Looking to relocate employees to Greece for a branch office, startup, or long-term assignment? This guide outlines the legal, visa, and logistical requirements for personnel relocation to Greece โ whether for intra-company transfers, hiring non-EU talent, or expanding global teams.
๐ Why Choose Greece for Personnel Relocation?
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๐ Strategic location bridging Europe, the Middle East, and Africa
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๐ธ Competitive cost of living and office space
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๐งโ๐ป Access to tech and remote talent hubs (Athens, Thessaloniki)
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๐ Attractive lifestyle for expats and families
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๐ Growing sectors: tech, finance, energy, shipping, tourism
๐ Visa Options for Personnel Relocation to Greece
Here are the most relevant visa and residence permit options when relocating staff to Greece:
1. ๐งณ Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Permit
For multinational companies relocating managers, specialists, or trainees to a Greek branch.
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Valid for 1โ3 years (depending on role)
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For non-EU employees already employed at least 3 months
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Includes family reunification
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Must be on the Greek entity’s payroll
2. ๐ฉโ๐ผ Highly Skilled Employee Visa (EU Blue Card)
For non-EU nationals with high qualifications and job offers in Greece.
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Minimum annual salary threshold
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Requires higher education or equivalent professional experience
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Valid for 2 years, renewable
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Fast-track path to permanent residency and citizenship
3. ๐ป Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work)
For remote personnel not hired by a Greek company but working online from Greece.
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โฌ3,500/month income threshold
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Cannot work for Greek clients or companies
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Family members can relocate as dependents
4. ๐งพ Standard Work Visa (National Type D Visa)
For employees hired by a Greek company.
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Requires employment contract and proof of labor market need
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Sponsored by the Greek employer
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Converts to a residence permit upon arrival in Greece
๐ฆ What Does Personnel Relocation Involve?
Relocating personnel to Greece involves more than just a visa. Here’s what your team needs:
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Visa and residence permit
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Greek tax number (AFM)
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Social security number (AMKA)
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Health insurance registration
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Bank account setup
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Local address and rental contract
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Spouse/family visa support
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Language and cultural integration (optional)
๐๏ธ Where to Apply
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โ๏ธ Employees typically apply for work visas at the Greek Consulate in their home country
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๐ข Residence permits are finalized in Greece at the local Aliens and Immigration Office
๐ Relocation Destinations in Greece
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Athens โ Headquarters and tech/startup hub
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Thessaloniki โ Ideal for regional offices and cultural appeal
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Heraklion & Patras โ Academic partnerships and tech research
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Chania & Rhodes โ Remote work teams or creative industry placements
โ๏ธ Borderless Lawyers: Your Personnel Relocation Partner
We help companies and HR teams relocate employees to Greece with full legal compliance.
Our Corporate Relocation Services Include:
๐น Visa and permit processing (ICT, Blue Card, Digital Nomad, D visa)
๐น Employee and family onboarding
๐น Tax ID, healthcare, banking setup
๐น Property rental assistance
๐น Employment contract review (under Greek labor law)
๐น Ongoing immigration compliance
๐ฉ Contact us for a custom corporate quote or multi-employee relocation package.
๐ Summary Table: Visa Options for Relocating Personnel to Greece
| Visa Type | For Whom | Can Include Family | Max Duration | Path to Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intra-Company Transfer | Non-EU internal staff | โ | 3 years | โ (with extension) |
| EU Blue Card | Skilled professionals | โ | 2 years | โ |
| Digital Nomad Visa | Remote workers | โ | 1โ2 years | โ (after renewal) |
| Standard Work Visa | New hires in Greece | โ | 1โ2 years | โ |
๐ง Employer Tips for Smooth Personnel Relocation
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Start visa planning at least 2โ3 months in advance
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Ensure employment contracts are compliant with Greek labor codes
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Assign a relocation officer or use third-party legal support
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Provide housing and tax assistance to employees and families
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Consider language and cultural orientation sessions