Need more info, Kalifornia Kat

• I read your postings on working in Greece and what you went through. I am in somewhat similiar situation though am not looking nor have the intention on working in Greece. Like you, I am non EU, and have no Greek affiliation (by blood or by marriage), however, I got the chance to live in Greece for almost 4 years while I was an active military and stationed in Larissa/Tyrnavos. I fell in love with Greece, the people, the food, the lifestyle so I decided to retire in Greece. The problem I encountered was that it seemed like nobody knows what to do. I was stationed in DC after Greece and I went to the Greek Embassy to inquire. There, I was told I didnt need anything, not a visa, not a permit. The guy told me to fly to Greece and apply for residency at the locality before my 90 day max stay is up. He said it would be stupid for the Greek government to disapprove my request to stay considering I have my guaranteed military retirement pay every month, that I would be spending my money on the local economy, and that I would not stealing somebody else's job. He said the if the Greek government allows other unemployed immigrants from the Balkans and some south Asian countries to stay in Greece, why wouldnt they allow a financially secured American stay. It sounded too good to be true. A week before my flight to Greece, I called the Greek Consulates in LA and San Francisco and again inquired about having a temporary residence permit or a visa. They echoed what the gentleman from DC told me. So, I flew to Greece on December 6, 2006 and brought with me documents that would support that I will never be a burden to the Greek government (including medical and dental coverage). When I went to the Alien's Office in Peristeri, the first thing they asked me was a...guess what...A VISA from the Greek Embassy from my country of origin. So, I stayed until my 90th day and flew back to the US. Now, am back in CA and am going back to the Greek Embassy to inquire one more time. You mentioned that the process you went through was long and tedious and it took a lot of patience. I was just wondering if you could, or would be nice to share some info. I will be flying back to Greece in mid May or early June with or without the visa they were talking about, and am planning on doing the "stay for 90 days max, then cross the border to Turkey, have a coffee, then return to Greece for another 90 day" routine.
  If you wouldnt mind sharing what you went through, and giving me info and advice, please respond to my email address and we could correspond through private emails.
  My email address is [email removed]
  
  A few days back, my friend told me that his lawyer friend told him a different process, and would cost me 1500 euros.
  
  Hope to hear from you soon.

  deli 18 Mar 2008, 01:00 - Report

Living and Working in Athens