There are dozens of different work permits for Greece, and individuals who are high ranking professionals (directors, general managers, board members and administrators) at EU or non-EU companies abroad, with a branch or subsidiary in Greece are eligible for a visa and permit to live and work in Greece if their company transfers them.

Permits are not granted to everyone, and I encourage all non-EU citizens interested in living and working in Greece to first read, “How Americans/non-EU citizens can move, live and work in Greece.” Why? Because it is of vital importance to understand the legalities of visas and permits before investing time in looking for a job or continuing to read this post.

Visa

You must apply for the appropriate visa at the Greek Consulate nearest the location of your legal residence with:

1. Passport
2. Proof of employment (work contract or other official document)
3. Verification of employment from HR or superior, and reason for transfer on company letterhead
4. Proof of medical insurance
5. Police record from the station nearest your home

All must be originals.

Permit

Once arriving in Greece, the executive and his/her family members must apply for a permit within 30 days at the municipality ‘dimos’ office or police station (if in a remote area), during which many of the same documents listed above will again be requested for each person along with:

a) Proof of residence in Greece (rental lease stamped by the eforia/tax office or your mortgage);
b) Proof of income (originals of check stubs or payments) translated into Greek;
c) Proof of health insurance (originals) translated into Greek;
d) Health certificate (X-ray and blood test performed by a state hospital in Greece, after which a certificate is issued if both are clear);
e) Four (4) recent passport photos (per person)
f) Fakelo (folder with bands on the corner available at any office/school supply store)

It is good for one year and can be renewed at least 60 days in advance of expiration as long as your contract remains in force. Late submissions incur a penalty, which is per person not per party.

Related articles

“Certifying a photocopy or other document in Greece“
“Translation of documents into Greek“
“FAQ Greek residence/work permits“

The first step in applying for a Greek residence/work permit is to see if you qualify, since the permit process is NOT open to everyone and cannot be done online. Continuing to read this post without understanding legalities and/or if you qualify is pointless. Go to, “How Americans and other non-EU citizens can move, live and work in Greece.”

All applications for a Greek work and/or residence permit must be completed by non-EU citizens on a hard copy and submitted in person to the municipality of legal residence by the applicant(s) or a legal representative that has been designated and certified. Families should apply together for logistical reasons and to save time. There is no such thing as applying online for a permit in Greece.

Applications can be obtained from the municipality’s dimos office or police station, depending on the size of the city/town/village on the mainland or island, and some KEP locations. It must be completed in Greek, except where indicated.

The following is an English translation I did of the Residence Permit Application for Greece (Aitisi gia Adeia Diamonis), provided for informational purposes and the convenience of readers who may be curious or cannot read/understand the instructions in Greek.

The online form should NOT be printed or used for submission, as it is for reference only.

* If you are a non-EU citizen of Greek origin, stop now and look at, “How to get Greek citizenship by claim of Greek origin.” It does not matter if you don’t have Greek citizenship; you will be refused a permit for reasons detailed in the FAQ on this site if you try to apply. No exceptions.

** If you are a non-EU citizen with an ancestor born in one of the other 26 EU member states, stop now and go to “How to acquire EU citizenship through ancestry” to see if you are eligible to claim citizenship, which would give you the right to live and work in the entire EU.

Page 1

Top: Prefecture stamp, Examiner’s protocol number, date and assigned bebaiosi number

Section I: Prefecture, region and municipality responsible for examining your application and issuing your residence permit.

Section II: Place, date and signature, certifying the information you gave on the application is true (sign when application is complete, as instructed by the examiner)

Section III: The reason for your residence in Greece (Student, employment, etc.) *Code will be filled in by examiner.

Mark ‘X’ in one of five boxes:

* First-time issuance

* Renewal

* Re-issuing (if permit was lost, stolen or destroyed)

* New issuance (if permit was revoked)

* Change of personal details

Explanation of circumstances ___________

Section IV: Personal details

A1) Your surname (in Latin, as it appears in your passport)

A2) Your first name (in Latin, as it appears in your passport)

A3) Father’s first name (in Latin)

A4) Father’s surname (in Latin)

A5) Mother’s first name (in Latin)

A6) Mother’s surname (in Latin)

A7) Date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY)

A8 ) Country of birth

A9) Gender male (A)/female (TH)

A10) Nationality/citizenship

A11) Mark ‘X’ if you are stateless (no nationality)

A12) “I have applied for Greek citizenship by naturalization.” Mark ‘X’ if applicable.

A13) AFM (Tax number from the eforia)

A14) Indicate your local tax office (eforia)

A15) Social insurance number (AMA)

A16) Social insurance carrier (IKA, TEVE or OGA)

Page 2

Section B - Travel Document Details

B1) Type (Passport, laissez-passer document for exceptional cases, etc.)

B2) Number

B3) Expiration date

B4) Issuing Country

Section Γ - Current Residence Details

Γ1) Street name

Γ2) Street number

Γ3) Postal/zip code

Γ4) Municipality or village

Γ5) Prefecture

Γ6) Work/Home/Cell phone numbers

Section Δ - Residence Legalities

(”In Greece, I have a residence permit”)

Δ1) Issuing authority (police, municipality, OAED)

Δ2) Type (Old prasina karta, permit sticker in passport, permit from police)

Δ3) EKA (# from sticker in your passport, if applicable)

Δ4) Number from immigration envelope/document (mitro-ou)

Δ5) Permit number

Δ6) Permit classification (work, study, spouse of EU/Greek, family reunification, investor, etc.)

Δ7) Date of issue and expiry (DD/MM/YYYY)

Δ8 ) “I am a holder of a residence permit.” Mark ‘X,’ if applicable.

Δ9) “I am recorded on the residence permit of” Parent/Spouse. Mark ‘X’ in appropriate box, if applicable.

Δ10) “I am a refugee.” Mark ‘X,’ if applicable.

Δ11) “I am here under international protection/humanitarian grounds.” Mark ‘X,’ if applicable.

Δ12) “I applied for asylum on ____.” Marx ‘X’ and fill in the date (DD/MM/YYYY).

Δ13) “I applied for international protection/humanitarian grounds on ______.” Marx ‘X’ and fill in the date (DD/MM/YYYY).

Δ14) “I had a residence permit that expired on _____.” Mark ‘X’ and fill in the date (DD/MM/YYYY).

Δ15) “I have never had a residence permit.” Mark ‘X’ if applicable.

Δ16) “My application for asylum or international protection on humanitarian grounds was rejected by authorities by _____ . Mark ‘X’ and fill in the date of rejection (DD/MM/YYYY).

Δ17) “I had an entry visa that expired on _____.” Mark ‘X’ and fill in the date, if applicable.

Δ18 ) “I came to Greece the first time in ______ .” Fill in the date (DD/MM/YYYY).

Section E - Family Situation

E1) Mark ‘X’ in the box that applies:
a) Single
b) Married
c) Divorced
d) Widow

E2) Number of minor children:
a) In Greece ___
b) Outside Greece ___

E3) Number of adult children:
a) In Greece ___
b) Outside Greece ___

Section ΣΤ - Residences prior to entry to Greece

- Country
- Dates of residence from ___ to ___
- With or without residence permit (check one)

Section Z - Mobility

Z1) “I plan to reside in Greece permanently? Yes/No

Z2) “I intend to move to another country” Yes/No

Z3) If yes, which country? _______

Page 3

Section H - Family Member Details

(In Greece, I am cohabiting with the following persons)

H1) Family relationship

H2) Surname

H3) First name

H4) Father’s first name

H5) Father’s surname

H6) Mother’s first name

H7) Mother’s surname

H8 ) Date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY)

H9) Country of birth

H10) Gender: Male (A)/female (TH)

H11) EKA (number from permit sticker in passport)

H12) Passport number

H13) Passport expiry date (DD/MM/YYYY)

H14) Issuing country

H15) “I wish to include their name on my permit” (Yes/No)

Page 4

Section Θ - Occupation

Mark the appropriate box:

Θ1) “I am working”

Θ2) “I am unemployed”

Θ3) “I am collecting unemployment payments”

All codes provided by municipality for the following:

Θ4) Type of employment (Salaried worker, consultant, self-employed, etc.)

Θ5) Specialty (Manager, researcher, office worker, laborer, etc.)

Θ6) Industry (Agriculture, sales, banking, etc.)

Section I - Economic Situation

I1) Net income from employment in Greece

I2/I3) “I receive a pension from ______ .” Mark ‘X’ and fill in the blank.

I4/I5) “I receive an allowance/extra pay from _____ .” Mark ‘X’ and fill in the blank.

I6) Number of dependents living with me in Greece ___ . Fill in the blank or enter ‘0.’

Section IA - Education

Mark ‘X’ for Yes/No.

IA1) Illiterate

IA2) Completed primary school

IA3) Completed middle school

IA4) Completed secondary/high school

IA5) Undergraduate degree

IA6) Graduate degree

Section IB - Other

Fill in the blank:

IB1) Native language ______

IB2) Religious affiliation _______

IB3) Ethnic origin (regardless of citizenship) _______

Mark ‘X’ to indicate your level.

IB4) I know Greek (Not at all / A little / Medium / Well / Very well):
- I speak
- I read
- I write

Section V - To be completed by the municipality, stamped and signed.

- End -

* Please note that I am not an employee of the Greek state, and questions should be directed at your local ‘dimos’ office, nomarxeia or police station (if you reside in a smaller town/village with no municipality office). A number of articles are also provided free of charge on this site as helpful assistance by clicking “Residence-work permits.”

Article updated May 21, 2008

Before reading this FAQ, it is assumed you have already read the #1 post for Americans and non-EU citizens, which is “How Americans/non-EU citizens can move, live and work in Greece.” If you have not, stop and read it now.

FAQ only contains information about permits that is unsuitable for a complete article. It is NOT an invitation or excuse to ignore the policy detailed in “Comments, Questions and Contacting Me.” If you have not read the policy, please take the time to read it now.

How can I get residence in Greece?

You must live or work here legally.

When does my work and/or residence permit for Greece expire?

Look at your permit and read the expiration date.

Will I get a notification to renew my work and/or residence permit?

No. This is Greece; it’s your responsibility to keep track of your own affairs.

Can I change jobs under my current work permit?

Yes. With regards to IKA, you need to take the new work contract and notify them of this change within 8 days of hiring. With regards to the work permit, you submit all of your paperwork with the new contract and bebaiosi from your new employer at the time of its renewal.

Can I change fields or industry under my current work permit?

Depends. You can submit the new contract and bebaiosi from your new employer at time of renewal with no problem at the municipality’s dimos or police station’s allodapon department.

However, OAED (Manpower Employment) and/or the Ministry at a higher level has a right to decline renewal should they determine there are sufficient Greek/EU candidates to perform this work and/or limited vacancies. Authorities may ask you to provide evidence of a university degree, significant experience or skills in this area of work. If you are classified as an “Υπάλληλος Γραφείου” (office worker), they may not care.

Authorities may also request proof from your new employer that you are uniquely qualified, and (s)he could not otherwise find a Greek/EU citizen to fill the position. At this point, your new employer has the option to let you go should (s)he not want to provide documentation or fight to keep you and give them what they want.

And even after that, OAED or the Interior or Labor Ministry can still refuse to renew it.

If the permit expires without being renewed for whatever reason, you must leave Greece and start from nothing again should you decide to come back and find another job.

When should I renew my residence and/or work permit?

At least 60 days in advance of your permit’s expiration (it says this in nearly all of my articles). If you plan to be outside Greece for business or pleasure during the renewal period, renew earlier and tell them why if they try to turn you away.

What if I still only have my bebaiosi, the permit hasn’t been issued yet, and it’s time to renew it?

You renew with your bebaiosi.

When does my bebaiosi expire?

Look at the date your bebaiosi was issued and count one year from then.

What if I don’t renew on time?

You will be fined one-third the application fee or up to 300 euros if you renew anytime past the expiration date (also stated in this site’s articles), or you may be denied the opportunity to renew if you are not the spouse or child of a Greek or EU citizen.

Sometimes you can get around it by hiring a lawyer or using connections, but be prepared to pay handsomely. I don’t recommend it.

If I lose my job or can’t find another to renew my work permit, how long can I remain in Greece after the permit expires?

According to Article 73 of the immigration law 3386/2005, there is no grace period. You are expected to leave Greece before the permit expires or you will be fined 600 euros for a period of 1-29 days past expiration and 1200 euros for 30 or more days past the permit’s expiration.

Minors are not expected to pay a fine.

How do I renew it?

Usually the same procedure as when you got it the first time.

What if I don’t remember?

If the appropriate article is not available on this site, call or visit the municipality “dimos” office and find out. It will be a good learning experience and perhaps give you a better appreciation for what information is on this site.

Be proactive, pay attention and take some notes. That’s how this site was created — I paid attention and then used my free time to write it out for everyone. It’s not rocket science, and I’m not a lawyer or paid employee of the Greek state. It is a starting point and helpful assistance.

Can I apply online for a permit for Greece?

No, because they want to see you in person and examine that all of your documents are originals. If you’re not even in the Greece, you cannot apply at all.

Does part-time work qualify me for a work permit?

No.

Why not?

Because anything less than full-time work means you are not entitled to IKA. Since continuous medical coverage is a requirement for non-EU citizens to hold a work permit, you would then either:
a) Declare yourself a self-employed entrepreneur* at the eforia, pay TEBE (TEVE), issue receipts, pay FPA on a quarterly basis and secure a work permit this way (which can also be denied),
OR
b) Become illegal.

* Also note that immigrants wishing to change their professional status from employee to self-employed must wait a minimum of 3 years. And self-employed immigrants must keep their same business for 2 years before being allowed to change their line or scope of work.

Can I pay my own IKA?

Yes, but you are only allowed to purchase up to 20 percent of required 150 ensima of IKA for the year. The other 80 percent must be earned through an employer or acquired by paying your own TEVE.

When will my permit be ready?

Authorities and municipalities claim that it should only take 60-90 days, however there is no set time. If you are the spouse or child of a Greek/EU citizen, it will take longer because the initial permit will only be issued after you attend and pass an interview at the Perifeira, which takes a minimum of 90 days for them to set an appointment, then send a registered invitation letter.

Over 10 years, I’ve consistently waited up to a year and past the expiration date. The quickest I’ve ever been issued one is 6 months.

Is there anything I can do to speed up the processing of my permit?

LOL. No.

Will they notify me when it’s ready?

No. Again, this is Greece, and it’s your responsibility to check in person. Calling them very rarely gets results; most often, you will be told they cannot give out information over the phone and you must stop by.

What if there’s a problem with my work and/or residence permit?

Since it is your responsibility to check on your permit, they should be giving you a status. If there is an issue, the Ministry will send the letter to the municipality’s “dimos” or police station allodapon department; it is rare that you will be personally notified by phone or letter. If there is a letter, it usually arrives late at your home, and you have no recourse because it was your job to check on the permit in person.

Once I have my permit, is everything OK?

The municipality or Ministry has the right to review and revoke permits for any reason at any time, unless you hold the permanent EU-wide residence/work permit; and this is unlikely since Greece has only issued one as of December 2007. i.e., “Greece’s one and only long-term resident.” And less than a dozen by April 2008, even though an estimated 250,000 qualify.

Does Greece grant permits to gay/lesbian non-EU partners of Greek/EU citizens?

No. It doesn’t matter if you were married in another country or not. Only man-woman partnerships are recognized.

There is an EU directive that says all EU member states must not discriminate based on sexual orientation, but Greece will likely be taken to the EU High Court of Justice before anything is done…and even then, Greece will delay it as long as possible. It is still not granting long-term EU-wide permits to people who earned that right, even though it’s been in effect since December 2005.

I’m a male of Greek origin over 18, but I do not have Greek citizenship. Can I get a residence/work permit as the non-EU spouse of my Greek/EU wife?

I’m a female of Greek origin, but don’t have Greek citizenship. Can I get a residence/work permit as the non-EU spouse of my Greek/EU husband?

No. The residence/work permit granted to non-EU spouses and children (under 21) of Greek/EU citizens is only for pure non-EU citizens of no Greek origin.

Why?

Because you (male or female) are of Greek origin and have the inherent right to claim citizenship, whether you want it or not, which entitles you to work/reside in Greece and the entire EU. This is a privilege.

If you’re a male between the age of 19-45, you’re obviously trying to avoid mandatory military obligations, and the Greek state does not tolerate draft dodgers. If you think they won’t catch you, think again; even connections will not help you. The residence/work permit application asks the birthplace of your parents. Should you get around that, either the eforia will flush you out or the Ministry of Interior and Labor will examine your application, request birth certificates from whomever they wish and delve into your background. It doesn’t matter if you are registered in the oikogeneiaki merida or not, whether you hold a Greek passport or Greek ID or not. You are breaking the law.

If you’re a female of Greek origin, there is no reason why you shouldn’t stake a claim to citizenship at any age. Trying to get a permit as the non-EU spouse or child or a Greek or EU citizen is pointless if you are of Greek origin, and you’ll be denied if you try.

What about my son who is under 18 and technically a non-EU citizen?

Same applies. It only matters that he is of Greek origin — doesn’t matter where he was born, what citizenship he holds (even another EU citizenship), his domicile, if he’s registered in the oikogeneiaki merida or not, in possession of ‘permanent resident abroad’ status or not.

As long as he is of Greek origin, he will at some point be drafted into the army should he reside permanently in Greece or wish to work here from the age of 19 to 45. Read, “Mandatory military obligations for Greece.” It’s all there. It will only change if the law changes.

How can I get a green card for Greece?

There’s no such thing. “Green card” is a term used by the United States to describe permanent resident status acquired by a non-American citizen. It does not apply outside the USA. Greece had a prasina karta about 10 years ago, but they disappeared as fast as they appeared.

If you are looking for permanent resident status in Greece, see other articles in “Residence-work permits” or use the ’search’ option in the second column.

If I get a divorce, can I keep my permit?

Spouses of Greek or EU citizens who already passed the interview and hold a permit can retain it after a divorce if the marriage lasted 3 years OR if there is solid evidence of domestic abuse no matter how long the marriage lasted.

Alternatively, you can secure a work/residence permit on your own if you have a job or can get one OR you can secure a residence permit if you have 2,000/euros per month income from outside Greece to support yourself. (See “Residence-work permits” for the appropriate article).

If my Greek/EU partner passes away, can I keep my permit?

Yes, if you held the permit and resided in Greece for a minimum of one year.

What kind of work and/or residence permit do I qualify for in Greece?

There are dozens, and there’s no way I could know that — I’m a private person offering free assistance in my free time, not a paid public service. Inquire at the Greek Consulate if you are outside Greece. Inquire at the municipality “dimos” office if you are in Greece; if there is no municipality “dimos” office in your area, a police station’s allodapon department can direct you.

What are the addresses and phone numbers of the municipality’s “dimos” offices and police stations’ allodapon departments in Greece?

You can find “dimos” offices online in Greek, inquire at KEP by calling ‘1564′ or ask the mayor’s office in your municipality. You can find police stations in Greece by calling ‘11888.’

How do I call ‘1564′ or ‘11888′ from outside Greece?

Common sense. If you’re outside Greece, you shouldn’t be calling these numbers. You should be calling the Greek Consulate.

Do you have a question?

The ability to ask questions on this post has now been closed due to the last 10 people not following instructions.

Instructions: If you have a question, look at “Comments, Questions and Contacting Me.” Don’t be lazy and please use the “Categories” and “Search” options in the second column as I have requested many, many times. The “Find” option is also available on every Web browser. It may sound harsh, but the other option is to close off the ability to comment and ask questions.

If you don’t see your question posted, it means the answer is already on this site. In most cases, it’s right in front of your face.

Article updated May 20, 2008

Five years after all EU member states unanimously agreed to award long-term EU-wide residence/work permits to non-EU immigrants — and more than 18 months after Greece reluctantly published the decree in the Government Gazette — public sector offices started taking applications in 2008 for this special status.

To qualify, you must be: a) a non-EU citizen not connected to a Greek/EU citizen, b) at least 18 and c) have been here a minimum of five (5) years with a work permit.

Securing EU-wide status would not only mean relief from having to renew residence/work permits every year or two, but grant non-EU citizens “enhanced protection against expulsion” and the option to seek employment and a life somewhere else in the European Union if the second member state determines there is no threat to public policy, security or health.

The article in the Athens News says the language and culture requirements are “easier” now, with 150 hours of Greek language courses and an additional 25 hours of instruction in Greek history and culture at IDEKE, but this is actually 50 hours MORE than the original 100 hours Greek language and 25 hours Greek history and culture stated previously. Therefore, the term “easier” appears to be false. Certainly, it is lengthier.

The other bad news is the 900-euro application fee stands. In addition to the highest Greek administrative court asking that the fee be abolished because it is in violation of EU law, the EU has asked Greece to lower the fee since it is discriminatory at nearly two months wages for the average worker. Impending complaints are expected to filed in EU courts.

Long-term EU-wide residence/work permits in Greece still stonewalled

The process of issuing these long-term EU-wide permits should have begun in January 2006, but according to recent records obtained by the Kathimerini, only one long-term residence permit had been issued by Greek authorities as of December 2007, and eight by April 2008 with another 10 pending review according to the Interior Ministry. 

One of the conditions for being issued such a permit in Greece is that migrants must take language lessons and pass a Greek test at the end of their course. But as I have been saying since the outset of IDEKE offering classes in 2006, there are a limited number of places or higher levels needed by more advanced speakers of Greek in order to obtain the necessary certificate are non-existent.

The Kathimerini confirms my statements: “Local and school authorities in Piraeus, for instance, refused last month to provide any classrooms for the lessons to be taught, even though two-thirds of the costs are covered by EU funding.”

The head of the Hellenic Migration Policy Institute, Alexandros Zavos, told Kathimerini that anyone failing the course would have to pay another 900 euros to take the classes again.

Do you qualify for a long-term EU-wide residence/work permit?

In preparation to apply for this much awaited (and still awaited) EU-wide status, or to see if you qualify, go to “Non-EU citizens seeking long-term EU-wide residence/work permit in Greece,” an article I wrote on March 30, 2007.

Sources

- Local authorities
- Past posts referenced above
- First-hand experience and official documentation
- “Basic Greek for longterm migrants” from the Athens News
- “Issuing of residence permits is lagging” from the Kathimerini

Article updated June 7, 2008

According to immigration law, non-EU citizens in Greece with only a bebaisoi (certificate; blue paper with photo) from the municipality are forbidden to travel, while waiting to be interviewed and/or for a residence/work permit sticker to be issued and placed in their passport. An official sticker is necessary to travel freely or authorities will prevent re-entry to the country.

According to EU law, non-EU spouses and children of Greek or other EU citizens are allowed to travel without restriction, however this is only in theory. In reality, they cannot. The same rules apply.

Exceptions are made only when the government announces special permission to travel during summer, usually mid-July to end of September; Easter, varies according to the Orthodox calendar; and Christmas, starts anywhere from December 13-20 and ends between January 15-31. However, the precise dates are usually announced at the last minute, which means no one in this category can make travel plans, must pay high season costs and/or face sold-out bookings.

Repeated calls for more advance warning have fallen on deaf ears.

Related posts

“FAQ Greek work and/or residence permits“
“Thanks to Greece, I’ve been reunified with myself“