, with no proven dependence

The adult may apply for a residence permit in their own right (work, study, investment or long-term residence)

What it costs

Electronic fee for a spouse (art. 72)Payment code 2107; submitted together with the application	150 EUR
Production of the plastic resident cardPayment code 2119; covers the card and the electronic document	16 EUR
Production of the card for a child (art. 80)Children born in Greece pay only for the card	+16 EUR
Total government feesThe sum of the mandatory rows in the table. “Production of the card for a child (art. 80)” adds 16 EUR. Charges with no official price list are in the list below.	166–182 EUR

Paid separately

Consular fee or visa — The programme does not require a visa; the application is filed with the migration authority locally
Translation and legalisation of documents — Part of the preparation costs, but not part of the state fee

Documents to gather

The source documents are submitted as originals or certified copies. Foreign documents require an official translation into Greek and confirmation of their authenticity.

Certified copy of every page of a valid passport
A current certificate of status from the foreign authorities, officially certified and translated
A copy of the sponsor's valid residence permit in Greece
A certificate of insurance cover (state or private insurance)
For a spouse: a copy of the marriage certificate or an equivalent document, officially certified and translated
Four colour photographs measuring 40x60 mm on a white background, in digital format (JPEG 2000)
An official document stating the place of birth in Latin letters, certified and translated
A declaration by the sponsor that there has been no change in family status (on renewal)

How the process runs

The process starts with a prior appointment at the migration authority. Since 12 February 2024 applications for family reunification may be filed by prior appointment only.

1
Booking the appointment and filing the documents
The applicant files the full package of documents with the migration authority by prior appointment. Proof of accommodation is provided by a declaration of the owner certified by the tax office.
2
Checking of the documents by the authority
1-3 months
The migration authority checks that the documents are complete and genuine. If anything is missing, the applicant is notified.
3
Issue of the decision
Where all the requirements are met, a decision to issue the permit is made. The decision is taken where there are no objections on grounds of public order and security.
4
Receiving the plastic card
1-2 weeks
Once the decision has been issued the applicant receives the plastic resident card. The electronic document becomes available earlier.

Timelines and rights

Work

The permit opens the labour market: employment and the provision of services. While it is in force, the family member is then renewed as a worker — on an employment residence permit.

Who you can bring with you

The status of family members is governed by the provisions of the Migration Code. A family member's permit is valid for the same period as the sponsor's permit.

Spouse

The sponsor and the spouse have to prove that they are lawfully married. On divorce the family member's residence permit ceases to be valid.

Minor children (under 21)

Financially dependent children of third-country nationals, where the sponsor can prove that they are maintained and that accommodation is available.

Parents (special cases)

Possible where there is full financial dependence and the sponsor's written consent to bear the cost of their maintenance.

Children born in Greece

Minor children born on Greek territory receive a permit automatically for the period of validity of the sponsoring parent's permit.

Renewal and the grace period

Spouses file the renewal application at least 60 days before the permit expires. The renewal is issued for 3 years provided that the sponsor has retained resident status and that the conditions of residence remain unchanged. Documents confirming insurance cover, the sponsor's income and the absence of tax arrears have to be filed again. The payments stay at the level of the initial issue: EUR 150 (electronic fee) plus EUR 16 (card).

What comes next: permanent residence and citizenship

Route to permanent residence

After 5 years of continuous lawful residence the family member applies for long-term resident status in their own right. An absence must not exceed 6 consecutive months, and all absences together must not exceed 10 months over the five-year period.

Route to citizenship

The general period of lawful residence for naturalisation is 7 years, and only with a title from the list in the Citizenship Code. With other residence permits the period rises to 12 years. Before applying you sit the PEGP examination: Greek at level B1 plus the geography, history, culture and political institutions of Greece.

Frequently asked questions about Family reunification

Will I have the right to work on a family reunification permit?

Yes, the residence permit for family members gives access to the labour market. A family member may work as an employee or provide services on the basis of their permit.

How long is a spouse's permit valid on the initial issue?

The family reunification permit (art. 72) is issued for a period of up to 2 years. The first renewal may be for 3 years.

What happens to a family member's permit if the sponsor loses resident status?

The family member's permit ends on the same day as the sponsor's permit. If the sponsor ceases to be a resident, the family member has either to obtain independent status or to leave Greece.

After how many years will I be able to apply for long-term residence?

After 5 years of continuous lawful residence in Greece a family member may apply for long-term resident status independently of the sponsor. An absence must not exceed 6 consecutive months, and all absences together must not exceed 10 months over the five years.

What are the requirements for Greek citizenship after family reunification?

A family member may apply for naturalisation after 7 years of continuous lawful residence. You have to pass an examination in the Greek language (level B1) and a test on the history, geography, culture and political institutions of Greece.

Other ways to move to Greece

Every route in one list — migration programmes: Greece.

The terms and the amounts are checked against official sources — the link sits under each section.Last checked on: 7 August 2026.