National long-stay visa (type D) for studies, followed by a residence permit for studies
Non-EU students admitted to a Greek higher education institution apply in person at the Greek consulate for a national type D visa, valid generally up to 365 days. After arrival they must apply to the Aliens and Immigration Department of the Decentralised Administration for a residence permit for studies. Consulates set their own exact document lists, so applicants must check with the mission where they live.
Life in Greece
Money
3
Currency
Euro
EUR
Euro
Cost of living
66
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
9–44%
Income tax (national)
VAT 24%
2026 scale for employment/pension/business income: 9%, 20%, 26%, 34%, 39% (EUR 40,000-60,000), 44% above EUR 60,000; lower rates for families and under-30s.
Living
1
Happiness
#83 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Non-EU nationals accepted for full-time study at a Greek higher education institution.
Eligibility
Admission to a Greek institution
Acceptance or enrolment at a Greek higher education institution for a course of study.
Apply in person at the competent consulate
Apply at the Greek diplomatic mission or consular post covering the place where you legally reside, and attend an interview.
Passport rules
Show a passport valid at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from Schengen, with two blank pages, issued in the last ten years.
Passport requirements
- Validity
- At least 3 months
- Blank pages
- At least two
- Issue date
- Within last ten years
Official wording
Passport valid at least 3 months beyond the intended departure date from Schengen, with at least two blank pages, issued within the last ten years.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementCriminal record
- Document checklistNational (long-stay) visa application form, completed and signed, with ICAO-standard colour photo
- FeesNational long-stay visa (type D) for students
The full requirements are for members
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- 6 more requirements
- 9 documents
- 1 fee
- 7 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Programs and scholarships Members
Study programs here that can lead to work and settlement, grouped by route and ranked for your background, with scholarships matched to your profile.
Places to visit in Greece
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Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to Greece
- Visit & tourismSchengen tourist & business visa
- Work permitsEU Blue Card - residence permit for highly qualified employees
- FamilyFamily reunification of third-country nationals
- Investors & entrepreneursNational visa for digital nomads (residence title 'Z.1'), Article 68 of the Migration Code