Whether you’re planning to explore the islands, launch a startup, or retire by the Aegean, Greece offers a visa to match your needs. In this guide, you’ll find the main types of Greek visas, who they’re for, and how to apply — with expert support from Borderless Lawyers.
🧳 1. Schengen Visa (Type C – Short Stay)
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For: Tourism, business, short-term visits (up to 90 days)
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Who needs it: Non-EU/EEA citizens from countries that require a visa
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Stay limit: 90 days in a 180-day period
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Multiple entry possible: Yes, if requested and approved
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Work permitted: ❌ No
📌 Best for tourists, business travelers, or visiting friends/family.
🛂 2. National Visa (Type D – Long Stay)
A Type D visa is for stays over 90 days and leads to a residence permit.
Main categories:
🧓 Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa
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For: Retirees or individuals with passive income
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Requirements: €2,000+ monthly income (per person), private health insurance
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Work allowed: ❌ No
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Leads to residency: ✅ Yes
💻 Digital Nomad Visa
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For: Remote workers employed by non-Greek companies
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Income required: €3,500+ per month
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Initial validity: 1 year, renewable
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Work for Greek clients: ❌ No
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Family eligible: ✅ Yes
💼 Work Visa (Employment-Based)
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For: Foreigners with a Greek job offer or intra-corporate transfer
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Must have: Signed employment contract & sponsor
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Leads to residency: ✅ Yes
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Permit duration: 1–2 years, renewable
🏠 Family Reunification Visa
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For: Spouses, children, or dependent parents of Greek residents
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Must have: Proof of family relationship and residence in Greece
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Work allowed: ✅ Yes (for spouses)
👨🎓 Student Visa
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For: Enrolled students at Greek universities or language schools
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Requires: Proof of admission, accommodation, and funds
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Work allowed: ✅ Part-time (up to 20 hours/week)
🧑💼 Business/Investor Visa (D Visa)
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For: Entrepreneurs, shareholders, or startup founders
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Includes: Startup visa and Greece’s FIP visa for investors
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Must show: Business plan, investment, or Greek company role
👨⚕️ Medical or Humanitarian Visa
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For: Medical treatment or humanitarian grounds (rare and case-specific)
🛡️ 3. Asylum/Refugee & Humanitarian Protection
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For: People fleeing war, persecution, or violence
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Apply for asylum at: Border entry points, regional asylum offices
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Includes access to legal aid, accommodation, and support
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Process is regulated by the Greek Asylum Service
🌍 4. Special Residency Programs (Non-Visa Based Entry)
Some nationalities can enter visa-free for short stays and later apply for residence:
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USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand – Enter without a visa and apply for long-stay permits within Greece (if eligible)
🏛️ Greece Residence Permits (After Visa Approval)
A D-type visa lets you enter Greece, but you must then apply for a residence permit through the Ministry of Migration & Asylum within 30–90 days of arrival.
⚖️ Borderless Lawyers: Visa Help You Can Trust
Whether you’re applying for a Schengen, digital nomad, or investor visa, we help with:
✔️ Choosing the right visa category
✔️ Document review and translations
✔️ Application submission & appointment booking
✔️ Visa rejections or appeals
✔️ Residence permits and renewals
📞 Serving clients from India, USA, South Africa, Brazil, UK, China, Lebanon, and more.