Applying for a D Visa in Greece
Greece has a relatively complex visa and migration system, particularly when you are looking for long term options. From Golden Visa to FIP Visa applications, there are a number of long term options. For the medium to long term, one option to stay in Greece is the national Visa D. This article will guide you through how to apply for your national Visa D and give you an understanding of eligibility and the process.
The Long-Term Visa (National Visa D) – What is it?
A Greek consulate can issue an authorization to a person who is a third-country national to stay on Greek territory for a period longer than the 91 days limit and up to 365 days. This is called a National Visa D or is also knows as a long-term visa.
The visa is granted under both Greek legislation and EU law. This very is very popular and useful for many of our clients who are coming to Greece to see family, for personal and family reasons, to undertake education or for some kind of employment. It’s a reasonable amount of time (1 year in total) and has slightly less paperwork than other visas which are for residency or longer durations.
Where can I apply for a D Visa for Greece?
It depends if you are in Greece or not. If you are already in Greece, then you will need to submit an application to the Hellenic Police. The Hellenic Police is in charge of reviewing applications for D Visas in Greece and most Police Stations have an office with a person dedicated to processing citizenships and other applications. When you make your application to the Police, they will review your application and your supporting documentation in detail so it’s important to ensure that it is all correct and all the documents are eligible. Any mistakes usually results in them rejecting the application and asking for further information, and can slow down the process.
If you are outside Greece, it becomes a bid more complicated/ difficult. The reason for this is that you need to submit your application to the Greek Consulate or Consular Authority in your region (and based on your place of origin or residence). There can be varying wait times for an appointment depending on the consulate so you will need to call and book. You also need to ask them of their specific requirements as they can vary. Your application will need to be submitted to the consulate for approval and authority. There can be a significant wait depending on what country and city you are based in.
What documents do I require for a Type D visa?
To ensure the application process is smooth (and because the easiest way to annoy a Greek public service is to have the incorrect documents and have to go back again and again), it’s a good idea to get all your documentation organised prior to submitting your application. The documents you need in order to apply for a Type D Visa in Greece include:
- A completed application form: You will need a recent colour, passport size photo as all as the application form which needs to be signed.
- A passport: You will need to provide a current and valid passport (or other travel document). A critical point is that the passport needs to be valid for three months after the end of the proposed visa period. Be careful not to mistake this with having three months validity. If you are apply for a visa for 10 months then your passport will need to have a minimum 13 months validity.
- A medical / health certificate: This needs to be from a recognised public or private body. It needs to be in written and signed off to state that you are healthy and have no contagious diseases.
- Criminal record check: This needs to be from your country of origin or your country of residence. It needs to state that you do not have a criminal record.
- Valid Insurance: One of the major concerns of the Greek Government is that you have the appropriate insurance. You need to have travel insurance or private health insurance that covers you for the proposed time period you wish to stay in Greece. This is a strict condition of the visa.
There is generally no other documentation required, however, when you book an appointment with the consulate if you are applying from outside Greece, it’s important to double check with the consulate about any specific requirements.
Other tips to help you quickly and seamlessly get a Type D Visa for Greece
- Tip 1: Tell the consulate the reason for your appointment when you call them. It’s important to be polite and patient when dealing with the consulate and to make sure you get the exact documentation which they ask for. When meeting with the consulate (or police if you are inside Greece), be patient and don’t rush them. They will take time to check your documentation in front of you and you need to wait politely. Be polite and firm and explain to them the documentation if asked.
- Tip 2: Don’t leave it till the last minute. Sometimes small things come up in the application process. You may have written the wrong date on the application form, the health insurance may be the wrong type of insurance required, or the doctor may have forgotten to sign the letter. These things happen and the police or consulate will generally notice any issues and raise them with you. That is why you will need time to get them fixed and you shouldn’t leave your application to the last minute.
Assistance from our team
If you would like assistance with your Type D Visa application, or you have made and secured a Type D Visa application and would like assistance with your AFM and / or other tax issues, feel free to contact our team today.
Client testimonials
We are a company and needed to process over 10 Type D visas for our personnel. We found the Tsaks Consulting team to be efficient and responsive. They are able to guide us through the entire process and their legal partners were fantastic. If you want guidance on the Type D visa speak to Tsaks Consulting.
Jennifer P | Chinese Based Corporation | China and Athens
Tsaks Consulting is great. They are professional and responsive. They provide detailed guidance and information and they were our go to source for information on our visa. One of their lawyer partners assisted us with our Type D visa application and they made the entire process quick and easy. I would recommend them for anybody looking for migration guidance or visa guidance in Greece.
Chris S | Private Individual | Canada and Thessaloniki