Greece attracts expats not only for its traditional features but also for the opportunity to earn money and live in one of the most beautiful corners of the planet. Applicants who are fortunate enough to find a suitable vacancy or employer in the country should familiarize themselves with how a Greece work visa is issued.
What is a work visa in Greece?
A work visa to Greece must be obtained by those who wish to stay in the country for employment for a period exceeding 90 days. If a foreigner visits the country on a tourist or transit visa, he does not have the right to work in Greece.
A Greece work visa is issued for a different period of validity, depending on the type of agreement with the employer and the type of activity of the foreigner in Greece.
The inviting party must contact the Ministry of Labor and obtain the appropriate type of visa permit for the prospective employee.
In case of employment in Greece, you must apply for a national visa D (up to six months) or a residence permit (1 year or more). It all depends on how long the contract is signed.
Eligibility to work in Greece
To work in Greece, every foreigner must have a visa or residence permit with a work permit. There are several options for moving and starting work in Greece:
Seasonal work
For seasonal work, you must apply for a national visa D.
Permanent employment
If you plan to conclude a contract with an employer for at least one year, then you need to issue a residence permit.
Temporary employment for residents of the country
For some types of residence permit, for example, a student residence permit, it is possible to work only with a work permit.
Employment in Greece
The types of employment in the country are regulated according to Greek law:
Foreign minors under the age of 15 cannot work on industrial premises. While undergoing training in specialized educational institutions, such adolescents can undergo an internship with employers until they turn 16.
The most popular form of work agreement is full-time, with an indefinite contract duration. Unlike other EU countries, part-time employment in Greece is rather limited.
In tourist regions, seasonal work is provided on a general basis.
Foreign nationals wishing to work in the construction and agricultural industries can count on weekly wage payments.
A fixed-term employment contract can be concluded in cases where employment is calculated for a specific duration or before a specific date.
A national Greece work visa can only be granted to a foreign applicant in the case of a pre-existing offer from a Greek employer or transfer from a company in the country of residence.
Watch also: Golden Visa in Greece
Registration of a work visa
Those who are wondering how to get a visa to work should remember that Greece differs from other EU countries in terms of special visa permits for highly qualified applicants.
In this case, the employer must contact the relevant Greek ministry and declare his intention to provide the vacancy to the foreign citizen.
Approval must first be issued by the Ministry of Labor, after which the Greek Territorial Police Office makes the final decision. Further, the application will be forwarded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece, and a corresponding visa will be issued to the future employee there.
When the candidate arrives in Greece, he will receive a long-term stay visa with the right to work. Its validity period, as a rule, is up to a year and can be prolonged about 5 times.
Documentation for Greece Work Visa
- A copy of the employment agreement.
- Medical insurance with a coverage of at least EUR 30,000.
- The rental agreement for an apartment in Greece.
- Certificate of good conduct.
- In some cases, the issued visa requires additional confirmations, certificates, or the personal presence of the applicant.
It is worth remembering that all documents must be translated into Greek and certified by a notary!
The cost
The cost of a Schengen visa may vary depending on the terms and methods of registration:
The standard amount for any type of visa is 35 euros. The cost of obtaining a residence permit is 100 euros.
In case of urgent registration, the cost will double.
