EuropeSelect the passports you hold to see short-stay access and per-route eligibility for Greece.
Short stays: tourism, transit, business trips, medical, pilgrimage.
Tourist Visa
Electronic travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationals (e.g. US, UK, Canada, Japan). Valid 3 years for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. We apply on your behalf end-to-end. Fees illustrative.
Tourist Visa
Short-stay visa for tourism: up to 90 days within any 180-day period. We prepare your forms and documents; you attend the consulate/VFS appointment to submit biometrics. Government fee EUR 90 (illustrative).
Transit Visa
Required by some nationalities to pass through the international transit area of a Schengen airport without entering. Whether you need one depends on your nationality. Government fee EUR 90 (illustrative).
Business Visitor Visa
Short-stay visa for business trips (meetings, conferences, negotiations): up to 90 days within any 180-day period. We prepare forms and documents; you submit at the consulate/VFS. Government fee EUR 90 (illustrative).
Not yet researched
Universities, language courses, internships and exchanges.
Student Visa
For stays over 90 days to study. Issued under national rules -- apply at the consulate of your destination country. We guide you; submission is in person. Fees and processing times vary by country.
Student Visa
Non-EU students admitted to a Greek university or recognized institution apply for a Type D study visa, then a student residence permit (renewed annually, approx. EUR 150/year) within about 40 days of arrival, valid for the duration of studies. Applicants must show admission, accommodation and means of roughly EUR 400+ per month plus tuition; limited part-time work is allowed under the student permit.
Language Course Visa
Type D national visa route for non-EU nationals enrolled in recognized Modern Greek language schools or university language centres (e.g. in Athens and Thessaloniki), commonly used by prospective degree students who must reach B2 Greek. Requirements mirror the student route: enrollment certificate, means of subsistence (about EUR 400/month), insurance and clean record, with a renewable residence permit for the course duration.
Not yet researched
Digital nomad, freelance, skilled employment and company transfers.
Digital Nomad Visa
12-month national (Type D) visa for non-EU remote workers employed by, or running, businesses outside Greece. Requires net monthly income of at least EUR 3,500 (+20% for a spouse, +15% per child). Holders can convert to a 2-year renewable Digital Nomad residence permit (permit fee EUR 1,000); since Law 5275/2026 (Feb 2026) the residence permit must be initiated via a consular application, not in-country.
Self-Employment Visa
Greece's standalone self-employment / independent economic activity permit is closed to new applicants; it was phased out under the 2014 Immigration Code and the Law 5038/2023 recodification. Existing holders must switch to other categories (e.g. long-term resident or FIP). No general freelancer visa exists; remote freelancers use the Digital Nomad route and investors the startup/golden-visa routes.
Skilled Work Visa
For stays over 90 days to work. Requires employer sponsorship / a work permit before you can apply, so eligibility is conditional. Issued under national rules -- apply at the consulate of your destination country. Fees and processing times vary by country.
Skilled Work Visa
Residence/work permit for non-EU nationals with higher qualifications and a Greek employment contract of at least 6 months paying at least 1.6 times the average gross annual salary (EUR 31,918.83 for 2024; updated annually); lower thresholds may apply to shortage occupations and recent graduates. Law 5275/2026 extended Blue Card validity from 2 to 3 years and relaxed renewal-filing windows; the card counts toward EU long-term residence and Greek permanent residence.
Skilled Work Visa
New 12-month visa (from Feb 2026) for highly qualified non-EU nationals hired by startups registered in the National Startup Registry (Elevate Greece), with an employment contract of at least 12 months and gross annual salary of at least 1.6 times the national average. It grants immediate work authorization tied to the sponsoring startup and can be converted to the highly-qualified E.1 residence permit or EU Blue Card.
Seasonal Work Visa
Employer-driven route: Greek employers obtain authorization under biennial joint-ministerial quotas (94,240 positions set for 2025-2026) to invite non-EU workers for seasonal jobs in agriculture, tourism and food processing. Law 5275/2026 extended the maximum stay to 9 months in any 12-month rolling period; bilateral agreements exist with Egypt and Bangladesh for farm labour. The seasonal-work national visa carries a reduced EUR 75 consular fee.
Intra-Company Transfer Visa
Greece issues EU ICT permits for managers, specialists and trainee employees transferred from a non-EU entity to a Greek entity of the same group (up to 3 years for managers/specialists, 1 year for trainees). Law 5275/2026 added a Specialized Technical Personnel visa: staff of third-country companies executing major technology, pharmaceutical or industrial projects in Greece worth over EUR 10 million receive a 12-month permit, convertible to an EU Blue Card.
Not yet researched
Golden visas, real estate, citizenship by investment, passive income.
Golden Visa (Residence by Investment)
5-year renewable residence permit for non-EU nationals investing in Greek real estate. Since 1 Sept 2024 (Law 5100/2024) thresholds are EUR 800,000 in Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini and islands with population over 3,100; EUR 400,000 elsewhere; and EUR 250,000 anywhere for commercial-to-residential conversions or restoration of listed buildings (works completed before application). No minimum-stay requirement; main EUR 800k/400k routes require a single property of at least 120 sqm and ban short-term letting; permit fee approx. EUR 2,000 plus EUR 16 card fee.
Non-Lucrative / Passive Income Visa
Type D visa and residence route for non-EU nationals with stable passive income (pensions, dividends, rents, investments) of at least EUR 3,500 net per month, +20% for a spouse and +15% per dependent child; substantial bank savings can support the application. The residence permit is issued for 3 years and renewed in 3-year increments; work in Greece is not permitted and holders are expected to reside in Greece (183+ days/year), with permanent residence possible after 5 years.
Business Investor Visa
Launched in 2025, this route grants residence to non-EU nationals investing at least EUR 250,000 in a startup registered in the National Startup Registry (Elevate Greece). The investor may hold no more than 33% of equity/voting rights, and the startup must create at least 2 new jobs within the first year and maintain them; residence runs on a 5-year framework with periodic renewals while the investment is maintained.
Not yet researched
Retirement visas and working holiday schemes.
Retirement Visa
Greece has no separate retirement visa; retirees use the Financially Independent Person route, proving a foreign pension and/or other passive income of at least EUR 3,500 net per month (+20% spouse, +15% per child). The 3-year residence permit is renewable indefinitely while income continues, leads to permanent residence after 5 years, and Greece offers an optional 7% flat tax regime for foreign pensioners who transfer tax residence.
Working Holiday Visa
Under the Greece-Australia agreement (in force since 2024), 500 Australians aged 18-31 per year may live and work in Greece for up to 12 months (max 6 months with one employer); applicants need tertiary education (or 2+ years of undergraduate study) and sufficient funds, and must be first-time participants. Greece also participates in reciprocal youth-mobility arrangements with Canada under International Experience Canada (quota around 160). No other partner nationalities are currently covered.
Reunification, spouse routes and ancestry-based repatriation.
Family Reunification Visa
Spouses and minor children of non-EU nationals legally resident in Greece for at least 2 years can join them after a Type D visa and family-member residence permit. The sponsor must show stable income above the minimum-wage benchmark (roughly EUR 1,050+ gross/month for a couple, more per child), adequate accommodation and health insurance; the family permit follows the duration of the sponsor's permit. Golden Visa and Blue Card holders may sponsor immediately without the 2-year wait.
Spouse / Partner Visa
Non-EU spouses and registered partners of Greek citizens who entered Greece lawfully receive a 5-year residence permit with full labour-market access; the application must be filed within 3 months of entry (and 2 months of the marriage where applicable). On expiry, a 10-year residence card is available if the marriage subsists and absences stay within limits, and the route offers an accelerated 3-year track to citizenship by naturalization.
Ancestry / Repatriation
People with a Greek parent, grandparent or (in some chains) great-grandparent can claim citizenship by proving an unbroken line to an ancestor registered in a Greek municipality; applications are filed at Greek consulates with apostilled, translated civil records. Parent-based cases typically take 6-12 months and grandparent-based cases 2-3 years; the naturalization state fee is EUR 700 but reduced to EUR 100 for persons of Greek descent. Citizenship brings full EU rights and Greece allows dual nationality.
Not yet researched
Talent, religious, humanitarian, media, official and permanent residence.
Talent / Highly Skilled Visa
New 12-month visa (from Feb 2026) allowing non-EU holders of at least a Master's degree (or PhD/post-doc) from universities listed on at least two recognized international rankings to enter Greece to seek employment or set up a business, without needing a job offer at entry. It does not itself grant work rights; on securing qualifying employment, holders convert to an EU Blue Card or other residence permit before the visa expires. Proof of sufficient funds for the stay is required.
Long-Term Residence Permit
After 5 years of continuous lawful residence (absences under 6 consecutive / 10 total months), non-EU nationals can obtain EU long-term resident status: an open-ended status with a card renewable every 5 years and intra-EU mobility rights. Applicants must show stable annual income at least equal to the annual minimum wage (+10% per dependent), full health insurance, and Greek language (A2) plus knowledge of Greek history and culture.
Not yet researched
Data verified against official sources — see how.
Completed application form
Complete the official visa or residence application form for your destination. Most consulates now use an online portal where you fill in the form, upload documents and book an appointment; print and sign the confirmation page.
| Issued by | Destination consulate / immigration portal |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Usually free (the visa fee is separate) |
| Typical time | 30–60 minutes to complete |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Passport
Apply for or renew your passport at your country's passport authority (often the foreign-affairs or interior ministry, a passport office or designated post office). Most visa portals want a clear colour scan of the bio-data page; keep the passport valid at least 6 months beyond your trip with two blank pages.
| Issued by | National passport authority |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $20–$150 |
| Typical time | 1–6 weeks (expedited often available) |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Passport photo
Have a recent passport photo taken at a pharmacy, photo booth or photographer, or use a compliant online photo tool. The common size is 35×45 mm with a plain light background, neutral expression and no glasses; the US and a few others require 2×2 in (51×51 mm). Get 2–4 prints plus a digital copy.
| Issued by | Any photographer or photo booth (ICAO 9303 standard) |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $5–$15 |
| Typical time | Same day |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Travel medical insurance
Buy a travel-medical insurance policy covering your whole trip and every destination country, then print the certificate. For the Schengen Area the EU Visa Code requires at least €30,000 of cover for medical emergencies and repatriation, valid across all member states.
| Issued by | Any approved insurer |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $10–$60 per trip |
| Typical time | Immediate |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of accommodation
Show where you will stay: a hotel booking, a signed tenancy/lease, a host's invitation with their address, or an address-registration document. For longer stays a registered rental contract is usually expected.
| Issued by | Landlord / host / municipality |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$50 |
| Typical time | Same day–1 week |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Return / onward ticket
Provide a flight reservation or an onward/return ticket itinerary. Many travellers use a held reservation (not a paid ticket) from an airline, travel agent or flight-itinerary service so they are not committed before the visa is granted.
| Issued by | Airline / travel agent |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$30 for a reservation |
| Typical time | Same day |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of sufficient funds
Show you can support your stay using bank statements, a salary or pension certificate, a sponsorship/affidavit of support, or evidence of savings or income that meets the published minimum for the visa. Combine several documents if one is not enough.
| Issued by | Your bank / employer / sponsor |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$20 |
| Typical time | Same day–1 week |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
University acceptance letter
Once you are accepted, request an admission/acceptance letter or certificate of enrolment from the school or university's admissions or registrar office. It should confirm the programme, the dates and that tuition is arranged.
| Issued by | School / university (admissions office) |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Usually free |
| Typical time | A few days–2 weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Criminal record certificate
Request a criminal-record certificate from your country's police or justice/interior ministry — many issue it through a national online portal, sometimes requiring fingerprints. For foreign use it usually must be apostilled or legalised and translated, and most consulates accept one issued within the last 3–6 months.
| Issued by | National police / justice ministry |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$50 |
| Typical time | A few days–4 weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Medical certificate
Book a medical examination with a doctor or, where required, a clinic on the consulate's approved-panel list. Tests may include a general exam, a chest X-ray/TB screening and blood tests; the clinic issues the certificate directly.
| Issued by | Licensed doctor / panel clinic |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $30–$200 |
| Typical time | 1–2 weeks including results |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of remote work
Gather evidence that you work remotely for clients or an employer outside the destination: your employment or client contracts stating remote work, recent invoices or payslips, and a letter from the employer confirming you may work from abroad.
| Issued by | Employer / clients |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Free |
| Typical time | A few days |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Declaration of intent
Have documents translated by a sworn or certified translator and, where required, notarised. For cross-border use obtain an apostille (in Hague Convention countries) or consular legalisation from the competent authority in the country that issued the original.
| Issued by | Sworn translator / notary / apostille authority |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $20–$60 per page |
| Typical time | Days–2 weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Employment contract
Obtain a signed copy of your employment contract from your employer's HR. It should show the parties, job title, salary, duration and signatures; some consulates want it stamped or, for work visas, registered with the labour authority.
| Issued by | Employer / labour authority |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Free |
| Typical time | Same day–1 week |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Evidence of higher qualifications
Use your original diploma or degree certificate; for a replacement or official copy, ask the issuing institution's registrar. For use abroad it usually needs to be apostilled or legalised and translated.
| Issued by | Issuing institution / education ministry |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$50 (plus apostille) |
| Typical time | Days–weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Fee receipt
Pay the visa or government fee through the channel the consulate specifies — card payment on the application portal, bank transfer, or in person at the visa centre. Keep the receipt or transaction confirmation to upload or present.
| Issued by | Destination consulate / payment provider |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Varies by visa |
| Typical time | Immediate–2 days |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Regulated profession license
Get an up-to-date extract from the commercial/companies register (chamber of commerce or trade registry) showing your company's registration, or your trade or professional licence. Many registries issue this online for a small fee.
| Issued by | Commercial register / chamber of commerce |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$50 |
| Typical time | Same day–1 week |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Employer authorization (metaklisi)
Request a letter on company letterhead from your employer stating your position, start date, salary and that your leave or continued employment is approved, signed by HR or a manager. For work visas this may instead be a formal work permit or job-offer letter issued by the employer or labour authority.
| Issued by | Employer (HR) / labour authority |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Free |
| Typical time | A few days |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of group relationship
Prove the family link with civil documents — marriage and birth certificates connecting you to the relative, a family or household register, or, for unmarried partners, evidence of cohabitation (joint lease, bills, photos). Civil documents often need an apostille and translation.
| Issued by | Civil registry |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Varies |
| Typical time | Days–weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Notarial purchase contract
Obtain the title deed or an extract from the land registry proving ownership; for a purchase, provide the notarised purchase contract. The land-registry office issues certified copies.
| Issued by | Land registry / notary |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $10–$100 |
| Typical time | Same day–2 weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of investment
Provide documentary proof of the qualifying investment: a bank confirmation of the deposit or transfer, share or title certificates, an escrow or blocked-account statement, or a notarised purchase contract, depending on the programme's rules.
| Issued by | Bank / notary / company registry |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Varies |
| Typical time | 1–4 weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Bank statements
Request a stamped statement covering the last 3–6 months from your bank, or export an official PDF from online banking. Many consulates require the bank's stamp/signature or a separate letter confirming your balance.
| Issued by | Your bank |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$10 |
| Typical time | Same day–a few days |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of age 18-31
Obtain a national ID card or a citizenship/nationality certificate from your civil-registry or interior ministry. For ancestry- or origin-based routes, request the birth, naturalisation or archive records that prove the qualifying lineage.
| Issued by | Civil registry / interior ministry |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$50 |
| Typical time | Same day–several weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Marriage / birth certificates
Order a certified copy of your birth certificate from the civil-registry/vital-records office where you were born (often available online). For foreign use it usually needs an apostille or legalisation and a translation.
| Issued by | Civil registry / vital records |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $10–$50 |
| Typical time | Same day–3 weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Marriage or civil partnership certificate
Order a certified copy of your marriage (or divorce) certificate from the civil registry that recorded it. For foreign use add an apostille or legalisation and a certified translation.
| Issued by | Civil registry |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $10–$50 |
| Typical time | Same day–3 weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Greek citizen's ID copy
This is a destination- or programme-specific supporting document. Follow the exact instruction on the official consulate or immigration checklist for your visa; if it is unclear, contact the consulate or visa application centre for guidance on how to obtain it.
| Issued by | Destination consulate / immigration authority |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Varies |
| Typical time | Varies |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
CV / statement of purpose
Write a signed cover or motivation letter explaining the purpose of your trip or application, your plans and your ties to your home country, addressed to the consulate. You prepare this yourself.
| Issued by | Self-prepared |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Free |
| Typical time | Same day |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Greek language and integration evidence
Take the required language test (e.g. IELTS or TOEFL for English, DELF/TCF for French, Goethe or telc for German, or a national integration exam) at an accredited test centre and collect the certificate. Book early, as test slots fill up.
| Issued by | Accredited test provider |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $100–$300 |
| Typical time | 2–6 weeks including results |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
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