Special Residence Permit for Third-Country Nationals Over the Age of 65 – Type A.4 Permit

The Type A.4 residence permit applies to third-country nationals who have reached the age of 65, reside permanently in Greece, and are unable to renew their previous residence permit under the general provisions of the Immigration Code.

This permit is not generally available to every foreign national over the age of 65. It is a special category intended for persons with a long-standing presence in Greece whose previous residence permit can no longer be renewed through the ordinary procedure.

When a Type A.4 Permit May Be Granted

To qualify for a Type A.4 permit, the applicant must have reached the age of 65 and must reside permanently in Greece.

The applicant must also have established the centre of their personal and social ties in Greece over a substantial period of time, which may not be less than 20 years. This requirement is crucial, as the permit is intended for persons who have a genuine and lasting connection with Greece.

In addition, the permit applies to persons who have not acquired an entitlement to a pension from a Greek social security institution because they have not completed the required number of insurance days.

Another essential requirement is private insurance providing full coverage against health risks throughout the applicant’s stay in Greece.

Employment or Active Professional Activity Is Not Required

Applicants for a Type A.4 residence permit are not required to be employed or to demonstrate that they are actively engaged in a professional or business activity.

They are also not required to provide evidence of current social security contributions, as this permit is intended for persons who, due to their age and actual circumstances, can no longer enter or remain within the social security system through employment.

Accordingly, the absence of employment does not, in itself, prevent the granting of a Type A.4 permit, provided that the specific requirements applicable to this category are satisfied.

What Must Be Proven

Before an application is submitted, it must be established that the applicant satisfies all the specific requirements for a Type A.4 permit. Reaching the age of 65 is not sufficient on its own.

It must be demonstrated that the applicant previously held a residence permit that can no longer be renewed under the general provisions, that they reside permanently in Greece, and that they have established the centre of their personal and social ties in the country for a period of at least 20 years.

It is also particularly important to prove that the applicant has not acquired an entitlement to a pension from a Greek social security institution because they have not completed the required number of insurance days. At the same time, the applicant must hold private insurance providing full coverage against health risks throughout their stay in Greece.

All of the above must be supported by appropriate documentary evidence. Inadequate evidence of long-term residence, an unclear social security record, or insufficient private health insurance coverage may create difficulties during the examination of the application.

The Importance of Private Health Insurance

Private health insurance is a fundamental requirement for a Type A.4 permit. The policy must provide full coverage against health risks throughout the applicant’s stay in Greece.

For this reason, before the application is submitted, it must be verified that the insurance policy meets the requirements applicable to this particular permit. Merely holding an insurance policy is not sufficient where the coverage is incomplete or does not extend to the required period and conditions of residence.

This Is Not a General Exemption Based on Age

The Type A.4 permit does not mean that every third-country national over the age of 65 may remain in Greece without satisfying the usual legal requirements.

The provision applies only in strictly defined circumstances: where the applicant previously held a residence permit that cannot be renewed, has resided permanently in Greece for a substantial period of time, has not acquired an entitlement to a Greek pension, and holds comprehensive private health insurance.

Each case must therefore be assessed individually, taking into account the applicant’s residence history, previous residence permit, social security record, and the available supporting evidence.

Legal Assistance

An application for a Type A.4 residence permit requires careful preparation and verification that all relevant conditions have been met before submission.

Our law firm undertakes the assessment of each case, the review of the applicant’s previous residence permit, the collection of the necessary supporting documents, and the submission of the application to the competent authority.

Correct classification under the Type A.4 category is essential, as incomplete information or incorrect supporting documentation may result in delays or the rejection of the application.