Published: 22.09.2026
Third-country nationals whose marriage to a person of Greek origin ended because of death, divorce or particularly difficult circumstances may apply for a humanitarian residence permit. The permit is valid for one year, grants access to the labour market and must be applied for in person by appointment; the standard fee for the electronic permit card is €16.
According to the source, this route preserves a possibility of lawful residence and employment for a foreign spouse after the family relationship with a person of Greek origin ends. Eligibility depends on the specific circumstances: after the spouse’s death, the applicant must generally have lived in Greece for at least one year, while after divorce the marriage must have lasted at least three years, including one year in Greece. Applicants need evidence of the termination of cohabitation, health insurance and a valid passport—or documented proof that obtaining one is objectively impossible. This is a narrow rule, but it is significant for affected families and requires advance planning for an in-person application through the Migration Ministry.