To work in Greece as a non-EU citizen, secure a national visa and residence permit. Apply at a Greek embassy and, once in Greece, obtain the permit with your passport, visa, and health insurance proof.

Conditions for Working in Greece as a Non-EU Citizen

1. Work Visa and Residence Permit

To work in Greece, non-EU citizens need:

  1. National Visa for Employment
    • Purpose: Allows entry into Greece for employment purposes.
    • Application: Apply at the Greek embassy or consulate in your country of origin.
  2. Residence Permit for Employment
    • Purpose: Allows you to reside in Greece for employment.
    • Application: Apply at the one-stop-shops of the Decentralized Administration upon arrival in Greece.

Work Permit Quotas

Greece implements a system of quotas for non-EU employment. These quotas are set every two years and specify the maximum number of non-EU workers allowed in various regions and professions. Key factors in determining these quotas include:

  • Regional employment needs.
  • Economic interests.
  • Availability of Greek or EU workers for the job.
  • Unemployment rates in specific sectors.

Application Process:

  • Employers must apply to the Decentralized Administration.
  • Submit:
    • A valid one-year employment contract.
    • Proof of the employer’s ability to pay the required salary.
  • The Decentralized Administration approves the application if the job specialty is within the quota.

Procedures for Obtaining Work Authorization

Visa Application

  1. Where to Apply:
    • Submit your visa application at the Greek embassy or consulate in your home country.
  2. Documents Required:
    • Valid passport.
    • Signed employment contract.
    • Criminal record check.
    • Approval decision from the Decentralized Administration.
    • Other documents as specified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Residence Permit Application

  1. Where to Apply:
    • Apply at the one-stop-shops of the Decentralized Administration in Greece.
  2. Documents Required:
    • Copy of passport and visa.
    • Recent photographs.
    • Fee of €300.
    • Employment contract.
    • Proof of health insurance.
  3. Processing:
    • A certificate valid for one year is issued upon submission of a complete application.
    • A residence permit valid for two years is issued after review.

Validity and Renewal

  • Initial Residence Permit: Valid for two years.
  • Renewal: Can be renewed for up to three years. Submit renewal applications two months before the permit expires. Late applications can be submitted up to one month after expiry, subject to a €50 fine.

Rights of Non-EU Workers

  • Free Movement: You can move and reside freely across Greece, though certain areas may have restrictions for public interest reasons.
  • Social Security: Access to social security and protection is available.
  • Education:
    • Access to compulsory education for minors.
    • Recognition of foreign education and access to Greek universities.
  • Professional Activity: Ability to engage in any lawful professional activity.

Absence:

  • Residence permits remain valid during temporary absences (up to six months per year) for specific reasons like military service, health issues, etc.

Unemployment and Change of Employment

  • Unemployment Insurance: Non-EU citizens are insured and enjoy the same social security rights as Greek citizens.
  • Change of Employer: You can switch employers or work in a different regional unit after one year of the initial permit. This change must not affect the specialization or insurance organization.

Long-Term Residence

Eligibility

  • Five-Year Lawful Residence: Apply for a long-term resident permit after five years of continuous legal residence in Greece.
  • Requirements:
    • Proof of sufficient income.
    • Full social security coverage.
    • Integration into Greek society (knowledge of Greek language and culture, or alternative evidence).

Application Process

  • Submit your application to the authority that issued your last residence permit.
  • The decision is made within six months, with a possible extension of an additional three months.

Validity

  • Long-Term Resident Permit: Valid for five years and renewable for another five years.

Rights

  • Equal Treatment: Long-term residents enjoy the same rights as Greek citizens in various areas, including employment, education, social security, and public services.

Additional Information

  • Appeals: Decisions can be appealed to administrative courts or the original issuing authority.
  • Further Information: For specific queries, contact the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum or consult with an immigration lawyer.