Greece · Student Visa
Student visa categories, eligibility, required documents, work rights, and application steps.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
Non-EU students accepted by a Greek institution obtain a national (D) visa first and then a student residence permit — two stages, not one. A confirmed place at a recognised institution is required, and applicants show funds, health cover and accommodation. Accommodation is the item most often left out of the plan. The residence permit is renewed while studies continue.
Non-EU students accepted by a Greek institution obtain a national (D) visa and then a student residence permit.
- A confirmed place at a recognised institution is required.
- Applicants show funds, health cover and accommodation.
- The residence permit is renewed while studies continue.
- 1
Secure a confirmed place
A confirmed place at a recognised institution is the starting requirement. Everything else builds on it.
- 2
Apply for the national (D) visa
The D visa is the first stage and gets you into Greece. It is not the status that covers your studies.
- 3
Line up funds, health cover and accommodation
Applicants show all three. Accommodation is the one most often left until last, so secure it alongside the funds evidence.
- 4
Convert to a student residence permit
After arrival you obtain the student residence permit, which is the status that actually covers your studies. Treat the D visa as the entry step only.
- 5
Renew while studies continue
The residence permit is renewed as your studies continue. Track the expiry and begin renewal before it lapses.
- Confirmed place at a recognised institution
- National (D) visa applied for
- Proof of funds prepared
- Health cover arranged
- Accommodation secured and documented
- Residence-permit step planned for after arrival
- Renewal tracked against the permit expiry
- Ministry of Migration and Asylum
Ministry of Migration and Asylum — student residence permits.
Frequently asked questions
Is the D visa enough to study in Greece?
No. The national (D) visa gets you into Greece; the student residence permit obtained afterwards is the status that actually covers your studies. Plan both stages rather than treating the visa as the end of the process.
Do I need to show accommodation?
Yes — applicants show funds, health cover and accommodation. Accommodation is the item most often left until last, so secure it alongside your funds evidence rather than after the visa is granted.
How long does the student residence permit last?
It is renewed while your studies continue rather than granted once for the whole degree. Track the expiry date and start the renewal before it lapses, since letting it expire is harder to resolve than renewing on time.
Government portals
- Ministry of Migration and Asylum — Residence permits for non-EU nationals, including the Golden Visa and digital-nomad routes.
- Ministry of National Economy and Finance — Tax policy, the AFM tax number, and the budget framework.
- GEMI Business Portal — The General Commercial Registry — company formation and public company records.
- e-EFKA — Social Security — Social-security registration, contributions for employees and the self-employed, and pensions.