🇦🇪→🇬🇷United Arab Emirates→Greece

90 daysmultiple entry15-45d processing~$99valid 180d

Permits entry to Greece to receive planned medical treatment or hospitalization at a Greek healthcare facility for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Same Type C Schengen visa as tourist/business; the medical purpose is evidenced by supporting documents (e.g., a confirmed appointment or admission letter from the Greek medical institution and proof of sufficient funds to cover treatment). Standard fee €90 (approx $99 USD); children aged 6-12 pay €45. Governed by the EU Visa Code (Regulation (EC) 810/2009). For treatment expected to exceed 90 days, a national (Type D) visa route applies instead.

365 daysmultiple entry30-90d processingvalid 365d

Enables family members of legally resident third-country nationals in Greece to join and reside with them under the family reunification framework.

The visa application centre publishes no document checklist for this type.

Governed by EU Family Reunification Directive (2003/86/EC) transposed into Greek law. The sponsor must hold a valid Greek residence permit of at least 1 year validity and have reasonable prospects of obtaining permanent residence. Covers spouse, minor children, and in certain cases dependent parents. After entry, family members must apply for their own residence permit at the Aliens and Immigration service.

365 daysmultiple entry15-60d processingvalid 365d

Allows third-country nationals to enter Greece to pursue full-time studies at a recognized educational institution. Required prior to arriving to apply for a Student Residence Permit.

Checklist filed by the visa centre as “Study/Research/Internship (Short Course)”

Issued by Greek embassies/consulates abroad. After arrival, the holder must apply for a Student Residence Permit (Άδεια Διαμονής λόγω Σπουδών), renewable annually for the duration of studies. Governed by Law 4251/2014. Applicants must show proof of enrollment, sufficient funds, and health insurance.

multiple entryup to 90d processingvalid 730d

Residence and work permit for third-country nationals who are highly qualified workers employed in Greece, providing preferential treatment and path to long-term residence.

Valid 2 years (or employment contract duration + 3 months if shorter). Renewable. Requires employment contract of at least 1 year and salary of at least 1.5x the average gross annual salary in Greece. Blue Card holders enjoy equal treatment with Greek nationals in employment, social security, and education. After 5 years of continuous legal residence, may apply for long-term residence. Governed by EU Blue Card Directive 2009/50/EC transposed into Greek law via Law 4251/2014.

multiple entry

Enables managers, specialists, and trainee employees of a multinational company to be transferred from a non-EU branch to the company's Greek entity.

Governed by the EU Intra-Corporate Transfer Directive (2014/66/EU) transposed into Greek law. Requires prior employment with the company of at least 12 months for managers and specialists, and 6 months for trainees. The Greek host entity applies for approval from the Ministry of Migration and Asylum; after approval the transferee obtains a national (Type D) visa and then the ICT residence permit. Maximum stay is up to 3 years for managers and specialists and up to 1 year for trainees. Permits intra-EU mobility to same-group entities in other member states.

365 daysmultiple entry30-90d processingvalid 365d

Grants entry for third-country nationals intending to take up employment in Greece under a contract with a Greek employer.

Requires employer sponsorship and labor market test approval. After entry, the worker must convert to a Residence Permit for Employment. Seasonal workers (e.g., agriculture, tourism) may be covered under the Seasonal Worker permit category (Art. 13a, Law 4251/2014). EU nationals are exempt (freedom of movement). Governed by Law 4251/2014 as amended.

multiple entry

Allows non-EU researchers to enter Greece to carry out research at an approved research organisation under a hosting agreement.

For third-country nationals conducting research under a hosting agreement with a research organisation approved by the General Secretariat for Research and Technology. Governed by the EU Researchers Directive (2016/801/EU) as transposed into the Greek Immigration Code (Law 5038/2023). The residence permit duration matches that of the hosting agreement and is renewable on the same basis. Holders enjoy equal treatment in working conditions, social security, and recognition of qualifications, plus intra-EU researcher mobility. Applicant obtains a national (Type D) visa at a Greek consulate, then a residence permit after arrival.

multiple entryvalid 730d

Allows third-country nationals to reside in Greece to carry out independent (self-employed) economic activity or an approved investment activity.

Two routes: (1) Independent economic activity - requires at least €250,000 in capital and a business plan showing benefit to the Greek economy; residence permit valid 2 years, renewable for identical periods. (2) Investment activity - requires a business investment (minimum €500,000) with positive effects on the national economy; residence permit valid 3 years, renewable. Applicant obtains an initial national (Type D) visa, then applies for the residence permit after arrival before the visa expires. Requires proof of financial resources, health insurance, and a medical certificate. Governed by the Greek Immigration Code (Law 5038/2023).

270 dayssingle entryvalid 270d

Authorizes third-country nationals to enter Greece for temporary seasonal employment, primarily in agriculture and tourism sectors.

Governed by Article 13a of Law 4251/2014 and the EU Seasonal Workers Directive (2014/36/EU). Covers seasonal work in agriculture, tourism, and related sectors. Maximum stay varies by sector. Employer must obtain prior authorization from Greek labor authorities before the visa can be issued. Bilateral agreements may govern admission quotas for certain nationalities.

365 daysmultiple entry14-28d processing~$1100valid 365d

Allows non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who work remotely for employers or clients based entirely outside Greece to reside in Greece while conducting their work.

Introduced under Law 4825/2021, updated by Law 5038/2023. Minimum monthly income of €3,500 net (€4,200 with a dependent spouse; €4,830 with additional dependents). Application fee approximately €1,000 (visa) plus ~€150 per family member. Initial visa valid 12 months (Type D). After arrival, applicants may apply for a 2-year Digital Nomad Residence Permit, renewable every 2 years. Eligible holders may receive a 50% income tax reduction for up to 7 years. Employer/clients must be based entirely outside Greece.

multiple entryvalid 1825d

Grants a renewable 5-year residence permit to non-EU nationals who make qualifying investments in Greece, including real estate, government bonds, bank deposits, or startup investments.

Minimum investment thresholds (per Law 5100/2024, effective 31 August 2024): €800,000 for residential/commercial real estate in high-demand zones (Attica, Thessaloniki, islands with 3,100+ inhabitants); €400,000 in all other regions; €250,000 for commercial-to-residential conversion or heritage building restoration; €500,000 in Greek government bonds (3-year minimum maturity); €500,000 in fixed-term Greek bank deposit (1-year minimum); €350,000 in Greek-focused investment fund units; €250,000 in an Elevate Greece-registered startup. Fees: €16 for permit issuance; €2,000 electronic fee for renewals. No minimum stay requirement. Path to citizenship after 7 years of legal residence. Family members included. Short-term (Airbnb-type) rentals prohibited for real estate route.

multiple entryvalid 365d

Granted to third-country nationals who face exceptional humanitarian circumstances that prevent their return to their country of origin, outside the formal asylum process.

Issued on humanitarian grounds (e.g., serious illness, protection from violence, other compelling circumstances). Renewable annually. Governed by Law 4251/2014, Art. 19A. Applicants must be residing in Greece and apply through the local Aliens and Immigration Service. Does not require departure and re-entry.

multiple entryup to 180d processingvalid 1825d

Grants permanent or long-term residence status to third-country nationals who have legally resided in Greece continuously for at least 5 years, conferring near-equal rights to Greek nationals.

Based on EU Long-Term Residents Directive (2003/109/EC). Requires 5 years of continuous legal residence in Greece. Holders have the right to work, access social benefits, and move to other EU member states for work or study. Valid for 5 years and renewable. Processing decision should arrive within 6 months (extendable by 3 months) per EU directive requirements.

multiple entry30-90d processingvalid 365d

Allows financially self-sufficient third-country nationals who do not intend to work in Greece to reside in the country, provided they can demonstrate sufficient regular income from abroad.

Applicants must demonstrate regular income from abroad (pensions, investments, property income, etc.) sufficient to support themselves and dependents without working in Greece. Similar to a 'retirement/passive income' visa category. Governed by Law 4251/2014. Work is prohibited under this permit. Residence permit initially issued for 2 years and renewable.

365 daysmultiple entryvalid 365d

Permits entry for highly educated third-country nationals with at minimum a Master's degree from a globally-ranked university to seek employment in Greece.

Introduced by Greek immigration reforms effective 6 February 2026. Requires at minimum a Master's degree (or PhD/Postdoc) from an institution ranked on at least two international university ranking lists. No job offer required at entry. Does not grant immediate work authorization; upon securing employment in Greece, holder can transition to work/residence permits or EU Blue Card. Valid 12 months.

365 daysmultiple entryvalid 365d

Allows third-country nationals to enter Greece to work for a registered Greek tech startup, providing fast-track immigration for the technology sector.

Introduced by Greek immigration reforms effective 6 February 2026. Salary must be at least 1.6x the national average gross salary. The Tech Visa cannot be transferred to another employer; immigration status lapses if employment ends. May be converted to an EU Blue Card if eligibility is met. Valid 12 months initially.