Family Reunification (Type O.1)

To apply for the Type O.1 Residence Permit, you must follow a two-stage process: first, the sponsor in Greece must obtain approval for the family to join them, and second, the family members must apply for entry and their physical permits. You may only begin this process once the sponsor has lived legally in Greece for at least two years and holds a permit valid for at least one year.

Stage 1: The Sponsor’s Request (In Greece)

1. Submit the Request: The sponsor must apply for family reunification approval at the Decentralized Administration (the regional immigration office, such as Dam-Attica) where they live.
2. Income and Housing Review: Authorities will verify that the sponsor earns enough to support the family. You must show the annual salary of an unskilled worker, plus 20% for a spouse and 15% for each child. You must also provide a registered lease or title deed proving "adequate accommodation."
3. Notification: Once approved, the Greek authorities will send a formal opinion to the Greek Consulate in the family's country of residence.

Stage 2: The National Visa (At the Consulate)

1. Visa Application: Family members must visit the Greek Consulate to apply for a National Visa (Type D). You will need to provide a Family Status Certificate (proving the relationship) and a Health Certificate showing you do not have any WHO-defined communicable diseases.
2. Legalization: Ensure all foreign documents (birth/marriage certificates) are apostilled (internationally authenticated) or legalized and officially translated into Greek.
3. Interview: You may be required to attend an in-person interview at the Consulate.

Stage 3: The Residence Permit (In Greece)

1. Entry: Travel to Greece using the Type D visa.
2. Online Application: Before the visa expires, you must apply for the Type O.1 Residence Permit through the Ministry of Migration and Asylum portal.
3. Receive the Blue Receipt: Upon submission, you will receive a Beveosi (Blue Receipt). This document allows you to stay in Greece legally while your card is being printed.
4. Biometrics: You will receive an appointment to visit the immigration office to provide your fingerprints and digital signature.
5. Card Collection: Once processed, you will be notified to collect your physical residence permit card.

Total Estimate: Approximately €241 – €316 per person, excluding insurance.

Note: This does not include costs for document translations, apostilles, or private health insurance premiums required before you can enroll in the national health system (EFKA).

• Consular Approval & Visa Issuance: Expect this stage to take 2 to 5 months. This includes the time for the Greek regional office to review the sponsor's income and the Consulate to process the visa.
• Blue Receipt (Beveosi): Issued immediately upon the electronic submission of the residence permit application in Greece.
• Final Permit Issuance: Typically takes 3 to 6 months. However, if you are applying in high-demand regions like Attica (Athens), backlogs can extend this wait to 12 months.
• Document Validity: Your passport must remain valid for at least three months after your entry visa expires. The Family Status Certificate and Criminal Record should generally be issued within 3 to 6 months of your application date to be considered "recent."