Pursuant to article 106 of the greek Immigration Code, a third-country national who is interested to study in Greece should first apply for and obtain a national entry visa (visa D) for studies and upon arrival in Greece submit an application to the competent Aliens and Migration Office for the issuance of the relevant residence permit.
Requirements for the issuance of an entry visa for studies
The third-country national must have been admitted to a higher education institution in Greece to attend a study program.
The applicant must have sufficient financial resources to cover their living expenses throughout their stay without relying on the national social welfare system, as well as sufficient funds to cover the cost of their return journey.
The applicant must have paid the required registration fees to the relevant higher education institution, where applicable.
Required Documents for the Initial Issuance of a Residence Permit for Studies
National entry visa (Type D).
Private health insurance policy issued by a private insurance provider.
Certificate of registration and payment of tuition fees to the relevant higher education institution, where applicable, or a certificate confirming that the applicant has been accepted for registration.
Evidence proving that the student has sufficient financial resources to cover tuition fees and living expenses.
Consent of the student's parents or legal guardian for the intended stay, if the student is under 18 years of age.
Certificate issued by the relevant educational institution indicating the total duration of the study programme the student intends to attend.
Certificate of proficiency in the greek language issued by the relevant educational institution, where such proficiency is a prerequisite for the student's registration.
Duration of the Residence Permit for Studies
Until recently, a residence permit for studies was issued with a validity of one (1) year and could be renewed for an equal period each time. Following the amendments introduced to the greek Immigration Code by Law 5275/2026, a residence permit for studies is now granted for a period corresponding to the maximum duration of the specific study programme in which the student is enrolled.
A student holding a residence permit with a validity equal to the maximum duration of the study programme is required to submit, every two (2) years, to the competent Aliens and Migration Office a certificate of registration and participation in examinations issued by the relevant educational institution and an official transcript of academic records covering the same period, demonstrating the student's overall academic progress. Failure to comply with this obligation within two (2) months after the expiry of two-year period from the date of issuance of the residence permit will result in the revocation of the permit and the student will be required to leave the territory of Greece without delay.
Access to Employment
A residence permit issued for study purposes grants the holder the right to engage in employment only on a part-time basis. The student's working hours may not exceed twenty (20) hours per week.
If you are interested in obtaining a residence permit for studies in Greece, you can contact our office by telephone at +30 210 3319753 or by email at info@georgallis-law.com. Our law office and associates, with their expertise and experience in residence permits matters, will guide you step by step and assist you in completing the relevant procedure promptly, securely and effectively.
Residence Permit for studies, Entry visa, Student, Higher Education Institution, Sufficient financial resources, Part-time employment
Pursuant to article 106 of the greek Immigration Code, a third-country national who is interested to study in Greece should first apply for and obtain a national entry visa (visa D) for studies and upon arrival in Greece submit an application to the competent Aliens and Migration Office for the issuance of the relevant residence permit.
Requirements for the issuance of an entry visa for studies
Required Documents for the Initial Issuance of a Residence Permit for Studies
Duration of the Residence Permit for Studies
Until recently, a residence permit for studies was issued with a validity of one (1) year and could be renewed for an equal period each time. Following the amendments introduced to the greek Immigration Code by Law 5275/2026, a residence permit for studies is now granted for a period corresponding to the maximum duration of the specific study programme in which the student is enrolled.
A student holding a residence permit with a validity equal to the maximum duration of the study programme is required to submit, every two (2) years, to the competent Aliens and Migration Office a certificate of registration and participation in examinations issued by the relevant educational institution and an official transcript of academic records covering the same period, demonstrating the student's overall academic progress. Failure to comply with this obligation within two (2) months after the expiry of two-year period from the date of issuance of the residence permit will result in the revocation of the permit and the student will be required to leave the territory of Greece without delay.
Access to Employment
A residence permit issued for study purposes grants the holder the right to engage in employment only on a part-time basis. The student's working hours may not exceed twenty (20) hours per week.
If you are interested in obtaining a residence permit for studies in Greece, you can contact our office by telephone at +30 210 3319753 or by email at info@georgallis-law.com. Our law office and associates, with their expertise and experience in residence permits matters, will guide you step by step and assist you in completing the relevant procedure promptly, securely and effectively.