Emigrating to Greece

Emigrating to Greece
Although there are a lot of activities and entertainment opportunities in Greece for tourist and business visitors alike, it is a country that rarely sees the immigration and employment of non-European Union nationals. Because of this, it can be expected that getting work permits in this country is not that common and would only be done if there is a vacancy that no Greek or EU national can fill. Foreign nationals from Central America, Asia and Africa are not usually granted work visas in Greece unless they are high-tech specialists or high level executives.

Generally, any non-EU national who intends to work in Greece must have his or her employer make a request for an opinion regarding the use of foreign labor with the local Labour Inspection in the area where he or she is to work, prior to his or her arrival. After the filing of this request, the Ministry of Labour will determine if it is necessary for the employment to be made. The file is then forwarded to the Ministry of Public Order and then to Ministry of Foreign Affairs that will grant the favorable opinion and will authorize the Greek consulate to issue the work visa.

Within 5 days upon arrival in Greece, you would have to be subjected to a medical examination, after which you will need to register as an alien with the local police department. The registration must be done a month within your arrival and you should be accompanied by your employer. It is during this time that your work and residence permit application is filed, which will be forwarded by the police to the Ministry of Labour. The ministry is responsible for the approval or rejection of the permit. Once the application is approved, the police will then issue the work permit which is specific to the employer, job and location. With the work permit, a residence permit is also granted for a period of one year and can be renewed each year, up to a maximum of five years.