Greece is a popular destination for foreigners looking to work and live in the EU, but navigating the visa and permit requirements can be challenging. Whether you're an EU citizen or a non-EU national, the process of obtaining a work visa in Greece can be time-consuming and complicated. In this article, we'll explore the different types of work visas available in Greece, including what documents you'll need to apply and how to navigate the application process. From entry visas to residence permits and work permits, we'll cover everything you need to know to make the process as smooth as possible.
Types of work visa in Greece
There are three main types of work visas and permits in Greece :
- A national visa for employment
- A residence permit for employment
- A work visa for seasonal work
Working in Greece as an EU citizen
EU/EEA citizens, through the EU's freedom of movement, can freely enter Greece and can remain for up to six months to find a job and/or set up a business. Unlike their non-EU counterparts, EU citizens do not need a work permit to work in Greece. However, if the EU citizen wants to remain in Greece longer than 90 days, they need to apply for a registration certificate.
To obtain the registration certificate, EU Citizens must go to their nearest Aliens and Migration office; they then can be issued their Certificate of registration/residence certificate in Greek (βεβαίωσης εγγραφής πολιτών της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης).
What documents does an EU citizen require to get a residence certificate?
When you submit your residence certificate application, the certificate is typically issued on the same day and is valid indefinitely. However, processing times can vary from a few hours to a full day. The application process can also be complicated due to the operating procedures of some Greek officials. Please note that some officials may not speak English, so it's a good idea to bring a capable Greek speaker along to your appointment, if possible.
Documents needed to apply for a residence certificate are the following:
- A completed visa application form
- Copy of ID card or passport
- Passport photos x4
- Proof that you have international health insurance to cover you whilst working in Greece. EHIC card, IKA insurance, or other private health insurance
- A certificate from your employer or proof they adequately support you financially
- Evidence of your residence can be proved with a rental contract/agreement and documents for the property you own.
Please note that if you are considering working in Greece as an EU national, you are required to have health insurance or an EHIC card (European Health Insurance card), along with a Greek social security number (AMKA).
Work permits for non-EU citizens in Greece
As a non-EU/EEA citizen, obtaining a work/residence permit in Greece can be a complicated and sometimes difficult process. In the past, work permits and residence permits were separate entities, but they have been combined into a single permit. Non-EU citizens who obtain a residence permit are allowed to work and live in Greece.
However, it's important to note that single-purpose work permits are generally not available for non-EU citizens, as permission to work in Greece is granted through the residence permit. Despite this, some outdated information still exists that references work and residence permits as separate entities.
The validity of work permits varies depending on factors such as the employer, profession, and region and may not necessarily be issued for one year. Non-EU workers typically apply for a long-term visa (Type D visa) that is valid for up to 90 days to enter Greece for work purposes and must then apply for a residence permit to continue working and living in the country.
Entry Visas: the first step for a non-EU worker in Greece
The D-type National Visa is valid for one year. Those non-EU citizens who desire to stay longer than 90 days have to acquire a National visa prior to traveling to Greece. The candidate can apply for the visa through their local Greek consulate or supporting visa center.
What documents are required to apply for the National Visa?
- Valid passport or travel document
- Contract of employment
- Medical insurance, with enough coverage for the period you are in Greece.
- Criminal record/police certificate from home country or place of residence
The process and conditions of the National visa
To obtain a national visa for Greece, an applicant must be sponsored by a Greek employer or be joining the Greek office/branch of a company from their home country or place of residence.
However, there are several preparatory procedures that a Greek employer must complete before hiring a non-EU citizen. The employer must demonstrate to their local Labour Employment Office (OAED/DYPA) that they were unable to find a Greek or EU citizen to fill the role. In addition, the employer must pay a fee of €200.
Getting a work permit in Greece
After they arrive in Greece, within 30 days, the non-EU worker must apply for a work permit. Moreover, to apply for a work permit, the worker must go to their nearest Municipal office or Aliens and Migration administration to submit the paperwork in person.
Applicants can apply for a variety of residence permits concerning their work. For example:
- Self-employed residence permit
- Consultant residence permit
- Employee or work residence permit
- Executive residence permit
Good to know:
A national visa merely permits entry into the country, even if it includes a purpose such as work, whereas the work residence permit is intended for someone already in the country who wants to stay longer than 90 days.
The term of validity given to each residence permit can differ from between 1-5 years. Due to the workload and bureaucracy that continues to hinder Greek immigration, it is recommended that you submit your residence permit application soon after you enter Greece.
In the case that a worker's visa expires before the submission of the residence permit application, then they would have to return to their home country and start the process with their local Greek consulate again. Similarly, some might face fines or even detainment if identified as not holding a work permit whilst working or having stayed past their visa expiry.
The application process for the residence/work permit in Greece
The process of applying for a residence/work permit in Greece involves several steps. Firstly, applicants must obtain a Greek tax number (AFM) from their nearest tax office and a social security number (AMKA) from the Social Insurance Office (EFKA) or Citizens Service Centre (KEP) that serves their residence area. Contact information for these institutions can be found on their respective websites or by calling their helplines:
- AMKA, email: amka@idika.gr helpline: 11131
- EFKA, 24hr line: 1555, website: e-ΕΦΚΑ
- KEP, helpline: 1564; see Athens branch contacts here.
The application forms for the residence permit can be found on the Hellenic Republic's Migration and Asylum website or at the local KEP. The applicant must submit their completed application in person or by a legal representative with power of attorney to the local Aliens and Migration decentralized administration office or local municipal office (dimarcheio).
The required documents for the residence permit include a national visa, a valid travel document or passport with photocopies of every page, evidence of medical insurance (translated into Greek if from a foreign provider), four passport photos, a health certificate from a state hospital, proof of address (which can be evidenced with a rental agreement), proof of financial support (such as job or bank statements), and proof of fee payment to the Greek tax office (DOY/ΔΟΥ). The fee for an employed worker is €300.
Once the application is submitted, the applicant will receive a blue certificate (ble veveosi) as a receipt. The applicant must keep track of their application status through the Hellenic Republic's Migration and Asylum website, as no notification is sent. Once the permit is ready, the applicant must make an appointment to collect the permit card from their Aliens and Migration decentralized administration. The wait time for the residence/work permit can range from one to six months, depending on the administration's current workload.
If an applicant wants to change employers within the same sector, they can do so after constant employment. It is recommended that they communicate with EFKA to clarify anything about changing employment.
Residence permit renewal in Greece
Within 30 days of the expiry of the residence/work permit, a renewal application must be submitted through the Greek Migration and Asylum Electronic platform. The following documents required are needed to be uploaded to the platform for renewal:
- A valid passport and a photocopy of all pages
- Original work permit, along with printed scan showing both sides
- A completed application in Greek
- Additional documents related to work purposes, such as a work contract and a letter from your employer.
Seasonal work permit in Greece
What is a Seasonal work permit/visa?
Seasonal work in Greece allows employment for up to 6 months a year in sectors that are conditional on the seasons and where the work is temporary.
Seasonal work visas are issued by the relevant Greek consular authorities for the same length as the contract of employment and with a maximum of 6 months. The visa grants the holder permission to work in their specific role for their nominated employer, who began the invitation process for the visa to be issued.
What is the procedure for obtaining a Seasonal work permit in Greece?
The applicant must apply for their visa at the consulate or embassy in their country of residence.
The employer should then apply to the decentralized administration on behalf of the worker and submit the following documents:
- A fee of €150 for every individual to be employed
- A document confirming the employment of the individuals invited to work
- Two copies of the employment contract must be provided and signed by the labor inspectorate, confirming the length of the employment and what type of work, along with the compensation which should not fall below the minimum for unskilled workers.
If the invitation request by the employer is rubber stamped, the decentralized administration then sends an approval letter to the consulate in the employee's country of residence so that they can be granted a visa.
The welfare state in Greece
If you are a non-EU citizen residing in Greece, as long as you have lawfully resided and been insured for work in Greece, then you will receive the same social security benefits as other Greek or EU citizens, such as sickness, unemployment, maternity/paternity, disability and old-age pensions.
How to claim your pension as an employee in Greece?
Healthcare:
To gain illness insurance benefits of any kind, you need to have paid insurance contributions equal to at least 50 days of employment during the year before the illness or in the 12 months before the illness. These services are mostly provided by the National Organisation for the Provision of Health Services (EOPYY)
Old-age pensions
Regarding pensions in Greece, the individual needs to have reached a specific age and to have built up/accumulated a given number of insurance days to qualify. Moreover, a pension can be availed at a point, and up to that date, insured individuals can continue to work.
Key points on claiming old-age pensions in Greece:
- 67 years old is the pension for men and women
- The minimum insurance period is 15 years, or equivalent to 4,500 days of employment
- To receive a full pension, the individual must have accumulated 40 insurance years or the equivalent of 12,000 days of employment.
- On certain conditions, an additional amount is available monthly for dependents
- Pensions are subject to tax
In Greece, you qualify for a full pension if you have fulfilled 40 insurance years, which is equivalent to 12,000 contribution days if you are 62 years of age alternatively, if you have 15 insurance years, which are equivalent to 4,500 contribution days.
The pension is constructed from two entities:
- the state-funded national pension, with this pot not being built by contributions.
- the contributory pension, which is determined through the earnings from which contributions have been paid beginning the year 2002 up to the submission of the pension application, and on the proviso of the replacement rate measured against the entire insurance period. Finally, the pension is given every month.
If you want to claim your old-age pension, you will need to visit your local National Social Security Fund Office (EFKA) or see the e-EFKA website for further information.
Useful link:
Greece - Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion - European Commission
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