National Visa (Type D) - Employment/Work Visa
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- 2-4 weeks for visa; 3-6 months overall including work permit
- Fee
- EUR 180
- Validity
- 1-2 years (renewable)
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Eligibility
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Nationality
Required for all non-EU/EEA citizens seeking employment in Greece.
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Employment
Must have a valid job offer from a Greek employer who has obtained work permit approval. Employer must demonstrate no EU/EEA citizen was available for the position (labor market test).
Required status: Valid job offer from Greek employer with work permit approval
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Criminal record
Must provide clean criminal record certificate. Serious criminal convictions may result in refusal.
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Health
Must be medically fit and free of communicable diseases as confirmed by medical certificate.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: 35mm x 45mm, white background, full face front view, taken within last 6 months
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Application for a Visa for a Long Stay in Greece; Form url: https://www.mfa.gr/missionsabroad/images/visas/national/application_for_a_visa_for_a_long_stay_in_greece.pdf
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash, money order, cashier's check (varies by consulate); Amount: EUR 180 (D visa) + EUR 150 (residence permit)
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Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: Yes
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Criminal record certificate
Provide a police or criminal record certificate from the country or countries requested by the destination authority.
Validity months: 3
How to apply
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Document gathering
Greek employer applies for work permit approval from the Decentralized Administration. This includes labor market test proving no EU/EEA citizen was available for the role.
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Online application
Download and complete the national D visa application form.
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Appointment booking
Schedule appointment at the Greek consulate/embassy in country of residence.
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Fee payment
Pay EUR 180 D visa fee.
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Document submission
Appear in person at the Greek consulate/embassy to submit all documents including work permit approval, employment contract, criminal record certificate, and medical certificate.
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Processing wait
Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks for the visa, but overall process (including work permit) is 3-6 months.
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Visa collection
Collect passport with D visa. Upon arrival in Greece, apply for residence permit within 30 days at the local Migration Office. Residence permit fee is EUR 150.