How to apply for a visa to Greece

Are you planning a trip to Greece and don’t know how to apply for a visa? Apply for a visa to Greece possible through visa centers, consulates or embassies. Depending on the purpose of the trip and the length of stay in the country, you need to select the appropriate type of visa and prepare documents.

What types of visas are there for Greece?

1. The Schengen visa (category C) is one of the most common, as it allows you to stay in Greece and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within six months. This visa is suitable for tourist and business trips, visiting relatives or friends.
2. National visa (category D) – issued for a longer stay, for example, for study or work. It allows you to stay in the country for more than 90 days and provides limited access to other Schengen countries.

Main stages of document submission

The Greece visa application process includes several key steps:

Selecting a visa type

First of all, it is important to decide on the type of visa. For short-term tourist or business trips, a Schengen visa is suitable. For long-term purposes such as study or work, you will need a national visa.

Important nuances of applying for a visa

1. Deadlines for registration. Plan to submit documents in advance. The standard processing time for a visa application to Greece is 5-10 working days, but during the height of the tourist season the process may take longer. It is better to submit documents 2-3 weeks before the expected date of travel.
2. Consular fee. To obtain a visa you need to pay a consular fee. The cost of a Schengen visa for Russian citizens for 2024 is about 35 euros. A national visa costs more, depending on the specific purpose of your stay.
3. Insurance. Having health insurance is a mandatory requirement to obtain a visa. The policy must cover all days of stay in the country and a minimum amount of 30,000 euros. Without insurance, a visa may be denied.

When do you need a national visa?

A national visa is required if you intend to stay in Greece for longer than 90 days. For example, to study at a Greek university, work or marry a Greek citizen. The national visa application process may require additional documents such as proof of enrollment or an employment contract.

Visa extension

It is not possible to extend a Schengen visa in Greece. If you need to stay in the country for a longer period, you will have to leave the Schengen area and apply for a new visa. In the case of a national visa, it is possible to extend it within the country, provided that the purpose of stay remains relevant (for example, extending a contract with an employer).

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