Residence Permit for Family Members of EU Citizens

You must apply for your residence card within three (3) months of your arrival in Greece. The process is handled by the Directorate of Aliens and Immigration of the Decentralized Administration (Apokentromeni Dioikisi) in the region where you live. This pathway is specifically for non-EU citizens joining an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen who is already living and working (or has sufficient resources) in Greece.

Step 1: Legal Entry and Preparation

Ensure you enter Greece legally using a valid passport and, if required by your nationality, a Schengen visa. Once you arrive, gather your supporting documents. All foreign documents (like marriage or birth certificates) must be officially translated into Greek and must bear an Apostille or be legalized by a Greek consulate.

Step 2: Appointment and Submission

You must submit your application and supporting documents to the competent immigration office for your place of residence. While Greece is transitioning to digital platforms via the Ministry of Migration and Asylum portal, you will generally need to schedule an appointment for the submission of your physical file.

Required Documents:

• Your valid Passport.
• Proof of Relationship: An official marriage certificate, registered partnership certificate, or birth certificate.
• EU Citizen’s Registration: A copy of your family member’s Veveosi Engrafis (Certificate of Registration of Union Citizen).
• Health Insurance: Proof of full health insurance coverage in Greece (public insurance or a private policy specifically for residence permits).
• Photographs: Four (4) recent passport-sized color photos and a CD containing the digital files.
• Proof of Dependency: If you are an adult child over 21 or a parent/grandparent, you must provide documents proving you are financially supported by the EU citizen.

Step 3: Biometrics

During your appointment, or shortly after, you must provide your biometric data (digital fingerprints and signature) at the immigration office.

Step 4: Receive the Blue Receipt

Upon successful submission of your application, you will be issued a Veveosi (Blue Receipt). This certificate serves as your temporary legal status. It allows you to stay in Greece and work legally while your card is being printed.

Step 5: Card Issuance

Once your background check and document verification are complete, you will be notified to collect your physical residence card. This card is typically valid for five (5) years.

The Greek government does not charge an application fee for family members of EU citizens, making this one of the most affordable pathways to residency.

Item	Cost
Application Fee	€0
Electronic Card Printing Fee	€16
Late Application Fine	~€50 (if applying after the 3-month deadline)

Total Estimate: €16 (plus potential translation and notary costs). Does not include: Costs for official translations, Apostille certifications, private health insurance premiums, or legal fees if you hire an attorney.

The time it takes to receive your physical card depends heavily on the workload of your local immigration office.

• Initial Submission: You must apply within 90 days of arrival.
• Blue Receipt Issuance: Usually provided immediately or within a few days of a complete application submission.
• Card Processing: Legally, the card should be issued within 6 months. However, in high-demand areas like Attica (Athens), backlogs can result in wait times of 6 to 12 months.
• Document Validity: Your foreign certificates (marriage/birth) should generally be issued within the last 6 months to be considered "recent" by Greek authorities.
• Path to Permanent Residency: After 5 years of continuous legal residence, you become eligible for a Permanent Residence Card, which is valid for 10 years.