Immigration update

Update on immigration procedures

Details in Greek Immigration procedures change constantly. This newsletter is to briefly update you on the latest most important info we have noticed concerning some immigration procedures that refer to the cases we handle for our clients.

-Entrance of new unified stamp duties for NON-EU nationals permit categories:

As announced on our alert published on June the 12^th, the applicable changes on the stamp duties for the categories mostly followed for international assignees (in force since September the 12^th) are the following:

-Senior Managers: new unified stamp duty of Euro 150 for a 2-year permit (previously at Euro 150 per year)

-Family members: new unified stamp duty of Euro 150 for a 2-year permit (previously at Euro 150 per year)

-Investors: new unified stamp duty of Euro 2.000 for a 5-year permit (previously at Euro 500)

-Owner of a property in Greece (“Golden visa”): new unified stamp duty of Euro 2.000 for a 5-year permit (previously at Euro 500)

Further to the above, the fine for the late submissions upon renewal of a permit is now Euro 100 from Euro 50 previously.

-EU Blue card:

Although NON-EU nationals can apply for EU Blue Cards in Greece, there are lengthy delays at each government processing step.

Obtaining preliminary approval, which is the first step of the application process, may take at least five months, causing delays in the application procedure.

So far, based on latest updates received from the competent Ministry, only two applications for EU blue card have been approved for the years 2017 & 2018.

-EU ICT Permit

Following our alert published on May, 2018, the EU Intracompany Transferee (ICT) Permit, still requires a ministerial decree to describe the procedure. It is unclear when the decree will be reviewed or signed with no confirmed due date.

-Greek residency permit based on ownership of property in Greece with value over 250.000 Euro:

Owners of a property in Greece with value more than 250.000 Euro can apply for a residence permit based on ownership as investors.

Per experience, booking of appointment at the competent Greek authorities for submission of file is challenging due to the high volume of applications currently in process and the average waiting time is approximately 8 months after written request for appointment.

-Delay in Issuing Residence Permits (all categories):

Based on recent experiences, the Greek Immigration Department now takes over a year to issue a residence permit from the time of filing. While NON-EU nationals remain compliant with immigration laws to stay and work in Greece based on the temporary permit (blue receipt) issued upon filing, they may face travel restrictions after their D Visa expires, which is typically issued for a validity of three to twelve months.

Applicants with travel needs can apply for faster issuance of the residence permit. Alternatively, the blue receipt can be renewed if the residence permit is not yet available upon expiry.

Please contact our office if you need further information and action.

Corporate Relocations’ team stays updated with news released from the Greek NON -EU authorities and will provide further information on the progress of the above processes.