A Greece Work Visa is a type of national visa for employment that allows non-EU/EEA country nationals to live and work legally in Greece. As part of the European Union, Greece requires non-EU workers to obtain both a work visa and a residence permit before starting employment.
This guide will break down all the steps toward obtaining a Greece Work Permit, including the application process, required documents, processing times, and fees. Whether you’re looking for short-term work or long-term employment, this guide will help you navigate the process smoothly.
This is what we will cover:
- What is a Greece work visa?
- Types of Work Visas in Greece
- Required Documents for Greece Work Permit
- Requirements for a Work Permit in Greece
- Greece Work Permit Application Process
- Greece Work Permit Visa fees
- Greece Work Visa Processing time
- How long is a Greece Work Visa valid?
- Can you apply for a Greece work permit online?
- Can you bring family members on a Greek work visa?
What is a Greece work visa?
A Greece Work Visa is a type of national visa for employment that allows non-EU/EEA citizens to live and work in Greece legally. The specific visa required depends on the job type, duration, and professional background. In most cases, you must first secure a work contract from a Greek employer before applying. Additionally, a valid residence permit is required for long-term employment. The process usually involves obtaining a work permit, applying for a national (Type D) visa for employment, and then securing a residence permit after arriving in Greece.
Types of Work Visas in Greece
Greece has several work visas, each catering to different professions and work arrangements:
Type of Work Visa | Description |
Employed Worker Visa (Type D - National Visa for Employment) | This is for non-EU citizens with a job contract from a Greek employer. A work permit is required before applying for the visa. |
Seasonal Work Visa | For temporary workers in sectors like agriculture, tourism, and hospitality. Valid for 6–9 months per year, after which workers must leave Greece. |
Self-Employment or Freelancer Visa | For individuals planning to start a business or work as freelancers in Greece. Applicants must prove their work benefits the Greek economy and show financial stability. |
For remote workers employed by non-Greek companies who want to live in Greece while working online. Requires proof of a monthly income of at least €3,500. Valid for one year, renewable. | |
EU Blue Card (Highly Skilled Worker Visa) | This is for professionals with high salaries and specialized skills in fields like IT, engineering, and medicine. Requires a salary at least 1.5 times the average Greek salary and a university degree. The residence permit is valid for two years and its renewable. |
The Greece Golden Visa is not a traditional work visa. Instead, it grants residency in Greece, allowing you to live and work within the country. While it doesn’t directly link to employment, it offers the flexibility to work in Greece and any other European Union country. This is a great option for investors and their families who want to live and work in Greece and the EU, with a chance to get Greek citizenship after seven years.
To learn more about The Greece Digital Nomad Visa
Required Documents for Greece Work Permit
To apply for a Greece Work Visa, you must submit a few documents that verify your eligibility for employment in Greece. Below is a list of the supporting documents required:
1. Greece work visa application form: The completed and signed Greece Work Visa Application Form can be obtained from the Greek embassy or consulate.
2. Valid passport: A passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the visa expiration date and has at least two blank pages for visa stamps and copies of previous visas (if applicable).
3. Work permit approval: A copy of the work permit issued by the Decentralized Administration Office in Greece, proving that your employer has obtained permission for your employment.
4. Employment contract: A signed employment contract from your Greek employer specifying your job role, salary, and contract duration. Proof that the salary meets the minimum wage requirements in Greece.
5. Employer’s supporting documents: Company registration documents and tax records. Proof of labor market test (confirming no EU/EEA candidate was available for the job).
6. Proof of accommodation in Greece: A rental agreement, hotel booking, or an invitation letter from your employer confirming accommodation.
7. Proof of sufficient funds: Bank statements, pay slips, or a letter from your employer confirming financial support during your stay.
8. Medical certificate: An accredited doctor or medical institution issued a recent medical examination report confirming good health.
9. Police clearance certificate: A criminal background check issued by authorities in your home country, proving a clear criminal record.
10. Health insurance: Proof of health insurance covering medical expenses and emergencies in Greece.
11. Flight Itinerary: A copy of a booked one-way or round-trip ticket, depending on your contract length.
12. Passport-sized photos: Two recent passport photos (meeting Schengen visa photo requirements).
13. Visa fee payment receipt: This is proof of payment for the Greece work visa fee, which varies by country and visa type.
Additional Documents (If Applicable)
- Copies of academic degrees, professional certificates, or special licenses are required for your job.
- Documents related to family members/dependents (if applying for a family reunification visa).
Requirements for a Work Permit in Greece
1. Job offer from a Greek employer
You must have a valid employment contract with a company registered in Greece. The contract must specify salary, job role, and duration of employment. Your employer must prove that no EU/EEA citizen was available to fill the position (labor market test may apply).
2. Work permit application by the employer
The Greek employer applies for a work permit on your behalf at the Decentralized Administration Office in Greece. The application includes details about the job and how it aligns with Greek labor market needs.
3. Qualifications and experience
Proof of relevant qualifications, degrees, or professional certifications if required for the job. If your profession is regulated (e.g., healthcare, engineering), you may need professional recognition from Greek authorities.
4. Financial requirements
You must earn at least the minimum wage in Greece or higher for specialized jobs. For self-employed or freelancer visas, you must provide proof of sufficient financial resources to sustain yourself.
5. Valid passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 3–6 months beyond your intended stay.
Greece Work Permit Application Process
The work permit application process in Greece is initiated by the employer on behalf of the employee. The process involves several steps, from securing a job offer to applying for the actual work permit. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:
Step 1: Secure a Job Offer in Greece
Find employment with a Greek employer who is willing to sponsor you. The job must match your qualifications and experience, and the employer must be able to prove that they could not find an EU/EEA candidate for the position. The employer will provide a detailed job offer that includes salary, job role, and duration of employment.
Step 2: Employer applies for the work permit
The employer applies for a work permit on your behalf at the Decentralized Administration Office in Greece. The employer needs to provide the following documents:
- Employment contract outlining your role and salary.
- Company documents, such as tax records and business registration.
- Proof of labor market test (demonstrating that no EU/EEA candidate was available).
- A job description that aligns with Greek labor market needs.
- Proof of qualifications (e.g., degrees, professional licenses, or certifications).
Step 3: Work permit approval
The Greek authorities will review the work permit application. The process can take several weeks to a few months, depending on the type of job and qualifications required.
Step 4: Apply for the Greece Work visa
Once the work permit is approved, you need to apply for a national (Type D) work visa at the Greek embassy/consulate in your home country.
You will need to submit the following documents:
- Work permit approval issued by Greek authorities.
- Valid passport (with at least 3–6 months validity).
- Proof of financial means to support yourself.
- Employment contract and proof of accommodation in Greece.
- Health insurance that covers your stay.
- Medical checkup certificate (if required).
- Criminal background check from your home country.
Step 5: Attend an Interview (If Required)
Depending on the consulate or embassy, you may be asked to attend an interview to discuss your employment and plans in Greece.
Step 6: Wait for the visa approval
After submitting your application, the embassy will process your visa. This usually takes 2–4 weeks, though it can vary depending on the consulate. Once approved, you will receive the National (Type D) Work Visa, which allows you to travel to Greece.
Step 7: Arrive in Greece and Apply for a Residence Permit
Upon arriving in Greece, you must apply for a residence permit at the Aliens and Immigration Office in the area where you will be living. The residence permit is required for a long-term stay and allows you to work legally in Greece.
You’ll need to provide:
- Work visa and work permit.
- Proof of residence in Greece
- Proof of financial stability and other supporting documents.
Step 8: Receive your residence permit
Once your residence permit is approved, you’ll be allowed to live and work in Greece for the duration specified on the permit which is often one year.
Greece Work Permit Visa fees
The fees for a Greece Work Permit Visa can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of visa, your nationality, and the specific consulate or embassy where you apply. Here is an outline of the typical fees involved in obtaining a work permit and visa for Greece:
Step | Fee Description | Estimated Fee Range |
1. Work Permit Application | These fees are covered by the employer | €100 to €200 (for government processing) |
Document Translation/Notarization | Varies depending on number of documents, usually €20 to €50 per document | |
2. National (Type D) Work Visa | Visa Application Fee | €100 to €120 |
3. Residence Permit Application | Residence Permit Application Fee | €150 to €250 |
Biometric Data Fees | €100 | |
4. Additional Costs | Medical Certificate (if required) | €50 to €150 |
Criminal Record Check (background check) | €20 to €50 | |
Health Insurance (proof required for visa) | €50 to €100 per month |
Greece Work Visa Processing time
The overall process for the work permit approval, visa application and residence permit approval can take three to six months, depending on the specific circumstances and whether all documents are in order.
How long is a Greece Work Visa valid?
For non-EU nationals working in Greece, the initial work permit is usually valid for one year. After that, the permit needs to be renewed for continued employment.
The renewal process is similar to the initial application, but the applicant must demonstrate that their employment conditions remain in compliance with Greek labor laws.
Each renewal is valid for one year. After multiple renewals, there may be opportunities for a longer validity period, especially for highly skilled workers or those on long-term employment contracts.
Can you apply for a Greece work permit online?
No, you cannot directly apply for a Greece Work Permit Visa online. The application process for a work permit visa in Greece has many steps that must be completed in person or through specific submission channels, depending on your situation.
Can you bring family members on a Greek work visa?
In some cases, yes. After obtaining a residence permit, you may apply for family reunification, allowing your spouse and children to join you in Greece.
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Greece Work Visa
What is a Greece Work Visa?
A Greece Work Visa is a national visa for employment that allows non-EU/EEA country nationals to live and work legally in Greece. It is required for foreigners who have secured a job offer in Greece and need authorization to work.
Who needs a Greece Work Visa?
Non-EU/EEA nationals must obtain a Greece Work Visa and a residence permit to work legally in Greece. EU/EEA citizens do not need a visa or work permit to be employed in Greece.
How do you apply for a Greece Work Visa?
You must first secure a job offer from a Greek employer. Your employer applies for a work permit and once approved, you submit the Greece Work Visa Application Form and required documents to the consular authority in your home country.
How long does it take to process a Greece Work Visa?
Processing times vary but generally take one to three months, depending on your nationality, job type, and the workload of the Greek embassy handling your application.
What documents are required for a Greece Work Visa?
You need a completed Greece Work Visa Application Form, a valid passport, a work permit approval, an employment contract, proof of accommodation, a police clearance certificate, and health insurance, among other documents.
Can I switch jobs while on a Greece Work Visa?
Generally, your work visa is tied to your employer. If you wish to change jobs, your new employer must apply for a new work permit on your behalf.
What is the process for visa sponsorship in Greece?
Visa sponsorship in Greece generally refers to the process by which an employer or organization sponsors a non-EU/EEA citizen to apply for a work visa or residence permit. The employer initiates the process, which involves securing a job offer for the foreign worker and obtaining the necessary permits.
