Marriage in Greece
Immigrating to Greece through marriage requires both spouses to be over 18, with the Greek spouse demonstrating financial stability. The marriage must be genuine and legal. After 3-5 years of marriage and 3 years of continuous residence in Greece, the foreign spouse can apply for permanent residency and eventually citizenship. Greece recognizes three types of marriage: official, symbolic, and fictitious, each with distinct characteristics.
The financial requirements for immigration to Greece through marriage are such that the citizen or Greek spouse must have a monthly income of at least 1,500 to 2,000 euros, and an additional amount of 300 to 400 euros is added for each dependent person.
Malekpour Institute has tried to address your concerns in this writing by reviewing the most important points. You can always contact our experts for additional information and benefit from our free consultation.
Types of Marriage in Greece
In Greece, there are three main types of marriage that may be confused with one another: official (civil) marriage, symbolic marriage, and fictitious marriage. Each of these types of marriage has its own characteristics and specific laws that impact the immigration and residency process. Below, we will explain each of these types of marriages.
Official (Civil) Marriage
Official or civil marriage in Greece refers to a marriage that is legally registered and carries all the legal effects of marriage. This type of marriage takes place only in marriage offices (notary offices) or in the presence of civil officials, and is supervised by government authorities.
Symbolic Marriage
Symbolic or religious marriage in Greece refers to a marriage that takes place in religious venues (such as churches or temples) and is usually for those who wish to enter into a marriage religiously rather than legally.
Sham Marriage
Sham Marriage refers to marriages that are conducted solely for the purpose of obtaining legal or immigration benefits, and usually, there is no genuine and ongoing relationship between the spouses.
| Type of Marriage | Symbolic Marriage | Official (Civil) Marriage | Sham Marriage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal | No (Illegal) | Depends on registration at the marriage registry | Yes (Legal Registration) |
| Ceremony | None | Religious and informal | Official and legal ceremony |
| Effect on Immigration | No | Depends on official registration | Yes (For residency and citizenship) |
| Legal Consequences | Yes (May lead to penalties) | None | None |
Conditions for Immigration to Greece through Marriage
Immigration to Greece through marriage is a legal method for obtaining residency and citizenship in this country. Marrying a Greek citizen or a permanent resident of Greece can allow you to legally reside in Greece. The most important conditions for immigration through this means are as follows:
The Greek spouse must have the necessary financial independence to support the cost of living in Greece for themselves and their spouse.
- The age of both parties must be 18 years or older.
- The marriage between the two people must be legal.
- The relationship between the spouses must be real and legitimate.
- No criminal record
- Having resided in Greece for 3 years
- Financial capacity
- The Greek spouse must have the necessary financial self-sufficiency to cover the cost of living in
- Greece for himself and his wife.
- The foreigner must be fluent in Greek.
- Having a residence and living in Greece
- The duration of the marriage between the parties must be between 3 and 5 years.
Conditions for Obtaining a Greek Marriage Visa
To obtain a Greek marriage visa, the foreign individual must undergo the following steps:
- Your Greek spouse must provide an invitation letter indicating their willingness to marry and live together in Greece.
- Submit a valid marriage document that has been registered in the country of origin. This document must be translated into English or Greek and certified.
- To prove that the applicant has no criminal record.
- In some cases, the applicant may need to undergo a medical examination for screening contagious diseases or health issues.
- The Greek spouse must provide documentation proving sufficient financial means to support your living expenses in Greece.
- You are required to register your marriage at the municipal registry within 40 days, and if you fail to do so, you will be fined. Ultimately, the marriage certificate will be issued to you within 3 days in Greece.
Required Documents for Immigration to Greece through Marriage
The necessary documents for immigration to Greece through marriage generally include the following:
- Valid passport
- Filled out Greek visa application form
- Official translation of marriage certificate in Greek or English
- No criminal record
- Health certificate
- Financial and residence documents proving that the Greek spouse is able to support their life partner.
Financial Capacity Required for Immigration to Greece through Marriage
To support the foreign spouse (and children) for their living and residency in Greece, the Greek citizen must have a good financial status and generally needs a monthly income of at least 1,500 to 2,000 euros for a couple and an additional 300 to 400 euros per month for each dependent child.
Obtaining Residency in Greece through Marriage
After receiving the marriage visa and entering Greece, you can apply for long-term residency. Initially, you will receive temporary residency for a period of one or two years, which you can renew. After a specified period (usually 3 to 5 years), you can apply for permanent residency in Greece.
On the other hand, after legally residing in Greece for 7 years and under specific conditions, you can apply for citizenship and Greek citizenship as well as Greek passport. At this stage, you must prove proficiency in the Greek language and adaptation to Greek culture and society. If this residency has not yet led to citizenship and the two individuals are officially separated, the residency of the individual will be invalidated.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Immigration to Greece through Marriage
- Can one obtain residency and citizenship through symbolic or religious marriage?
No, this marriage is only valid if the marriage is registered legally after the ceremony.
- How many years does it take to achieve permanent residency through marriage in Greece?
After 3 to 5 years.
- What is the financial capacity required for immigration to Greece through marriage?
The income of the Greek spouse should be at least between 1,500 to 2,000 euros and for each dependent child, between 300 to 400 euros.
There are other ways, such as employment and investment, to obtain residency for yourself and your children as these methods often align better with the conditions of more individuals. You can also share all your questions regarding immigration to Greece through marriage in the public Q&A section and receive answers as quickly as possible.
Conclusion:
Marriage in Greece can be a legal immigration method, but only official or civil marriages lead to residency and citizenship. Fake or formal marriages generally do not fulfill immigration requirements for those seeking EU or Schengen residency. Due to potential challenges in obtaining citizenship through marriage, alternative routes like work and investment may be more suitable for many. These options are often more aligned with the conditions of most individuals.
For any questions regarding immigration to Greece through marriage, feel free to ask in the Q&A section for quick responses.
