Greece – Work Permits and Working Legally

Do expats need a work permit to work legally in Greece?

EU and EEA nationals, along with Swiss citizens, enjoy the right to work freely in Greece without any special authorisation, thanks to free movement provisions under EU law. For everyone else — referred to as third-country nationals — obtaining the correct work visa and residence permit before starting any job is a legal requirement.

The Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum makes clear that all third-country nationals who intend to work in Greece for longer than 90 days must hold the relevant residence permit for their employment category. There is no grace period once work has begun — all permissions must be secured in advance.

Rather than issuing separate work visas and residence permits, Greece merges residence rights and work authorisation into a single permit system for non-EU/EEA nationals. The Ministry of Migration and Asylum manages residence permits, while the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs oversees labour market matters such as employer invitations, occupational quotas, and employment approvals. Both ministries are involved in the process, which creates distinct obligations for both the employer and the incoming worker.

Unlike in some countries where individuals bear the full burden of applying, Greece’s system places the initial responsibility squarely with the employer. Employers or their representatives must register with the Ministry of Migration and Asylum before they can sponsor foreign staff. Once that groundwork is laid, the employee takes over by applying for the visa at the relevant consulate and, upon arrival in Greece, for the residence permit.

The Migration Code establishes a quota-based admission system for non-EU nationals seeking salaried employment. Volumes of admission are set through a joint ministerial decision issued every two years, specifying the maximum number of positions available by region and occupational category. This means that a confirmed job offer alone is not sufficient — approval also depends on whether the position falls within the current quota allocation. Those who already hold long-term residence status, persons with international protection, and certain other groups may already be entitled to work and should review their permit conditions directly with the immigration authority.

What types of work permit are available in Greece?

Greek immigration legislation provides a range of residence permit categories to suit different employment circumstances. Following the introduction of the new Immigration Code (Law 5038/2023 and subsequent amendments) effective from 2024–2025, these categories have been restructured for greater clarity. The most relevant options for working expats are described below.

Residence permit for dependent (salaried) employment
Under Law 4251/2014, Article 15, a third-country national holding a valid employment visa may be granted a residence permit for salaried work, provided they have a binding employment contract and meet the minimum salary requirement — at least the national minimum wage. The initial permit is typically valid for two years and can be renewed for three-year periods thereafter. This is by far the most widely used route for employer-sponsored workers across many sectors.

EU Blue Card
Targeted at highly qualified professionals, the EU Blue Card requires applicants to hold a university degree or to demonstrate at least five years of relevant professional experience at an equivalent level. A binding employment contract or job offer of at least one year’s duration is required, and the salary must be at least 1.6 times Greece’s average gross annual salary — currently approximately €32,000 (as of 2024–2025). Under the updated Immigration Code, the employment contract must have a minimum validity of six months. The EU Blue Card provides a clearer path to long-term residence after five years and offers greater intra-EU transferability than standard employment permits.

Seasonal Work Visa
This visa category covers temporary employment in sectors with predictable seasonal labour demand, principally agriculture, tourism, and hospitality. It permits non-EU nationals to work in Greece for up to six months within any twelve-month period. Employers must provide fixed-term contracts that correspond to the seasonal nature of the work.

Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Permit
Aligned with EU Directive 2014/66/EU, the ICT permit enables skilled employees to be temporarily transferred between branches of a multinational enterprise. It is available to managers, specialists, and trainee employees moving to a Greek establishment within the same corporate group.

Self-Employed / Independent Worker
Foreign nationals wishing to establish or run their own business in Greece may apply under the self-employed visa category. Unlike other routes, this does not require employer sponsorship. Applicants must provide evidence of adequate financial resources and present a credible business plan.

Digital Nomad Visa
Available since 2021, Greece’s Digital Nomad Visa is aimed at remote workers employed by companies based outside Greece. While it is primarily an individual visa rather than an employer-sponsored one, it can be relevant where a company has remote staff operating from Greek territory. Applicants must demonstrate proof of remote work arrangements and meet an income threshold — currently around €3,500 net per month for a single applicant (as of 2024–2025). From 1 January 2024, third-country nationals must obtain a Digital Nomad Visa from the Greek consulate in their country of citizenship or residence before entering Greece and subsequently applying for a Digital Nomad Residence Permit from within the country.

How do you apply for a work permit in Greece, and how long does it take?

For most non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals, securing the right to work in Greece involves a two-stage process: first, obtaining employer authorisation and administrative approvals within Greece, and second, applying for the national Type D visa and subsequent residence permit. The procedure cannot be completed solely from abroad or solely from within Greece — it spans both jurisdictions. The steps below outline the standard process for salaried employment.

1. Employer identifies the permit category and checks quotas. The employer establishes which permit category applies to the role and verifies that hiring a third-country national for that position is permissible. This may involve confirming that the role falls within the biennial quota set by joint ministerial decision, which specifies the maximum number of non-EU workers permitted per region and occupational type. Even when a job offer is in hand, approval hinges on whether the position is within current allocations and satisfies labour market requirements.
2. Employer gathers corporate documents and applies for authorisation. Acting on behalf of the prospective employee, the employer submits a work permit application to the Decentralised Administration Office in Greece. Required documents typically include a signed employment contract specifying the role and salary, corporate documentation such as tax records and business registration certificates, evidence from a labour market test confirming that no suitable EU/EEA candidate was identified, and a job description demonstrating alignment with Greek labour market needs.
3. Pre-approval is granted and forwarded to the Greek consulate. Once the immigration authorities have assessed the application against applicable quotas and requirements, they issue a pre-approval decision and transmit it electronically to the Greek consulate in the applicant’s country of citizenship or residence. The consulate then proceeds with the visa stage.
4. Employee applies for the Type D visa at the Greek consulate abroad. With pre-approval in place, the employee submits a national Type D visa application at the Greek consulate in their country of residence. Documents typically required include a valid passport, completed application forms, the employment contract or binding job offer, proof of qualifications, and any medical or police clearance certificates specified by the consulate.
5. Employee travels to Greece and applies for the residence permit. Once the Type D visa is issued, the employee travels to Greece and must lodge a residence permit application for employment at the competent immigration office within 30 days of entry. Biometric data is collected at this stage, and a temporary certificate is usually issued while the residence permit card is being produced.
6. Register with ERGANI, obtain AMKA and AFM. Employment contracts — which must clearly set out duties, duration, remuneration, and working hours — are required to be filed with ERGANI, Greece’s national labour information and tracking system. Foreign workers must also obtain an AMKA (social security number) and an AFM (tax identification number), and register with the local municipal office. These identifiers are essential for accessing healthcare, paying taxes, and working lawfully.
7. Residence permit card is issued. Once the card is produced and collected, it must remain valid throughout the employment period. Both employer and employee share responsibility for monitoring expiry dates, meeting reporting obligations, and initiating renewal at least 60 days before the permit expires to avoid any interruption to lawful residence or work rights.

Processing times: The visa stage alone typically takes between 15 and 30 days, though this varies depending on the applicant’s nationality and the complexity of the case (as of 2025). End-to-end, the full process generally takes between one and three months. Seasonal pressures, the workload of the handling consulate, and the completeness of the application package can all affect timelines. There is no widely publicised expedited track; submitting a thorough and well-organised application remains the most effective way to avoid unnecessary delays.

Greece’s revised Migration Code, which took effect on 1 January 2024, aimed to streamline procedures through greater use of digital tools. An online application platform has been introduced for initial permit requests, reducing the need for in-person visits in some circumstances. International workers can apply online for the issuance of their first residence permit at portal.immigration.gov.gr.

What documents do expats need to apply for a work permit in Greece?

Documentation requirements differ according to the permit category, but the list below reflects what is typically required for a standard salaried employment permit. Requirements are updated periodically, so always confirm the current checklist directly with the Ministry of Migration and Asylum or the Greek consulate serving your country of residence.

Documents the employee must provide:

• A valid international passport with a remaining validity of at least 18 months from the date the permit is obtained, and a minimum of two blank pages available for visa stamps.
• Completed application forms, together with the employment contract or binding job offer, evidence of relevant qualifications, and any medical or police clearance certificates required by the consulate.
• Police clearance certificates from the applicant’s country of origin and, where applicable, any country of previous long-term residence, confirming no criminal background that would pose a public order risk.
• In certain categories, evidence of suitable accommodation in Greece and documentation showing the applicant will have sufficient income to support themselves and any accompanying dependants.
• Two identical colour photographs, sized 3.5×4.5 cm, with the face filling at least 70% of the frame.
• Proof of comprehensive health insurance coverage for the intended period of stay.
• For roles under the EU Blue Card or other highly skilled categories, certified copies of university degrees, professional licences, or detailed evidence of professional experience relevant to the position.

Documents the employer must provide:

• The sponsoring employer must be duly registered in Greece, current with all tax and social security obligations, and authorised to operate within its industry sector.
• Corporate documentation demonstrating good standing, which typically includes company registration certificates, tax compliance confirmations, social security payment records, and any sector-specific licences or authorisations.
• A signed employment contract specifying the nature of the role, the agreed salary, and the duration of employment, demonstrating compliance with Greek labour standards.
• Evidence from a labour market test confirming that no suitable EU/EEA candidate was available to fill the vacancy.

Some permit categories involve additional scrutiny, quota checks, or approvals from sector-specific bodies, and requirements can vary between regions and immigration offices. If you work in a regulated profession — such as medicine, law, or engineering — you may additionally need to secure recognition of your foreign qualifications from the relevant Greek regulatory authority before a permit can be granted. Verifying requirements with local authorities or a qualified immigration adviser is strongly recommended.

What does a work permit cost in Greece?

The total cost of securing a work permit in Greece is spread across multiple stages and is shared between employer and employee. All fees are subject to change; confirm the current schedule with the relevant authority before submitting any application.

The employment contract must cover a minimum period of one year, and each time an employer applies to hire a foreign worker, a fee of €200 is payable to the Decentralised Administration (as of 2024). The visa fee itself typically falls between €60 and €180 depending on the permit type (as of 2025). For the most current fee schedule, consult the Hellenic Republic Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Greek consulate handling your application.

The overall cost picture varies according to permit class, the applicant’s nationality, the number of dependants included, and any consular service surcharges. Separate government fees apply at each stage of the permit process, and the cost of translating and officially certifying foreign-language documents can add a significant sum to the total — this should be budgeted for from the outset.

On whether employers may transfer their sponsorship costs to the employee: Greek labour law does not categorically prohibit this in every scenario, but any arrangement that results in the worker’s net pay falling below the national minimum wage is unlawful. In practice, employers are generally expected to absorb their own administrative and authorisation costs. If an employer asks you to cover or reimburse permit-related expenses as a precondition of employment, take independent legal advice before agreeing to any such arrangement.

Can expats change jobs or employers while on a work permit in Greece?

Work permits in Greece are tied to a specific employer, occupation, and location. A permit issued for one employer does not confer the right to work for a different company, in a different role, or in a different region without further authorisation.

A Greek work visa is generally linked to the sponsoring employer. If you wish to move to a new job, your prospective new employer must submit a fresh work permit application on your behalf, which will ordinarily include a new labour market test. It is essential that valid sponsorship remains in place throughout any employment transition. Beginning work with a new employer before the new permit has been formally approved puts you in breach of your permit conditions.

Work permit holders are authorised to work for their sponsoring employer and may, under certain conditions, change employers or sectors in the future. The critical principle is continuity of authorisation: you should not leave one employer and start with another until the replacement permit has been granted or a bridging certificate is formally in place.

EU Blue Card holders benefit from somewhat more flexible rules. The revised Immigration Code reduced the minimum period that must elapse before a Blue Card holder may transfer from another EU member state from 18 months to 12 months. Holders of standard employment permits considering a change in occupation, industry sector, or geographical location should consult an immigration specialist before taking any action, as restrictions differ depending on the permit category and the stage of the permit lifecycle.

Those who have accumulated five or more years of continuous lawful residence may be eligible to apply for permanent residence status. This provides substantially greater security: it carries unrestricted work rights, eases access to banking services and property ownership, improves eligibility for social benefits, and affords stronger protection against deportation.

What are the penalties for working illegally in Greece?

Employing third-country nationals who are not lawfully resident in Greece, or who do not hold a residence permit or entry visa granting access to the labour market, is strictly forbidden under Greek law. The consequences for both worker and employer are substantial.

Penalties for employees:
Working without authorisation is punishable by a fine of up to €1,200 per individual or up to 18 months’ imprisonment. Deportation from the Schengen area, accompanied by a re-entry ban, is also a possible outcome. Working in violation of permit conditions — for example, performing duties not covered by your permit, working for an employer other than your sponsor, or operating outside your authorised region — carries the same legal consequences as working with no authorisation whatsoever. Any such infringement can also cause lasting damage to future immigration prospects, including applications for renewal, long-term residence, or naturalisation.

Penalties for employers:
An employer who engages a foreign national who is legally resident in Greece but lacks a valid work authorisation faces a fine of €1,500 for each such worker. A further penalty of €10,500 applies for each undeclared worker (as of current legislation).

Where the worker is not lawfully residing in Greece at all, the employer faces a financial penalty of €5,000 per illegally employed individual. In the event of a repeat violation within four years, that fine is doubled for each worker concerned. Administrative sanctions are imposed alongside these financial penalties, including exclusion from public grants and subsidies, as well as temporary or permanent revocation of the operating licence or suspension of business activities.

Enforcement is carried out by the Labour Inspectorate (SEPE) and the Hellenic Police, and inspections have become increasingly rigorous in recent years, particularly in the tourism and agricultural sectors where irregular employment has historically been more prevalent.

Where can expats find reliable and up-to-date information on work permits in Greece?

Because fees, processing procedures, and documentary requirements are revised regularly — especially since the new Migration Code came into force in 2024 — it is vital to consult authoritative official sources rather than relying on commercial websites or outdated online forums.

Key official sources:

• Ministry of Migration and Asylum (immigration.gov.gr) — the principal authority for residence permits and work authorisation in Greece. First-time applicants can submit online applications for their residence permit at portal.immigration.gov.gr.
• Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (ypergasias.gov.gr) — responsible for regulating and supervising the application of legislation governing the employment of third-country nationals in Greece, through its departments for Greek workers abroad, foreign employment in Greece, and equal treatment at work.
• Hellenic Republic Ministry of Foreign Affairs (mfa.gr) — provides guidance on visa categories, their requirements and durations, and publishes updated document checklists for each visa type.
• Greek consulate or embassy in your country of residence — for applications initiated from outside Greece, the local consulate is the primary point of contact for visa submissions, appointment bookings, and country-specific document requirements. The consular authority in the applicant’s country of origin or residence is the competent body for issuing the national work visa.
• Decentralised Administration offices — responsible for in-country steps including residence permit applications and employer authorisations. Applications can be lodged at the one-stop shops operated by the Decentralised Administration.

Exercise caution when consulting commercial migration websites, which may present simplified summaries or outdated fee tables that do not reflect current regulatory changes. The precise steps, documents, and offices involved can differ significantly depending on the permit type, the applicant’s nationality, and the region in which employment will take place, meaning that guidance accurate for one person may not apply to your situation. If your circumstances are complex — for instance, if you work in a regulated profession, have family members joining you, or are transferring from another EU member state — it is advisable to engage a qualified Greek immigration lawyer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start working in Greece as soon as my Type D visa is issued?

Once your Type D visa has been issued and you have entered Greece, you are required to lodge your residence permit application at the competent immigration office within 30 days. Biometric data is collected at this point, and a temporary document is usually provided while your permit card is being processed. Once you have completed the application and received this receipt — often referred to as a blue form — you are generally permitted to begin working while the card is prepared.

Does my work permit cover my whole family?

Once your residence permit is in place, you may apply for family reunification to bring your spouse and dependent children to Greece. Relatives admitted through reunification are granted their own residence permits; however, these do not automatically confer the right to work. Each family member should verify their own permit conditions with the immigration authority to understand what activities they are permitted to undertake.

How do I renew my Greek work permit?

Renewal must be initiated at least 60 days before your current permit expires, either at your local municipal office or through the relevant immigration authority. Third-country nationals can now apply exclusively online to renew a residence permit or residence card. During the period in which your renewal application is being processed, the rights associated with your existing permit continue to apply, ensuring there is no gap in your legal status.

What is the EU Blue Card, and how does it differ from a standard employment permit?

The EU Blue Card is a specialist permit for highly qualified workers who hold a university degree or can demonstrate at least five years of comparable professional experience. It requires an employment contract of at least one year and a salary of at least 1.6 times Greece’s average gross annual salary — currently around €32,000 (as of 2024–2025). Relative to a standard employment permit, the Blue Card provides considerably greater freedom of movement within the EU and a more defined route to long-term residence status.

Can I apply for a work permit without a job offer already in place?

For the overwhelming majority of non-EU/EEA nationals, a confirmed job offer from a Greek employer is a prerequisite for obtaining a work-authorising residence permit. The Digital Nomad Visa is a notable exception, being designed for individuals working remotely for employers based outside Greece, but it still requires evidence of sufficient and stable income and does not permit the holder to take up employment with a Greek company.

Are there any bilateral agreements that make the process easier for nationals of specific countries?

Greece has concluded bilateral labour agreements with a number of countries — for example, an arrangement with Egypt to facilitate the recruitment of seasonal agricultural workers. The scope and terms of these agreements vary considerably by country and by sector. To find out whether any such arrangement applies to your nationality and your field of work, contact the Greek consulate in your country and check with the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.

What happens to my permit if I am made redundant?

Losing your job does not render your residence permit invalid with immediate effect, but your permit is linked to your employment status and will be affected. You should inform the relevant immigration authority as soon as possible and seek advice without delay. Remaining in Greece beyond any applicable grace period without valid authorisation can have serious consequences for your future immigration record. The exact rules and any transitional provisions vary according to permit type, so check current guidance with the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.

Does time spent on a work permit count towards Greek citizenship?

Lawful residence in Greece on a work permit does accrue towards the continuous residence requirement for naturalisation, which generally stands at a minimum of seven years. However, citizenship applications are evaluated on multiple criteria beyond length of residence, including Greek language proficiency, evidence of social integration, and the absence of a criminal record. For tailored eligibility advice, consult the Ministry of Migration and Asylum or a qualified legal adviser with expertise in Greek nationality law.