Work visas in Greece: An employer's guide

Hiring in Greece? Whether you’re bringing on a new team member or relocating someone from your existing workforce, you’ll need to follow the country’s immigration and work permit rules.

Understanding which type of visa or permit applies is key, since every worker needs the right documentation before they can legally work in Greece. Add in local laws around immigration, tax, and employment, and things can get complicated quickly.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide. Here, you’ll find a comprehensive breakdown of work visas in Greece, from the different options available to practical tips. So let’s jump straight in.

Why is it important to obtain the right work visa in Greece?

If you’re hiring or relocating employees in Greece, it’s important to stay compliant with the country’s visa and work permit rules. Failing to do so can expose your business to financial penalties, legal risks, and even reputational damage.

Greece has introduced flexible options like the digital nomad visa (see below), but regulations are tightening, especially around short-term residency. To avoid complications, it's crucial to make sure that every team member has the right legal status to live and work in the country before they start, and that you seek professional advice where necessary.

See also: The complete employer’s guide to hiring in Greece

Who needs a work visa in Greece?

Not everyone needs a work visa in Greece. Ultimately, it depends on where your team member is from. For instance:

• Greek citizens automatically have the right to live and work in the country.
• Nationals of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries can also work in Greece without needing a visa or work permit.

However, non-EU citizens usually need a valid work visa or permit to take up employment in Greece.

Note that, for non-EU citizens, longer-term residency is possible. After living in Greece continuously for five years, they can apply for permanent residence. This status allows them to live and work in Greece without needing further permits, though it must be renewed every five years through a straightforward re-application process.

In most cases, foreign workers from outside the EU or EEA will need sponsorship from a locally registered entity. This sponsorship allows them to obtain the right work visa and legally enter the Greek labor market.

Types of work visas in Greece

Greece offers several types of work visa, including:

Standard work visa (Type D)

This is the regular visa that allows non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss citizens to legally live and work in Greece. Unlike a short-stay Schengen visa (see below), the Type D visa is specifically designed for individuals who have secured a job in Greece and intend to stay for longer than three months. For employers, this is the most common route when hiring international talent into Greece.

To obtain a Type D visa, the employee must already have a confirmed job offer from a registered Greek employer who will act as their sponsor. The visa application is submitted at the Greek consulate or embassy in the employee’s home country and typically requires supporting documents such as a signed employment contract, proof of qualifications, evidence of health insurance, and sometimes confirmation that the role could not be filled by a local worker. Once approved, the visa allows the employee to enter Greece and begin the process of applying for a residence permit tied to their employment.

The Type D visa is usually valid for one year, but it can be extended as long as the employment relationship continues and the conditions of the current visa are met.

It’s important to note that employers sponsoring this visa are responsible for ensuring compliance with Greek labor and tax laws, including proper registration, payroll contributions, and timely renewals. Without the correct visa and residence permit, both you and your employee risk fines, legal issues, and work interruptions. If you don’t yet have a local entity in Greece, you can use an employer of record (EOR) like Remote, which acts as the official sponsor and handles compliance, making the process significantly smoother. What is an EOR and how does it work?

EU Blue Card

The European Union Blue Card is a residence permit that enables highly skilled professionals from outside the EU to live and work in any one of the 27 member states. 

The EU Blue Card is a valid Greek work permit, and holders can live and work in Greece without requiring additional visas or permits.

However, the requirements for obtaining an EU Blue Card are strict. Learn more about EU Blue Cards.

Digital nomad visa

Greece is one of several countries that has introduced a dedicated digital nomad visa to attract remote employees. This visa is designed for digital nomads who work remotely for an employer (or clients) based outside of Greece, but while living in the country. For employers, this is an important option to understand if you’re managing globally distributed teams.

What are the visa requirements?

The Greek digital nomad visa is available to non-EU/EEA citizens who:

• Work remotely for a company registered outside of Greece, or are self-employed with clients abroad.
• Can prove sufficient income to support themselves. For employees, this threshold is currently set at €3,500 (net) per month, although it is higher if family members are joining.
• Hold valid health insurance for the duration of their stay.
• Have no record of criminal activity.
  
  

How long does it last?

The digital nomad visa is initially issued for up to one year, but holders can renew for an extended period of up to three years. This makes it a good fit for remote workers who want a medium-term base in Greece without going through a traditional employment visa route.

For companies hiring talent abroad, the digital nomad visa can simplify relocation. Your employee can legally live in Greece while continuing to work for your organization, without needing a local entity or work sponsorship.

However, it’s important to note that holding a digital nomad visa does not exempt workers (or employers) from local tax and compliance obligations. Employees may still trigger Greek tax residency depending on how long they stay.

See also: How does the digital nomad visa work in Greece and the rest of Europe?

What about the Schengen Visa?

The Schengen Visa is simply a travel authorization for those who wish to stay in a member state of the Schengen Area (such as Greece) for up to 90 days (within a 180-day period). It does not give holders legal permission to work in Greece.

What are the visa requirements in Greece?

For non-EU and non-EEA nationals, the process of obtaining a Greek Type D work visa means meeting multiple requirements. While the exact requirements can vary depending on your employee’s home country, generally they will need to:

1. Submit an application

Your employee must apply for the visa through the Greek embassy or consulate in their home country. They’ll need to complete the official application form in English or Greek, and will likely need to provide the following supporting documents:

• A valid passport
• A recent passport-sized color photo
• Travel medical insurance covering the visa period
• A medical certificate of good health
• A clean criminal activity certificate
  
  

2. Attend an appointment

During the initial appointment, the applicant will be interviewed about their trip, submit documents, and provide biometric data (unless this was already collected in the Schengen Area within the last five years).

3. Pay the visa fee

Fees vary by country of origin, and processing times can range from a few days to up to three months. Employers typically cover this fee.

4. Apply for a residence permit

Once the Type D visa is granted, the employee must apply for a residence permit in Greece.

What do you need to do as the employer?

In most cases, companies sponsor the employee’s visa. Therefore, before applying, you must obtain a tax identification number (AFM) from the Greek tax office and a social security number (AMKA) from the Greek Social Security institute for the employee.

After they arrive in Greece, either you or your employee must:

• Submit original (or notarized) supporting documents
• File the electronic application for a residence permit within days of arrival
• Book an appointment with a law enforcement officer at the employee's neighborhood police station
• Attend an interview with local authorities about their purpose for living in Greece
• Provide all required documents to complete the process

As the employer, you should be prepared to play an active role in this process, especially when it comes to sponsorship and compliance. Without the right visa and residence permit, your employee cannot legally work in Greece, and both parties risk penalties.

How can Remote help?

To hire or relocate employees to Greece, you’ll have to establish your own local entity there. This is a process that can be complex, lengthy, and expensive.

You also need to comply with relevant immigration laws and regulations to avoid potential penalties, as well as handle payroll, benefits, and all other HR requirements.

This is where Remote’s EOR service can be invaluable. We act as the legal employer in Greece on your company’s behalf, and handle onboarding, payroll, and benefits. We help ensure that you are fully compliant with all local employment and payroll tax laws, and can onboard your employee in a matter of days, too, saving you time, money, and resources.

Alternatively, if you already have an entity in Greece, we can assist in international employee relocation with case-by-case immigration assessments, and guidance on the visa process.

To learn more about the processes involved in relocating international employees, download Remote's Relocation Guide, or contact our Relocation team today.