Independent Residence Permit for Family Members (Type O.2)

To qualify for the Type O.2 permit, you must already hold a derivative residence permit (Type O.1) or an equivalent family reunification status. Eligibility is triggered by one of the following specific life events or milestones:

• Reaching Adulthood: Children of residents (including those under the Golden Visa or Financially Independent Person (FIP) programs) who turn 21 years old are entitled to this independent permit.
• Five Years of Residence: If you have lived in Greece legally and continuously for five years under a family reunification status, you can apply for independence.
• Death of the Sponsor: If the primary permit holder passes away, family members who were residing with them may secure their own status.
• Divorce or Annulment: You may qualify if your marriage or civil partnership is dissolved, provided the union lasted at least three years, with at least one year of that time spent living in Greece.
• Special Protections: This permit is also available to victims of domestic violence or in cases where the sponsor’s permit is revoked for reasons that are not your fault.

Key Disqualifiers:

• Public Security: You must have a clean criminal record and not be considered a threat to public order.
• Unauthorized Stay: Any period of illegal stay in Greece can reset your five-year residency clock or lead to a rejection.
• Nationality: This pathway is strictly for third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens).