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Residence Permits in Greece: What Changed in 2026

In 2026, new rules for issuing and renewing residence permits in Greece came into force. The main goal of the reform is to reduce long delays, organize the procedures more clearly, and set fixed deadlines for both the authorities and applicants.

Processing Time and Appeals

Residence permit applications must now be examined within 90 days. If additional documents are needed, the authorities officially inform the applicant and give a specific deadline to submit them. If the application is rejected, the applicant has the right to file an administrative appeal within 60 days from the date of receiving the decision.

Renewal After Expiry
It is possible to apply for renewal within 3 months after the residence permit expires. However, fines apply if the application is submitted late. The amount of the fine depends on how long the delay is.

Changes for Family Members
The law clarifies and in some cases expands who can be considered a family member and receive a residence permit together with the main applicant. At the same time, stricter rules now apply for proving family relations, living together, and financial support. The procedure is now more structured, and the list of required documents is more clearly defined.

The reform also introduces new categories of residence and work permits and simplifies some procedures for qualified professionals. Overall, the system becomes more structured and predictable, but applicants must carefully follow deadlines and prepare complete documentation.