student visa in greece
Every year, thousands of foreign students flock to Greece to study abroad and take advantage of the country’s amazing climate and historic locations. While many choose to extend their stay and explore more of Europe, they encounter difficulties when trying to obtain a visa for long-term travel or relocation. Some countries refuse to issue student visas due to tightened immigration regulations and others require students under 26 years of age to hold a letter of guarantee from a parent or guardian. Thankfully, there is a way around these obstacles.
A student’s first stop on the way to studying abroad is often a visa. Before their overseas experience, students need to make sure they have a valid visa in order to study in another country. Depending on the country that a student is studying, visas can be challenges and the higher education institution you choose will help you through the process. However, there are many aspects of this process that students do not think about before going overseas for their degree. The following information will provide information about how to get a student visa and what to expect as you apply for your visa.
A student visa in Greece offers you the chance to learn a new language and immerse yourself in a new culture, while also giving you the freedom to travel around Europe.
You can apply for a student visa if you want to study at an accredited school in Greece, or if you want to study on an exchange program.
If you’re already in Greece and want to stay longer than 90 days, then you will need a residence permit.
Student visas are only valid for the duration of the course that was approved by the Greek government, so make sure you check with your university before applying!
Greece is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe and it attracts many tourists every year. It has a rich culture and history, but its economy is not as strong as it should be. If you want to study in Greece, you need to get a student visa.
The first step is to find out which university you want to attend and then check whether they offer courses in English or only in Greek. You can also apply for a language course if you cannot speak any Greek before you arrive in Greece.
Once you have chosen your university, visit their website and follow the instructions on how to apply for a student visa. You will need an address in Greece where you will live during your studies and proof that you have enough money for living expenses while studying there.
It is important that when applying for any kind of visa, you provide all relevant documents from your home country as well as from Greece itself so that they can issue you with one quickly without having any problems later down the line when trying to enter or exit the country again!
Greece is a beautiful country, and it has a long history of welcoming students from all over the world. It’s no wonder that so many students want to study in Greece!
If you’re thinking about studying abroad in Greece, we’ve got some tips for you:
- First, check out the requirements for getting your student visa. You can find them here.
- Second, make sure your university accepts international students before you sign up for classes! The requirements vary from school to school, so be sure to double-check before enrolling in classes.
- Third, remember that if you’re not from an EU country or Switzerland, you’ll need to apply for a student visa before arriving in Greece (usually at least three months).
- Fourth, don’t forget about health insurance! Many universities will require proof of coverage before granting admission or issuing transcripts.
Here are the documents you need to submit when applying for a Greek student visa, also known as the D visa.
Note: These should be translated to Greek or English if written in another language.
Accomplished application form
You will need to fill up the form for a long-stay visa. You will need to fill up your personal details, information about your travel document, and the purpose of your journey.
Since you intend to study in Greece, you will need to answer the following questions regarding your institution:
- Name of institution
- Address
- Telephone number and email address
- Intended start date
- End of study date
Valid passport
This should be valid for at least three months after the return date. There should be at least two blank pages available.
ID Photos
For your photos for your Greek student visa, you need to submit two passport-size photos (35 mm by 45 mm) printed on a light background.
You should look straight into the camera and give a neutral facial expression.
If you wear glasses, they shouldn’t reflect the flash.
Head coverings are not allowed in the picture unless for religious purposes. That said, your facial features should still be visible in the picture.
Proof of registration
You could submit proof of enrollment, which is a document that shows that you are allowed to attend a particular course or university.
Another option is the receipt that says you have paid the necessary fees at the institution.
Proof English and/or Greek proficiency
If your program requires you to be proficient with Greek, you will need to submit documentation for this.
If not, proficiency in the English language will suffice.
Proof of medical insurance
Your health insurance should offer a minimum of EUR 30,000/$35,625 coverage.
Proof of status
You need to submit a marriage or divorce certificate and birth certificates of your children if applicable.
Means of subsistence
You are required to submit documents proving that you can look after yourself financially throughout your studies. Your bank account should be able to cover the expected expenses of EUR 400 or $475 a month.
Medical certificate
Your certificate should show that you are not diagnosed with an infectious or contagious disease that risks public health.
A private or public institution may issue this form.
Certificate of criminal record
This should certify your criminal status in your country of residence. If you are living in another country, you may need to provide a criminal record issued by this nation.
Consent from parents
If you are under 18, you will need to submit this form with the other requirements above.
How much money do you need for a Greek Student Visa?
Foreigners applying for a student visa will need to pay an amount of EUR 90 or $107. This will not be refunded in case your application is denied.
Steps on Applying for a Student Visa in Greece
Here are the steps you need to take to get a Greek student visa:
1. Complete all the necessary documents.
You need to fill-up the form (link above) and have the required documents ready.
2. Schedule an interview appointment with the consulate in your area.
Embassies will not honor walk-in applications. As such, you need to schedule your visit for your student visa in Greece.
Attend your appointment interview.
The Greek consul will ask you what you’re going to do in Greece, which in this case, is to study.
After the interview, you will need to hand in all the documents mentioned above.
You will also get your image and fingerprints scanned if you haven’t applied for a Schengen area visa within the last five years.
3. Pay the visa fee.
Depending on the consulate, you may pay it there at the embassy – or a specific bank.
4. Wait for your visa to be processed.
Greek student visa processing usually takes about six days. However, the consulate may take as long as three months to process your application.
It is important to note that those denied entry to Greece before may have their application rejected.
Other grounds of refusal include:
- Use of counterfeit or falsified documents
- Provision of misleading information
- Possible threat to public health and/or safety
Should you be denied, you have the right to appeal your case within 90 days of the decision issuance.
5. Obtain your visa.
Once you have your student visa for Greece at hand, you may fly to Greece and get settled.
6. Apply for a residence permit.
Within the 40 days, you have arrived in Greece, you will need to apply for a residence permit. This is mandatory if you’ll be staying in the country for more than a year.
To apply for this, you first need to fill up a form online. You will also need to schedule an appointment with the police station in your area.
Once there, you may submit the exact documents you have provided during the application process.
The fee for the residence permit is EUR 150 or about $180, which is to be paid yearly.
Once you have a residence permit, you may travel freely within the Schengen area. You may also access other services offered to Greek residents.
Conclusion
Citizens of the European Union don’t need a student visa for Greece. However, a student visa is required for non-EU citizens. To get your student visa for Greece, you’ll need an official acceptance letter from your chosen school in Greece, which must be an institution certified by the Greek Ministry of Education.
Don’t forget to contact the Greek Embassy in your country, or look at the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, for a detailed list of the documents required for a student visa and information about how to submit your application. A list of countries requiring or not requiring a visa can be found here.
For non-EU/EEA international students:
- You must have a passport or other travel document
- The passport must have a valid student visa for Greece
- The student visa will need:
- To have been issued in the country where the passport comes from
- To be distinguished into short-term residence (Schengen visa) or long-term residence (national visa)
- To be as long as your course
- Some non-EU nationals can enter Greece without a visa for 3-6 months for a short course
- In some unusual circumstances, you might be able to get your visa on arrival
You can find out more about getting your student visa for Greece on the website pages of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The application form for a visa can be found here, while the necessary Medical Certificate required for issuing your student visa for Greece can be found here. Throughout your time in Greece, you’ll need to make sure that you have valid medical insurance. The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs can change the visa requirements, so make sure you’re up-to-date with what you need!