How to Move to Greece

Can I apply?

You'll usually need to tick these boxes:

• A confirmed job offer meeting the minimum contract length (6 months minimum since 2026).
• Your employer receives authorisation from the Decentralised Administration first.
• The role and region have available quota under Greece's biennial quota system.

What to do, step by step

1. 1

   Employer requests authorisation

   Your Greek employer applies for work authorisation through the Migration Ministry portal, confirming quota availability for your role and region.

2. 2

   Apply for the D (national) visa

   With the authorisation, book an appointment at your nearest Greek consulate and submit the visa application package.

3. 3

   Give biometrics

   Attend your consulate appointment for fingerprints and a photo.

4. 4

   Travel to Greece

   Since 2026, you can start work once your application is submitted and a certificate of submission is issued — before the physical card arrives.

5. 5

   Complete single permit registration

   After arrival, finalise your combined work-and-residence permit at the relevant office.

Papers you need

Can I apply?

You'll usually need to tick these boxes:

• A job contract of at least 1 year in a highly qualified role.
• Salary at least 1.6× the average Greek gross annual salary (~€31,900 in 2024, verify current figure).
• A relevant degree, or 5+ years of comparable professional experience for unregulated professions.
• Health insurance.

What to do, step by step

1. 1

   Secure a qualifying job offer

   Get a contract of 1+ year meeting the Blue Card salary threshold.

2. 2

   Employer/you submit the E.1 application

   Apply for the highly-qualified-employee residence permit, either from abroad via consulate or after visa-free entry.

3. 3

   Provide qualification evidence

   Submit degree certificates or proof of 5+ years relevant experience.

4. 4

   Receive your Blue Card

   Once approved (up to 90 days), collect your Blue Card residence permit.

Papers you need

Can I apply?

You'll usually need to tick these boxes:

• Acceptance letter from a Ministry of Education-certified institution.
• Proof of funds (~€600–700/month, or ~€7,000–8,000/year).
• Health insurance and onward travel proof.

What to do, step by step

1. 1

   Get accepted

   Apply directly to a certified Greek institution and receive your acceptance letter.

2. 2

   Prove your finances

   Gather bank statements or a sponsor letter showing the required monthly/annual funds.

3. 3

   Apply for the D-visa

   Book an appointment at your nearest Greek consulate and submit your student visa application.

4. 4

   Travel & register

   Enter Greece and apply for your student residence permit at the local migration office.

Papers you need

Can I apply?

You'll usually need to tick these boxes:

• Your sponsor holds a valid Greek residence permit (or has resided legally 2+ years).
• Sponsor meets the minimum income requirement.
• Legalised and translated marriage/birth certificates.

What to do, step by step

1. 1

   Confirm sponsor eligibility

   Your sponsor must hold qualifying Greek residence status and meet the income threshold.

2. 2

   Gather and legalise documents

   Get marriage/birth certificates apostilled and translated into Greek.

3. 3

   Apply at the Greek consulate

   Submit your family reunification visa application with the required documents.

4. 4

   Travel & register

   Enter Greece and complete residence registration.

Papers you need