Article
14 min read
How to Get a Visa and Work Permit in Greece (2025)
Immigration
Author
Jemima Owen-Jones
Last Update
August 01, 2025
Table of Contents
How easy is it to get a work visa in Greece?
Are there different types of entry visas and work permits in Greece?
Greece visa and work permit eligibility requirements for candidates
Greece visa and work permit sponsorship criteria for employers
Greece work permit application process
What is the cost of a visa and work permit in Greece?
Is Deel Immigration the best choice for hiring in Greece?
Hire employees in Greece faster with Deel Immigration
Key takeaways
- Companies are increasingly targeting Greece to hire and relocate top talent, tapping into its vibrant tech scene and strategic location.
- Navigating Greece’s visa and immigration system can be challenging, with strict documentation requirements, labor market tests, and complex employer obligations.
- Deel Immigration simplifies hiring in Greece by handling compliance, streamlining paperwork, and fast-tracking work visa approvals.
Expanding into Greece offers significant strategic advantages, like proximity to European markets, a dynamic tech scene, and a growing pool of multilingual professionals. Whether launching a satellite office in Athens or onboarding top engineering talent remotely, securing Greek work authorization can supercharge your global ambitions.
But Greece’s immigration framework is detailed. Visa requirements for Greece and sponsorships come with complex documentation, labor market tests, and strict employer obligations. Missing even a minor step can slow down onboarding, expose your company to compliance risks, and risk talent loss.
The effect? Bottlenecked hiring pipelines, delayed market entry, and the stress of navigating bureaucracy. That’s why growth-focused teams are shifting to Deel Immigration. Deel Immigration cuts through red tape with digital workflows, compliance expertise, and real-time tracking. Imagine hiring seamlessly, while Deel handles every work visa in Greece, permit, and deadline.
How easy is it to get a work visa in Greece?
Obtaining a work permit in Greece is moderately challenging for foreign nationals. The difficulty often depends on factors such as the job title and scope, and whether the applicant is from a European Union member state.
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Job title & local demand | Work permit applications related to highly sought-after jobs by locals are less likely to be approved. However, if the work permit application is related to a job facing labor shortage, the application is more likely to be approved. |
| EU/EEA nationality | In general, citizens of EU member states have less difficulty obtaining a work permit in Greece, compared with citizens of non-EU member states. |
| Legalization/Apostille & translation requirements | Visa applications must meet documentation requirements including legalization/apostille and translation into Greek by a certified translator in Greece. |
Deel gives us the peace of mind of knowing that in these visa situations, the employee will get the support they need.
—Leanne Schofield,
Head of People at Form3
Are there different types of entry visas and work permits in Greece?
Understanding Greece's entry requirements is crucial for applicants. Greece’s Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to stay up to 12 months without a traditional work visa. Beyond that, travelers and employees can apply for a short-stay Schengen Business Visa or a Digital Nomad Visa, depending on their purpose.
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Business Visa (Schengen Business Visa): This visa suits professionals traveling for meetings, conferences, or short-term business activities. Applicants need a formal invitation, proof of travel itinerary, and financial means to cover the stay. The Business Visa allows up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the Schengen Zone. Standard processing takes 10–15 calendar days after submission
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Digital Nomad Visa: This permit is ideal for remote workers and freelancers who work for non-Greek companies. Applicants must show a minimum monthly income, proof of remote employment, and health insurance covering Greece. It grants up to 12 months of residence with the option to renew for another year. Processing generally falls within 8–12 weeks once the complete dossier is submitted
Deel helps me get things done quicker, easier, and more cost-effectively. We can offer unparalleled worker mobility and flexibility, which our team values.
—Emma Leipold,
Senior Global Mobility and Total Rewards Partner at ZipCo
Global HR Solutions
Greece visa and work permit eligibility requirements for candidates
The table below provides a detailed comparison between Greece’s Business Visa (Schengen Business Visa) and Digital Nomad Visa, outlining key eligibility criteria, allowed activities, costs, processing times, and other critical details to help determine the most suitable visa option for different international mobility scenarios.
| Category | Business Visa (Schengen Business Visa) | Digital Nomad Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Type | The Schengen Business Visa is a short-term business travel visa. | The Digital Nomad Visa is a residence visa designed for remote workers. |
| Target Industries | There are no specific target industries; the visa is suitable for general business visitors. | There are no specific target industries. The visa is for remote workers across sectors. |
| Target Candidate | This visa is intended for foreigners traveling to Greece for business-related activities such as meetings, conferences, and site visits. | This visa targets non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who intend to work remotely in Greece for a non-Greek employer or as self-employed individuals outside Greece. |
| Key Eligibility | Applicants must be nationals of countries that require a visa, have a clear business purpose, show proof of sufficient funds and health insurance, provide evidence of accommodation, and must not sign contracts or perform productive work. | Applicants must be non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens aged 18 or older, must have been working remotely for at least six months, and must demonstrate a minimum monthly income of EUR 3,500 (higher if dependents are included). |
| Validity | The visa is valid for the specific duration of the business trip, up to 90 days within a 180-day period, at the discretion of the Greek consulate. | The visa is valid for up to one year. Upon arrival, the applicant can apply for a residence permit valid for up to two years. |
| Processing Time | The average processing time is around 30 days, depending on consular appointment availability. | The overall process takes three to six months, with the visa itself usually processed within ten days to one month, depending on the consulate's workload. |
| Start Before Visa? | Applicants cannot enter Greece or begin business activities before the visa is approved. | Applicants cannot begin remote work in Greece before the visa is approved and granted. |
| Employer Sponsorship Required? | Employer sponsorship is not required for this visa. | Employer sponsorship is not required, as applicants can be either client-sponsored or self-sponsored. |
| Work Rights in Greece? | The visa does not grant work rights in Greece and does not permit employment or the signing of contracts with Greek entities. | The visa does not grant the right to work for Greek employers. Only remote work for non-Greek companies is allowed. |
| Renewal | Renewal is allowed and can be requested up to three months before travel. There is no maximum number of renewals. | Renewal is permitted and should be initiated sixty days before expiry. There is no limit to the number of renewals. |
| Dependent Visa Available? | No dependent visas are available under this category. | Dependent visas are available, but higher |
For a fast, expert assessment of eligibility—with a clear breakdown of costs—Deel offers a 48-hour visa and work permit evaluation.
See also: Self-Verify Global Employee Visa Eligibility in Minutes
Because Deel makes the immigration process extremely straightforward, myself and the rest of the TalentQL team are able to focus on the core aspects of our operations, without expending too much time or resources. You simply upload everything to the dashboard, and Deel’s team takes it from there.
—Adewale Yusuf,
Co-founder, TalentQL and CEO of AltSchool Africa
Greece visa and work permit sponsorship criteria for employers
Employers must be registered in Greece and satisfy specific criteria to sponsor a visa or work permit in Greece, such as active operations, valid tax registration, and no outstanding social security obligations. Companies also need to conduct a labor market test for non-EU applicants to prove no qualified local candidate is available.
Many organizations choose an Employer of Record (EOR) to handle sponsorship duties seamlessly. An EOR assumes obligations like registering with local authorities, submitting applications, withholding payroll taxes, and ensuring ongoing compliance.
As a G2 leader in Employer of Record services in 150+ countries, Deel Immigration sponsors employees under 200+ visa and permit categories in over 40 countries. We streamline your caseload, leverage real-time compliance monitoring, and fast-track applications to get your talent on board swiftly.
See also: Easy Visa Sponsorship for Exploring New International Markets
Deel's immigration experts guide us through critical decisions, especially in complex countries like the United States, always ensuring legal compliance in each applicable state.
—David Holguín,
Benefits and Mobility Manager at FEMSA
Effortless Visa Sponsorship
Don’t meet the requirements to sponsor workers’ visas?
Greece work permit application process
Follow this five-step roadmap to secure your visa or work permit in Greece:
Step one: Prepare documentation
Prepare all necessary documents including valid passport, proof of qualifications, and employment contract. Applicants gather diplomas and reference letters; sponsors compile company registration and tax records.
Tip: Deel’s platform automates document collection and checklist tracking.
Step two: Ensure sponsorship infrastructure
Ensure employer sponsorship by a local registered company with valid tax registration. Sponsors submit corporate documentation and a labor market test report if needed.
Tip: With Deel EOR, you can skip the lengthy sponsorship license application process and accelerate global hiring and visa approvals, enabling you to hire in days, not months.
Step three: Submit application
Submit the application to the Ministry of Migration and Asylum along with all supporting documents.
Tip: Deel’s immigration experts guide you through application forms, and the platform reminds you of crucial deadlines.
Step four: Await approval
Await visa approval and receive the business visa or digital nomad visa authorization. Ministry decisions typically arrive within 8–12 weeks.
Tip: Deel notifies you the moment approval is granted. Our in-app visa tracker delivers real-time status updates.
I was still in China and Deel took care of everything. I sent in my documents and made the payment, and everything was done.
—Michael Li,
General Manager at AMB Digital Agency
Platform Tour
What is the cost of a visa and work permit in Greece?
Fees hinge on permit class, applicant nationality, number of dependents, and consular service charges. You’ll pay separate government filing fees for each permit and any translation or legalization costs.
| Cost Category | Business Visa (Schengen Business Visa) | Digital Nomad Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Government Fees | Consular Visa Fee: 90 EUR(Estimated; varies by case) | Digital Nomad Visa: 75 EUR Administrative Fee: 150 EURResidence Permit Fee: 1,000 EURResidence Permit Admin Fee: 16 EUR(Estimates; may vary by case) |
| Mandatory Expenses | Not specified | Mandatory insurance policy: Approx. 119 EUR (arranged via vendor, paid by applicant) |
| Documentation Fees | Not specified | USD 250 + additional expenses and government fees per process |
| Miscellaneous Fees | Legalizations, translations, and other fees are not included and are quoted on a case-by-case basis. Additional charges may apply depending on requirements and jurisdictional regulations. | Not specified, but additional expenses may apply depending on documentation needs. |
Is Deel Immigration the best choice for hiring in Greece?
Absolutely. Deel Immigration simplifies the complex Greece work visa and work permit process with expert guidance tailored to local regulations. Employers and talent alike benefit from streamlined workflows, ensuring faster approvals and full compliance with Greece’s labor market tests and sponsorship requirements.
- End-to-end immigration management from document prep to permit approval
- Fast, free visa assessments providing cost and timeline clarity within 48 hours
- Personalized expert support navigating the Greek labor market tests and sponsorship rules
- Self-serve document uploads and real-time application tracking via Deel’s intuitive platform
- Automated renewal reminders and dependent visa support for ongoing compliance
With Deel Immigration, your Greece hiring journey is efficient and transparent—let’s explore how to speed up your talent onboarding next.
We leave everything in Deel's hands...but it is good to have transparency and a lot of visibility as to how the case is developing.
—Valeria Rosati,
HR Operations Lead at Taktile
Hire employees in Greece faster with Deel Immigration
Speed up your Greece hiring process by leveraging Deel’s end-to-end immigration management. From initial visa assessments to application submission, Deel’s platform automates document collection and provides real-time compliance monitoring, so you never miss a critical step or deadline.
Book a free consultation today to see how our personalized expert support can guide you through Greece’s labor market test requirements and local sponsorship obligations. With Deel, you gain accelerated processing options and a dedicated team committed to getting your global workforce onboard quickly and compliantly.
More resources
FAQs
Can dependents accompany work permit holders to Greece?
Yes, dependent visa support is available. Dependents can apply for residence permits linked to the primary visa holder, allowing families to live together during the work permit duration.
Is remote work allowed on a Greek Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes, Greece offers a Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers, allowing stays up to 12 months without a traditional work permit. Applicants must prove remote employment and meet income and health insurance requirements.
What’s the difference between a work visa and a digital nomad visa in Greece?
A work visa requires employer sponsorship and labor market test compliance for non-EU nationals, while the Digital Nomad Visa is intended for remote workers employed outside Greece, with simpler eligibility criteria and no labor market test.
Are there restrictions or conditions on Greek work permits?
Yes, permits generally require a valid passport, minimum salary (approx. €800/month), and compliance with labor market tests. Overstaying or working outside permit conditions can lead to fines or bans.
Can employees change employers while on a Greek work permit?
Changing employers typically requires a new permit application and labor market test. It’s essential to maintain valid sponsorship status throughout employment transitions.
What happens if a visa application is denied?
Applicants may appeal or reapply, but must address reasons for denial. Deel’s expert support helps prepare stronger applications to minimize risks of rejection.
How do Greek work permits affect tax and social security obligations?
Work permit holders usually become subject to Greek tax and social security laws. Employers must withhold and remit contributions per local regulations.
Are there travel restrictions while holding a Greek work permit?
Generally, holders can travel within the Schengen Area, but must comply with permit validity and renewal timelines to avoid status lapses.
What pathways to permanent residency exist from a Greek work permit?
Continuous residence with valid permits for four years may qualify holders for permanent residency, subject to additional requirements. See types of residence permit in Greece and Greek residency requirements for details.
What are employer responsibilities for immigration compliance in Greece?
Employers must register locally, conduct labor market tests, submit accurate applications, and maintain compliance with Greek labor and immigration laws.
Are language proficiency or health insurance mandatory for visa applicants?
Health insurance covering Greece is required. Language proficiency is not universally mandated but may be necessary depending on permit type or employer policies.
How does Deel support immigration compliance and application management?
Deel offers real-time compliance monitoring, automated alerts, digital document uploads, personalized expert guidance, and handles payments and submissions to Greek authorities seamlessly.
Jemima is a nomadic writer, journalist, and digital marketer with a decade of experience crafting compelling B2B content for a global audience. She is a strong advocate for equal opportunities and is dedicated to shaping the future of work. At Deel, she specializes in thought-leadership content covering global mobility, cross-border compliance, and workplace culture topics.
