How long does a Greece long-stay visa take to process?

A decision on a Greece long-stay visa typically takes around 60 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.

What documents are required for a Greece long-stay visa?

The Greece consular network lists: Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years, valid 3+ months beyond departure, 2 blank pages); Completed and signed Schengen visa application form; 1–2 recent biometric photos (35x45mm, ICAO standard); Travel medical insurance covering €30,000, valid across the Schengen area for the whole trip; National (type D) long-stay application form; Proof of the purpose of stay (job, study, family reunification, retirement or remote work); Proof of stable income or sufficient savings for the whole stay; Comprehensive health insurance valid in the destination country; Proof of accommodation (lease, property deed or host declaration); Criminal record certificate, apostilled and translated; Post-arrival registration with the local immigration/residence authority; Proof of UK immigration status (BRP, eVisa share code, or residence permit); Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) taken at the appointment. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.

Can I apply for a Greece long-stay visa from the United Kingdom?

Yes. We list 4 submission points in the UK for Greece, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.

Greece long-stay visa: requirements, fee and processing time

This page covers the Greece long-stay (national d) visa — used for stays longer than 90 days, followed by a national residence permit. Every field below is taken from our editor-verified country record and reflects what the Greece consular network publishes for applicants of any nationality. You apply in the country where you legally reside, so exact centres and service fees can differ locally.

Consular fee

€180

Typical decision

60 days

Appointments

Outsourced center

Where to apply for a Greece long-stay visa

GVCW visa application centre (London, Manchester, Edinburgh) for the initial national D visa; the residence permit itself is obtained in Greece after arrival.

Required documents

Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years, valid 3+ months beyond departure, 2 blank pages)
Completed and signed Schengen visa application form
1–2 recent biometric photos (35x45mm, ICAO standard)
Travel medical insurance covering €30,000, valid across the Schengen area for the whole trip
National (type D) long-stay application form
Proof of the purpose of stay (job, study, family reunification, retirement or remote work)
Proof of stable income or sufficient savings for the whole stay
Comprehensive health insurance valid in the destination country
Proof of accommodation (lease, property deed or host declaration)
Criminal record certificate, apostilled and translated
Post-arrival registration with the local immigration/residence authority
Proof of UK immigration status (BRP, eVisa share code, or residence permit)
Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) taken at the appointment

Turn this list into a tick-off checklist on the checklist page, which also flags which items are mandatory and which are only advisable.

Fees, reductions and exemptions

National (type D) visa — standard€180
Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizenFree— Directive 2004/38/EC — fee waived where the applicant joins an EU citizen exercising free-movement rights.
Application centre service fee€37— VFS Global service fee, payable per applicant in GBP in addition to the consular fee.

The national visa form is free of charge. A consular fee (commonly EUR 180) and the GVCW service fee apply, and a further residence-permit fee is payable in Greece after arrival. Family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens are exempt under Directive 2004/38/EC.

Booking an appointment

Book the "Long term / National D visa" category at uk-gr.gvcworld.eu. The D visa authorises entry and up to 365 days while you obtain the residence permit from the competent Decentralised Administration or through gov.gr.

Practical tips

Budget for two fees and two processes: the D visa in London, then the residence permit in Greece. Apostilled UK police certificates and a medical certificate are needed for most long-stay sub-categories.

What is unusual about the Greece process

Greece has no single long-stay route — study, work, family reunification, financially independent person and digital nomad each have their own document list and fee under national legislation.

Official sources

If you are applying from the United Kingdom

London — GVCW Greece Visa Application Centre — London
Suite 1, 4th Floor, 1 Duchess Street, London W1W 6AN
Appointments and the GVCW service fee are booked and paid online before you attend.
Manchester — GVCW Greece Visa Application Centre — Manchester
Manchester centre — exact address is confirmed on the GVCW portal at booking
Opening days can be limited; check the portal when booking.
Edinburgh — GVCW Greece Visa Application Centre — Edinburgh
Edinburgh centre — exact address is confirmed on the GVCW portal at booking
Serves applicants resident in Scotland.
London — Consulate General of Greece in London
1A Holland Park, London W11 3TP
Consular office responsible for decisions; national D visas are adjudicated here, not at the visa centre.

Applying from somewhere else? Use the consulate that covers your country of legal residence — the requirements above still apply.

Updated today against official Greece consular sources. Requirements can change without notice — always confirm before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Greece long-stay visa cost?: For a Greece long-stay visa, the consular fee is €180. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: National (type D) visa — standard — €180; Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizen — free; Application centre service fee — €37. The national visa form is free of charge. A consular fee (commonly EUR 180) and the GVCW service fee apply, and a further residence-permit fee is payable in Greece after arrival. Family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens are exempt under Directive 2004/38/EC. Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.
How long does a Greece long-stay visa take to process?: A decision on a Greece long-stay visa typically takes around 60 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.
Where do I apply for a Greece long-stay visa?: GVCW visa application centre (London, Manchester, Edinburgh) for the initial national D visa; the residence permit itself is obtained in Greece after arrival. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.
What documents are required for a Greece long-stay visa?: The Greece consular network lists: Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years, valid 3+ months beyond departure, 2 blank pages); Completed and signed Schengen visa application form; 1–2 recent biometric photos (35x45mm, ICAO standard); Travel medical insurance covering €30,000, valid across the Schengen area for the whole trip; National (type D) long-stay application form; Proof of the purpose of stay (job, study, family reunification, retirement or remote work); Proof of stable income or sufficient savings for the whole stay; Comprehensive health insurance valid in the destination country; Proof of accommodation (lease, property deed or host declaration); Criminal record certificate, apostilled and translated; Post-arrival registration with the local immigration/residence authority; Proof of UK immigration status (BRP, eVisa share code, or residence permit); Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) taken at the appointment. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.
How do appointments work for a Greece long-stay visa?: Appointment model: Outsourced center. Book the "Long term / National D visa" category at uk-gr.gvcworld.eu. The D visa authorises entry and up to 365 days while you obtain the residence permit from the competent Decentralised Administration or through gov.gr.
Can I apply for a Greece long-stay visa from the United Kingdom?: Yes. We list 4 submission points in the UK for Greece, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.

🇬🇷 Greece long-stay visa: requirements, fee and processing time