A long - term visa (National visa - D Type Visa) is an authorization issued by the competent Greek Authorities for the entry and stay of third - country nationals in Greek territory for a period exceeding 90 and up to 365 days, according to the respective national legislation or European Union Law on the residence status of third - country nationals. Competent Authority for issuing a national visa is the Greek Diplomatic Mission or Consular Post in whose jurisdiction the applicant is legally located.
Applicants can submit an application for a long stay visa in Greece at the London Visa Application Centre. To book an appointment, please click here.
Subsequently, applicants must present themselves in person before the Greek Diplomatic Mission or Consular Post in the jurisdiction of which they legally reside and regardless of the national visa category to be issued, in order to be interviewed, to establish the purpose of their entry and stay in Greece.
Most commonly national visas are issued for such purposes as studies, voluntary services, temporary work of members of artistic groups and tour leaders and residence for financially independent persons. The general supporting documents and detailed information and specific requirements for each of these purposes of the intended stay can be viewed in the relevant sections below.
- Members of artistic groups
- Tour leaders
- Financially independent persons
- Studies in Universities (undergraduate, master and doctoral levels)
- Voluntary services
For all other purposes of long-stay National "D" Visa, please click here to download the file which refers to the supporting documents for each category of National Visas.
The long - term visa (national visa - D Type Visa) may be issued under the following general conditions and as long as the applicant, third - country national, produces to the competent Diplomatic Mission or Consular Post:
- a fully completed and signed application form for a long - term national visa, accompanied by a recent colour photograph of the applicant, which must meet the relevant standards provided by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The application form stands for the statutory declaration, provided by paragraph 6, Article 22 of Act 1599/1986, that the data reported are true and the supporting documents are not forged or falsified.
- a passport or any other travel document recognized by the competent Greek Authorities meeting the following criteria:
a) its validity exceeds by at least three months the intended date of departure from the territory of the Enhanced Schengen Cooperation Member - States or, in case of more than one visits, after the last intended date of departure from the territory of the Member - States;
b) it has at least two blank pages;
c) it has been issued within the previous decade. - criminal record certificate issued by the foreign authorities, certifying the criminal status of the applicant in the country of his/her residence. In cases where the applicant demonstrably lives in a country different from that of his/her origin, for more than a year before lodging the entry visa application, the Consular Post may, additionally, request the presentation of a criminal record certificate issued by the country of nationality of the third - country national, as long as the country of his/her residence does not require a criminal record certificate issued by the country of nationality, to issue a residence permit.
In cases where there is a final court judgment, irrespective of the sentence, and in order to prove the relevance of the offence with reasons that may constitute a danger to public order and security, specific reasons are sought and individual parameters are weighed, such as the severity of the offence, recidivism and, in general, the unlawful conduct of the third - country national. - medical certificate issued by a recognized state or private institution, showing that the person concerned does not suffer from a disease which may constitute a risk to public health, according to the international data of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union acquis, as well as other infectious, contagious or parasitic diseases, imposing the taking of measures to protect public health;
Please download, print out and fill in the medical certificate, which needs to be submitted along with the required documents at the Visa Application Centre.
Furthermore,
- the person concerned is not considered a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations and is not registered as undesirable in national databases,
- has travel insurance, with a duration equal to, at minimum, that of the visa issued, covering the costs which may arise in case of repatriation for medical reasons, for urgent medical care and/or for emergency hospital care.
In order to establish that there are no grounds for refusing entry under paragraph 2, Article 4 of Act 4251/2014, the competent Diplomatic Mission and Consular Post may require that additional supporting documents are filed.
Third - country nationals, members of artistic groups, may be granted national visas which entitle them to access the labour market, exclusively to provide the specific work, given the uniform structure of the artistic group.
As provided in par. 1 (c), Article 18 of Law 4251/2014, non EU/ EEA nationals, members of artistic groups, may be granted, following an interview, a national visa indicating, in the field “REMARKS” of the visa sticker, the reference «B.3 Members of artistic groups», provided they submit to the competent Consular Authority the following supporting documents:
- A certified copy of the labour contract, subject to attestation of the employer’s authenticity of signature by a public authority, a copy of the agreement for the provision of services or work.
- Proof of the above capacity, including confirmation issued by the competent Authority of the country of origin for the official registration of the group.
- A fee of one hundred and fifty (150) euros additionally to the visa cost as a work permit fee.
- The general supporting documents (application, valid travel document, criminal record, medical certificate, health insurance) as described under the section "General supporting documents".
The national visa is of a duration equal to that of the performances or events and may not exceed one year.
Members of artistic groups lacking official registration in the country of their origin, if they wish to practise a gainful activity in night clubs, fall under the recall procedure for dependent work provided by Article 15 of Law 4251/2014 (see Category A.1).
Visa holders of the above category are not granted a residence permit. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the duration of the employment mentioned in the labour contract and holders should be granted a national visa for the respective period.
Fees
The below rates are applicable and they may vary at any time:
| VISA CATEGORY | EURO | GBP |
| Visa Fee | 75€ | 64.50 |
| Work permit Fee | 150€ | 129.00 |
- All Fees are payable in the equivalent amount in pound sterling (GBP) as per the current exchange rate, at the time of submission of the application at the London Visa Application Centre for Greece and are subject to change without notice.
- All Fees are non-refundable.
- Please note that applicants need to pay Service Fee of GBP 18.92 per application over and above the above mentioned Fees.
- All the above mentioned fees can be paid in cash or credit/ debit card.
As provided in par. (f), Article 18 of Law 4251/2014 non EU/EEA nationals, tourist group leaders entering the country for this specific purpose, may be granted, following an interview, a national visa indicating, in the field “REMARKS” of the visa sticker, the reference «B.6 Tourist Group Leaders», provided the persons concerned submit to the competent Diplomatic Mission or Consular Authority the following supporting documents:
- A certificate issued by the competent regional Tourism Office, where the Greek travel agency is based, stating that it approves the work of the foreign national as an Organized Tourist Group Leader.
- A certificate from the foreign travel agency that the employed foreign national is employed and paid by it.
- A solemn statement issued by the Greek travel agency cooperating with a foreign travel agency, that the foreign national will not be employed and that he/she will be employed outside the agency, to serve tourist groups arriving through a foreign travel agency, for a specific period not exceeding eight (8) months.
- An insurance certificate for the coverage of hospitalization, health care and accident costs. If there is an interstate health and work accident insurance agreement with his/her country, a confirmation from his/her country that he/she is insured in its social insurance system is sufficient, otherwise he/she must provide a guarantee from the country of origin, that it will cover the insurance risk arising from the above causes or a private insurance policy for the coverage of these risks related to his/her employment as Organized Tourist Group Leader in Greece.
- A fee of one hundred and fifty (150) euros additionally to the visa cost as a work permit fee.
- The general supporting documents (application, valid travel document, criminal record, medical certificate, health insurance) as described under the section "General supporting documents".
The duration of the visa may not exceed eight months.
Visa holders of the above category are not granted a residence permit. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the duration of the employment mentioned in the labour contract and holders should be issued a granted visa for the respective period.
Fees
The below rates are applicable and they may vary at any time:
| VISA CATEGORY | EURO | GBP |
| Visa Fee | 75€ | 64.50 |
| Work permit Fee | 150€ | 129.00 |
- All Fees are payable in the equivalent amount in pound sterling (GBP) as per the current exchange rate, at the time of submission of the application at the London Visa Application Centre for Greece and are subject to change without notice.
- All Fees are non-refundable.
- Please note that applicants need to pay Service Fee of GBP 18.92 per application over and above the above mentioned Fees.
- All the above mentioned fees can be paid in cash or credit/ debit card.
As provided in section A, Article 20 of Law 4251/2014, non EU/ EEA nationals, provided the persons concerned have sufficient income at the stable annual income level to cover their subsistence expenses, may be granted, following an interview, a national visa indicating, in the field “REMARKS” of the visa sticker, the reference «C.4.1 Financially independent persons», provided the persons concerned submit to the competent Diplomatic Mission or Consular Authority the following supporting documents:
- Evidence that the person is financially independent (income earner, high pension retiree, etc.) and has sufficient subsistence income at a stable annual income level, the amount of which is set at 2.000 euros per month or a certification of a public pension institution on granting a final pension.
If foreigner is accompanied by his/her family members, this amount is increased by 20% for the spouse and by 15% for each child.
The amount of income is evidenced by a foreign pension, a bank account or proof that they have own sufficient financial resources, of legitimate origin, to meet their subsistence expenses without engaging in paid employment or being engaged in an independent economic activity in Greece.
In the case of third – country nationals entitled to pension from a Greek main pension fund, they can (only) renew their residence permit (rather than initially granting it), under Article 20 of Law 4251/2014, irrespective of the amount of the pension».
- The general supporting documents (application, valid travel document, criminal record, medical certificate, health insurance) as described under the section "General supporting documents".
The amount of income, at a stable annual level, is evidenced by a foreign pension, a bank account or a proof that they have own sufficient financial resources, of legitimate origin, to meet their subsistence expenses, without engaging in paid employment or being engaged in an independent economic activity in Greece.
The above may be accompanied or followed by their family members, provided that their subsistence and health care expenses will not burden the Greek national welfare system and provided they are granted, following an interview, a national visa indicating, in the field “REMARKS” of the visa sticker, the reference «F.1. Family members of third - country nationals». The national visa is granted upon presentation of the following supporting documents:
- A family status certificate issued by the local competent authorities, proving family relationship.
- The general supporting documents (application, valid travel document, criminal record, medical certificate, health insurance) as described under the section "General supporting documents".
If said third - country national is accompanied by his/her family members, the amount of 2.000 euros is increased by 20% for the spouse and 15% for each child.
Fees
The below rates are applicable and they may vary at any time:
| VISA CATEGORY | EURO | GBP |
| Visa Fee | 180€ | 154.80 |
| Visa Fee for each family member | 180€ | 154.80 |
- All Fees are payable in the equivalent amount in pound sterling (GBP) as per the current exchange rate, at the time of submission of the application at the London Visa Application Centre for Greece and are subject to change without notice.
- All Fees are non-refundable.
- Please note that applicants need to pay Service Fee of GBP 18.92 per application over and above the above mentioned Fees.
- All the above mentioned fees can be paid in cash or credit/ debit card.
Pursuant to Articles 31, 32 and 36 of Law 4251/2014 non EU/EEA nationals who have been admitted to a higher education institute in the Greek territory, in order to attend a full - time curriculum in Greece, may be granted, following an interview, a national visa indicating, in the field “REMARKS” of the visa sticker, the reference «D.1.1 Studies», provided the persons concerned submit to the competent Diplomatic Mission or Consular Authority the following supporting documents:
- A certificate proving registration and payment of fees at the respective education institute, as appropriate, or a certificate that he/she has been accepted for registration in:
- a Higher Education Establishment (HEI)
- a Technological Education Institute (TEI)
- a Higher Ecclesiastical School and a Church School Unit,
- the Higher School of Educators - Technical Engineers at the Higher School of Pedagogical and Technological Education,
- A.S.E.TE.M/ASPETE
- the Higher School of Tourist Professions of EOT,
- a Technical Vocational School (TEE)
- Higher Dance Schools (State School of Orchestral Art (K.S.O.T.) and Private Dance Schools under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture),
- the International Hellenic University (IHU)
- Teaching Centres for the Greek Language and Culture, organised by higher education institutes - Evidence proving that they have adequate income to meet study and subsistence expenses, amounting to at least four hundred (400) euros a month. The amount of sufficient income is proved by a deposit account, a bank transfer, a scholarship or a proof of salary in case the student is employed part time (upon renewal of the residence permit).
- Consent of the parents or the person exercising parental authority for the planned stay, if under 18 years of age.
- When the curriculum to be attended by the third - country national requires sufficient knowledge of the Greek language, as a prerequisite for his/her registration, the competent education institute shall make the necessary checks and issue the corresponding certificate, which shall be presented to the competent Greek Consular Authority.
- The general supporting documents (application, valid travel document, criminal record, medical certificate, health insurance) as described under the section "General supporting documents".
Please note that, in the beginning of each academic year (September) the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs forwards to the consular authorities the Decision on the «Validation of tables of those admitted to Faculties/Directions of Studies in Higher Education Schools of the special category Non EU/EEA nationals - Aliens and Graduates of High Schools or equivalent schools of the EU Member States, of non - Greek origin» with full names – identity particulars of the Non EU/EEA nationals – Aliens, so that, provided that the other conditions for entry are met, the corresponding student visas are granted, as appropriate.
Fees
The below rates are applicable and they may vary at any time:
| VISA CATEGORY | EURO | GBP |
| Visa Fee | 90€ | 77.40 |
- All Fees are payable in the equivalent amount in pound sterling (GBP) as per the current exchange rate, at the time of submission of the application at the London Visa Application Centre for Greece and are subject to change without notice.
- All Fees are non-refundable.
- Please note that applicants need to pay Service Fee of GBP 18.92 per application over and above the above mentioned Fees.
- All the above mentioned fees can be paid in cash or credit/ debit card.
In accordance with the provisions of Articles 31, 32 and 38 of Law 4251/2014 non EU/EEA nationals who wish to enter Greece to offer voluntary services, in a solidarity activities program, based on a national or a EU programme, and pursuing objectives of general interest, may be granted, following an interview, a national visa indicating, in the field “REMARKS” of the visa sticker, the reference «D.2 Volunteer», provided the persons concerned submit to the competent Diplomatic Mission or Consular Authority the following supporting documents:
- A solemn statement by which the implementing NGO or Organisation of the voluntary service program that on its responsibility on the travel, subsistence, accommodation, repatriation and healthcare costs, as well as any other costs which might arise during the volunteer's residence in Greece, including the costs of any training for the performance of his/her duties and which, also, includes job descriptions and terms of performance, as well as their working hours and program duration.
- A copy of the civil liability insurance by the NGO or the Organisation of the respective program, by which it accepts the responsibility for the volunteer throughout the duration of his/her stay in the country.
- Consent of parents or the persons assuming parental responsibility for the planned stay, if under 18 years.
- The general supporting documents (application, valid travel document, criminal record, medical certificate, health insurance) as described under the section "General supporting documents".
NGOs and organizations active in Greece for the management of migration are prior to the request for entry registered to the Greek Ministry of Migration Policy.
Fees
The below rates are applicable and they may vary at any time:
| VISA CATEGORY | EURO | GBP |
| Visa Fee | 90€ | 77.40 |
- All Fees are payable in the equivalent amount in pound sterling (GBP) as per the current exchange rate, at the time of submission of the application at the London Visa Application Centre for Greece and are subject to change without notice.
- All Fees are non-refundable.
- Please note that applicants need to pay Service Fee of GBP 18.92 per application over and above the above mentioned Fees.
- All the above mentioned fees can be paid in cash or credit/ debit card.
According to Article 5, paragraph 7 of Act 4251/2014, national visas are issued based on the respective residence permit regulations and their duration is related, as the case may be, to that of intended stay. Additionally, Foreign Affairs Minister Decree F3497.3/AP24245/2014 (Government Gazette No. 1820, issue B’) determines the general supporting documents and the issuing procedure for national long - term entry visas. Finally, Joint Ministerial Decree No. 30825/14 (Government Gazette No. 1528, issue B’,) specifies the documents required for issuing national entry visas and the issuing and renewing of residence permits pursuant to Act 4251/20143.
National entry visas are issued regardless of whether or not the applicant, third - country national, is subject to an entry visa obligation, pursuant to Regulation (EC) No. 539/2001 of the European Union Council of March 15, 2001, as amended and in force, and does not grant its holder an irrevocable right of entry.
Meeting the requirements of the Joint Ministerial Decree provided by paragraph 1, Article 136 of Act 4245/2014 does not prejudge the issuance of a national long - term visa, which falls under the exclusive competence of the Diplomatic Mission or Consular Post.
Before submitting your application make sure that your photo is in a high resolution format. Applicants should present two recent (not more than 6 months old) passport-sized photos that should be:
- 3,5 x 4 cm (approx. 1.2 x 1.6 inch)
- with a light background (white or off-white) so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background
- in color and with facing forward
- with the forehead and ears visible, without heavy jewelry
- full face, non-smiling (without sunglasses, a hat/ cap or other head covering, unless the applicant wears such items because of their religions belief or ethnic background)
- of high quality and printed on normal photographic paper (camera print), preferably not glossy
Please click here for the specifications.
Knowing and meeting properly these requirements is essential, as only if in the needed format, the biometric recognition of the applicant and perfect reproduction can be authorised correctly.
Note:
Please follow these instructions carefully. If photographs presented do not meet these requirements, your application will be considered incomplete.
