GreeceStudy and training

Greece student visa and study permit

National visa and residence permit for studies (Migration Code category H)

In short

Degree students accepted by a Greek higher education institution obtain a national D visa from the Greek mission and then a study residence permit in Greece. You must show at least EUR 650 per month for living costs; the permit is renewed yearly or issued for the whole programme.

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

Key facts

Maximum stay
For the length of studies; the national visa itself is valid for up to one year.
Validity
Study permit for one year, renewable; or a multi-year permit matching the maximum length of the programme, plus one year if Greek language study is required.
Fee
€150Residence permit fee per year of validity requested (EU Immigration Portal), plus EUR 16 for the permit card; the D visa has a separate consular fee.
Funds required
€650 per monthSufficient resources set by the Ministry of Migration and Asylum for university and college students, trainees and similar groups.
Work
Part-time work is allowed alongside studies.
Where to apply
In person at the Greek embassy or consulate where you legally reside, by appointment with the mission.

Eligibility

You need an acceptance for a specific programme at a Greek higher education institution, enough money for the whole period of studies and, where applicable, paid enrolment fees. Programmes taught in Greek may require an extra preparatory year of Greek, which is added to the permit.

How much money you need

The Ministry of Migration and Asylum fixed sufficient resources at EUR 650 per month for students in universities, colleges and vocational institutes. Proof can be bank statements, a scholarship letter or a sponsor’s guarantee with income evidence.

Visa first, then the permit

Apply for the national visa in person at the Greek mission covering your residence; the consul interviews you and checks the general documents and the study papers. After arrival, and before the visa expires, apply online for the study residence permit and attend the biometrics appointment.

  1. Secure admission to a Greek university or college programme and get the official acceptance letter.
  2. Prepare the general national visa documents, including criminal record and medical certificate, and proof of EUR 650 per month.
  3. Book an appointment with the competent Greek mission and attend the interview in person.
  4. Travel to Greece on the D visa and apply online for the study residence permit before the visa expires, paying EUR 150 per year plus EUR 16.
  5. Give biometrics at the one-stop service and collect the permit card.

Forms

After arrival

Keep the certificate of submission issued by the online system: it proves lawful residence until the permit card is ready. Arrange health insurance and register with the tax office for a tax number if you plan to work part-time.

Renewals and multi-year permits

The standard permit lasts one year and is renewed while you remain enrolled and progress. You can instead ask for a permit covering the maximum duration of the programme by submitting a certificate of the total study time. Holders must keep proof of enrolment and exam participation; if the conditions are no longer met, the permit can be withdrawn.

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 650 per month for the period of study (bank statements, scholarship or sponsor).

Study

  • Acceptance letter from the Greek higher education institution for a specific programme.

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

  • Receipt for enrolment or tuition fees, where charged.
  • For a multi-year permit: the institution’s certificate of the total duration of studies.

Frequently asked questions

Can I work while studying in Greece?

Yes, part-time work is allowed for holders of a study permit.

Can I switch from a student permit to a work permit?

The Migration Code allows changes of purpose for some categories, especially to the EU Blue Card, through the one-stop service. Ask before your permit expires.

Is a Schengen visa enough for a short summer course?

Yes, courses of up to 90 days are taken on a C visa; the national study route is for longer programmes.

How much must I show for a two-year master’s programme?

The reference is EUR 650 per month, so plan evidence for the first year at least and show that funding continues for renewal.

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

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