Family provisions on the Greek routes are reasonably generous, but they carry age thresholds that close, and missing one means a child's path has to be rebuilt from scratch.
Who can be included
- Spouse
- Children below the age of majority, unmarried
- Adult children in some cases, where still financially dependent and within a defined age limit
- Parents in defined circumstances, with additional conditions
Point three is where families are caught out. A child approaching the age of majority should be brought into the file before that point, otherwise their route has to be built separately through study or work — years of additional process.
The three conditions on an adult child
- Within the age limit at the time of application
- Unmarried
- Financially dependent, usually evidenced by being in full-time education
These apply simultaneously, so there is a window rather than an open door. Families with a child at university should plan the filing date around it.
Documents for dependants
- Proof of relationship, legalised in the required form
- Passport with sufficient validity
- Health insurance for each person
- Criminal record for adults
- Evidence of dependency for adult children and parents
Schooling — the decision that sets everything else
- Public schools teach in Greek — full immersion; younger children adapt well, teenagers find it hard
- International schools teach in English or another language but are concentrated in a few areas and are a significant cost
- Enrolment for good schools should be arranged early, before the move rather than after
Because international schools cluster geographically, the school choice usually determines where the family lives. Make it before signing a lease or buying, not after.
Four things to plan in advance
- Sequence — the principal's status generally has to be settled before dependants are added
- School fees, multiplied by the number of children and the remaining years
- The age threshold for each child
- What happens when a child ages out — a route of their own has to exist by then
Item four should be prepared years ahead rather than handled when it arrives: a child studying in the country who loses dependant status without an alternative basis has their education interrupted.
Frequently asked questions
Which threshold catches families out?
The age of majority for children — a child close to it should be added to the file beforehand.
Can an adult child be included?
Sometimes — if within the age limit, unmarried and financially dependent, all at the same time.
What usually determines where a family lives?
Schooling — international schools cluster in a few areas, so the choice sets the location.
What happens when a child ages out?
They need their own basis by then, or their studies are interrupted — prepare years ahead.
Need a tailored roadmap?
Viking Global Group walks with you from paperwork to settlement. Call +849.219.219.88 or email [email protected] for a free consultation.
Related articles
- Property returns in Greece for migrant investors
- Your first six months as a new resident of Greece
- Immigration & Citizenship
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my whole family?
Spouse and child sponsorship rules are detailed above.
Can my children study?
Children's education access is described above.
What does each dependant add?
Extra costs and steps per member are noted above.
Information is for reference and may change under the latest official policy. Please contact us for current regulations.
