New law, L. 4540/2018, has just come into force, supplemented the provisions of law L. 4251/2014. These laws are aimed at harmonising Greek law with EU Directive 2014/66. The purpose of the Directive is to make it easier for companies to post employees within Europe and to reduce bureaucracy in several member states.

The new Greek law covers third-country nationals (non-EU) who apply to enter a Member State under an intra-corporate transfer as managers, specialists or trainees. The law sets out what documents are required for short-term and long-term placements, the grounds for rejection and withdrawal of the application, how long an intra-corporate transfer can last and how long the permit will be valid for.

A Joint Presidential Decision (31399/18), published on 18 September 2018, redefines what documents are needed for national visas and residence permits. For example, four recent colour photographs are now needed instead of two and these must conform to certain specifications. A fee of EUR 16 is required to have documents printed.

The requirements for residence permits for third-country nationals on grounds of family reunification have been simplified. However, a recent, officially certified and translated certificate of family status by the authorities of the country concerned, is compulsory for any initial residence permit.

If an initial residence permit is requested by a family member of a Greek citizen (e.g. this could be a husband or wife or unmarried partner) two more documents can be submitted within three months at the applicant’s discretion, for example, a certificate proving that the spouse has sought international protection, or a residence permit from another Member State.