Greece immigration timeline in 2026

Understanding Greece Visa Processing Times

When planning to move to Greece, knowing how long each step takes is crucial. Processing times depend on your visa type, your home country, and current application volume. Greece handles different visas through different government agencies, and each has its own timeline. Most applications take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, so start early and prepare documents carefully.

Common Visa Types and Their Timelines

Short-stay visas (for tourism or short visits) typically process faster than residence permits. These often take 2–4 weeks from submission.

Long-stay visas (for work, study, or family reunion) usually require 4–8 weeks or longer. The Greek consulate in your home country handles these applications.

Residence permits for people already in Greece may take 2–3 months after you submit your application at a local migration office.

Golden visa applications (property investment) can take several months because they involve more documentation review.

Steps in the Greece Visa Process

1. Gather documents — Collect all required paperwork (birth certificates, medical tests, proof of income, housing documentation). This step alone can take 2–6 weeks if you need translated or certified documents.

2. Submit your application — You'll apply either at a Greek consulate abroad or at a migration office in Greece, depending on your visa type. Submission itself is quick, but queues may cause delays.

3. Background checks and review — Authorities verify your information, which takes time and varies by country.

4. Interview (if required) — Some visa types need an in-person interview, which adds 1–4 weeks to the timeline.

5. Decision and biometrics — Once approved, you may need to attend a biometrics appointment to finalize your visa.

Ways to Speed Up Your Application

• Submit all documents at once, correctly translated and certified
• Double-check requirements before applying to avoid rejection
• Apply early—don't wait until you need to leave immediately
• Use a local immigration lawyer or consultant if you're uncertain
• Track your application status online through the government portal

Planning Your Move in 2026

Begin gathering documents at least 3–4 months before your intended move date. If you need translated documents or background checks from your home country, start even earlier. Contact the Greek consulate in your area for exact requirements, as these can differ by location and visa category.

This is general self-help information, not legal advice. Always verify current rules on the official government website.