GreeceStudy and training

Greece researcher visa

Residence permit for researchers (category H.3)

In short

Researchers invited by a research organisation recognised in Greece sign a hosting agreement, obtain a national D visa and then a researcher residence permit for the length of the project. The Ministry set sufficient resources at EUR 900 per month; family members can receive permits of the same length.

Apply on Ministry of Migration and Asylum – electronic applications checked 23 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
For the duration of the hosting agreement.
Validity
Permit valid as long as the hosting agreement; renewed for an equivalent period if the agreement is extended.
Fee
€75Standard consular fee for a national D visa (EU Immigration Portal).
Funds required
€900 per monthSufficient resources for researchers and for researchers staying on after the project (Ministry of Migration and Asylum).
Work
Research under the hosting agreement; teaching may be allowed under national law.
Family
Family members can apply for residence permits with the same duration as the researcher’s, outside the general reunification waiting rules.
Where to apply
In person at the Greek embassy or consulate where you legally reside, by appointment with the mission.

Eligibility

You need a signed hosting agreement with a research organisation recognised and approved by the General Secretariat for Research and Innovation. The agreement sets out the project, your legal relationship with the host and the working conditions; the host also handles your social insurance.

Resources

Sufficient resources are EUR 900 per month, usually proven by the salary or grant stated in the hosting agreement.

Procedure

With the signed agreement, apply for the national visa at the Greek mission of your residence. After entry, apply for the H.3 residence permit online before the visa expires. Researchers are not covered by the family reunification approval procedure, so relatives apply directly.

  1. Agree the project with a recognised Greek research organisation and sign the hosting agreement.
  2. Book a national visa appointment at the Greek mission covering your residence and submit the general and research documents.
  3. Enter Greece and apply online for the researcher permit before the visa expires.
  4. Give biometrics and collect the permit; family members file their own applications.

Forms

Rights

Researchers have equal treatment with Greek nationals in working conditions, pay, social security, tax benefits and recognition of qualifications. Rejections can be challenged before the issuing authority or the administrative court.

Documents

Required documents

Identity

  • Signed national visa application form with a recent ICAO-standard colour photo; it doubles as a solemn declaration that the data are true.
  • Passport issued within the last 10 years, valid at least 3 months after the planned departure, with at least two blank pages.

Money

  • Proof of at least EUR 900 per month (salary, grant or fellowship).

Study

  • Signed hosting agreement with a research organisation approved in Greece.

Insurance

  • Travel insurance for at least the length of the visa, covering emergency care, hospitalisation and medical repatriation.

Other

  • Criminal record certificate from the country of residence; the consulate may also ask for one from the country of nationality.
  • Medical certificate on the official model (Annex II) from a recognised public or private institution, confirming no disease that threatens public health.

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Study

  • Diplomas and CV showing your research qualifications.

Frequently asked questions

Is a doctoral candidate a student or a researcher?

It depends on the arrangement: a PhD candidate with a hosting agreement and research contract can use the researcher route; one enrolled mainly for studies uses the student permit.

Can my spouse work in Greece?

Family members receive permits linked to yours; check the work rights printed on their permit.

What if the project is extended?

The permit is renewed for the extension period on the basis of the amended hosting agreement.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Greece

Visits and short stays

Business and self-employment

  • Business visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the whole Schengen area.
  • Investor visa Validity: Five years, renewable for the same period while the investment continues or operates.

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: For the length of studies; the national visa itself is valid for up to one year.
  • Internship and trainee visa Maximum stay: For the length of the traineeship agreement.

Work

  • Work visa Maximum stay: Long stay; the visa is converted into the residence permit.
  • EU Blue Card Maximum stay: Long stay; the card allows residence and work in Greece.
  • Intra-company transfer visa Maximum stay: Total transfer period across the EU: up to 3 years for managers and specialists, 1 year for trainees.
  • Seasonal work visa Maximum stay: Up to nine months of residence and work in any 12-month period on the E.6 permit; leave Greece for the remaining three months.
  • Digital nomad visa Maximum stay: Visa for up to 12 months; residence permit afterwards.

Family

Residence

  • Golden visa and residence by investment Maximum stay: Permanent residence right while the investment is held; the card is renewed every five years.
  • Retirement visa Validity: Under the Migration Code initial permits are, as a rule, issued for three years and renewed for the same period; the exact validity is printed on the permit.
  • Permanent residence Validity: M.1: five years, renewable for five years. M.2: ten years, then automatic conversion to M.1 if absences were limited.

Protection

Greece visa guide