Work permits and visas in Greece

Greece’s location as a bridge between Southern Europe, the Balkans, and the Eastern Mediterranean makes it an attractive base for business. Its economy has strengthened in recent years, with the EU projecting real GDP growth around 2.3% in 2025, thanks to vibrant tourism, shipping, energy, and tech sectors. As an EU (and Schengen) member, Greece requires employers to follow strict immigration rules.

Greece maintains a structured system for non-EU/EEA/Swiss workers, requiring employers to sponsor appropriate visas and residence permits. Under EU law, citizens of the EU/EEA (and Switzerland) can work in Greece without a special permit, but third-country nationals (everyone else) must obtain a Greek work visa and residence permit before employment. Employers should plan carefully: ensuring immigration compliance early on prevents legal penalties and makes relocation smooth.

Who Needs a Greek Visa or Work Permit?

European (EU/EEA/Swiss) nationals enjoy free movement and generally need no visa to work in Greece. In contrast, any non-EU/EEA/Swiss candidate must secure a Greek work authorization. Specifically, the employer typically obtains a Greek long-stay “National (Type D) Visa for employment” for the incoming worker. This visa allows the foreign worker to enter Greece for a job longer than 90 days.

Once in Greece, the non-EU employee must then apply for the corresponding employment residence permit (often called a “residence permit for dependent employment”). In short: EU/EEA/Swiss hires can start work right away, whereas all other foreign hires need both the Greek Type D visa and a residence/work permit.

Greek Work Visa Types Relevant to Employers

Greece offers several visa and permit types for employment. The most common for employer-sponsored hires are:

National (Type D) Visa for Employment in Greece

This is the standard long-stay visa for work in Greece. It is typically issued for up to one year for a specific employment contract and is renewable as needed. The Type D visa is a prerequisite for a Greek residence/work permit. It covers all categories of paid employment, including skilled professionals, seasonal workers, and researchers.

After receiving a Type D visa and arriving in Greece, the employee and employer apply together for the residence permit for dependent employment (Article 15 of the Immigration Code). This permit effectively incorporates the work permit and authorizes the foreigner to work. To obtain it, the work contract must generally meet minimum requirements, such as a salary at least equal to the national minimum wage.

Residence Permit for Dependent Employment (Article 15) in Greece

Technically, this is the actual work permit for employees in Greece. Once the Type D visa holder arrives, they apply for a Greek residence permit “for dependent employment.” Greek law (Law 4251/2014, Article 15) stipulates that a third-country national with a valid employment visa will be granted this permit if they have a binding work contract and meet the salary threshold (at least the national minimum).

This Greek residence permit is usually issued for up to one year at a time, matching the visa duration, and is renewable as long as the job continues. The residence permit serves as the work permit; no separate “work permit” document exists beyond it.

EU Blue Card for Greece

For highly skilled positions, Greece participates in the EU Blue Card program. The Blue Card is a special residence permit for non-EU nationals with advanced qualifications. To qualify in Greece, the applicant needs a work contract of at least one year whose salary is a minimum of 1.5 times the Greek average gross annual wage.

Blue Cards in Greece are typically valid for two years (plus three extra months if the contract is shorter), and family members can accompany the cardholder under certain conditions. Blue Card holders enjoy essentially the same employment rights as other permit holders and can live and work in Greece without extra permits once approved. Employers must still apply for the Blue Card through Greek immigration and ensure the offered salary meets the high-skilled minimum.

Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Permit for Greece

Greece also issues a permit for employees of multinational companies being transferred to a Greek branch. The ICT residence permit, often called Type E.2 in Greek law, follows EU Directive 2014/66. Under Greek law (as updated by Law 5038/2023), this permit is valid for up to 3 years for managers and specialists, or up to 1 year for trainees.

The process has two main steps: first, the employer (the Greek affiliate) applies to the Ministry of Migration’s One-Stop Service to approve the intra-company transfer, providing proof that the worker has been employed by the same company/group abroad (at least 12 months for managers/specialists, 6 months for trainees) and meets qualification requirements. Once that approval is granted, the employee can apply for a Greek Type D visa for ICT in their home country, and after entry obtain the E.2 residence permit.

Digital Nomad Visa for Greece

Since 2021, Greece has offered a Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers. While typically a personal visa (not employer-sponsored), it can be relevant if a company has remote staff in Greece. Non-EU nationals working remotely for a non-Greek company can apply for this visa by showing proof of remote work and meeting financial criteria.

Specifically, applicants must have a steady income above a set threshold (currently around €3,500 net per month for a single applicant). They also submit usual documents like a passport, health insurance, and criminal record, and pay government fees. Upon approval, they receive a one-year residence permit for digital nomads. Importantly, digital nomads must still follow general Greek immigration rules, enter on the correct visa, apply for the residence permit, and demonstrate financial self-sufficiency. Employers "sponsoring" a remote worker under this category must note that the company remains foreign and cannot have the employee on a Greek payroll.

Employer Sponsorship Process and Responsibilities in Greece

When an employer decides to hire or transfer a foreign national to Greece, the process is largely initiated by the employer. First, the employer typically obtains the employee’s Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM) and Social Security Number (AMKA), which are required before hiring a foreigner. Then the employer prepares the work permit application.

This application is submitted to the competent Decentralized Administration in Greece (a local office of the Ministry of Migration) on behalf of the worker. In the application, the employer must detail the job offer, tasks, location, and proposed salary. Crucially, the application must prove that the job cannot be filled by a Greek or EU national and that the offered salary meets the minimum legal level. This demonstration of “labor market need” is mandatory.

Once the Decentralized Administration approves the application, the employer assists the employee in the next steps. The worker can apply for the Type D visa at a Greek consulate abroad using the approved permit notice. Required visa documents include the completed Type D form, a passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the visa expiration, recent photos, the signed employment contract, proof of travel health insurance, a medical certificate, and a criminal record certificate.

Throughout, the employer must ensure that the employment contract and job terms comply with Greek labor laws, including mandated salary, benefits, and working hours. In short: the employer sponsors the visa application, provides needed paperwork and justifications, and after visa issuance, helps the employee settle into Greece under a compliant contract.

Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring or Relocating in Greece

Confirming Visa Status in Greece

Determine if the candidate is an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen (no visa needed) or a third-country national (Greek visa required). Ensure the job and contract terms satisfy Greek requirements, such as salary and qualifications, before proceeding.

Obtaining Greek IDs

The employer should register the future employee with Greek authorities to obtain an AFM (tax number) and AMKA (social security number). This can often be done through a local tax office and Social Security Institute once the employee has arrived or has a Greek address.

Applying for Greek Work Permit Approval

The employer submits the formal Greek work permit application to the Decentralized Administration, including the employment contract, job description, salary, and any requested supporting documents. This application must demonstrate the position’s details and justify why a non-EU hire is needed.

Applying for Type D Visa for Greece

After Greek permit approval, the employee applies at the Greek embassy or consulate in their home country for the National D visa. They schedule an appointment, submit the application form and all required documents (passport, photos, health insurance, contract, background checks, etc.), and pay the visa fee. The consulate typically processes the visa within a few weeks.

Traveling to Greece

Once the Type D visa is granted, the employee can enter Greece and begin employment. The employer should have the work contract ready and finalize any local registrations, such as opening a bank account.

Obtaining the Greek Residence Permit

Within the validity of the Type D visa (typically 30 days from arrival), the employee must apply for the Greek residence permit for employment. This is done at the Aliens and Immigration Department or Decentralized Administration office in their region. The application includes the approved permit from Step 3, passport, visa, employment contract, proof of entry, accommodation and funds, health insurance, biometric data (fingerprints/photo), and AFM/AMKA certificates.

Registering for Payroll and Benefits in Greece

After the Greek residence permit is granted, the employer registers the employee on the Greek payroll system (EFKA). This ensures social security contributions and taxes are paid correctly. Throughout employment, the employer must maintain legal compliance, including paying agreed wages, remitting taxes, and respecting Greek work rules.

Employer Compliance and Documentation in Greece

Employers in Greece must diligently follow the law at every stage. Key compliance points include:

Greek Labor Market Requirement

The permit application must demonstrate that no suitable Greek or EU candidate was available for the job. In practice, this requires providing job advertisements or an explanation of the recruitment process. Failure to document this test can lead to permit denial.

Greek Salary Thresholds

Salaries must meet or exceed legal minimums in Greece. For a standard employee permit, the contract must guarantee at least the national minimum wage (the “unskilled worker” rate). For a Blue Card applicant, the offer must be at least 1.5 times the national average salary. Employers should check the current Greek minimum wage and average wage annually and adjust contracts accordingly.

Legal Work Conditions in Greece

All employees, foreign or local, are entitled to the protections of Greek labor law. Employers must abide by rules on working hours, overtime, paid leave, social security contributions, etc. Contracts should be formalized in writing and registered as required.

Documentation Duties in Greece

The employer’s application and the employee’s permit application for Greece require extensive paperwork. The residence permit checklist includes the approved work permit application, passport and visa, employment contract, proof of sufficient funds, proof of accommodation in Greece, health insurance, and the employee’s AFM and AMKA documents. Employers should ensure each document is correct and up to date. They should also track permit expiration dates and renewal deadlines, typically applying to renew two months before expiry.

Employee Registration in Greece

Upon hire, the employer registers the foreign employee with Greek tax and social security authorities. This includes withholding and remitting payroll taxes and social contributions to EFKA. The employer must also issue pay slips and annual tax forms as for any other worker. By meeting these obligations, employers help guarantee that the foreign hire remains authorized to work and minimize legal risk.

Common Challenges and Solutions for Employers in the Visa Process in Greece

Greek immigration can be complex. Common challenges include bureaucratic delays and evolving rules. In practice, residence permit processing can take several months, often 6–12 months. Employers should apply well in advance and budget time for slow service.

Another hurdle is the need to operate a Greek entity: unless using an Employer of Record (EOR), a hiring company often must set up a local branch or subsidiary to sponsor visas, which can be time-consuming and expensive. Employers should plan for entity registration or engage an EOR to handle paperwork. Additionally, Greek immigration law is updated periodically. For example, recent legislation integrated EU rules for ICT and high-skilled workers, which may change eligibility or procedures. Staying informed of such changes is critical.

Language and administrative complexity can also pose difficulties: many forms are in Greek and require notarized translations or local affidavits. To overcome these challenges, companies often use local legal advisers or international mobility partners to guide the process. Clear communication with the employee regarding timeline expectations and required documents also helps avoid last-minute issues.

Greece’s high quality of life can help with employee retention. To facilitate smooth onboarding, employers should not only handle visas but also assist with relocation logistics. Arranging housing options in Athens, Thessaloniki, or even the islands, helping open a bank account or phone line, and providing orientation on Greek culture and daily life all ease the transition. Encouraging language learning (or offering basic Greek lessons) and connecting the hire with a local mentor or team buddy can make integration faster.

Employers may also brief new hires on the Greek workplace environment, for instance, noting that Greeks often observe a long lunch break or national holidays, to avoid surprises. Finally, practical support, such as an arrival packet with transit maps, visa copies, and tax forms, demonstrates that the company is prepared and compliant. Proactive relocation support reduces stress on the employee and helps them become productive more quickly.

Conclusion

Hiring foreign workers in Greece requires careful attention to legal details, but the rewards of accessing new talent can be well worth the effort. By following the steps above, securing the right visas, preparing complete documentation, and ensuring ongoing compliance, employers set the stage for a smooth relocation. When in doubt, seeking expert help can save time and headaches. For personalized guidance and support with Greek work visas and permits, contact Rivermate. Our visa specialists will help your company navigate the process, so you can focus on growing your business rather than paperwork.