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Greece visas

Greece work visa

EU single market citizens can work in Greece without a visa. Greece also permits visa-waiver nationals to work during their visa-free stay, except as intellectual creators.

Ways to get a Greece work visa

  1. Work under freedom of movement

    No visa needed

    Citizens of European Union countries, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland can work in Greece without a visa.

    Stay
    Residence and work are covered by freedom of movement.

  2. Work during a visa-free short stay

    No visa needed

    Visa-waiver nationals can work during their visa-free stay in Greece, except as intellectual creators. Kosovo is also included in the visa-waiver list.

    Stay
    Within the visa-free allowance of 90 days in any 180-day period.

  3. Temporary work under the Van Der Elst rule

    Other permit

    People from outside the EU single market who are employed within it may work temporarily in another EU single market country for the same employer, under certain conditions.

Who needs it

Workers who do not qualify for freedom of movement or the stated visa-free work rule need the appropriate permission. Detailed Greek work visa requirements are not stated.

Who doesn't

EU single market citizens do not need a visa to work. Visa-waiver nationals may work during their visa-free stay in Greece unless working as intellectual creators.

Good to know

  • The visa-free work rule excludes work as an intellectual creator.
  • Stays longer than 90 days generally require a long-stay visa or residence permit for people outside the EU single market.
  • A separate working holiday programme is listed below.
  • The term intellectual creator is not further defined here.

Questions

Do I need a work visa for Greece?

Workers who do not qualify for freedom of movement or the stated visa-free work rule need the appropriate permission. Detailed Greek work visa requirements are not stated. EU single market citizens do not need a visa to work. Visa-waiver nationals may work during their visa-free stay in Greece unless working as intellectual creators.

What are the ways to get a work visa for Greece?

There are 3 options: Work under freedom of movement (no visa at all); Work during a visa-free short stay (no visa at all); Temporary work under the Van Der Elst rule (a special permit).

Who can go to Greece without a work visa?

Citizens of European Union countries, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland can work in Greece without a visa. Visa-waiver nationals can work during their visa-free stay in Greece, except as intellectual creators. Kosovo is also included in the visa-waiver list.

What rules do I have to follow on a Greece work visa?

The visa-free work rule excludes work as an intellectual creator. Stays longer than 90 days generally require a long-stay visa or residence permit for people outside the EU single market.

Does my passport change whether I need a work visa for Greece?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Greece visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a work visa for Greece be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Greece work visa rules?

On Greece's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my work visa once I am in Greece?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

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