Your Complete Guide to the Greece Work Visa: Requirements, Process, and Job Opportunities

Greece is steadily becoming an attractive destination for foreign workers due to growing labour shortages, especially in tourism, hospitality, agriculture, construction, manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. As the Greek economy continues to recover and expand, employers increasingly rely on non-EU workers to fill essential roles.

As a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, Greece offers foreign workers legal employment opportunities, EU-standard labour protections, and pathways to long-term residence.

This guide explains everything you need to know in a clear, practical, and human tone.

Why Apply for a Greece Work Visa?

Greece offers foreign workers:

• High demand for non-EU workers in key sectors
• Relatively straightforward work visa procedures
• EU labour law protections
• Affordable cost of living compared to Western Europe
• Long-term residence and renewal options
• Family reunification possibilities
• Access to the Schengen Area

Step-by-Step Greece Work Visa Process

Step 1: Secure a job offer from a Greek employer

Only legally registered Greek employers can hire non-EU nationals.

Step 2: Employer applies for work approval in Greece

The employer submits your application to the Decentralised Administration in Greece.

Step 3: Work approval decision

Once approved, the employer sends you the official work authorisation.

Step 4: Book an appointment at the Greek Embassy or VFS

Schedule document submission and biometrics collection.

Step 5: Submit documents and biometrics

All documents must be complete, accurate, and, if required, correctly translated.

Step 6: Attend the visa interview

Questions may focus on your employer, job duties, and length of stay.

Step 7: Visa approval and travel to Greece

After approval, the national work visa is stamped into your passport.

Greece Work Visa From Abroad

Non-EU nationals apply for a National Long-Stay Visa (Type D) after their Greek employer receives work approval from the Greek authorities.

Applications are submitted at the Greek Embassy, Consulate, or VFS Global in the applicant’s home country.

Types of Greek Work and Residence Permits

1. Dependent Employment Residence Permit

The most common permit for foreign workers employed by Greek companies.

2. Seasonal Work Permit

Issued for the agriculture, food processing, and tourism sectors.

3. EU Blue Card

For highly skilled professionals meeting salary and qualification thresholds.

4. Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Permit

For employees transferred within multinational companies.

5. Special Purpose Work Permits

For researchers, executives, and specialised professionals.

Benefits of a Greek Work Permit

• Legal right to live and work in Greece
• Protection under EU labour laws
• Access to public healthcare and social security
• Possibility to renew residence permits
• Family reunification eligibility
• Long-term residence and permanent settlement pathways
• Free movement within the Schengen Area

Eligibility Criteria for a Greek Work Visa

Applicants must have:

• A valid job offer from a Greek employer
• Approved work authorisation
• Relevant skills or experience for the role
• Clean criminal record
• Valid passport
• Proof of accommodation
• Health insurance coverage

Greece Work Visa Requirements

Most applicants must submit:

• Valid passport
• Completed visa application form
• Passport-size photographs
• Work authorisation issued in Greece
• Signed employment contract
• Proof of accommodation in Greece
• Police clearance certificate
• Health insurance
• Proof of qualifications or experience
• Visa fee payment receipt

The embassy may request additional documents.

How to Apply for a Greece Work Visa (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Find a registered Greek employer

Could you make sure the employer is authorised to hire non-EU workers?

Step 2: Employer applies for work approval

Submitted to the relevant Decentralised Administration.

Step 3: Receive approval

Required before visa submission.

Step 4: Book an embassy or VFS appointment

Schedule your visa application.

Step 5: Submit documents and biometrics

Double-check accuracy and completeness.

Step 6: Attend the interview

Could you explain your job role and employer clearly?

Step 7: Visa approval and travel

Once approved, travel to Greece and begin employment.

Tips to Avoid Greece Work Visa Rejection

• Apply only through legitimate, registered employers
• Submit complete and genuine documents
• Ensure your job matches your skills and experience
• Avoid unauthorised agents
• Prepare well for the embassy interview
• Keep passport validity up to date

Top In-Demand Occupations in Greece

Below is an updated list of Greece’s most in-demand jobs with approximate monthly gross salary ranges.

Occupation	Monthly Salary (EUR)	Requirements	Suitable For
Hotel & Resort Staff	€900 – €1,400	English preferred	Hospitality
Waiter / Bartender	€900 – €1,300	Customer service	Hospitality
Chef / Cook	€1,200 – €2,000	Experience	Culinary
Cleaner / Housekeeping	€800 – €1,200	No experience	Beginners
Construction Worker	€1,100 – €1,800	Experience	Labour & trades
Electrician	€1,400 – €2,200	Certification	Technicians
Plumber	€1,300 – €2,100	Trade experience	Skilled workers
Welder	€1,500 – €2,400	Certification	Technicians
Factory Worker	€1,000 – €1,600	No experience	Entry-level
Warehouse Worker	€1,000 – €1,600	Physical fitness	Entry-level
Truck Driver (C/CE)	€1,800 – €2,800	Valid licence	Drivers
Agriculture Worker	€800 – €1,200	Physical fitness	Seasonal
Caregiver	€1,100 – €1,700	Training	Healthcare
Nurse	€1,600 – €2,600	Qualification	Healthcare
IT Support	€1,800 – €3,000	IT background	IT workers
Software Developer	€2,500 – €4,500	Programming skills	Developers

Summary of Greece’s Most Needed Job Sectors

1. Tourism & Hospitality

Hotels, resorts, restaurants, and cruise services.

2. Agriculture & Seasonal Work

Olive farms, fruit harvesting, and food production.

3. Construction & Skilled Trades

Infrastructure, housing, and renovation projects.

4. Manufacturing & Industry

Food processing, textiles, and light manufacturing.

5. Logistics & Transport

Truck drivers and warehouse workers are in demand.

6. Healthcare

Shortages of caregivers and nurses continue.

Greece Work Visa Processing Time

• Work Approval in Greece: 4–8 weeks
• Visa Processing: 2–4 weeks
• Total Timeline: 2–4 months

Processing time varies by embassy and workload.

Greece Work Visa Cost

Typical expenses include:

• Visa Fee: €75 – €100
• Residence Permit Fee (after arrival): €150 – €300
• Health Insurance: €30 – €80
• Document Translation & Legalisation: €50 – €150

Employers often assist with work approval costs.

Official Government Job Portals in Greece

Greece provides official platforms for verified job searches and employment information.

DYPA – Greek Public Employment Service

Website: https://www.dypa.gov.gr

Provides:

• Verified job listings
• Labour market information
• Employer services
• Guidance for foreign workers

EURES – European Job Mobility Portal

Website: https://eures.ec.europa.eu

Provides:

• Greece job listings
• EU employment support

Government Information on Work Permits in Greece

Ministry of Migration and Asylum:

https://migration.gov.gr

Includes:

• Work and residence permit categories
• Employer obligations
• Application procedures

Temporary & Permanent Residence in Greece

Official Information:

https://migration.gov.gr/permits/

Explains:

• Residence permit renewals
• Long-term residence eligibility
• Permanent residence options

Official Greece Visa Information

Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

https://www.mfa.gr

Provides:

• Visa requirements
• Embassy locations
• Application procedures

Locate Greek Embassies and Consulates

Official Directory:

https://www.mfa.gr/en/embassies

Safe Use of Government Portals

Always:

• Use only official government websites
• Verify employer registration
• Avoid agents promising guaranteed visas
• Confirm work approval before visa submission
• Never pay for fake job offers

How Can M2S Group Sp. z o.o. Help You?

M2S Group Sp. z o.o. is a trusted EU-based immigration support company providing clear, transparent, and personalised assistance.

Our services include:

• Free eligibility assessment
• One-on-one career consultation
• Complete Greece work visa & residence permit guidance
• Document preparation and verification
• EU job search assistance
• Language and skill pathway support
• End-to-end process management

Whether you’re planning to work in Greece or build a long-term future in Europe, our team ensures accurate, reliable, and tailored support at every stage.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Greece Work Visa

1. What is a Greek work visa?

A Greek work visa is a long-stay Type D national visa that allows non-EU nationals to enter Greece for employment and subsequently obtain a residence permit authorising legal work and long-term stay.

2. Who needs a Greek work visa to work legally?

All citizens of non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss countries must obtain a Greek work visa and residence permit before starting employment in Greece.

3. What is the central work permit system in Greece?

Greece operates an employer-sponsored work permit system, followed by the issuance of a residence permit for employment.

4. Is a job offer mandatory for a Greek work visa?

Yes. A valid job offer or employment contract from a registered Greek employer is mandatory before applying.

5. Who applies for the work authorisation in Greece—the employer or the employee?

The employer initiates the work authorisation in Greece, while the employee applies for the visa at the Greek embassy or consulate.

6. What are the main types of Greek work visas?

Common categories include:

• Dependent Employment Visa
• Seasonal Work Visa
• EU Blue Card
• Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Permit
• Highly Skilled Worker Permit

7. What documents are required for a Greek work visa?

Applicants generally need:

• Valid passport
• National visa application form
• Approved work authorisation
• Employment contract
• Proof of accommodation
• Police clearance certificate
• Health insurance
• Passport-size photographs
• Visa fee payment receipt

8. How long does Greece's work permit processing take?

Work authorisation processing typically takes 4–8 weeks, depending on the region and sector.

9. How long does visa processing take at the Greek embassy?

Visa processing usually takes 15–45 days after work authorisation approval.

10. How long is a Greek work visa valid?

Work visas are generally issued for up to 1 year, after which a residence permit is issued or renewed in Greece.

11. Can I extend my stay in Greece?

Yes. Residence permits can be renewed annually as long as employment continues.

12. Can I change employers in Greece?

Yes, but you must obtain new work authorisation and update your residence permit.

13. What is the Greek residence permit for employment?

It is a biometric residence card allowing a foreign national to live and work legally in Greece.

14. What is the EU Blue Card in Greece?

The EU Blue Card is issued to highly qualified professionals who meet education and salary thresholds, offering faster long-term residence options.

15. Is biometric registration required for Greek work visas?

Yes. Biometrics are collected during the residence permit application in Greece.

16. Is a criminal background certificate required?

Yes. Applicants must provide a clean police clearance certificate from their home country.

17. Is health insurance mandatory for Greek work visas?

Yes. Private health insurance is required initially until you are registered with Greece’s public health system (EFKA).

18. Are medical tests required for Greek work visas?

Yes. Medical examinations are often required after arrival as part of the residence permit process.

19. Do I need to speak Greek to work in Greece?

Greek language skills are helpful but not mandatory in many sectors, including tourism, construction, agriculture, and international companies.

20. Which industries hire the most foreign workers in Greece?

High-demand sectors include:

• Tourism & hospitality
• Agriculture & seasonal work
• Construction & skilled trades
• Shipping & maritime services
• Manufacturing & food processing
• Healthcare support roles

21. Is Greece a good destination for foreign workers?

Yes. Greece offers growing labour demand, affordable living in many regions, and strong demand for seasonal and skilled workers.

22. Can I bring my family to Greece on a work visa?

Yes. Greece allows family reunification for spouses and dependent children.

23. Can my spouse work in Greece?

Yes. Spouses are generally granted access to the labour market.

24. Can I work in other EU countries with a Greek work visa?

No. Employment rights are limited to Greece only.

25. Can I travel within Schengen with a Greek work visa?

Yes. Greece is part of the Schengen Area, allowing short-term travel across member states.

26. What is the minimum wage in Greece?

Greece’s minimum wage is approximately €830–€900 gross per month, subject to government adjustments.

27. Does Greece pay overtime?

Yes. Overtime, night work, weekends, and public holidays must be compensated in accordance with Greek labour law.

28. Do Greek employers provide accommodation?

Many employers, especially in tourism, agriculture, and construction, provide free or subsidised accommodation.

29. Are meals or food allowances provided by employers?

Hospitality and seasonal employers often provide meals or meal allowances.

30. What happens if my employer cancels the job offer?

Your visa or residence permit may be cancelled unless a new employer secures fresh authorisation.

31. Do Greek authorities verify job offers?

Yes. Employers and contracts are verified by labour and immigration authorities.

32. Are bank statements required for Greece work visas?

Some embassies may request proof of financial means, depending on the applicant’s nationality.

33. Can I apply for a Greek work visa without an agent?

Yes. Greece allows direct applications through official embassy procedures.

34. What are standard working hours in Greece?

The standard workweek is 40 hours, with legally regulated overtime.

35. Does Greece allow fixed-term employment contracts?

Yes. Fixed-term contracts are standard, especially for seasonal and project-based employment.

36. Can I apply for permanent residence in Greece?

Yes. After 5 years of continuous legal residence, you may apply for long-term or permanent residence.

37. Can international students in Greece switch to work permits?

Yes. Graduates can switch to employment-based residence permits after securing a job.

38. Is there an age limit for Greek work visas?

There is no official age limit. Employment suitability and compliance matter most.

39. Can I work part-time on a Greek work visa?

Only if your residence permit explicitly allows part-time employment.

40. Which authority issues Greek work permits?

Work permits and residence permits are managed by Greek Decentralised Administrations and Migration Offices.

41. Can I start working immediately after arriving in Greece?

Yes, once your residence permit application is submitted and employment registration is completed.

42. What is the Greek residence card?

It is a biometric ID card confirming your legal residence and right to work in Greece.

43. Do I need to register my address in Greece?

Yes. Address registration is required for residence permit issuance and tax registration.

44. Are seasonal work permits available in Greece?

Yes. Seasonal permits are widely used in agriculture, tourism, and hospitality.

45. Can I start a business on a Greek work visa?

No. Business activities require a self-employment or investor residence permit.

46. Who pays the Greek work permit fees?

Employers usually pay work authorisation fees, while applicants pay visa fees.

47. How long does the complete Greece work visa process take?

The complete process usually takes 2–4 months, depending on the sector and region.

48. Do documents need to be translated for Greece?

Yes. Documents must be translated into Greek by certified translators.

49. Can I switch from seasonal work to long-term employment?

Yes, but you must secure a standard employment contract and apply for a new residence permit.

50. Is Greece suitable for long-term settlement?

Yes. Greece offers EU residence benefits, family reunification options, and a clear pathway to long-term residence and citizenship.