For Ukrainians who dream of moving to Europe, immigration to Greece is considered one of the easiest ways to obtain citizenship. And this is no accident, because the procedures and laws here are among the most loyal in the countries of the Schengen zone. The crisis and economic problems currently help immigrants faster, because the inflow of capital and active citizens from outside strengthens the economy.
Migration policy of Greece
Despite the loyal migration legislation, immigration to Greece for Ukrainians has certain nuances. The large flow of people wishing to move has forced EU countries to change the rules for accepting immigrants, making them much stricter. This made it easier to monitor new arrivals by law enforcement agencies and departments dealing with foreigners. In addition, the rules of migration law, which are constantly being improved, are becoming more and more difficult to comply with.
In order for immigration to Greece 2022 to be successful, a foreigner must have certain knowledge of Greek legislation and general European migration law. If your own knowledge on these issues is not enough, you should contact a specialist.
Preparation for moving to Greece should consist of the following stages:
- Finding a basis for a long stay.
- Opening of the D-category national visa to Greece at the Greek Embassy in Ukraine.
- Issuance of a Greek residence permit for one year with the right to renew every year.
- Submitting a request for PMP status after 5 years of permanent residence.
The main condition for passing all these stages is the knowledge of the Greek language and the availability of a stable income.
Immigration to Greece from Ukraine is attractive for our fellow citizens for several reasons:
- Automatic EU citizenship in case of obtaining Greek citizenship.
- The presence of sea beaches, ski resorts, thermal springs and a mild climate in the country.
- Tolerant attitude towards foreigners of the local population.
- There is an almost complete absence of criminal offenses in the country, a measured leisurely life.
- Lack of desire among local youth for permanent employment, which greatly simplifies job placement.
- Excellent development of mobile communications, which allows you to be in touch in any corner of the country.
The presence of economic difficulties in the country did not affect the desire of foreigners to obtain permanent residence in Greece. Over the past years, the number of immigrants has been constantly increasing.
Methods of emigration to Greece
Moving to Greece and opening a national visa are possible for the following reasons:
- Marriage. Establishing a legal relationship with a citizen of Greece gives the right to issue a family reunification visa. For this, the resident of the country submits an application to the migration office for granting the right of residence to the other spouse – a foreigner. After 5 years of joint farming, you can apply for citizenship. Children born in marriage in Greece receive citizenship by birthright. Adopted children will also receive citizenship of the country.
- Employment To obtain a work permit, the employer prepares the necessary documents at the employment authorities. Despite the fact that the unemployment rate in the country reaches 22%, and local residents have a priority right to employment, every fifth worker in the country is a foreigner. Most migrants are employed in the tourism, agricultural and construction industries. Professionals whose qualifications can be confirmed have a chance to occupy management positions. The terms of cooperation are prescribed in the employment contract, which is the basis for opening a work visa and subsequently obtaining a residence permit.
- Business. For business people looking to move to Greece, the opportunity to start their own business in another country is ideal. To open a business, it is enough to have 250 thousand euros in the account. This amount is necessary for payment of registration costs, contribution of authorized capital and sustainable development of the company. To register a business, a foreigner must obtain the permission of the Greek authorities and in the future appoint himself to the position of executive director. This gives grounds for opening a business visa and a residence permit, which is issued for 2 years. In case of successful business development, payment of all necessary taxes and creation of jobs for local residents, GNP will be extended.
- Financial independence. Foreigners who have more than 24,000 euros in their own account automatically receive a visa and GNP. If emigration from Ukraine to Greece is carried out by spouses with children, 20% of this amount must be on the account of the adults, and 15% on the account of each of the children.
- Teaching. A student visa and PNP for the duration of studies is granted in case of enrollment of a foreigner to study at a Greek university. Education in the country takes place in a convenient mode for everyone. You can graduate from university externally, or you can stretch your student life for 10 years, studying a couple of subjects a year. If even the exam is not passed the first time, no one deducts the student.
- Investments. Investing 300,000 euros in state funds allows you to get an investor visa and GNP. After 5 years, the PNP is issued, and after another five – citizenship.
- Family reunion. When a foreigner who received a GNP has a family, he can invite them to his home, if he is able to support the family himself. In this case, relatives can immediately issue a long-term visa and GNP. After 5 years, they receive a PNP, and after another 5 – citizenship. If there are Greeks among your relatives and you were able to prove this fact, you can return to the country and get a repatriate visa. Proficiency in the Greek language allows you to obtain citizenship under a simplified procedure.
- refugee immigration to Greece for refugees from Ukraine is possible if the immigrants prove that there is a threat to life in their native country. Obtaining the status of temporary protection is carried out within 90 days from the moment of entry and is valid for one year, giving the right to work and receive medical assistance.
Many options for opening a long-term visa and GNP give Ukrainians the opportunity to obtain Greek citizenship. Students, workers, investors, businessmen and housewives can get it. The average term for obtaining citizenship is 10 years and is not available to those who have committed a crime or do not have a source of income to live on.
