Embark on your journey to work in Greece with confidence! Navigate the Greece Employment Visa Process smoothly with our comprehensive guide and expert assistance.
Even though Greece is a renowned tourist destination famous for its stunning landscape and rich history.
However, more people are moving to work in the country due to its budding startup sector. Here is a guide on how to obtain a Greek Employment Visa.
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How Many Permits Does the Government Issue?
Every two years, the Greek government issues quotas setting the maximum number of vacancies for seasonal employment by job sector and region. The figure varies – it can be as low as 5,000 or as high as 60,000.
Types of Work Visas in Greece
The two main visa types in Greece are C (short-stay) and D (long-stay). Type C visas allow you to travel through or stay in Schengen countries for 90 consecutive days or 90 days scattered over a 180-day period.
This visa is preferred by tourists and individuals on conferences, business trips, family visits, and other short vacations.
If you want to work in Greece, you will need a type D visa. This visa is valid for one year and allows you to enter the country and apply for a residence permit.
Anyone with a type D visa must apply for a residence permit immediately after landing in Greece.
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Application Requirements for Greece Work Visas
You will require the following items when applying for a Greece work visa.
- A complete D visa application form in Greek or English
- A passport valid for at least three months after the expiry date of the D visa
- A passport-size photo not older than six months
- Copies of residence permit and data page
- A copy of your criminal record
- A medical fitness certificate
- Travel medical insurance valid for the visas’ period
After obtaining a work visa, you must obtain a work permit showing you can legally work in Greece.
Your employer must have a valid license and a certificate of incorporation. These are required to obtain a work permit for employees.
The work permit includes a residence permit, meaning you only need a D visa and the permit to live and work in Greece.
These permits are specific to an employer, occupation and location, and are valid for 12 months.
Application Process
Your employee must go to their local police station or municipal office in-person to apply work permits. This must happen within 30 days after arriving in Greece.
Here are the steps followed when applying from a work permit.
- Obtain a tax number from the local tax office and a social security number from the Social Security Institute.
- Complete a residence permit form in Greek and submitting it in person. Alternatively, you can submit it through a certified lawyer.
- Provide your passport, passport photos, visa, certificate of medical insurance, and a health certificate from a government hospital.
- Show proof of subsistence, your local address and pay the required fees. Currently, the government charges EUR 300. This fee is subject to change ad it’s best to check government websites for up-to-date information.
After completing the steps above, you will receive a blue form that serves as a receipt showing your application is being processed. You can begin working upon the receipt of this form.
