Immigration Rules — Greece

Greece: Immigration Rules and Regulations Overview

*Note: Immigration policy is subject to frequent updates from the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum and EU-level regulations. Verify current details with the Greek Consulate, the Ministry of Migration and Asylum (migration.gov.gr), or a licensed immigration attorney before making decisions.*

Overview of Legal Framework

• Greece follows both EU/Schengen regulations and national immigration law (primarily Law 4251/2014, the Immigration and Social Integration Code, as amended)
• Non-EU/EEA nationals are subject to stricter requirements than EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, who enjoy freedom of movement
• Key visa/permit categories: Schengen short-stay visa (Type C), National long-stay visa (Type D), residence permits, Golden Visa (investment), digital nomad visa, and work permits

Work Restrictions for Visa Holders

Schengen (Type C) Visitor Visa

• No work permitted under any circumstances
• Valid for tourism, business meetings, family visits (max 90 days in any 180-day period)
• Business visitors may attend meetings/conferences but cannot perform paid work or provide services

National (Type D) Visa Categories

• Student visa: Limited part-time work (typically up to 20 hours/week), subject to specific authorization
• Digital Nomad Visa: Holder must work remotely for non-Greek employers/clients only; cannot engage in local Greek employment
• Golden Visa (investment residence permit): Historically did NOT grant work rights (this changed in recent reforms—verify current status, as amendments in 2023-2024 have altered work authorization for some Golden Visa categories)
• Family reunification permits: Dependents generally gain work access, but confirm current rules per permit subtype

Work Permits

• Non-EU nationals generally need a specific work-authorized residence permit tied to an employer/position
• Employer-sponsored work visas require labor market tests in many cases (proving no EU/Greek candidate available), though shortage occupation lists ease this
• Changing employers or job categories often requires new authorization

Deportation Grounds

Common grounds for deportation (απέλαση) include:

• Illegal entry or overstay beyond permitted visa/permit duration
• Working without authorization (unauthorized employment)
• Criminal convictions, particularly for serious offenses (drug trafficking, violent crimes, fraud)
• Threat to public order, national security, or public health
• Fraudulent documentation or misrepresentation in applications
• Failure to renew residence permits within legal grace periods
• Public charge concerns in some circumstances (inability to support oneself)

Process

• Deportation orders can be administrative (issued by police/immigration authorities) or judicial (following criminal conviction)
• Right to appeal exists but timelines are short (often 5 days for administrative detention appeals)
• Entry bans typically range from 1-5 years depending on severity; can be permanent for serious crimes

Overstay Penalties

• Fines: Historically ranged from €400-€600 for shorter overstays, but can escalate significantly for extended periods
• Entry bans: Overstaying can trigger bans of 1-5 years on future Schengen entry
• Detention: Possible administrative detention pending deportation, particularly for those without cooperation
• Impact on future applications: Overstay records affect eligibility for future visas across the entire Schengen area, not just Greece
• Voluntary departure programs: Sometimes available with reduced penalties if self-reported before detection

*Overstay penalty amounts change periodically—verify current fine schedules with Greek authorities.*

Criminal Background Requirements

• Criminal record certificate (police clearance certificate) required for most long-stay visa and residence permit applications
• Must typically be:
• Issued within 3-6 months of application (varies by permit type)
• Apostilled/legalized if issued outside Greece
• Officially translated into Greek by certified translator
• Disqualifying factors: Convictions for serious crimes (violent crimes, drug trafficking, terrorism, sexual offenses) generally result in automatic denial
• Minor infractions may be evaluated case-by-case
• Required from all countries of residence for the past 5-10 years (varies by permit category)

Health and Biometric Requirements

Health Requirements

• Health insurance mandatory for most visa/permit categories:
• Minimum coverage typically €30,000 for Schengen visas
• Must cover medical emergencies, hospitalization, repatriation
• Medical certificate sometimes required, particularly certifying freedom from:
• Communicable diseases (per WHO International Health Regulations)
• Conditions posing public health risks
• Some permits require proof of Greek public health system enrollment (EFKA) once employed

Biometric Requirements

• Fingerprints and digital photograph required for:
• All Schengen visa applications (ages 12+)
• Residence permit applications (biometric residence permit cards)
• Biometric data stored in Visa Information System (VIS) for Schengen applications
• Residence permits issued as biometric cards valid for the permit duration

Required Documentation

Standard Requirements (varies by permit type)

• Valid passport (minimum 3 months validity beyond intended stay, with 2 blank pages)
• Completed application form (specific to visa/permit category)
• Passport-sized photos (biometric specifications)
• Proof of accommodation (rental contract, hotel booking, property deed)
• Financial means proof:
• Bank statements (typically last 3-6 months)
• Minimum amounts vary by permit type (e.g., €24,000+ annually for some residence categories)
• Travel/health insurance documentation
• Purpose-specific documents:
• Employment contract or job offer (work visas)
• University acceptance letter (student visas)
• Marriage/birth certificates (family reunification)
• Investment proof (Golden Visa: property deed, minimum €250,000-€800,000 depending on location and date of application—thresholds increased in 2023-2024)
• Criminal record certificate (as above)
• Application fees (vary by category, typically €80-€180 for Schengen visas; residence permits vary widely)

Golden Visa Specific (as of recent reforms)

• Minimum investment thresholds have been restructured by region:
• €800,000 in Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini (prime areas)
• €400,000 in most other regions
• Note: These figures changed significantly in 2023-2024—verify current thresholds, as they've been subject to multiple revisions

How to Maintain Legal Status

Key Compliance Steps

• Track visa/permit expiration dates meticulously—Greek bureaucracy often requires renewal applications 60 days before expiration
• Register address changes with local authorities (Δήμος/Municipality) as required
• Renew residence permits on time—late renewal can trigger fines or status complications
• Maintain health insurance continuously without gaps
• Report changes in circumstances: employer changes, marital status, address
• Keep physical/digital copies of all immigration documents, entry/exit stamps
• Monitor Schengen 90/180 day rule carefully if traveling within Schengen zone on visa-free or short-stay basis
• File taxes appropriately if working (tax residency often triggers at 183+ days)
• Renew biometric residence cards before expiration—process can take weeks to months

Specific Renewal Notes

• First residence permit: Often requires initial application at Greek consulate abroad, then completion in Greece
• Renewal applications: Filed at local Decentralized Administration offices or online portal (gov.gr) where available
• Processing delays: Greek immigration bureaucracy is known for significant backlogs—applicants often receive a "βεβαίωση" (certificate/receipt) confirming legal status while awaiting permit issuance; this document is crucial to carry
• Golden Visa holders: Must maintain the qualifying investment for the permit's duration; selling the property typically invalidates residency status

Special Pathways Worth Noting

• EU Blue Card: For highly skilled workers, generally requires job offer with salary threshold (approx. 1.5x average Greek gross salary—verify current figure)
• Digital Nomad Visa: Introduced for remote workers; requires proof of remote employment/business and minimum income (approx. €3,500/month, figures may vary)
• Long-term EU residence status: Available after 5 years of continuous legal residence, offering enhanced rights across EU

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Critical Recommendations

• Consult the Greek Consulate in your jurisdiction for country-specific document requirements
• Verify current fee schedules and thresholds as these change periodically, especially Golden Visa investment amounts
• Engage a Greek immigration lawyer for complex cases (family reunification, appeals, business establishment)
• Check gov.gr and migration.gov.gr for official forms and updated procedural requirements
• Confirm Schengen-wide implications of any Greek immigration action, as Greece is part of the Schengen Area

*This overview reflects general patterns as of recent years but Greek immigration law has seen frequent amendments, particularly regarding Golden Visa thresholds and digital nomad provisions. Always confirm specifics before applying, as processing times, fees, and eligibility criteria are subject to change.*

More about immigrating to Greece