How to Get a Work Permit in Greece: Step-by-Step Guide for Expats

Moving to Greece for work is a dream for many, but if you’re a non-EU citizen you’ll quickly discover that nothing can start until you have the right papers. In Greece, when we say “work permit” we actually mean two things: first, a visa that lets you enter the country for employment purposes, and second, a residence permit that gives you the legal right to live and work once you’re here. For expats, understanding this two-step approach is crucial before packing your bags.

Who Needs a Work Permit

EU and EEA citizens don’t need a permit to work in Greece, but everyone else does. If you’re from outside the EU, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit that allows employment. The law that governs all this is Greece’s Immigration and Social Integration Code, and every two years the government issues a list of how many foreign workers can be hired, in which sectors, and under what conditions. This means the type of work you’re coming to do really matters.

Finding an Employer Willing to Sponsor You

The first real step is landing a job offer. Unlike in some countries where you can apply for a permit first and then look for work, in Greece the process starts with an employer. They must be registered, tax-compliant, and ready to prove to the authorities that they have a genuine need to hire a non-EU national. For many expats, this is the hardest part — but once you’ve got that contract in hand, the process can move forward.

The Employer’s Role in the Application

Your employer isn’t just signing your contract; they’re also responsible for applying to the local Decentralized Administration for permission to hire you. They’ll need to prove the job is included in the government’s allowed list of positions for non-EU workers and that no Greek or EU candidate was available. Only after this approval can you move forward to apply for your visa.

Applying for a Work Visa

Armed with your employer’s approval and a signed job contract, you’ll head to the Greek embassy or consulate in your home country. There, you’ll apply for a Type D visa for employment. This part involves a lot of paperwork: passport, photos, contract, proof of qualifications, medical certificate, criminal record check, and health insurance. Depending on your country, documents may need to be translated or apostilled. Processing times can stretch into weeks, so patience is key.

Arriving in Greece and Applying for a Residence Permit

Once your visa is stamped, you can finally fly to Greece. But you’re not done yet. Within 30 days of arrival, you must apply for your residence permit at the one-stop shop of the Decentralized Administration where you’ll be living. Think of this as converting your visa into a long-term right to stay and work. You’ll hand over your passport, visa, photos, employment contract, health insurance details, proof of address, and in some cases income information. There’s also a fee to pay. The first permit usually lasts two years, with the option to renew for three-year periods.

Getting Your Tax and Social Security Numbers

To actually get paid, you’ll need a tax number (AFM) and a social security number (AMKA). Your employer will also register your contract in the official labor system, which ensures your taxes and contributions are handled properly. Without these numbers, you may technically have the right to work but won’t be able to receive a legal salary.

Starting Work and Staying Compliant

Once you’ve got your residence permit card in hand, you’re ready to start. If your permit is still in process, you may receive a certificate of submission that allows you to work in the meantime. Just remember that changes in job, employer, or contract conditions often need to be reported — Greece is strict about keeping the paperwork up to date. Renewal should also be started well before expiry to avoid fines or complications.

Pro Tips from Expats Who’ve Been There

Start early — especially with gathering translations and official certificates. Make sure your job contract complies with Greek labor laws, including minimum wage and working hours. Keep copies of everything you submit, and if you can afford it, consider using an immigration lawyer to smooth the process. Greece’s bureaucracy has a reputation for being slow and confusing, and having a professional guiding you can save a lot of headaches.

What Comes After

If you stay in Greece legally for several years, you may qualify for longer-term residence or even permanent status. Many expats begin with a two-year work permit and then extend their stay through renewals. Over time, the path to stability opens up — but it all begins with getting that very first work permit approved.