Greece Work Permits & Visas: Employer Guide to Types & Sponsorship

Who Needs a Work Permit in Greece?

Non-EU/EEA nationals intending to work in Greece must obtain a work permit. This requirement applies to individuals seeking employment across various sectors, including both short-term and long-term positions. Employers must ensure that prospective employees have the necessary authorization before commencing work to comply with Greek labor laws.

Types of Work Visas in Greece

Greece offers several work visa categories tailored to different employment needs.

Employment Visa: Standard Work Permit

The Employment Visa is designed for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals with a valid employment contract from a Greek employer. Typically issued for one year, it can be renewed for longer stays if the employment relationship continues. Employers must demonstrate compliance with local labor regulations and, in some cases, prove that the role could not be filled by an EU candidate.

💡 Best work permit option if: Your company intends to hire a foreign employee under a direct Greek employment contract for long-term roles. This is the most common pathway for businesses seeking to expand their workforce with international talent.

Seasonal Work Visa: Temporary Industry Roles

The Seasonal Work Visa applies to temporary employment in agriculture, tourism, or hospitality, where labor demand peaks at certain times of the year. It allows non-EU nationals to work in Greece for up to six months within a twelve-month period. Employers must provide fixed-term contracts aligned with seasonal labor needs.

💡 Best work permit option if: Your business requires additional staff during peak seasonal demand (e.g., harvesting, summer tourism) but does not plan to extend the relationship beyond six months.

Self-Employed Visa: Entrepreneurial Route

The Self-Employed Visa is designed for foreign nationals seeking to establish or operate their own business in Greece. While not an employee sponsorship in the traditional sense, it does require approval of a viable business plan and proof of sufficient financial resources. For employers, this pathway is most relevant to entrepreneurs who want to directly create business opportunities in Greece.

💡 Best work permit option if: You are an investor, founder, or entrepreneur seeking to set up operations in Greece, particularly if your business will create local jobs and support the Greek economy.

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Work Permit Application Process in Greece (Step-by-step)

In Greece, most non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals follow a two-stage process: first, work authorization and supporting approvals in Greece, and second, a national Type D visa and residence permit based on employment. The exact steps and authorities involved can vary by permit type, region, and the worker’s nationality.

• Step 1: The employer identifies the appropriate permit category (for example, residence permit for salaried employment, EU Blue Card, or intra-corporate transferee permit) and confirms that hiring a third-country national is allowed for the role. This may involve checking labor market tests or quota rules where applicable.
• Step 2: The employer gathers corporate documentation and evidence of good standing. This often includes company registration certificates, tax and social security compliance confirmations, and, where relevant, sector-specific licenses or approvals.
• Step 3: The employer prepares and submits the initial work authorization or supporting application to the competent Greek authority, such as the Decentralized Administration or local Directorate of Migration. At this stage, authorities review the role, salary level, and compliance with Greek labor law.
• Step 4: Once preliminary approval is granted in Greece, the employee applies for a national Type D visa at the Greek consulate in their country of residence. The employee typically submits their passport, application forms, employment contract or binding job offer, proof of qualifications, and any required medical or police certificates.
• Step 5: After the Type D visa is issued, the employee travels to Greece and, within the prescribed timeframe, files for the residence permit for employment at the competent immigration office. Biometrics are usually collected, and the employee may receive a temporary certificate while the residence permit card is produced.
• Step 6: The residence permit card is issued and must be kept valid for the duration of employment. The employer and employee must monitor expiry dates, comply with reporting obligations, and initiate renewal procedures in good time to avoid gaps in lawful stay or work authorization.

Requirements and Eligibility for a Work Permit

Eligibility for a Greek work permit and related residence permit depends on the worker’s nationality, the type of role, salary level, and the specific permit category. Authorities will assess both the employer’s compliance record and the employee’s qualifications.

Common requirments inlcude:

• Valid employment contract or binding job offer: Greek authorities typically require a signed employment contract that specifies duties, salary, and duration, demonstrating that the role meets Greek labor standards.
• Appropriate qualifications and experience: For categories such as the EU Blue Card or highly skilled roles, the employee must show relevant university degrees, professional licenses, or experience that matches the position.
• Employer’s good standing and registration: The sponsoring company must be properly registered in Greece, up to date with tax and social security obligations, and authorized to operate in its sector.
• Minimum salary and working conditions: Certain permits, including the EU Blue Card, require salary thresholds and proof that working conditions comply with Greek labor law and any applicable collective agreements.
• Clean criminal record and medical fitness: Depending on the permit and consulate, the employee may need police clearance certificates and, in some cases, medical certificates to confirm they do not pose a public order or public health risk.
• Proof of accommodation and sufficient resources: Some categories require evidence of suitable housing in Greece and confirmation that the employee will have sufficient income to support themselves and any dependents.

Work Permit Processing Time in Greece

Processing times in Greece can vary significantly depending on the permit type, the local immigration office, and the workload of the relevant consulate. Seasonal peaks and incomplete applications can also lead to delays.

The typical processing time for a work permit or visa in Greece can vary depending on the category (for example, salaried employment permit versus EU Blue Card), the completeness of the file, and whether additional checks are required. Generally, you can expect the following timelines:

• Temporary Residence or Work Permit: Often around 2 to 4 months after all required documents are submitted and the application is accepted by the competent authority.
• Permanent Residence: Commonly 6 to 12 months or longer, depending on eligibility category, background checks, and the completeness of long-term residence documentation.
• Short-Term Business or Work Visas: Typically about 2 to 4 weeks after a complete application is lodged with the Greek consulate, especially for short business trips or brief project assignments.

Expected Processing Timeline: Employer vs Employee

While exact timelines depend on the case and location, it is useful to map out the typical sequence of actions for both employer and employee over several weeks.

• Week 1–2: Employer confirms the role, selects the correct permit category, and starts gathering corporate documents and draft employment contracts.
• Week 3–4: Employer files the initial work authorization or supporting application in Greece, and authorities begin their review.
• Week 5–8: Once preliminary approval is issued, the employee secures appointments at the Greek consulate, prepares personal documents, and submits the Type D visa application.
• Week 9–12: The consulate processes the visa, and the employee makes travel arrangements to Greece after visa issuance.
• Week 13–16: Upon arrival, the employee files the residence permit application, provides biometrics, and receives a temporary certificate allowing work while the card is produced.
• Week 17 and beyond: The residence permit card is issued; employer and employee continue to monitor compliance, renewals, and any changes in role or employer that may require new authorization.

Who Does What During Greece Work Permit Sponsorship?

• Employers are responsible for: Defining the role, selecting the appropriate permit category, preparing and submitting the work authorization or supporting application in Greece, paying applicable government fees, and ensuring compliance with Greek labor, tax, and immigration rules. They must also monitor permit expiry dates, report relevant changes, and initiate renewals in good time.
• Employee is responsible for: Providing accurate personal information and supporting documents, such as passports, diplomas, police and medical certificates, and proof of accommodation, and attending any required consular or immigration appointments. They must also maintain a valid passport and residence permit, comply with the specific terms of their authorization, and notify authorities of material changes where required.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Greece

Most Greek residence permits for employment are issued for a limited period, often one to two years initially, with the possibility of renewal if the employment relationship and eligibility conditions continue. Renewals usually require updated employment documentation, proof of continued insurance and tax compliance, and submission before the current permit expires.

Practice may vary by permit type and local office, so your company should check current rules with the competent Decentralized Administration, migration office, or trusted local counsel. It is generally advisable to start renewal preparations several months in advance, set internal reminders for both HR and the employee, and keep copies of all filings and approvals for audit and compliance purposes.

What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in Greece?

Fees associated with work permits and visas in Greece vary depending on the visa type.

Visa Requirements for Digital Nomads in Greece

Greece offers a Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers employed by companies outside Greece. This visa allows individuals to reside in Greece while performing their work remotely.

 
• Proof of Remote Employment: Documentation confirming employment with a company registered outside Greece.
• Minimum Income Requirement: Applicants must demonstrate a minimum monthly income of €3,500, with additional amounts required for accompanying family members.
• Health Insurance: Evidence of comprehensive health insurance coverage valid in Greece for the duration of the stay.
• Clean Criminal Record: A certificate from the applicant's home country indicating no criminal history.

Employer Compliance & Obligations in Greece

Employing foreign workers in Greece presents several challenges that employers should be prepared to address.

 
• Complex Labor Laws: Greece's labor regulations are intricate, requiring thorough understanding and strict compliance. Non-compliance can lead to legal issues and penalties.
• Administrative Hurdles: Navigating visa requirements and obtaining necessary documentation for foreign employees can be time-consuming and complex.
• Skill Verification: Ensuring that foreign workers possess the claimed skills and qualifications is essential to avoid performance issues upon employment.
• Accommodation Provision: Providing satisfactory living conditions for foreign employees, such as adequate housing, is crucial for their well-being and integration.

Hire Global employees without hassle with an EOR solution

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be a logistical nightmare to hire and pay employees in different countries. That’s the advantage of using a trusted Employer of Record like Playroll. They can:

• Handle your international payroll: An EOR will act as your payroll provider, paying your employees on your behalf in the local currency. The company will also have in-depth knowledge of local tax codes, regulatory practices, and everything else that goes into managing global payroll.
• Alleviate compliance concerns: Different countries each have their own federal and local laws governing employee payments. An EOR helps ensure that you are compliant with the unique set of laws for any country in which your company operates. This is extremely important since a compliance slip-up can result in heavy fines or even a lawsuit.
• Hire and pay international contractors: Sometimes a particular project or role doesn’t require hiring a full-time employee. An EOR gives employers the flexibility to also hire contractors as needed, and avoid the potential for misclassification under local labor law.