Greece Work and Family VISA Application Process and Requirements

Imagine starting your day with a breathtaking view of the Aegean Sea, sipping coffee at a quaint café, and knowing that your career is flourishing in one of Europe’s most historically rich and culturally vibrant countries. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it doesn’t have to be. Moving to Greece for work is not just a fantasy; it’s a real, achievable goal—and the best part? You can bring your family or spouse along with you without jumping through endless bureaucratic hoops.

Greece is more than just a tourist destination; it’s a land of opportunity for skilled workers from around the globe. Whether you’re a tech wizard, a healthcare professional, or someone with unique skills, Greece has a place for you—and they’re making it incredibly easy for you to make it your new home. And guess what? Your spouse can also join the workforce, doubling your household’s potential for success and fulfillment.

Now, you might be thinking, “This sounds great, but isn’t the immigration process complicated and expensive?” Surprisingly, it’s not. Unlike some other countries where you need a mountain of paperwork and possibly an expensive immigration agent, Greece offers a straightforward, manageable process that you can handle all by yourself—saving you both time and money.

This article is your ultimate guide to making this dream a reality. We’ll walk you through every step of the process: from finding the right job to securing the necessary visas for you and your family. By the end, you’ll be ready to pack your bags and embark on an exciting new chapter of your life in Greece, with the confidence that you’ve got everything covered. Ready to dive in? Let’s explore how you can set your career and life in Greece, with your loved ones right by your side.

Can You Apply for a Greece Work Visa with Your Family Visas Simultaneously?

Yes, you can apply for a Greece work visa and family visas at the same time. This is one of the major advantages of moving to Greece—there’s no need to wait until you’re settled before your family can join you. When you apply for your work visa, you can simultaneously submit applications for a family reunification visa for your spouse and dependent children. This coordinated approach streamlines the process and minimizes the waiting time, allowing you to transition to your new life in Greece together.

Can Your Spouse Apply for a Highly Skilled Work Visa?

If your spouse has the qualifications and skills that meet Greece’s requirements for a highly skilled worker, they can apply for their own work visa, such as the EU Blue Card. This allows them to independently work and build their career in Greece alongside you. The EU Blue Card is particularly beneficial as it also makes it easier to move within the EU, providing additional career opportunities.

But what if their application for a work visa is rejected? Don’t worry—there’s a Plan B. If your spouse’s work visa application doesn’t go through, they can still apply for a dependent visa. This visa allows them to live in Greece and potentially convert to a work visa later if they find a suitable job. So, either way, your spouse can join you in Greece and become part of your new life there.

Process to Apply for Work VISAs and Dependent VISAs

Navigating the visa application process may seem daunting, but it’s actually quite manageable if you follow these steps:

1. Secure a Job Offer – Before applying for a work visa, ensure you have a valid job offer from a Greek employer. Your spouse should also secure a job offer if they intend to apply for a work visa independently.
2. Prepare Your Documents – Gather all necessary documents, including your valid passport, job offer letter, proof of qualifications, health insurance, and financial statements. For your family members, you’ll need marriage certificates, birth certificates, and proof of your legal status in Greece.
3. Submit Your Application – You can submit your work visa application (https://www.mfa.gr/usa/en/visas.html?mission=was), along with the family reunification visa applications (https://immigration-portal.ec.europa.eu/greece-family-member_en), at the Greek consulate or embassy in your home country. Ensure all forms are completed accurately and all required documents are attached.
4. Attend Interviews – You and your family members may be required to attend interviews as part of the visa process. Be prepared to answer questions about your job, qualifications, and reasons for moving to Greece.
5. Await Approval – Once your applications are submitted, the waiting period begins. The processing time can vary, but you’ll typically receive a decision within a few weeks to a few months.
6. Relocate to Greece – Upon visa approval, you and your family can move to Greece. Once there, you’ll need to apply for residence permits for yourself and your dependents, which will allow you to stay long-term.

Required Documents for Work Visa, Spouse Visa, and Family Visas

When applying for these visas, you’ll need to prepare a set of documents. While the exact requirements may vary depending on your country of origin, here is a general list:

For the Work Visa:

• • Valid passport with at least two blank pages.
  • Completed visa application form.
  • Recent passport-sized photographs.
  • Official job offer from a Greek employer.
  • Proof of qualifications and work experience.
  • Health insurance coverage.
  • Criminal record certificate from your home country.
  • Proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself.

For the Spouse Visa:

• • Valid passport.
  • Marriage certificate (translated into Greek and apostilled).
  • Proof of the spouse’s legal status in Greece (copy of work visa or residence permit).
  • Health insurance coverage.
  • Proof of sufficient financial means to support your spouse.
  • Criminal record certificate.

For Family Visas:

• • Valid passports for each family member.
  • Birth certificates for children (translated into Greek and apostilled).
  • Proof of the family member’s legal status in Greece.
  • Health insurance coverage.
  • Proof of sufficient financial means to support your family.

Where to Find Skill Shortage Jobs in Greece for You and Your Spouse?

Before applying for a work visa, you’ll need to secure a job that meets Greece’s skill shortage criteria. Here are the top 7 platforms to help you find those in-demand positions:

1. LinkedIn Jobs – https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/jobs-in-greece/
2. Kariera.gr – https://www.kariera.gr/
3. Indeed Greece – https://www.indeed.com/q-greece-jobs.html
4. EURES – European Job Mobility Portal – EURES is a European cooperation network of employment services designed to facilitate the free movement of workers. It offers job listings, as well as information about the labor market in Greece.
5. Greece Skill Shortage List – https://ypergasias.gov.gr/
6. Skywalker.gr: https://www.skywalker.gr/
7. Jobs-Greece.gr: https://www.jobs-greece.gr/.