Citizens of the European Community, unlike citizens of third countries, can travel to Greece with a valid ID card or passport, without needing an entry visa or equivalent document. Upon entry, they may stay in Greece for up to three months without any conditions or formalities.
European citizens, however, who wish to stay in Greece for a longer period and have access to social and other benefits, are required to comply with the requirements of Directive 2004/38/EC, which have been incorporated into Greek law through EU.D.106/2007, as it currently stands.
In particular, European citizens who wish to stay in Greece for more than three (3) months must register by submitting an application to the police department in their place of residence, which will then issue them a relevant registration certificate.
To register and legally reside for more than three (3) months, European citizens must meet the following conditions:
- To be employed or to engage in independent economic activity,
- to have sufficient resources for themselves and their family members, so as not to place a burden on the country’s social welfare system during their stay,
- to be students at a public or private educational institution.
The application submitted to the competent police authority must be accompanied by a photocopy of a valid ID card or passport and a statement explaining the reason for registration:
(a) In the case of employment or self-employment, a certificate of employment from the employer or another official document proving employment or the pursuit of self-employment,
(b) In the case of a person with sufficient resources, official documentation proving that they have sufficient resources so as not to place a burden on the country’s social welfare system, and proof of full insurance coverage;
(c) In the case of a student at a public or private educational institution, proof of enrollment at the educational institution, a statement of financial responsibility, or other equivalent means of securing sufficient financial resources, and proof of full insurance coverage.
Which agency is responsible for issuing an EU Citizen Registration certificate for other reasons, and what supporting documents are required?
The Foreigners’ Departments for the Attica and Thessaloniki regions are the Police Departments. The person concerned must meet the following requirements:
- Application form,
- Document on the basis of which the applicant entered the country (Greece),
- Evidence that both they and their family members have health insurance and adequate resources, and
- Three (3) photos.
The persons listed above may be accompanied by their family members, who may also be registered in Greece. “Family members of an EU citizen” means: (a) the spouse, regardless of nationality, or the partner with whom the EU citizen is in a relationship; (b) children under the age of 21 of the spouse or of one of the spouses; (c) adult children who are dependents, if they are dependent.
Citizens of the European Union shall be entitled to permanent residence if they have resided legally for five years and provided that they have not been absent for more than six (6) months per year.
Maria Dianellou – Tax Advisor – Taxblock Team