23-11-2007: Re-entry of aliens who intend to visit their countries over the Christmas and New Year holiday period

Article 11 of the aforementioned Law provides that «third country nationals who have applied in due time (and have submitted all supporting documents required) for the issuance or renewal of a work permit or a residence permit and have been granted the relevant certificate are considered as legal residents of our Country until the competent authorities decide on their request».

Taking into consideration the above and in order to enable aliens who fall within the scope of the aforementioned law and are legal residents of Greece to visit their countries over the Christmas and New Year holiday period, the said aliens are allowed re-entry from 10.12.2007 to 31.01.2008, provided they depart from Greece within this same period of time.

As regards the citizens of China, due to their cultural specificities, they are allowed re-entry from 15.01.2008 to 01.03.2008, provided they depart from Greece within this same period of time.

The aforementioned aliens who apply for re-entry in our Country should possess the following documents:

a) a valid passport or other valid travel document recognised by the Hellenic state,

b) an expired residence permit, and

c) an A’ type certificate (blue colour) confirming that they have submitted all supporting documents required for the renewal of their residence permit, before the expiry date, for one of the categories foreseen by Law 3386/2005 (e.g. dependent employment, provision of independent services or work, independent economic activity, studies, family reunification, independent residence permit, spouses of Greek or EU citizens, parents of a Greek citizen etc.)

1. According to the provisions of Law 3386/2005 (Article 91, paragraph 11), Law 3536/2007 (Article 18, paragraph 4), or the Common Ministerial Decision 11702/2006:

a) a valid passport or other valid travel document recognised by the Hellenic state,

b) an A’ type certificate (blue colour) confirming that they have submitted all supporting documents required for the issuance of their residence permit, according to the aforementioned provisions.

2. For reasons of family reunification, work, and studies:

a) a valid passport or other valid travel document recognised by the Hellenic state,

b) an expired visa entry visa initially granted for reasons of family reunification, work and studies, and

c) a certificate confirming that they have submitted all supporting documents required for the issuance of an initial residence permit for reasons of family reunification, work or studies.

a) a valid passport or other valid travel document recognised by the Hellenic state,

b) a special certificate of legal residence according to the provisions of Common Ministerial Decision 21535/7.11.2006 (Official Gazette of the Hellenic Republic, Issue B, No. 1677)).

4. Aliens applying for a renewal of their residence permit without being granted the initial residence permit they have applied for.

a) a valid passport or other valid travel document recognised by the Hellenic state,

b) an A’ type certificate (blue colour) that they have submitted all supporting documents required for the renewal of their residence permit.