A Guide to Long Stay Visas for Greece (2026)

It's possible for foreigners to stay in Greece for long stays with the right permissions.

To spend more than 90 days in Greece, most foreign travelers will need to apply for a visa and some, residency. This page will detail who might need to apply for a Greek long-stay visa, the requirements, and how to apply.

Greek long-stay visas

Whether or not you need to apply for a long-stay visa depends on how long you're planning to spend in Greece. It also depends on your nationality.

If you meet both of the following criteria, you will likely 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.

Depending, you may need to apply for a long-stay visa for Greece first, and then residency after arriving in Greece, but before your visa expires.

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.

Types of Greek long-stay visas

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

The long-stay visa you need depends on the purpose of your trip and what you will be doing while you're in Greece.

Greek long-stay visas are sometimes called national visas. You may also see them listed as "Type D" visas or even "D-type" visas. Rest assured that these all refer to the same thing: a visa to spend more than 90 days in the Schengen area.

Types include:

• Family Reunion (such as joining a spouse in Greece).
• Employment.
• Studies, research, or training.
• Company staff.
• Independent financial activities and investments.
• Other (for specific scenarios).

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.

Depending on the type you choose, you may need to apply for residency, too.

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.

The required documents

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.
• 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.

If you're applying for a short-stay visa (fewer than 90 days), the requirements are different. They include things like proof of sufficient funds, accommodation bookings, travel insurance meeting Schengen visa insurance requirements, and more.

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, provided you still meet the initial requirements.

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