Greece, as a member of the European Union, has a structured system for managing the entry and stay of non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who wish to work within its borders. This system involves obtaining the appropriate visa to enter the country and a subsequent residence permit that authorizes legal stay and employment. The process typically requires sponsorship from a Greek employer and adherence to specific legal requirements designed to protect the local labor market and ensure compliance with national immigration laws.
Navigating the Greek immigration framework for employment purposes involves understanding the different categories of visas and permits available, the specific criteria for each, and the procedural steps required for successful application. Employers play a crucial role in sponsoring foreign workers and ensuring all necessary documentation is in order, while employees must meet personal eligibility criteria and comply with the terms of their permits.
Common Visa Types for Foreign Workers
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals intending to work in Greece generally require a National Visa (Type D) for the purpose of employment before entering the country. This visa allows entry and stay for a period exceeding 90 days and is a prerequisite for applying for a residence permit upon arrival in Greece.
Specific categories under the Type D visa for employment include:
- Highly Skilled Workers: For individuals with specialized skills or qualifications, often requiring a university degree and a specific job offer meeting salary thresholds.
- Intra-Corporate Transferees: For employees being transferred from a company outside the EU to a branch or subsidiary in Greece.
- Seasonal Workers: For employment in specific sectors like agriculture or tourism for a limited period.
- Researchers: For individuals conducting research activities.
- Specific Agreements: Visas based on bilateral agreements between Greece and other countries.
Eligibility criteria vary by category but commonly include:
- A valid employment contract or binding job offer from a Greek employer.
- Proof of relevant qualifications and experience.
- Sufficient financial means.
- Clean criminal record.
- Valid travel insurance.
- Medical certificate.
Documentation typically required for the Type D employment visa application includes:
- Completed visa application form.
- Valid passport.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Employment contract or job offer.
- Employer's details and registration documents.
- Proof of qualifications.
- Proof of accommodation in Greece.
- Proof of financial stability.
- Criminal record certificate.
- Medical certificate.
- Travel insurance.
- Any other documents specific to the visa category or requested by the consulate.
Fees for the Type D visa application are subject to change but are generally around €180. Processing times can vary significantly depending on the consulate and the complexity of the case, typically ranging from a few weeks to several months.
Work Permit Application Requirements and Procedures
In Greece, the work permit is not a separate document but is integrated into the residence permit issued after arrival. The process begins with the Greek employer initiating the procedure by submitting an application to the competent Decentralized Administration in Greece on behalf of the prospective employee. This application seeks approval for the employment of a foreign national.
The employer's application must demonstrate that the position cannot be filled by a Greek or EU/EEA national and must include details about the job, the proposed salary (which must meet minimum requirements), and the employee's qualifications. Once the Decentralized Administration approves the application, the prospective employee can then apply for the Type D National Visa for employment at the Greek consulate in their country of residence.
Upon arrival in Greece with the Type D visa, the individual must apply for a residence permit within the validity period of the visa (usually within 30 days). The application is submitted to the Directorate of Aliens and Immigration of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum or the competent department of the Decentralized Administration.
Required documentation for the residence permit application includes:
- Completed residence permit application form.
- Valid passport and Type D visa.
- Proof of entry into Greece.
- Approved employment application from the Decentralized Administration.
- Employment contract.
- Proof of sufficient funds.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Health insurance.
- Tax number (AFM) and Social Security Number (AMKA), obtained after arrival.
- Biometric data (fingerprints and photograph).
- Receipt of payment for the residence permit fee.
Residence permit fees vary depending on the category and duration, typically ranging from €150 to €300 for initial applications. Processing times for residence permits can be lengthy, often taking several months to over a year, although temporary certificates are issued allowing legal stay and work while the application is pending.
Pathways to Permanent Residency
Non-EU nationals who have legally resided in Greece for a continuous period, typically five years, may be eligible to apply for a long-term residence permit, which grants a more stable status. This permit is often a step towards permanent residency.
Eligibility for a long-term residence permit generally requires:
- Five years of continuous legal residence in Greece on a valid residence permit (absences are permitted up to certain limits).
- Stable and regular financial resources sufficient to support oneself and dependents.
- Health insurance.
- Knowledge of the Greek language and culture (often assessed through tests).
- Integration into Greek society.
After holding a long-term residence permit for a specified period, or meeting other criteria such as being a long-term resident in another EU country, individuals may be able to apply for Greek citizenship through naturalization, which is the ultimate form of permanent status. The path to citizenship typically requires several more years of residence, stronger ties to Greece, and a higher level of language proficiency.
Dependent Visa Options
Foreign workers holding a valid Greek residence permit for employment purposes are generally entitled to bring their family members to reside with them in Greece. Eligible family members typically include:
- Spouse or partner with whom the worker has a registered partnership.
- Unmarried children under the age of 18, including adopted children.
- Children over 18 who are unable to support themselves due to health reasons.
The process for family reunification usually involves the main permit holder applying for family reunification at the competent Greek authorities. Once approved, the family members must apply for a Type D visa for family reunification at the Greek consulate in their country of residence.
Required documentation for dependent visas and residence permits includes:
- Proof of the relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates).
- Main permit holder's valid residence permit and passport.
- Family members' passports.
- Proof of sufficient accommodation in Greece.
- Proof of stable and sufficient financial resources to support the family.
- Health insurance for family members.
- Criminal record certificates for adult family members.
- Medical certificates.
Fees and processing times for dependent visas and residence permits are similar to those for the main applicant's permits, varying by consulate and the specific case.
Visa Compliance Obligations for Employers and Employees
Both employers and employees have significant obligations to ensure compliance with Greek immigration and labor laws.
Employer Obligations:
- Ensure the foreign national has the legal right to work in Greece before employment begins.
- Initiate and support the work permit/residence permit application process.
- Provide accurate information to the authorities regarding the job offer and employment terms.
- Comply with Greek labor laws, including minimum wage, working hours, and social security contributions.
- Notify the authorities of any changes in the employee's employment status or termination.
- Maintain records of the employee's immigration status.
- Cooperate with immigration and labor inspections.
Employee Obligations:
- Obtain the necessary visa before traveling to Greece.
- Apply for the residence permit within the required timeframe upon arrival.
- Provide accurate and truthful information and documentation for all applications.
- Comply with the terms and conditions of their visa and residence permit (e.g., working only for the sponsoring employer, if applicable).
- Notify the authorities of changes in personal circumstances (e.g., address).
- Maintain a valid residence permit throughout their stay.
- Comply with Greek laws and regulations.
Failure to comply with these obligations can result in significant penalties, including fines for employers, deportation for employees, and bans on future entry into Greece. Maintaining strict adherence to the legal framework is essential for both parties.
