Greece Work Visa Guide | How to Apply For Greece Long Stay (Type D) Visa?

Last updated Oct 18, 2023

There are several ways to work in Greece, including with a Greece Employer Visa, Seasonal Visa, or Digital Nomad Visa. Golden Visa schemes are also offered by the Greek government. You can become a citizen of Greece by making an investment, renting an apartment in real estate, or purchasing a piece of land. The following provides all the information and prerequisites for the 2023 Greece Work Visa Process.

Planning an extended stay in Greece? You might find the Greece Long Stay (Type D) Visa to be the key to success. This thorough guide will lead you through every facet of this visa and provide you the knowledge you need to make your trip to Greece a reality.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Greece Long Stay (Type D) Visa

The Greece Long Stay (Type D) Visa is your gateway to exploring this beautiful Mediterranean country at length. It’s a visa designed for individuals who wish to stay in Greece for more than 90 days, allowing you to experience the rich culture, history, and stunning landscapes this country has to offer.

What is a Greece Residence Permit?

The Greece residence permit allows you to stay in Greece legally. This permit is initially issued for a year and it can be renewable.

Your Employer can also apply for this permit at the designated Authorities in Greece.

Are you eligible for this visa? What are the key requirements? Let’s dive into the details.

Greece Long Stay (Type D) Visa provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the Greek culture and lifestyle.

Eligibility and Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Greece Long Stay (Type D) Visa, you must meet certain criteria. These include:

Demonstrating the purpose of your stay (e.g., for tourism, work, study, or family reunion).
Having sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay.
Obtaining travel and health insurance.
No criminal record.
Providing a clean bill of health.

Validity of Greece Work Visa and Residence Permit

Employment Visa: 1 Year
Seasonal Employees: up to 6 months
Fish Workers: up to 11 months

After 5 years of living in Greece, you can apply for Permanent residency.

Greece Work Visa Cost

Greece National Visa (Type D Long Stay): 180 Euros
Greece Residence permit for one year: 150 euros

Required Documents

Applying for this visa will require several documents, including:

A completed visa application form.
Passport with at least six months of validity.
Recent passport-sized photographs.
Proof of accommodation in Greece.
Travel itinerary.
Evidence of sufficient financial means.
Health insurance coverage.
Non-criminal record certificate.

Now that you have an idea of the basic requirements, it’s time to take a closer look at the application process.

Greece Work Visa categories

Greece offers various work visa categories for non-European Union (EU) citizens who wish to work and reside in the country. Each category is designed to accommodate different purposes and employment situations. Here are the primary Greece Work Visa categories:

Employment Visa: Those with a job offer from a Greek firm fall under this sort of visa. A legal employment contract that details the circumstances of your job in Greece is required in order to submit an application for an employment visa. The right candidate for this visa category is someone looking for a typical job in Greece.
Freelancer Visa: The Self-Employed Visa, also known as the Freelancer Visa, is for people who want to work independently, such as consultants, freelancers, or people who own their own enterprises. You normally need to show that you have the resources to sustain yourself financially and engage in freelance work or self-employment activities in Greece in order to apply for this visa.
Investor Visa: The Investor Visa is the best option if you’re interested in starting a business or investing in Greece. Entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners who plan to establish or oversee a business entity in Greece are targeted by this category. The precise conditions and investment sum can change.
Student Visa: Students from outside the EU are able to study in Greece and, in some situations, work part-time while doing so thanks to the Student Visa. If you intend to combine employment with your studies, you must abide by the visa requirements, which may include restrictions on the amount of hours you can work.
Blue Card: Holding a Blue Card allows you to work in Greece and other EU member states. To qualify for a Blue Card, you typically need a job offer in a highly skilled or shortage occupation and meet specific salary requirements.

Greece Citizenship programs

Greece offers several citizenship programs that allow individuals to become Greek citizens, and these programs have different eligibility criteria and requirements.

Residency by Investment: Greece has a Golden Visa program that enables non-EU nationals to acquire residency through real estate investment. Typically, you must invest a minimum sum in Greek real estate to be qualified. You can apply for Greek citizenship after having the residency permit for a set amount of time.
Naturalization: You must typically fulfill a number of requirements in order to naturalize as a Greek citizen, including living in Greece for a predetermined period of time (often at least seven years), displaying financial stability, and demonstrating Greek language competency. Getting married to a Greek citizen can hasten the procedure as well.
Military or Civilian Service: Serving in the Greek military or working for the Greek government can lead to citizenship eligibility. However, these routes typically require a significant commitment and dedication to the country.
Exceptional Contribution: In some cases, individuals who have made exceptional contributions to Greece may be granted citizenship as a form of recognition for their services. This can include contributions in the fields of science, art, or sports, for example.
Refugee Status: Individuals who have been granted refugee status in Greece may become eligible for citizenship after residing in the country for a certain period.

How to Apply for the Greece Work Visa?

To obtain a Visa follow the step-by-step Greece Work Visa Process 2023:

It would be best if you first found a Job in Greece. (Websites are given below)
You must apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate in your country of origin
You must submit all the documents with the Visa application.
You must apply for a Residence permit after your Arrival in Greece.

Contact the Greece embassy in your country and also ask them about the Work Visa process, and the required documents.

Greece Job Websites

Is Greek Language Proficiency Required?

While it’s not mandatory, having a basic understanding of Greek can make your daily life in Greece much easier.

How Can I Obtain Permanent Residency in Greece?

To become a permanent resident, you’ll need to live and work in Greece continuously for several years, typically five. The requirements can vary.

Is it possible to extend the Greece Long Stay (Type D) Visa?

In certain situations, you can apply for an extension of your visa. Be sure to check the eligibility criteria and requirements for extensions.