BREXIT - Greek Government Working on No-Deal Brexit Legislation

On 15 February 2019, the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs wrote a letter to his UK counterpart, reassuring British citizens that "their rights will be fully recognised and guaranteed, in line with the reciprocity offered by the UK to EU citizens."

The Minister states that Greek authorities are working "expeditiously on fast-track draft legislation that will be voted in time before 29 March 2019 and will give British citizens and their family members already living in Greece before the withdrawal date (29 March 2019), the opportunity to remain here and continue to live, study and work, as well as enjoy social security and health care benefits."

According to the letter, the draft legislation will also aim to cover categories of citizens arriving in Greece after the withdrawal date (in a no-deal scenario).

According to the Greek government's Brexit website, in case of no deal, UK nationals permanently living in Greece before 29 March 2019, already in possession of a registration certificate or a temporary or permanent residence document on the grounds of professional activity, study or vocational training, sufficient resources and/or health insurance, and their family members, will be asked to proceed, after 1 January 2020, to the municipal authorities and submit the relevant paperwork to exchange their certificates for new biometric resident cards.

UK nationals living in Greece before 29 March 2019 but not yet registered with the police authorities, may need to apply for a registration certificate before they can apply for a resident card.