International service provider in Greece

Conditions

Business visitors for establishment purposes (BVEPs)

Categories of visa, permits or any similar type of authorisation regarding entry and temporary stay

In case of third-country nationals who wish to enter Greece to participate in meetings, conferences, education and training seminars, exhibitions, conferences or events of a commercial and industrial nature, an “Invitation form with assumption of responsibility/hospitality for the purposes of granting a Schengen entry visa to a third-country national for business/professional purposes (Business Invitation)" may be submitted to the Greek consular authorities by Greek/ EU citizens or third-country nationals who reside legally in the Greek territory (in accordance with article 14 of Regulation 810/2009), in order to be considered as a supporting document during the process of granting a Schengen visa, if the persons concerned do not self-certify the relevant conditions.

Documentation required and conditions to be met

Documents for the issuance of a Schengen visa: a passport/travel document, consular fee, travel insurance, documents regarding the purpose of travel, the accommodation during the intended stay, proof of sufficient means of living, as well as for the cost of return to the country of origin.
Also, is pending to be issued a joint ministerial decision (par.6 of article 176 of Migration Code, l.5038/2023) which will determine the type and content of the above invitation form, as well as the sanctions relating to the exclusion of the applicant or the inviter from the invitation granting procedure.

Where and how to file an application

You need to apply for a Schengen visa at the Greek embassy or consulate.

Application fees and indicative processing time

Consular fee for Schengen visa (please see here)

The maximum period of stay under each type of authorisation

A short-stay visa for the Schengen area allows you to stay 90 days in Greece, within a 6-month period.

Conditions for any available extensions or renewal

Such visas are not renewable, however the period of validity of a granted visa or the permitted length of stay may be extended (article 33, Regulation 810/2009), if the holder of the visa has sufficient means of subsistence and provides evidence of the existence of force majeure or humanitarian reasons that prevented him/her to leave the Schengen area before the expiry of the period of validity of the visa. This extension is granted by decision of the competent bodies of the Ministry of Citizen Protection. The extension of visas takes the form of a visa sticker.

Rights regarding accompanying dependents

The hearing required for the submission of the visa application is determined by priority, within two (2) working days and, if the application is admissible, the relevant decision is taken within a period of 15 calendar days, in accordance with the provisions Regulation (EC) 810/2009 (article 23).

Available review and/or appeal procedures

Decisions rejecting entry visa requests taken by diplomatic and consular authorities require justification.

Relevant links

Schengen Visas

Visas for Foreigners traveling to Greece

Short-term business visitors (STVB)

Categories of visa, permits or any similar type of authorisation regarding entry and temporary stay

A third-country national who enters Greece for conferences, cultural and sporting events, etc. and generally for a short stay may remain temporarily without a residence permit for as long as the visa is valid or for a period of up to ninety (90) days within any period of one hundred eighty (180) days, if it is a third-country national who is allowed to enter without a consular visa.

Documentation required and conditions to be met

Documents for the issuance of a Schengen visa: a passport/travel document, consular fee, travel insurance, documents regarding the purpose of travel, the accommodation during the intended stay, proof of sufficient means of living, as well as for the cost of return to the country of origin.

Where and how to file an application

You need to apply for a Schengen visa at the Greek embassy or consulate.

Application fees and indicative processing time

Consular fee for Schengen visa (please see here).

The maximum period of stay under each type of authorisation

A short-stay visa for the Schengen area allows you to stay 90 days in Greece, within a 6-month period.

Conditions for any available extensions or renewal

Such visas are not renewable, however the period of validity of a granted visa or the permitted length of stay may be extended (article 33, Regulation 810/2009), if the holder of the visa has sufficient means of subsistence and provides evidence of the existence of force majeure or humanitarian reasons that prevented him/her to leave the Schengen area before the expiry of the period of validity of the visa. This extension is granted by decision of the competent bodies of the Ministry of Citizen Protection. The extension of visas takes the form of a visa sticker.

Rules regarding accompanying dependents

It is not provided a specific visa for accompanying dependents.
The hearing required for the submission of the visa application is determined by priority, within two (2) working days and, if the application is admissible, the relevant decision is taken within a period of 15 calendar days, in accordance with the provisions Regulation (EC) 810/2009 (article 23).

Available review and/or appeal procedures

Decisions rejecting entry visa requests taken by diplomatic and consular authorities require justification.

Specific rules for leaders of organised tourist groups

Entry and residence with national visa (type D)

Common documents for the issuance of the national visa:

a passport or other travel document recognised by the competent Greek authorities, consular fee (75 euros), criminal record certificate, medical certificate, travel insurance (with a validity period equal, at least, to the granted national visa, which covers the costs that may arise in the event of repatriation for medical reasons, for emergency medical care and/or emergency hospital care).

Specific documents:

a certificate from the competent regional Tourism Service, where the Greek tourist office is located, stating that the work of the person as a leader of organised tourist groups is approved,
a certificate from the foreign tourist office that the third-country national employed is working and is remunerated by it,
a solemn declaration from the Greek tourist office that collaborates with a foreign tourist office that the person concerned will not be hired for work and that he/she will be employed outside the office to serve groups of tourists arriving through a foreign tourist office, for a specific period of time not exceeding the eight (8) months, and
a certificate of insurance to cover the costs of hospitalisation, medical and pharmaceutical care and to cover work accidents. If there is an intergovernmental agreement with the country from which he/she is moving, for health and work accidents, it is sufficient to present a certificate from that country that he/she is insured in its social security system.

The maximum period of stay under each type of authorisation

The work visa allows work only for the specific purpose and cannot exceed eight (8) months.

Conditions for any available extensions or renewal

Extension/renewal of the national visa is not provided.

Available review and/or appeal procedures

National visa: the procedural guarantees regarding the national visas granted are defined in Regulation (EC) 810/2009.

Relevant links

Schengen Visas

Visas for Foreigners traveling to Greece

Contractual service suppliers (CSSs)

You can enter, reside and work in Greece for the provision of a specific service, under a relevant contractual obligation. In this case, you need to be employed as a specialised technical personnel of a company established in a third country and to move to Greece for the provision of specific services within the framework of a supply contract between the above company and the corresponding one that carries out its activities in Greece, under certain conditions.

If you fulfil the conditions, you will be issued a national D-visa for a duration of over ninety days and up to a year, which allows you to reside in the country for employment. Please note that the national visa is issued regardless of whether or not the third-country national/applicant is subject to an entry visa requirement.

Where and how to file an application

You need to apply for a national visa (type D) at the competent Greek embassy or consulate. The application and necessary documents are submitted in person or are sent by e-mail or by registered letter.

Documentation required and conditions to be met

Common documents for the issuance of the national visa:

a passport or other travel document recognised by the competent Greek authorities, consular fee (75 euros), criminal record certificate, medical certificate, travel insurance (with a validity period equal, at least, to the granted national visa, which covers the costs that may arise in the event of repatriation for medical reasons, for emergency medical care and/or emergency hospital care).

Specific documents:

a certificate of the company established in a third country, in which its identity and contact information, status and duties of the employed third-country national are fully stated, accompanied by evidence of the legality of his/her work in it,
a certified copy of the supply contract between the service provider established in a third country and the domestic company - recipient of the service. This contract must provide for its object, the period of time for the provision of services, the number and specialty of the people to be employed, as well as the assumption of the costs of accommodation, full medical care and their return.

The maximum period of stay under each type of authorisation

No residence permit is issued, you reside and work only with the national visa which is valid for a period equal to the period required for fulfilment of the contractual obligation assumed by the company, and may not exceed six months. After the expiry of the visa, the persons concerned may exit the country and apply again for a new visa, under the specific conditions.

Conditions for any available extensions or renewal

Not provided. On expiry of the visa, a third-country national needs to leave the Greek territory without further formalities.

Available review and/or appeal procedures

The procedural guarantees regarding the national visas granted are defined in Regulation (EC) 810/2009.

Rules regarding accompanying dependents

Not provided.

Relevant links

Ministry of Migration and Asylum

Independent professionals (IPs)

Categories of visa, permits or any similar type of authorisation regarding entry and temporary stay

You may enter and work in Greece as a self-employed, freelancer or employee who can provide his/her work in the context of an employment contract or the provision of services. If you fulfil the conditions, you will be issued a national D-visa for that purpose for a duration up to twelve (12) months.

Where and how to file an application

You need to apply for a national visa (type D) at the competent Greek embassy or consulate. The application and necessary documents are submitted in person or are sent by e-mail or by registered letter.

Documentation required and conditions to be met

Common documents for the issuance of the national visa:

a passport or other travel document recognised by the competent Greek authorities, consular fee (75 euros or 90 or 180 as specified below), criminal record certificate, medical certificate, travel insurance (with a validity period equal, at least, to the granted national visa, which covers the costs that may arise in the event of repatriation for medical reasons, for emergency medical care and/or emergency hospital care).

Other specific documents may be required for the issuance of the visa, depending on the particular category where the applicant fits.

A. Digital nomads

a solemn declaration of the person concerned, declaring the intention to reside in Greece as self-employed, freelancer or employee who can provide his/her work in the context of an employment contract or the provision of services/work,
an employment contract or project or proof of employment relationship with an employer, natural or legal person, who is established outside the Greek territory, for an indefinite period or in the case of a fixed-term contract with a remaining duration that covers the period of the granted national visa and information about the status of the applicant in the company, as well as information related to the brand, the headquarters, the field of activity and the corporate purpose of the company, or
employment or project contracts of indefinite duration or, in the case of a fixed-term employment contract, with a remaining duration that covers the period of validity of the granted visa, in the event that the person is self-employed with more than one (1) employer established outside of Greece territory, or
if the applicant is self-employed in his own company: information about his/her status in the company, as well as information regarding the name, headquarters, field of activity and corporate purpose of the business,
evidence that the person has sufficient resources, at a fixed income level, to cover the living expenses. The amount of sufficient resources is determined at 3,500 euros per month.

B. Members of artistic groups

a certified copy of the employment contract with the employer's signature certified by a public service or a copy of a contract for the provision of services or work,
evidence of the capacity of the member of artistic group, including a certificate from the competent service of the country of origin for the official registration of the group.

C. Intellectual creators who produce works of intellectual content (authors, literary artists, directors, painters, sculptors, actors, musicians, singers, choreographers, set designers and members of film crews)

a contract lasting more than three (3) months with a company or organisation, the object of which consists of activities of exploitation or creation of intellectual property products.

D. Μedical specialty

a certificate from the relevant hospital stating that the third-country national is accepted for the acquisition of the medical specialty, as well as the time required for its acquisition.
a decision of the Minister of Health regarding the placement of the third-country national for specialisation in the aforementioned hospital.

F. Directors, operational and technical executives of companies (under L.2289/1995) engaged in marine research, drilling and hydrocarbon extraction

the approval of special purpose employment by the competent Service,
signing of an employment contract by the employee,
consular fee of 180 euros.

G. Teachers of foreign schools operating in Greece with a license from the competent body of the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs, teachers of private and equivalent schools

the employment approval,
signing of an employment contract by the employee,
consular fee for a national visa of 180 euros.

I. Employees and legal representatives employed in foreign commercial/industrial and shipping companies

the employment approval (issued by the Ministry of Migration and Asylum),
the work contract signed by the employee,
consular fee of 180 euros.

J. Executives of investment schemes of strategic investment entities

the employment approval (issued by the Ministry of Migration and Asylum),
the work contract signed by the employee,
consular fee of 180 euros.

K. Employees in enterprises, based on special interstate agreements or recommendations of competent Greek authorities

the employment approval (issued by the Ministry of Migration and Asylum),
the work contract signed by the employee,
consular fee of 180 euros.

L. Technicians employed in mines or industries according to Law 448/1968

the employment approval (issued by the Ministry of Migration and Asylum),
the work contract signed by the employee,
consular fee of 180 euros.

The maximum period of stay under each type of authorisation

A. The maximum period of residence as a holder of the above-mentioned national visa is twelve (12) months.

B. The entry visa is valid for the duration of the performances or events, cannot exceed one (1) year and provides the right to access the labour market exclusively for the provision of the specific work, taking into account the single structure of the artistic group.

D. The maximum period of validity of the above-mentioned national visa is twelve (12) months and the initial residence permit has a duration of one (1) year.

F. The validity of the residence permit is three years or equal to the intended period of residence in the country, if this is shorter.

G. The validity of the residence permit is three years or equal to the intended period of residence in the country, if this is shorter.

I., J., K., L.: The validity of the residence permit is three years or equal to the intended period of residence in the country, if this is shorter.

Conditions for any available extensions or renewal

Extension/renewal of the national visa is not provided.

However, digital nomads may apply for a residence permit for the category of “third-country nationals with sufficient living resources”, according to the provisions of national legislation, before the expiry of the national visa.

D. The residence permit may be renewed, with a renewal period of two (2) years, and until the medical specialty is acquired.

F. The residence permit is renewed every three years, as long as the persons concerned continue to provide their services.

G. The residence permit is renewed every three years, as long as the persons concerned continue to provide their services.

I., J., K., L.: The residence permit is renewed every three years, as long as the persons concerned continue to provide their services.

Documents for the issuance of the residence permit:

Common documents:

a passport/travel document with any type of valid national visa,
the certification that an application has been submitted to the relevant insurance institution for the coverage of hospitalisation, medical treatment and work accident expenses,
e-fee of 16 euros for the printing of the stand-alone document.

Specific documents:

D. Medical specialty

a certificate from the relevant hospital stating that the third-country national is accepted for the acquisition of the medical specialty, as well as the time required for its acquisition,
the decision of the Minister of Health regarding the placement of the third-country national for specialisation in the aforementioned hospital,
e-fee of 150 euros per year of residence.

F. Directors, operational and technical executives of companies (under L.2289/1995) engaged in marine research, drilling and hydrocarbon extraction

the employment contract,
the recruitment announcement,
e-Fee of 150 euros.

G. Teachers of foreign schools operating in Greece with a license from the competent body of the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs, teachers of private and equivalent schools

the employment contract,
the recruitment announcement,
e-Fee of 150 euros.

I. Employees and legal representatives employed in foreign commercial/industrial companies

the employment contract,
the recruitment announcement,
e- fee of 150 euros.

J. Executives of investment schemes of strategic investment entities

the employment contract,
the recruitment announcement,
e- fee of 150 euros.

K. Employees in enterprises, based on special interstate agreements or recommendations of competent Greek authorities

the employment contract,
the recruitment announcement,
e- fee of 150 euros.

L. Technicians employed in mines or industries according to Law 448/1968

the employment contract,
the recruitment announcement,
e- fee of 150 euros.

Available review and/or appeal procedures

National visa: the procedural guarantees regarding the national visas granted are defined in Regulation (EC) 810/2009.
Please note that it may be submitted an administrative request for remedy against a decision to reject an application for the granting of a national visa or residence permit.
Residence permit: against the decision rejecting the application for the granting of a residence permit, an appeal may be lodged to the competent administrative court.

Rules regarding accompanying dependents

Common documents for the issuance of the national visa for the family members of a digital nomad:

a passport/other travel document recognised by the competent Greek authorities, consular fee (90 euros), criminal record certificate, medical certificate, travel insurance (with a validity period equal, at least, to the granted national visa, which covers the costs that may arise in the event of repatriation for medical reasons, for emergency medical care and/or emergency hospital care).

Specific documents:

Family status certificate.

Relevant links

Ministry of Migration and Asylum
Legal Migration - Applications

Investors

Categories of visa, permits or any similar type of authorisation regarding entry and temporary stay

A. Residence permit for investment through establishment and operation of a business. By decision of the Minister of Μigration and Asylum, following a proposal by the Ministry of Development and Investment , which concerns the characterisation of the investment and the feasibility of granting a residence permit, a residence permit may be granted to third-country nationals to set up and operate a business/company based in Greece for an investment of a minimum amount of 500.000 euros. The investment shall have positive consequences on national development and economy.

If the investment is made by a foreign legal entity and depending on the amount of the investment, a residence permit may be granted to up to three (3) third-country nationals (members of the Board of Directors, or persons who participate in the capital of the local legal entity with at least 33% percentage), whether they are administrators or legal representatives, without compensation.

In the migration legislation regarding the implementation and operation of the investment, (upon the proposal of the competent Ministry of Development and Investment) there is no limitation in the number of investors (natural persons) who may be admitted in the country as investors, if the relevant preconditions regarding the purpose of investment are fulfilled.

B. Executives of companies established in Greece, subsidiaries of foreign companies established in Greece that carry out commercial activity

C. Residence permit for financial investment

D. Residence permit for third-country nationals who have invested in real estate

Where and how to file an application

For the issuance of a visa, you need to apply at the competent Greek embassy or consulate.

Third-country nationals, who have entered Greece legally with any type of visa may apply electronically before the expiry of the visa, for the issuance of a residence permit for investment reasons.

Documentation required and conditions to be met

Documents for the issuance of the national visa

Common documents:

a passport or other travel document recognised by the competent Greek authorities, consular fee (180 euros), criminal record certificate, medical certificate, travel insurance (with a validity period equal, at least, to the granted national visa, which covers the costs that may arise in the event of repatriation for medical reasons, for emergency medical care and/or emergency hospital care).

Specific documents:

Α. Residence permit for investment through establishment and operation of a business:

Any type of entry visa or, in the case of submitting a request for the granting of a national entry visa, the applicant submits a proposal of the Ministry of Development and Investment regarding the characterisation of the investment and the feasibility of granting a residence permit.

B. Executives of companies established in Greece, subsidiaries of foreign companies established in Greece that carry out commercial activity

Any type of entry visa or, in the case of submitting a request for the granting of a national entry visa, the applicant submits a proposal from the competent Directorate of the Ministry of Development regarding the implementation of the investment and the feasibility of granting a residence permit.

C. Residence permit for financial investment

Any type of entry visa or, in the case of submitting a request for the granting of a national entry visa, the applicant submits a proposal from the competent Directorate of the Ministry of Development regarding the certification of the investment.

D. Third-country nationals who have invested in real estate

Any type of entry visa or in the case of submitting a request for the granting of a national entry visa, the applicant submits:
documents proving the financial capacity of the third-country national,
a copy of a brokerage contract or evidence indicating the intention to search for a property or a certificate from the notary who drew up the notarial deeds of transfer, confirming the details of the contracting parties, the details of the property, the agreed price, the method of payment and all the specific details of the payment,
documents showing that the third-country national is the owner of all corporate shares, units, or stocks, in the event the purchase of property is made through a legal entity headquartered in Greece or another EU Member State.

Documents for the issuance of the residence permit

Common documents:

a passport/travel document with any type of valid entry visa,
the certification that an application has been submitted to the relevant insurance institution for the coverage of hospitalisation, medical treatment and work accident expenses,
e-fee of 16 euros for the printing of the stand-alone document.

Specific documents:

A. Residence permit for investment through establishment and operation of a business

a proposal from the Ministry of Development and Investment regarding the characterisation of the investment and the feasibility of granting a residence permit,
e- fee of 2.000 euros.

B. Executives of companies established in Greece, subsidiaries of foreign companies established in Greece that carry out commercial activity

a proposal from the competent Directorate of the Ministry of Development regarding the implementation of the investment and the feasibility of granting a residence permit,
e-fee of 2.000 euros.

C. Residence permit for financial investment

a proposal from the competent Directorate of the Ministry of Development regarding the certification of the investment (not older than two months),
an insurance contract from a private insurance company,
e-fee of 2000 euros.

D. Residence permit for third-country nationals who have invested in real estate

a certificate of the notary who drew up the notarial deeds of transfer, which confirms the details of the contracting parties, the details of the real estate, the agreed price, the method of payment and all the specific details of the payment,
proof of registration of the competent mortgage registry or registration of a registrable deed at the competent cadastral office in which the contract has been registered or a relevant certificate from the lawyer,
documents showing that the third-country national is the owner of all corporate shares, units or stocks, in the event the purchase of real estate is made through a legal entity headquartered in Greece or another EU Member State,
e-fee of 2.000 euros.

The maximum period of stay under each type of authorisation

A. The duration of validity of the initial residence permit for investment reasons is five (5) years.

B. The validity of the residence permit is three years or equal to the intended period of residence in the country, if this is shorter.

Conditions for any available extensions or renewal

A. The residence permit may be renewed for five (5) years, as long as the implementation of the investment continues or continues the operation of the investment activity.

B. The residence permit is renewed every three years, as long as the interested parties continue to provide their services.

Available review and/or appeal procedures

National visa: the procedural guarantees regarding the national visas granted are defined in Regulation (EC) 810/2009.
Residence permit: against the decision rejecting the application for the granting of a residence permit, an appeal may be lodged to the competent administrative court.
Please note that it may be submitted an administrative request for remedy against a decision to reject an application for the granting of a national visa or residence permit.

Rules regarding accompanying dependents

Investors may be accompanied by their family members who are granted, upon their application, a residence permit for family reunification, which expires at the same time as the residence permit of the sponsor.

Relevant links