Step on how to apply for a Greece Family Reunification Visa
Are you planning on reuniting with your family in Greece? If yes, you may consider obtaining a Greece family reunification visa if you’re not from a visa-free country.
Undoubtedly, the Greece Family Reunification Visa is a type of visa that allows family members of Greek citizens and permanent residents to join them in Greece. This is because the Republic of Greece has a positive stand on family reunions and practical family life.
Therefore, let’s explore together what the Greek family reunification visa is, its requirements, its application, and the documents you need for the visa. Let’s go!
What is Greece Family Reunification Visa?
The family reunification visa is a type of visa that allows an individual with a relative in Greece to enter Greece with the sole aim of visitation. It is a visa type that permits you to spend some time with your relatives who are permanent residents or citizens in Greece.
However, you can only be eligible if you are the child, parent, spouse, or very closely related to the permanent resident or citizen in Greece.
Eligibility criteria for the Greece family reunification visa
As we have said earlier, you only get to qualify for this visa type if you are a very close relative to the resident that lives in Greece. However, you might not need to obtain this visa type if you are from a Schengen country with free Greece access.
But in cases whereby you must obtain the visa, ensure that you have a document that satisfies your relationship with the resident. Failure to do this might lead to the rejection of your visa application.
Requirements for the Greece family reunification visa
Without a doubt, you must prepare the document and meet the requirements for this visa type. This is because an incomplete or false document will not be accepted and could lead to the rejection of your visa. On that note, your visa application fee might be wasted.
So, here are the needed documents you must provide:
#1. Visa application form
You need to download the application form for the Greece family reunification visa online. First, you must complete the form with your information and cross-check before submitting it.
#2. Copy of passport
Obtaining a valid international passport is not negotiable for your journey to reunite with your family in Greece. Also, your passport must be valid, and the front page of it must be intact.
#3. Proof of family ties
Importantly, you must submit a document or evidence that satisfies your relationship with the permanent resident or citizen in Greece. This could be in the form of a picture or any other documents that ascertains your claim.
#4. Passport photo
Your passport photograph must capture about 75% of your whole face. It must be accurately taken without being blurred or showing any ink crease. Also, while you want to fasten the photograph on your application form, make sure you glue it on the form, do not staple it.
#5. Proof of accommodation
Since you will be going to Greece to reunite with your family, you can tender a letter from your host agreeing to have you stay with them pending the time you use in Greece. This shouldn’t be a big deal since you will reunite with your family.
#6. Travel itinerary
Your flight ticket is an essential document for your Greece family reunification visa. It has to be submitted at the Greek Embassy or Consulate in your country for evidence that you will return to your country before your visa expires.
#7. Proof of fund
You must table your bank statement or bank account at the Greek Embassy or Consulate office. This is an assurance that by going to Greece, you can still fend for yourself even though you are going there to reunite with your family.
#8. Medical health insurance
Also, it would be best if you get medical health insurance to sort out any medical emergency you may face while traveling to Greece.
Step on how to apply for a Greece Family Reunification Visa
Applying for the Greece family reunification visa is simple but tactical. First, you must ensure that all the documents that satisfy you as a bonafide family member of the citizen or resident in Greece are complete.
Once this is set, check below for the steps on how you can apply for the Greece family reunification visa.
Step one: Sight the Greek Embassy or Consulate in your home country
It is noteworthy that the procedures given in this process are general ones. However, you should visit the consular service for Greece in your home country to learn more about how things are done in the embassy.
Step two: Fill in the application form
After you are sure of all that is required, you can complete the application form. You can download this form online and input your information.
At this stage, you must carefully input only the correct information. And yes, you can cross-check all over again to be sure that the information you input has no errors.
Step three: Collate all documents
The documents you need for the visa have been stated above. However, if you need other documents, ensure to get the information from the embassy. Then, you will visit and prepare the documents likewise.
Step four: Book an appointment at the embassy
To receive attention at the Greek embassy or Consulate, you must call in for an appointment before you move to the embassy to submit the documents. If you ignore this step, you will not be able to submit your documents.
Step five: Attend the interview
So, on the day of your appointment, you must dress neatly and smartly, looking confident and assured. Above all, you must attend the interview very early because lateness may result in undesirable aftermath.
Step six: Patiently wait for the results
Once you’ve satisfied all the processes and requirements needed for the Greece family reunification visa, you can patiently wait for the outcome of your application. It can take about two weeks for the decision to be made. However, in some cases, when there is a lot of workload in the embassy you apply at, it may take up to 30 days.
Therefore, it is advisable to always apply on time before the day you need to travel to prevent any further delay.
Once your result is out and successful, congratulations, you can enjoy the best moment and time with your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Type D visa in Greece?
A Type D visa is a visa for family members of Greek citizens or permanent residents. Family members who are not European Union citizens or permanent residents must have a valid visa to stay in Greece for more than 90 days.
Can I live in Greece for six months?
Yes, you can live in Greece for six months. However, you will need to have a valid visa and a passport. You can find more information on the Greek embassy website.
How can I stay in Greece permanently?
There are a few ways to stay in Greece permanently. One way is to get married to a Greek citizen. You can also apply for permanent residency if you have a valid visa. You can also apply for citizenship if you meet specific requirements.
Can I buy Greek citizenship?
Yes, it is possible to buy Greek citizenship, but the process is not easy. You will need to provide evidence of your ties to Greece, such as property or investments in the country. You will also need to meet specific financial requirements. There is no set price for citizenship, so you must negotiate with the Greek government.
Who is eligible for Greek citizenship?
According to Greek law, any person born to a Greek parent or has a Greek ancestor is eligible for Greek citizenship. In addition, anyone who has been legally resident in Greece for at least seven years is also suitable for citizenship.
Can I gain a residence permit through the Greece family reunification visa?
Yes, you can gain a residence permit through this visa. The process is relatively simple; you will need to provide documentation that proves you are enrolled in a course of study at an accredited school in Greece and that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses while in the country. You will also need proof of health insurance and a valid passport.
Conclusion
The Greece family reunification visa is ideal for bringing families together irrespective of distance and barriers. The Republic of Greece has set down this opportunity for families to reunite again. Still, you must meet the requirements for this visa on your side. Likewise, do not forget the documents that satisfy you as a relative to the residents of Greece.