Spouse Visa in Greece: All You Need to Know

So, you’ve fallen for Greece… and perhaps a Greek? Fret not! but we’ve got your back!We’ve got you covered!

Before shouting “Opa!” and dancing the Sirtaki, let’s navigate the route to a Greek spouse visa.

Let’s dive in!

What Is A Greek Long Stay Visa?

A Greek national Visa, also known as a Greece Long-stay visa or Greece D Visa is an authorization to enter Greece and stay there for more than three months. The authorization also allows you to engage in paid activities in most cases.

You will need to apply for a Greece long-stay visa to remain here for more than three months unless you are a national of:

The European Union Member Countries
Iceland
Liechtenstein
Norway
Switzerland

Types Of Greece Long-stay Visas

There are three types of Greece National Visa, defined by the main purposes of long-term stay in Greece, as follows:

Greece Family Reunification Visa

If you wish to join a family member in Greece, you will need to apply for a family reunification visa. Only the following are eligible for application: spouse and children under 18 of the resident in Greece.

This visa is also granted to establish a family relationship, like marriage or adoption.

If you’re a spouse, you must apply for this visa to go to Greece.

Greece Employment Visa

If you wish to work in Greece, you will need to get an employment visa first unless you are a national of the countries listed above.

This includes investors, coaches, creators, ministers of a known religion, press correspondents, teachers, highly qualified workers, seasonal employees, fishermen, tour leaders, property investors, etc.

Greece Student Visa

You will need to get a Study visa if you wish to get engaged in education-related activities. The most common applicants for this visa are university students, volunteers, researchers, participants in vocational training, scholars, students at military training schools, etc.

How To Apply For a Greece Long-stay Visa

The application process for a Greece Long-Stay Visa consists of a few procedures you need to complete correctly to have a successful application.

In this article, find the main steps you must complete to successfully apply for a Greek National Visa.

Fill in the Application Form

Start the application process by completing the form for a Greek Visa for long-term stays.

The application form has two parts. The first part contains questions on your personal information, such as name and surname, ID number, passport, date and place of birth, marital status, current occupation, etc.

The second part contains questions related to your purpose for applying for a National Visa. There are three sections: employment, family reunification, and study. Complete only the part that applies to you. Leave the two others blank.

Schedule a Visa Appointment

The Greek Embassies and consulates do not accept walk-in visa applications. That is why you should make an appointment to be able to submit your application and attend the compulsory visa interview.

You should check how visa appointment scheduling has been regulated in your country. You can do it through a phone call, a website, or in some countries, you will have to do it in person.

Collect the Supporting Documents to Apply for a Greece Long-Stay Visa

The most essential part of your Greece visa application is collecting the proper supporting documents. First, make sure you collect the primary required documents for a Greek visa:

Your valid passport.
Photos.
Health insurance.
Medical certificate.
Round Trip flight booking.
Evidence of sufficient financial means.
Proof of accommodation.

Greece Long-term Family Reunification Visa (Spouse Visa) Requirements

To apply for a Greece Long-term family reunification visa, collect the following documents:

Family status certificate issued by foreign authorities, officially certified and translated, proving family relationship.
Proof of accommodation could be a residence purchase contract or a residence lease contract attested by a Tax Office.
Stable and regular income sufficient to meet your needs and your family’s needs. It must be coming from something other than recourse to the country’s social assistance system.
Full health insurance in respect of all risks covered for the respective categories of domestic workers, which can cover all the family members you are bringing over.

Greece Long-Stay Visa Interview

On the day of your visa interview, there are four main things that you need to do. Find these things listed and explained below:

Attend The Interview: You will meet with a consular officer or two at the embassy. They will ask you questions about your trip to Greece, which you must answer carefully.
Present The Required Documents: You will need to hand the documents you have collected to the interviewer, as required.
Give Your Biometrics: If you haven’t traveled to the Schengen area in the last 5 years, you will have your fingerprints scanned and your facial image taken.
Pay The Visa Fee: Most of the time, you will need to pay the visa fee on the day of your interview. You may have to pay the fee in cash at the embassy/consulate or a bank and take the receipt at the embassy/consulate.

Note that these steps are not necessarily arranged in this order. It depends on how the Spanish authorities have regulated this process in your country.

Greek D Visa Application Processing Time

The minimum processing time for a Greece Long-stay visa application is 6 days. On the other hand, the maximum the processing of your visa can take is up to three months.

Paying the Fee for a Greece Long-Stay Visa

The fee for a national long-stay visa for Greece is €180. Yet, the following categories should pay different fees as explained:

Foreigners applying for a study-related visa* need to pay a fee of €90.
Several categories related to employment*need to pay €75 to process their application.
The fee of only €20 per Greek visa application will be paid by ethnic Greeks living in Albania and Turkey.
Whereas strategic investors and youngsters from Australia and Canada are exempt from paying any fee when applying for a Greece visa.

Why Live in Greece?

It’s a beautiful and historic country in Southeastern Europe, known for its stunning coastline, Mediterranean climate, and ancient ruins.

You can experience the rich culture and history of Greece, as well as its delicious food, vibrant nightlife, and approachable people.

From the bustling city of Athens to the idyllic islands of Santorini and Mykonos, a diverse range of landscapes and experiences suit every taste.

If you’re considering a move to Greece, you’ll find a welcoming community of expats, a low cost of living, and an excellent healthcare system.

There is a wealth of opportunities for those seeking a new place to call home. With its stunning natural landscapes, rooted culture since ancient times, and friendly locals, Greece offers a unique blend of history and modern convenience.

Moving to Greece means embracing the laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle, enjoying the almost year-round sunshine, and exploring some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and islands.

From the bustling city of Athens to the charming villages of the Greek islands, there is no shortage of adventure and culture.

Additionally, Greek cuisine is renowned for its fresh and healthy ingredients, making it one of the healthiest and most delicious in the world.

Whether you’re seeking a change of pace, a new adventure, or a better quality of life, Greece is an excellent destination for expats looking to move.

Quality Of Life In Greece

The country has a vibrant culture and a strong sense of community, making it an excellent place for those seeking a sense of belonging.

Greece also boasts a well-established healthcare system and affordable cost of living, which adds to its appeal as a destination for expats and retirees.

Suppose you’re seeking balanced work and personal time and want to have a slower pace in life filled with rewarding friendships, natural resources and outdoor activities, and delicious healthy food. In that case, Greece pictures your dreams come true.

Climate In Greece

A warm Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunshine throughout the year best describes the climate in Greece.

The summer months get hot and dry, particularly in the coastal regions, making it the perfect time to head to the beaches for a refreshing swim in the Aegean Sea. The inland areas are usually mild and wet during winters and warm during the summers.

If you prefer a milder climate, consider living on one of the islands; you’ll feel the sea breeze and a golden tan during summer.

Whether you’re a fan of warm weather or not, Greece’s climate is undoubtedly one of its most attractive features that adds to locals’ overall quality of life.

Lifestyle

Family, friends, and community constitute the ground of the Greek lifestyle. They enjoy spending time with their close ones, either going out for a coffee, eating out, arranging/ taking part in social activities or cultural events, or hiking in the breathtaking mountains.

As they also tend to have a relaxed pace of life, you’ll find that they’ll encourage you to do the same, or even better, they can invite you to join them.

Greece offers an infamous Mediterranean cuisine that uses locally sourced ingredients to make traditional dishes. Some of their food is souvlaki, moussaka, tzatziki, and fresh seafood.

As the climate has mild winters and hot summers, the Greek lifestyle accommodates the weather. The warm weather allows for outdoor activities year-round and makes for a relaxed and enjoyable lifestyle.

The Greek lifestyle offers a unique blend of family, community, culture, and relaxation, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a new way of life.

Accommodation

The type of accommodation ranges from traditional apartments and houses to modern, high-end developments. The accommodation cost varies depending on location, type of property, and amenities included.

The prices are generally lower outside of major cities. Generally, larger cities and tourist areas are more expensive, while smaller towns and villages can be more affordable.

In the famous islands, the accommodation prices are higher when a similar place is much more affordable on a somewhat regular island.

People in big cities, such as Athens and Thessaloniki, prefer apartments, whereas the ones in smaller towns and villages live in houses.

When renting an apartment in Greece, keep in mind that the rental market can be competitive, especially in popular areas. It’s best to start searching as soon as you can and prepare to show documentation such as proof of income and references.

Transportation

Buses, trains, and ferries connect the major cities and islands, making transportation in Greece both affordable and efficient.

The country also has a well-developed road system, though driving can be difficult in some areas due to narrow roads and winding mountain passes.

Public transportation is a popular and inexpensive way of commuting in the cities. For example, Athens has a comprehensive public transportation system that connects buses, metro, and trams.

A single ticket is inexpensive, and discounts are available for purchasing multiple journey tickets.

Ferries are the more common mode of transportation for exploring the Greek islands. Many ferry companies offer regular services between the islands and the mainland. Prices vary depending on the season, the destination, and the type of ferry you choose.

Healthcare

The healthcare system in Greece is of a high standard, with both public and private healthcare options available. All Greek residents, including expats, are required to have health insurance.

Most expats purchase private health insurance to supplement their public healthcare coverage. All residents, including expats, can make use of public healthcare, which the government funds.

Once you are a resident, you’ll be part of Greece’s national healthcare system that covers emergency care. The private system is more expensive but provides faster and more focused care.

The public system provides a variety of services like general practitioner or consulting with a specialist, hospital care, emergency services, and prescription of medications.

The majority of services are free or low-cost, and you’ll be only charged a small fee, if any, for specific medical procedures.

Private healthcare is usually more expensive than public care, but it provides shorter wait times, better-specialized services, and state-of-the-art hospital equipment.

If you cannot speak Greek, many private hospitals and clinics offer English-speaking doctors or nurses who can tend to you.

Career Opportunities For Expats In Greece

You may experience hardships finding a job in Greece, especially if you don’t speak the language. However, there are some opportunities for those with specialized technology, agriculture, healthcare, and tourism skills.

In recent years, Greece has been working to improve its business environment and attract more foreign investment, which could lead to more job opportunities in the future.

However, please beware that the job opportunities can be quite competitive in Greece, particularly for mainly English speakers.

You can also start your own business in Greece, with the Greek government offering various incentives and support to entrepreneurs. The key is to learn more about your profession’s job market and visa requirements before moving.

Tips For Living In Greece

You’ll develop your list of tips as an expat living in Greece if you decide to make the move. However, we have brought together some of the most commonly mentioned tips for you that were helpful for the expats who moved to Greece a while ago.

Learn Some Greek

Although English is widely spoken by Greeks, speaking Greek, at least on a beginner level, will help you integrate better and faster and feel more at home.

Embrace The Culture

Greece has a rich cultural heritage, and embracing the culture and history will help you feel more connected to the country.

Take Advantage Of The Weather

Greece has beautiful weather year-round, with 300 days of sunlight, so take advantage of it by spending time outside.

Exercise A Little Patience

Greece has a more relaxed pace of life than many other countries, so be prepared to wait and take things slower.

It’s understandable if you’re frustrated about getting things done and how long they take, but it’s helpful to keep in mind that life is more about joy and community in Greece.

Get Used To Carrying Cash

Although payments are generally made with cards in other European countries, that’s not the case in Greece: most payments are made in cash, and you’ll need to carry the amount you’re planning to use with you.

Hotels, bars, and other large-scale establishments also take card payments, but it’s essential to keep this in mind before making your move.

Be Prepared For Bureaucracy

Dealing with Greek bureaucracy can be frustrating, so be patient and persistent when it comes to paperwork and procedures. Getting your visa or residence permit card may take longer than expected.

Drink Coffee Like The Greek

Greek coffee is made and consumed with the particles inside; you’ll need to be careful not to consume it entirely. Otherwise, you may need to prepare yourself for a bitter aftertaste.

Don’t Throw Toilet Paper Down The Toilet

As the sewerage system is poorly made, you’ll need to use the trash bin to dispose of toilet paper alongside the other hygiene discharges. So after using the toilet, you should keep the toilet paper in the drain.

Conclusion

With love as the backdrop and Greece as the setting, securing that spouse visa is your ticket to an everlasting Mediterranean tale.

Now that you’re in the know, embrace both your partner and the Hellenic horizon. Here’s to your Grecian love story!

Love Locked!

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