Navigating Greek Work Visas and Residence Permits for International Expansion

When expanding your business operations to Greece, securing proper work visas and residence permits for your employees is essential for legal compliance and operational success. Understanding the Greek immigration framework ensures your team can work and reside in the country without legal complications.

Types of Greek Work Visas

Greece offers two primary visa categories for foreign workers:

Type C Visa (Schengen Short-Stay Visa)
Type D Visa (National Long-Stay Visa)

Type C Visa: Schengen Short-Stay Visa

The Type C visa permits stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area, suitable for business meetings, short-term assignments, or training sessions. Applications can be submitted up to six months before travel but no later than 15 working days prior to departure. For example, a marketing team attending a two-week conference in Athens would typically apply for this visa.

Required documentation includes:

A completed visa application form with original signature
Two recent passport-sized photographs
A valid passport with at least three months' validity post-return
Travel insurance covering medical expenses up to €30,000
Proof of accommodation and return flight tickets

Type D Visa: National Long-Stay Visa

For assignments exceeding 90 days, the Type D visa allows stays between 91 days and one year. Employees must apply for a residence permit through local municipal authorities after arrival. Consider a software engineer relocating to Thessaloniki for a six-month project—this visa would be appropriate. Applications are processed at decentralized administration offices, with initial certificates valid for one year while under review.

Investment Residence Permits

High-net-worth individuals investing €250,000–€500,000 in Greek real estate or financial instruments may qualify for five-year renewable residence permits. SailGlobal has assisted numerous investors in navigating this process, ensuring compliance with Law 4251/2014. Required documents typically include investment plans, asset verification, and professional resumes.

Work Residence Permits for Foreign Company Employees

Employees of international companies performing temporary work (e.g., equipment installation) can obtain six-month renewable permits. A case study involves SailGlobal helping a German manufacturing firm deploy technicians to Patras for machinery upgrades. Documentation must specify work duration, location, and accommodation arrangements.

EU Company Employee Permits

Staff from EU-based companies enjoy streamlined procedures, with one-year renewable permits. For instance, a French consultant working on a maritime logistics project in Piraeus would need proof of EU residency and Greek partnership agreements.

Standard Work Residence Permits

Employees directly hired by Greek companies receive one-year permits renewable for two years. SailGlobal often supports HR departments in preparing tax documents, employment contracts, and social security verification.

Visa Validity and Processing Times

Type C visas allow 90-day stays within 180 days, while Type D visas cover longer assignments. Processing typically takes 15–45 calendar days, though complex cases may extend to 60 days. Factors affecting timing include:

Visa category and application volume
Completeness of documentation
Consulate workload and seasonal peaks

Fee Structure

Costs include €90 for Type C visas, €180 for Type D visas, and €500 for five-year residence permits. Additional expenses like medical exams or document translation may apply. SailGlobal’s centralized fee management system helps budget accurately for these variables.

Why Partner with SailGlobal?

Navigating Greek immigration law requires local expertise. SailGlobal’s HR specialists provide end-to-end support—from document preparation to municipal registration—ensuring compliance while saving your team valuable time. Contact us to streamline your Greek expansion journey.

Greek Work Visas and Residence Permits: A Complete Guide for Employers