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 Visa Application Centres. 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 work, temporary work of members of artistic groups and tour leaders and residence for financially independent persons and digital nomads. 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 individuals
- Digital nomads
- University studies in AEI (bachelor, master and doctoral studies)
- Voluntary work
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.
A long-stay visa (national visa – Visa D) may be granted under the following general conditions, provided that the applicant third country-national submits to the relevant diplomatic or consular authority of:
- A fully completed and signed application form for a long-stay national visa, accompanied by a recent, coloured photograph of the applicant, which shall comply with the relevant ICAO-defined specifications. The application shall be in the form of a solemn statement provided for in the provisions of paragraph 6 of Article 22 of L. 1599/1986 declaring that the included data are true and the supporting documents are not false or falsified.
- Passport or other travel document recognized by the competent Greek authorities which meets the following criteria:
(a) it shall be valid for at least three months from the date of intended departure from the territory of the Member States of the Schengen enhanced cooperation, or, in the case of more visits, after the last scheduled date of departure from the territory of the Member States, however, in justified cases of urgency, this obligation may be waived;
(b) it shall contain at least two blank pages,
(c) it has been issued within the previous decade. - A certificate of criminal record from the foreign authorities certifying the applicant’s criminal record in his country of residence (either ACRO certificate or DBS Enhanced certificate are accepted and they should be issued within the last 6 months from the date of the application submitted at the VAC). In cases where it is established that the applicant has resided in a country other than his or her country of origin, for more than one year before the application for a visa, the consular authority may, in addition, request a criminal record from the country of nationality of the alien, if the country of residence does not require a criminal record from the country of nationality to issue a residence permit.
In cases where a final judgment exists, whatever the sentence, in order to establish the relevance of the offence to grounds which pose a threat to public policy and security, specific reasons shall be sought and parameters weighted, such as the seriousness of the offence, the recidivism and the general misconduct of the third-country national. - A medical certificate from a recognized state or private body, showing that the applicant does not suffer from a disease capable of posing a risk to public health in accordance with the international data of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the EU acquis, as well as other infectious, contagious or parasitic diseases, which require measures to protect public health (more information on infectious diseases can be found on the website of the Hellenic National Public Health Organization - EODY);
Please download, print out and submit the medical certificate filled in, signed and stamped by the doctor along with the required documents at the Visa Application Centre.
- travel insurance, with a period of validity equal to the visa issued, as a minimum, which covers the costs that may arise in the event of repatriation for medical reasons, for emergency medical care and/or emergency hospital care.
And in addition, the applicant should:
- not to be considered as a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations and not be registered as persona non grata (undesirable alien) in national databases,
In order to establish that there are no conditions for refusing entry in Article 4 par. (2) of L. 4251/2014, the competent diplomatic mission and consular office may require additional supporting documents.
Nationals of a third country who are members of artistic groups may be granted a national visa granting access to the labour market solely for the purpose of providing the work concerned, taking into account the uniform structure of the artistic group.
As referred to in Article 18(1)(c) of L. 4251/2014 , the Decision of the Minister of Foreign Affairs with A.F. 3497.3/AP 24245/OJ B' 1820/03.07.2014, and the JMD 30825/OJ B' 1528/06.06.2014, third-country nationals who are members of artistic groups may be granted, following a personal appearance and interview, a national visa indicating in the national data area «OBSERVATIONS» of the visa sticker, the reference 'B.3 Members of artistic groups', upon procurement to the relevant consular authority of:
- A certified copy of the labour contract certified by a public service or a copy of a service or labour contract.
- Evidence of the above status, including a certificate from the competent authority of the country of origin for the official registration of the group.
- EUR 150 administrative fee.
- The general supporting documents as described under the section "General supporting documents".
The national visa for entry equals in time the duration of the performances or events, and may not exceed one year.
Members of artistic groups, who are not officially registered in their country of origin, if they wish to carry out paid activity in night clubs, shall be subject to the procedure for recalling employment referred to in Article 15 of L. 4251/2014 (see CATEGORY A. 1).
Holders of an entry visa of this category shall not be granted a residence permit. Therefore, particular attention should be paid to the duration of the labour contract mentioned and a national visa of equivalent duration should be issued.
Caution: In the case of the entry and residence of intellectual creators (authors, writers, directors, painters, sculptors, actors, musicians, singers, choreographers and set designers) the listed under category A. 2.8. apply.
Fees
The below rates are applicable and they may vary at any time:
| VISA CATEGORY | EURO | GBP |
| Visa Fee | 75€ | 63.00 |
| Administrative Fee | 150€ | 126.00 |
- 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 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 25.20 per application over and above the above mentioned Fees.
- All the above mentioned fees can be paid in cash or credit/ debit card.
As referred to in Article 18(f) of L. 4251/2014 , the Decision of the Minister of Foreign Affairs with A.F. 3497.3/AP 24245/OJ B' 1820/03.07.2014, and JMD 30825/OJ B' 1528/06.06.2014, third-country nationals, tour leaders entering the country for this purpose may be granted, following a personal appearance and interview, a national visa , with reference to the national data area «OBSERVATIONS» of the visa sticker, the reference 'B.6 Tour Leaders`, upon procurement to the relevant diplomatic or consular authorities of:
- Confirmation by the relevant Regional Tourism Office, where the Greek tourist office is located, stating that the work of the alien as Tour Leader is approved.
- A certificate from the foreign tourist office that the alien in question is employed and paid by it.
- A solemn statement by the Greek tourist office working with a foreign tourist office that the alien will not be hired and that he will be employed outside the office to serve the tourist groups arriving through a foreign tourist office for a specified period not exceeding eight (8) months.
- Insurance attestation to cover costs of hospitalization, medical and pharmaceutical care and to cover a work accident. Where a transnational health and labour accident insurance agreement exists with the country of the country, it shall be sufficient to provide a certificate from his/her country that s/he is insured with its social security system; if not, to provide a guarantee from the State of origin, that it will cover the insurance risk arising from the above causes or insurance policy of a private insurance company covering the above risks for his/her employment as Tour Leader in Greece.
- EUR 150 administrative fee
- The general supporting documents as described under the section "General supporting documents".
The duration of the visa may not exceed eight months.
Holders of an entry visa of this category shall not be granted a residence permit. Therefore, particular attention should be paid to the duration of the labour contract mentioned and a national visa of equivalent duration should be issued.
Fees
The below rates are applicable and they may vary at any time:
| VISA CATEGORY | EURO | GBP |
| Visa Fee | 75€ | 63.00 |
| Adiministrative Fee | 150€ | 126.00 |
- 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 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 25.20 per application over and above the above mentioned Fees.
- All the above mentioned fees can be paid in cash or credit/ debit card.
As referred to in point a of Article 20 of L. 4251/2014 , the Decision of the Minister of Foreign Affairs with A.F. 3497.3/AP 24245/OJ B' 1820/03.07.2014, and JMD 30825/OJ B' 1528/06.06.2014, third-country nationals, provided that the persons concerned have sufficient resources at the level of fixed annual income to cover subsistence costs, may be granted following a personal appearance and interview, a national visa, indicating in the national data area «OBSERVATIONS» of the visa sticker, the reference to ‘C.4.1 Financially Independent Individuals’ upon procurement to the relevant diplomatic mission or consular office of:
- Evidence that the person concerned is financially independent (income, high-income pensioner, etc.) and has sufficient means of subsistence at a level of fixed annual income, the amount of which is fixed at EUR 2.000 per month as provided for in JMD 41712/2014 (B΄ 2285) or
- Act of a public insurance institution providing a final pension.
- The general supporting documents as described under the section "General supporting documents".
The amount of resources, at the level of fixed annual income, shall be evidenced by a foreign pension, bank account or proof that they possess, on their own, sufficient legitimate financial means to cover their subsistence costs without providing a dependent job or carrying out an independent economic activity in Greece.
It is noted that consular authorities should examine during the interview, the reliability of the applicant’s statements, the purpose and conditions of residence. The lack of contact, interest in Greece, non-prior residence in the country, and prior visas from other Schengen Member States are indications that the purpose of the person concerned is different from that for which s/he is applying for the visa.
They may also be accompanied or followed by family members so long as the cost of living and health care does not affect our national welfare system and provided that, following a personal appearance and interview, they are given a national visa indicating in the national data area «OBSERVATIONS» of the visa sticker, the reference ‘F. 1. Family members of a third-country national’. The visa shall be upon procurement of:
- A certificate of family status by the competent local authorities certifying kinship.
- The general supporting documents as described under the section "General supporting documents".
Where the third-country national concerned is accompanied by the members of his/her family, the amount of EUR 2.000 shall be increased by 20% for the spouse and by 15% for each child.
The requirement of adequate living resources must be fulfilled either in the person of each family member or cumulatively for all members of the family.
ATTENTION: Periods of absence from the country shall not prevent the renewal of the residence permit, provided that they do not exceed six months per year!
Fees
The below rates are applicable and they may vary at any time:
| VISA CATEGORY | EURO | GBP |
| Visa Fee | 180€ | 151.20 |
| Visa Fee for each family member | 180€ | 151.20 |
- 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 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 25.20 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 the case in article 18 (1) (o΄) L. 4251/2014, as amended and in force third country nationals, self-employed or employees, who work remotely using Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for employers or clients outside Greece (digital nomads) following a personal appearance and interview, may be granted a national visa, for a period of up to twelve (12) months, indicating in the national data area «OBSERVATIONS» of the visa sticker, the reference "B.16. Digital nomads", provided that the interested parties provide in person or send by e-mail or registered letter to the relevant Diplomatic or paid Consular Authority, which is obliged to respond within 10 days of the relevant request of the interested party and complete the granting of the visa to "a single appearance (one-stop) of the interested party":
- A solemn declaration, stating his intention to stay in the country with the national entry visa for the provision of distance work and his commitment that he will not in any way provide employment or independent services to an employer based in Greece.
- Open-ended contract of employment or independent services or proof of employment with an employer, natural or legal person, who is established outside the Greek Territory, or in case of a fixed-term contract, with a remaining duration covering the period of the granted national visa OR
- Open-ended contract of employment or independent services or, in the case of a fixed-term employment contract, with a remaining duration covering the period of validity of the granted visa, in case the third country national is self-employed with more than one employer established outside Greece OR
- Information on the status of the applicant in the company, as well as information on the trade name, registered office, field of activity and corporate purpose of the company in case the third country national is self-employed in his own company, which is outside the Greek Territory.
- Evidence that he has sufficient resources at a stable income level to cover his living expenses during his stay in the country, without burdening the national social welfare system. The amount of sufficient resources is set at three and a half thousand (3.500) EUR per month and is proved:
i) by the contract of employment or independent services or employment certificate, in the case of employment or independent services or
ii) by a bank account according to case (n΄).
If sufficient resources come from employment or independent services, the above minimum amount refers to net income after payment of the required taxes in the country of employment. The above amount is increased by twenty percent (20%) for the spouse or partner and by fifteen percent (15%) for each child. The amount of sufficient resources may be redefined by the joint ministerial decision referred to in article 136.
The above third-country nationals may be accompanied by their family members, who are granted, at their request, an individual visa which expires at the same time as the visa of the supporting family member (Category "B.16. Digital nomads - family member"). During their stay in Greece, the spouse or partner and family members of the supporting family member are not allowed to engage in employment or any kind of economic activity in the country. - The general supporting documents as described under the section "General supporting documents".
If the above conditions for granting a national entry visa continue to apply, a third-country national and his/her family members may be granted a two-year residence permit upon application before the expiry of the national visa, subject to article 6 of L. 4251/2014. This visa does not provide the right to employment or independent economic activity of any kind in Greece, both for the supporting member and for his/her spouse or partner and family members and can be renewed every two years, as long as they continue to meet the conditions.
In case the third country national, as well as his family members, leave the Greek Territory and the validity of the national visa expires, both the supporting member and his family members have the opportunity to apply and re-obtain a national entry visa for this purpose.
Periods of absence from the country do not hinder the renewal of the residence permit, provided that they do not exceed six (6) months per year, article 21 (6) of L. 4251/2014 being applicable as to the remainder.
ATTENTION: By way of derogation from the above (= granting a national entry visa) a third country national, as well as his family members, who meet the conditions for granting a national visa and have entered the Greek Territory either with a uniform visa or under a visa-free status, have the opportunity, within its period of validity, to submit to the one-stop service of the Ministry of Immigration and Asylum an application for the residence permit for "Digital nomads.
Fees
The below rates are applicable and they may vary at any time:
| VISA CATEGORY | EURO | GBP |
| Visa Fee | 75€ | 63.00 |
| Visa Fee for each family member | 75€ | 63.00 |
| Administrative Fee | 150€ | 126.00 |
| Administrative Fee for each family member | 150€ | 126.00 |
- 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 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 25.20 per application over and above the above mentioned Fees.
- All the above mentioned fees can be paid in cash or credit/ debit card.
As referred to in Articles 31, 32 and 36 L. 4251/2014 , the Decision of the Minister of Foreign Affairs with A.F. 3497.3/AP 24245/OJ B' 1820/03.07.2014, and the JMD 30825/OJ B' 1528/06.06.2014, third-country nationals who have been admitted to a higher education institution in the Greek territory to attend a full-time study programme in Greece following a personal appearance and interview, may be granted a national visa, indicating in the national data area «OBSERVATIONS» of the visa sticker, the reference ‘D.1.1 Studies’, upon procurement to the relevant diplomatic or consular authority of:
- Certificate of registration and payment of fees to the relevant educational institution, where required or confirmation that s/he has been accepted for enrolment in a higher education institution in the Greek territory to attend a course of study
- Evidence demonstrating that s/he has sufficient resources to cover the costs of studies and subsistence of a minimum amount of EUR 400 per month, as determined by reference to JMD 41712/2014 (B’ 2285). The amount of sufficient resources is evidenced by a deposit account, bank transfer, grant or salary receipt in case the student is part-time employee (on renewal of the residence permit).
- Consent of the parents or the person exercising parental care for the intended stay if they are less than 18 years of age.
- The general supporting documents as described under the section "General supporting documents".
It is noted that at the beginning of each academic year (September) the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs forwards to the consular authorities, the decision ratifying “Lists of aliens graduates of secondary education or of the relevant schools of EU Member States of non-Greek origin admitted in the departments/introductory sections and in higher education schools”, including the full names and data of aliens, in order to issue the relevant student visas, where appropriate, if the other conditions of entry are fulfilled.
Professional activity of students
According to Article 36 of L. 4251/2014 "third-country nationals who have obtained a residence permit for study purposes may only work part-time in accordance with the relevant provisions of the relevant legislation. In any event, the number of working hours may not be less than 10 hours per week or their equivalent in days or months per year.”
Accelerated procedure for post-graduate students
According to Article 37 of L. 4251/2014 the country's HEI shall inform consular officers by all appropriate means of any accelerated procedure for issuing residence permits to postgraduate students.
MARKINGS:
- They may not be accompanied by members of their families
- For Greek language learning see category B.13 ‘Learning Greek language in a teaching Centre or relevant University institute.
- This also applies to the foreign language courses in HEI under Article 37 L. 4251/2014, as amended by Article 94 of L. 4692/2020 and applicable:
Article 37
Accelerated procedure for granting residence permits to students of the 1st 2nd and 3rd cycles of study in Hellenic Universities
1. The country's higher education institutes (HEI) offering first, second and third cycle courses may conclude tripartite contracts with the Ministry of immigration and Asylum and the Decentralized administration, in the territorial jurisdiction of which the A.E.I. is based to establish a procedure for the rapid granting of residence permits to students, third-country nationals admitted to their study programmes and entering Greece with a national visa for study purposes, subject to the following conditions:
(A) the compulsory length of study shall be at least: (aa) three years for first cycle programmes, (ab) annual for second cycle programmes and (ac) three years for third cycle programmes;
(b) the conditions laid down in articles 32 and 33 for issuing residence permits under such agreements are fulfilled.
The contract referred to in this paragraph may relate to all or part of the study programmes of the relevant University which admit third-country nationals as students. [...]
4. The application for a residence permit shall be submitted, by the relevant HEI to the competent authority for Aliens and Immigration of the Decentralized administration, in accordance with Article 8, and shall be accompanied by the necessary supporting documents for the issue of the residence permit, as specified in the decision in paragraph 1 of article 136.
5. The residence permit for this purpose shall be issued by decision of the coordinator of the Decentralized administration no later than forty (40) days after the date of submission of a complete documentation file and receipt of the required biometric data, in accordance with the arrangements laid down in Article 1 of L. 4018/2011.
6. The residence permit is valid for a period equal to the maximum duration of the study programme, to which a third-country national has been admitted. Where there is a need for renewal to complete the study of a third-country national, the residence permit may be renewed in accordance with Article 34 in the context of the accelerated procedure laid down in this Article. The obligation to submit the data of case c΄ of paragraph Article 3(34) to the competent authority for immigration and immigration is to be borne by the relevant HEI.
7. After the conclusion of the contract under paragraph 1, the University shall, by all appropriate means, inform the Greek consular authorities of third countries from which citizens wish to enter in order to register in their respective University programmes of study, of the current Convention and the conditions for the accelerated procedure for granting residence permits to third-country nationals.
8 A decision of the Ministers for Education and Religious Affairs and immigration and Asylum shall address any questions relating to the application of this Article, in particular as regards the content of the Convention on the procedure for the rapid grant of residence permits to third-country nationals, who have been admitted to study programmes in HEI and any other procedural issues (--> not yet available).
Fees
The below rates are applicable and they may vary at any time:
| VISA CATEGORY | EURO | GBP |
| Visa Fee | 90€ | 75.60 |
- 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 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 25.20 per application over and above the above mentioned Fees.
- All the above mentioned fees can be paid in cash or credit/ debit card.
As referred to in Articles 31, 32 and 38 L. 4251/2014, the Decision of the Minister of Foreign Affairs with A.F. 3497.3/AP 24245/OJ B' 1820/03.07.2014, and the JMD 30825/OJ B' 1528/06.06.2014, third-country nationals who wish to enter for voluntary service in Greece into a programme of active solidarity activities based on a programme recognized by Greece or the European Union, pursuing objectives of general interest and having a non-profit character, following a personal appearance and interview, may be granted a national visa indicating in the national data area «OBSERVATIONS» of the visa sticker, the reference ‘D.2 Voluntary work’, upon procurement to the relevant diplomatic mission or consular office:
- A solemn statement by which the agency implementing the voluntary service programme shall bear the full travel, subsistence, accommodation, repatriation and health care costs and any other costs incurred during the volunteer's stay in Greece, including the costs of any training for the performance of his/her duties, including a description of his/her duties and the conditions under which he/she is to exercise them, his/her working hours and the duration of the programme
- A copy of the insurance policy on civil liability entered into by the implementing entity of the voluntary service programme accepting responsibility for the volunteer throughout his/her stay in the country.
- Consent of the parents or the holder of parental care for the intended stay in case of minors less than 18 years of age;
- The general supporting documents as described under the section "General supporting documents".
Caution: They may not be accompanied by members of their families.
Fees
The below rates are applicable and they may vary at any time:
| VISA CATEGORY | EURO | GBP |
| Visa Fee | 90€ | 75.60 |
- 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 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 25.20 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.
