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3 ways to enter

Greece visas

Greece family visa

Certain family members of EU single market citizens can enter Greece without a visa using a family residence card. Other longer stays generally require a long-stay visa or residence permit.

Ways to get a Greece family visa

  1. Visa-free entry with a family residence card

    No visa needed

    Family members of EU single market citizens who hold the required residence card qualify under the accompanying, joining or independent-travel rules.

    Stay
    Up to three months.

  2. Family member visa at the border

    Visa on arrival

    In theory, family members of EU single market citizens who do not meet the residence card conditions can obtain a visa at the border by proving the relationship.

    1. Present evidence of the family relationship at the border checkpoint.
    2. Request a visa under the family member rules.

  3. Long-stay visa or residence permit

    Other permit

    People from outside the EU single market generally need long-stay permission to remain for more than 90 days unless another right or exemption applies.

    Stay
    Generally a long-stay visa for less than a year, or a residence permit for longer periods.

Who needs it

Family members who do not meet an exemption need the appropriate entry or residence permission. Detailed Greek family residence requirements are not stated.

Who doesn't

Family members of any nationality with a qualifying residence card are exempt when accompanying or joining their EU single market family member. A qualifying card issued by a Schengen country also allows independent travel within Schengen.

What to bring

  • A valid travel document.
  • A residence card showing that you are a family member of an EU single market citizen.

Good to know

  • When relying on a family residence card issued outside Schengen, you must be accompanying or joining the EU single market family member.
  • A qualifying family residence card issued by a Schengen country also permits independent travel to another Schengen country.
  • A family member without the qualifying documents may, in theory, obtain a visa at the border by proving the family relationship.
  • Detailed rules for settling in Greece with a spouse or dependants are not stated.

Questions

Do I need a family visa for Greece?

Family members who do not meet an exemption need the appropriate entry or residence permission. Detailed Greek family residence requirements are not stated. Family members of any nationality with a qualifying residence card are exempt when accompanying or joining their EU single market family member. A qualifying card issued by a Schengen country also allows independent travel within Schengen.

What are the ways to get a family visa for Greece?

There are 3 options: Visa-free entry with a family residence card (no visa at all); Family member visa at the border (a visa at the border); Long-stay visa or residence permit (a special permit).

Who can go to Greece without a family visa?

Family members of EU single market citizens who hold the required residence card qualify under the accompanying, joining or independent-travel rules.

How long can I stay on a Greece family visa?

Up to three months under the family residence card exemption.

What documents do I need for a Greece family visa?

A valid travel document.; A residence card showing that you are a family member of an EU single market citizen..

What rules do I have to follow on a Greece family visa?

When relying on a family residence card issued outside Schengen, you must be accompanying or joining the EU single market family member. A qualifying family residence card issued by a Schengen country also permits independent travel to another Schengen country.

Does my passport change whether I need a family visa for Greece?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Greece visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a family visa for Greece be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Greece family visa rules?

On Greece's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my family visa once I am in Greece?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

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