Moving to Greece for work can be an exciting step, but the immigration process can feel complex, particularly for non-EU nationals.

Depending on your nationality, employment status and length of stay, you may need a Greek work visa, employment authorization, residence permit or a combination of these before you can legally live and work in Greece.

Understanding the basic structure of the process before you relocate can help you plan your move more effectively and avoid unnecessary delays.

EU, EEA and Swiss Citizens

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens generally do not require a work permit to take employment in Greece. However, if you intend to live in Greece for an extended period, there may still be residence-registration and administrative formalities to complete after arrival.

Non-EU Citizens

Most non-EU citizens need the appropriate immigration permission before they can work legally in Greece. The exact process depends on factors such as:

• nationality
• type of employment
• length of stay
• employer
• professional qualifications
• whether the move is temporary or permanent

For many employees, the process may involve a combination of employment approval, a Greek national visa and a residence permit.

These terms are often used interchangeably, but they do not necessarily mean the same thing.

A work visa generally relates to permission to enter Greece for employment purposes.

A residence permit allows a person to live in Greece under a specific immigration category and may also provide the right to work.

The term work permit Greece is commonly used when searching online, but in practice the immigration process can involve several different approvals rather than one single document.

There are different immigration routes depending on the reason for working in Greece. These may include:

• employment with a Greek company
• highly qualified employment
• EU Blue Card applications
• intra-company transfers
• seasonal employment
• specialist employment categories
• remote working or Digital Nomad arrangements

Each route has its own eligibility conditions and documentation requirements. For this reason, it is important to establish the correct immigration category before beginning an application.

There is no single processing time for a Greek work permit or work visa. Timing can depend on:

• the immigration category
• the authorities involved
• the applicant’s nationality
• the completeness of the documentation
• consular appointments
• whether documents require translation, certification or Apostille

When a move is linked to a fixed employment start date, it is advisable to begin immigration planning as early as possible.

The required documents depend on the individual immigration route. Applicants may need to provide documents relating to:

• identity and nationality
• employment
• qualifications
• insurance
• accommodation
• family status
• previous residence status

Documents issued outside Greece may also need to be translated, certified, legalised or Apostilled before they can be accepted. Because requirements vary from one case to another, using a generic document checklist can sometimes result in unnecessary work or delays.

If you are relocating with a spouse or children, their immigration status should be considered at the same time as your own. Different rules may apply depending on the principal applicant’s residence category and the relationship of the accompanying family members. Planning the family’s immigration requirements early can also make it easier to coordinate other aspects of the move, such as housing and schooling.

Following Brexit, British citizens relocating to Greece for work are generally treated as non-EU nationals unless they have rights protected under the Withdrawal Agreement. This means that British nationals moving to Greece for a new employment opportunity may need the appropriate visa and residence permit.

US citizens can generally visit Greece for short stays without a visa, but this does not automatically give them the right to work. A US citizen relocating to Greece for employment will normally need to follow the appropriate employment and immigration procedure before beginning work.

Remote work is treated differently from employment with a Greek company. Greece offers a Digital Nomad route for qualifying non-EU nationals who work remotely for employers or clients located outside Greece. This is separate from a standard Greek work visa and should not be confused with permission to take local employment.

Immigration is only one part of an international relocation. Once the move is confirmed, there are often several other practical matters to organise, including:

• finding accommodation
• arranging the international move
• selecting schools
• relocating pets
• arranging temporary housing
• completing local registrations
• setting up a new home

For employees moving with families, these stages often need to be coordinated alongside the immigration process rather than after it.

Every work permit and immigration case is different. The correct route depends on nationality, employment circumstances, family situation and the type of residence required. For that reason, it is advisable to review the immigration requirements early and make sure the process is coordinated with the wider relocation timeline.

At MOOVA Global Mobility, we support individuals, families and companies relocating to Greece with immigration coordination and a full range of relocation services, including moving, home search, school search, pet relocation and settling-in assistance.

Planning to work and relocate to Greece? Contact MOOVA Global Mobility to discuss your immigration and relocation requirements.

Immigration requirements may change and vary according to nationality and individual circumstances. This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice.