If you’re a non-EU citizen planning to move to Greece — whether for remote work, retirement, investment, or family — your first step is to apply for a national visa from abroad.
Greece does not allow most foreigners to apply directly from within the country. Instead, you must submit your application through a Greek consulate or embassy in your home country.
This guide explains the exact step-by-step process to apply for a Greek long-stay visa (Type D), what documents you need, processing timelines, and how Borderless Lawyers can support you remotely.
🏷️ What Is a Type D National Visa?
A Type D visa allows non-EU nationals to:
-
Enter Greece legally with the intent to reside long-term
-
Apply for a residence permit once inside the country
-
Stay longer than 90 days
-
Begin the legal residency path (leading to PR or citizenship)
📌 This is not a tourist visa. It’s a long-term national visa for specific purposes.
📋 Step 1: Determine Which Visa You Need
The Greek consulate will only approve your application if you meet the specific category requirements.
Common Greece visa types include:
| Visa Type | For Whom |
|---|---|
| Digital Nomad | Remote workers with €3,500+/mo income |
| FIP (Financially Independent) | Retirees or passive income earners |
| Golden Visa | Property investors (€250K+) |
| Family Reunification | Spouse or children of resident |
| Student Visa | University acceptance required |
| Employment Visa | Job offer in Greece |
| Spouse of Greek/EU citizen | Marriage-based stay |
💡 Need help choosing the right visa? Borderless Lawyers offers tailored eligibility reviews.
🌍 Step 2: Apply at Your Local Greek Consulate
You must submit your application in person at the nearest Greek embassy or consulate.
Find yours here: Greek Consular Authorities
Appointments may take several weeks to schedule, especially in high-demand countries.
🧾 Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents
Each visa type has specific documentation, but the core list usually includes:
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Minimum 1 year validity |
| Application form | Provided by consulate |
| Passport photos | EU format (biometric) |
| Proof of purpose | Contract, income, enrollment, etc. |
| Health insurance | With €30,000 coverage |
| Police clearance | From home country |
| Proof of accommodation | Lease, hosting, or property title |
| Proof of income | Bank statements, contracts, tax returns |
| Translations | All non-Greek/English docs must be translated and apostilled |
✅ Borderless Lawyers provides checklists, certified translations, and legal affidavits to streamline your application.
🏛️ Step 4: Attend the Visa Interview
At the Greek consulate appointment:
-
Submit your documents
-
Pay the visa fee (usually €180–€270)
-
Answer basic questions (Why Greece? What will you do there?)
-
Leave your passport temporarily
-
Provide fingerprints (biometrics)
Some consulates offer same-day decisions, but most take 1–3 weeks.
⏱️ Step 5: Wait for Your Visa Decision
Processing time depends on:
-
Visa category (e.g. Golden Visa = faster, Employment Visa = slower)
-
Your country of application
-
Complexity of your file
Typical outcomes:
| Result | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Approved | 1–3 weeks |
| Delayed | Up to 2 months |
| Rejected | You can appeal with legal support |
If you’re unsure, Borderless Lawyers can pre-review your documents to ensure you meet requirements before applying.
🎟️ Step 6: Enter Greece and Begin Residency Process
Once approved, your Type D visa is valid for 90–365 days, depending on the category.
After you arrive in Greece:
-
Apply for your residence permit at the local Migration Office (within 30–90 days)
-
Get your AFM (Greek tax number)
-
Register for AMKA (if needed)
-
Open a bank account
-
Enroll in public or private insurance
-
Start your residency clock for permanent stay or citizenship
💼 We guide you through all these steps, including full legal representation and POA filing.
📦 Can You Apply Without Being in Your Home Country?
Generally no — the Greek consulate must match your citizenship or legal residence.
Exceptions include:
-
People with dual citizenship
-
Residents in another Schengen country
-
Emergency humanitarian cases
We’ll advise you if remote filing or embassy switching is possible in your case.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
❌ Submitting incomplete or outdated documents
-
❌ Not translating documents with certified translators
-
❌ Trying to enter Greece on a tourist visa and adjust status later (not allowed)
-
❌ Assuming income not proven by bank or tax docs will be accepted
-
❌ Booking travel before visa is approved
✅ Let Borderless Lawyers audit your file before submission to avoid these issues.
🔄 Can You Apply Again After Rejection?
Yes — you can:
-
Appeal the rejection (within legal deadlines)
-
Submit a new application with stronger evidence
-
Switch to a different visa category (e.g. from FIP to Digital Nomad)
We handle legal appeals and reapplication strategies for rejected clients.
💼 Borderless Lawyers: Full-Support Visa Assistance
We assist with:
✅ Visa eligibility assessments
✅ Personalized document checklists
✅ Certified translations and apostille prep
✅ Embassy preparation and POA filing
✅ Local Greek registration and residence permit after arrival
✅ Appeals if needed
All services available remotely, even before you set foot in Greece.
❓ FAQ – Applying for a Greek Visa from Abroad
Q: Can I apply while already in Greece?
A: No — you must apply for a Type D visa from abroad before entering for long-term stay.
Q: Can I bring my spouse and kids?
A: Yes — most visa types allow family members to apply jointly or follow you later.
Q: What if my visa is delayed?
A: Borderless Lawyers can follow up with the consulate and help address missing items.
🏛️ Start Your Greek Journey the Right Way
Moving to Greece legally starts outside the country — with a proper visa application. Don’t let paperwork or embassy bureaucracy stand in your way.
👉 Book a consultation with Borderless Lawyers and we’ll help you submit a winning application, fully compliant and stress-free.