Entry Visa

The Long-Term Visa (Visa D) allows a stay exceeding 90 days and can last up to 365 days. The competent authority for issuing it is the Greek diplomatic or consular authority in the applicant’s country of residence.

Required Documents for Entry Visa (Visa D)

1. Application form (fully completed, signed) + 1 recent color photo (ICAO standards).

2. Passport or other recognized travel document, which:

  • Is valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended departure from the EE.
  • Contains at least 2 blank pages.
  • Was issued within the last decade.

3. Criminal record certificate from the relevant foreign authorities.

4. Medical certificate from a recognized institution confirming that the applicant does not suffer from a contagious disease dangerous to public health.

5. Travel insurance with coverage for at least the duration of the visa.

Additional Documents for Residence Permit

Students from third countries with Visa D must apply for a residence permit within 90 days of arrival.

  1. Enrollment and tuition fee payment confirmation from the university.
  2. Certificate of total study duration from the educational institution.
  3. E-paravolo payment code (€150, non-refundable).
  4. 4 recent passport-sized photos & in digital format (CD).
  5. Copy of a valid passport.
  6. Copy of Visa D.
  7. Insurance policy translated into Greek.
  8. Medical certificate (CXR, Mantoux test, Blood tests).
  9. Proof of financial sufficiency:
    – Documents proving that the student can cover living and study expenses during the residence permit’s validity.
    – A consent form that this amount will be renewed monthly unless the student is a scholarship recipient.
  10. The minimum required funds for third-country nationals holding a student visa for Greece are set at €650 per month. This amount can be proven by:
    – Bank account statements.
    – Bank transfer proof.
    – Scholarship certificate.
    – Proof of salary (if the student is employed).
  11. Parental consent for students under 18.
  12. Documents for residence card issuance: 4 photos, e-paravolo €16, birth certificate.

Document Certification

Documents must be in English or Greek or officially translated by a certified translator. Depending on the country of origin, Apostille Stamp or Consular Authentication may be required.

Residence Permit Duration

The initial residence permit is valid for one year and is renewed annually. The maximum duration of stay is equal to the minimum number of semesters required to complete the study program plus 4 additional semesters.

For postgraduate students or PhD candidates, the residence permit is valid for half the standard duration of studies.

In the case of scholarships or participation in exchange programs under international agreements, the residence permit is granted for the duration of the program or scholarship. There is also the possibility of issuing a residence permit for the maximum duration of studies upon submission of a supplementary certificate from the relevant faculty of the University of Nicosia and a sworn statement by the student regarding the total duration of studies.

For students under scholarship programs or exchange agreements, the residence permit is granted for a period equal to the execution of the program or scholarship duration. A residence permit may also be issued for the maximum duration of studies, provided that the student submits a supplementary certificate from the relevant faculty of the University of Nicosia and a sworn statement confirming the total duration of studies.

Employment for International Students

Students with a residence permit are allowed to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) outside study hours.

Employed students are subject to labor law and must:

  • Obtain an AMKA (Social Security Number).
  • Submit tax declarations & insurance contributions.

Mandatory Health Insurance

All international students must have health insurance covering the minimum amounts required by law. If they have a valid health insurance policy from their home country, it must be officially translated and fully cover their stay in Greece. Otherwise, students are advised to purchase a local health insurance policy from a Greek provider.

Additional Obligations

For the issuance of a residence permit, the following may be required:

  • Personal interview at the Immigration Office.
  • Biometric data collection.
  • Submission of additional documents upon request by the authorities.

Study