How to Get a Work Permit or Business Visa in Greece

If you would like to live and work in Greece, it is important that you do so legally, otherwise you can be deported and barred from entering the country in the future. If you want to work in Greece, then you will need to do so either by getting yourself a business visitor visa or a work permit.

Unless you are a citizen of a country that has an agreement in existence with Greece that allows you to work in the country without a visa or permit, then you will most likely need to get a business visitor visa. Current immigration law allows for any foreign citizen that enters Greece with valid documents the allowance to reside in Greece on a temporary basis not to exceed three months. To do so, you will need to submit your application to the Greek consulate that has jurisdiction over your place of residence. You will have do take care of this in person as you will have to have an interview at the consulate. Typically, the processing time for the business visitor visa should take no longer than 7 to 10 days. In order to qualify and be approved for the business visitor visa, there are some requirements that must be met.

Business visitors will have to have both a residence and employer that is located outside of Greece. Business visitors must be traveling to Greece for a short and specific time period and may not receive compensation from employers within Greece. Exceptions are made for incidentals such as lodging, travel and meals. Business visitors will have to have proof of sufficient financial resources to cover their entire stay in Greece. And the period of time that the business visitor will spend in Greece should stay consistent with the purpose of the stay.

If you are an American citizen, and you plan on staying in Greece as a business visitor for a period less than 90 days, then you most likely will not need a business visitor visa. However, it is advisable that you check with your local consulate or embassy before you leave the States.