Greece Long Stay Visas: Guide for Travelers (2025)

What sounds dreamier than spending multiple months in the Greek Isles? From the mainland to popular island destinations like Mykonos and Santorini, Greece offers a beautiful backdrop for travelers from around the globe.

If you're wanting to spend time in Greece, there are a few things you should know, beyond what to pack and where to get the cheapest tickets.

To spend more than 90 days in Greece, most travelers will need to apply for a visa. But who needs to apply? How do you know if you're eligible? And which visa would you even need?

This guide was written to help you figure out whether or not you need a long stay visa for Greece, which options there are for you, and how to apply.

Do I need a long stay visa for Greece?

It depends on your nationality and how long your trip is going to be.

If you meet both of the following criteria, you will need a visa for your trip to Greece:

• You are not a citizen of an EU/EEA/Schengen country
• You will be spending more than 90 days in Greece.

Note: If you're staying less than 90 days in Greece, you won't need a long stay visa, but it doesn't necessarily mean you don't need a visa at all.

Which Greek long stay visa do I need?

Please note that the information below is specifically for US residents and may vary depending on your country of residency/nationality.

Which long stay visa you need depends on the purpose of your trip and what you will be doing while you're in Greece. Let's give a little bit of background information on Greek visas so you better understand how they work.

Greece is a member of a group of countries called the Schengen area. All countries in the Schengen area have agreed to get rid of border checks between each other. For example, if you're in France and want to travel to Italy, you generally do not have to go through border control. This is because they are both Schengen countries (i.e., they have agreed to be part of the Schengen zone).

This collection of countries has agreements with some other countries around the world. For example, US citizens do not need a visa to go to countries in the Schengen area, so long as their trip doesn't exceed 90 days in length.

Other countries, like India or China, do not have agreements with the Schengen area. Therefore, citizens from these countries need a visa to go to any country in the Schengen area, regardless of their length of stay.

But what about visits over 90 days in length? All travelers (excluding EU/EEA/Schengen country citizens) must apply for a long stay visa, this includes US and UK citizens.

When it comes to Greece (and all countries in the Schengen area), long stay visas are sometimes called national visas. You may also see them listed as "Type D" visas or even"D type". Rest assured that these all refer to the same thing: a visa to spend more than 90 days in the Schengen area.

Common types of long stay visas for Greece

There are several types of Greek long stay visas depending on what you'll be doing during your stay.

The most popular visas relate to studying, work, and family reunification (visiting family members or marrying someone living in Greece, just to name a couple of examples).

It's also good to know that most Greek long stay visas have a validity of 365 days, though it is possible to get visas for shorter time periods in some cases.

Additionally, long stay visas for Greece cannot be renewed or extended. If you're planning to move to Greece, or spend multiple years there on assignment, you likely will start with a long stay visa and then become a resident in Greece.

How to apply for a long stay visa for Greece

Note: This information is specifically for US residents and citizens. Though the process is similar for other countries, there may be some differences. Always check the Greek Embassy for information that pertains directly to your situation.

The steps can be broken down simply:

• Fill out the downloadable long stay visa application form for Greece.
• Collect the necessary documents for your application.
• Book an in-person appointment at a visa application center/consulate in your country of residence.
• Attend your in-person appointment and submit your application.
• Pay any associated fees.

What documents do I need to provide for my long stay visa application for Greece?

Regardless of the type of long stay visa you're applying for (to work, study, etc.), there is a list of documents that you will need to provide as part of your application. You'll need:

• A complete and signed application (which can be easily downloaded online).
• A valid passport.
• A recent passport-sized photo in color.
• A criminal record certificate.
• A medical certificate.
• Proof of travel insurance.

Depending on the specific visa you're applying for, there will likely be additional documentation you'll need to provide.

The Greek digital nomad visa

Several Schengen countries are beginning to offer digital nomad visas, visas designed specifically to attract foreigners who work remotely for foreign companies.

The Greek digital nomad visa offers a unique opportunity for foreigners to live and work remotely in Greece for an entire year, even with the option to bring their families. If the following apply to you, you may be eligible to apply:

• Your employer/company must allow you to work from Greece.

• You can't work for a Greek company/engage in business in the Greek market.
• Your clients/the company you work for must be outside of Greece.
• You must be able to fulfill all of your work duties with internet and a laptop.
• You must prove that you earn more than €3500 (after taxes) or have sufficient financial means to cover your stay. (If you're bringing family members with you, this minimum requirement goes up).

If you're a digital nomad who wants to stay in Greece for a longer period of time, it is possible. You can apply for residency with your digital nomad visa, allowing you to stay in Greece for an additional 2 years, providing you still meet the initial requirements.

Key takeaways

• If you want to stay more than 90 days in Greece, you likely need a long stay visa.
• EU/EEA/Schengen country citizens are exempt, meaning they do not need a long stay visa to spend more than 90 days in Greece.
• To apply for a long stay visa for Greece, you must fill out an application form, provide a series of documentation, and attend an in-person appointment.
• There are several types of visas available for different types of travelers, including (but not limited to) study, work, and family reunification.
• Greece offers a digital nomad visa for remote workers wanting to experience a new culture.