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  • Greece General Employment Visa 2026 — Complete Guide

    General Employment Visa for Greece.

    Best For

    Mid-career professionals with a job offer and relevant qualifications

    Not Ideal For

    Freelancers without employer sponsorship or those without recognised qualifications

    Known Issues

    Labor market test required; employer must prove no EU candidates available; position-specific and employer-specific permit

    At a Glance

    Visa Duration
    12 months
    Processing Time
    60–180 days
    Min Income
    €800/monthly
    Path to PR
    5 years
    Difficulty
    5/10 — Challenging
    Application Fee
    €150

    Eligibility Requirements

    RequirementDetails
    Age Range18+
    Profession RequiredNo
    Job Offer RequiredYes
    Sponsorship RequiredYes
    License / Recognition RequiredNo
    Remote Income AllowedNo
    Business Activity RequiredNo
    Health Insurance RequiredYes
    Proof of Funds RequiredYes
    Can Apply From AbroadYes

    Financial Requirements

    ItemAmount
    Minimum Income€800/monthly
    Minimum Salary€9,600/year
    Minimum Savings€3,000
    Application Fee€150
    Est. Total Relocation Cost€8,000

    Family & Rights

    RightDetails
    Family AllowedYes
    Spouse Can WorkYes
    Children AllowedYes
    Work Rightsfull
    RenewableYes
    Time to Permanent Residency5 years
    Time to Citizenship7 years

    Related Pathways

    Cost of Living

    Athens
    Single (monthly)€2,330
    Family (monthly)€3,750
    Rent 1BR (center)€950
    Groceries€582
    Transport pass€140
    Thessaloniki
    Single (monthly)€1,403
    Family (monthly)€2,500
    Rent 1BR (center)€475
    Groceries€351
    Transport pass€84
    Patras
    Single (monthly)€1,593
    Family (monthly)€2,850
    Rent 1BR (center)€550
    Groceries€398
    Transport pass€96
    Heraklion (Crete)
    Single (monthly)€1,509
    Family (monthly)€2,578
    Rent 1BR (center)€573
    Groceries€377
    Transport pass€91

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the General Employment Visa?

    General Employment Visa for Greece.

    Who is the General Employment Visa best for?

    This pathway is best suited for: Mid-career professionals with a job offer and relevant qualifications.

    Who should not apply for the General Employment Visa?

    This pathway is not ideal for: Freelancers without employer sponsorship or those without recognised qualifications.

    What are the financial requirements for the General Employment Visa?

    Applicants need minimum income of €800/monthly, minimum salary of €9,600/year, minimum savings of €3,000. Additional costs may include the application fee and relocation expenses.

    How long does it take to process the General Employment Visa?

    Processing typically takes 60 to 180 days. Times may vary based on nationality, completeness of documentation, and current processing volumes.

    Can I bring my family on the General Employment Visa?

    Yes, this pathway allows family members including dependents. Your spouse may also be eligible to work.

    Can the General Employment Visa lead to permanent residency or citizenship?

    Yes. Holders of this visa can work toward permanent residency in approximately 5 years and citizenship in approximately 7 years, subject to meeting residence and other conditions.

    What are the known issues with the General Employment Visa?

    Known issues and warnings: Labor market test required; employer must prove no EU candidates available; position-specific and employer-specific permit. We recommend checking the official source for the latest updates.

    Are there alternative pathways to Greece?

    Yes. Greece offers 6 other immigration pathways. Compare all options on our Greece country page.

    What is the cost of living in Greece?

    Monthly costs for a single person in city center: Athens: €2,330/month; Thessaloniki: €1,403/month; Patras: €1,593/month. These include rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.

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    Official source: https://www.mfa.gr/en/visas.html