Can I convert my Greece work visa to permanent residency?

Yes, you can convert your Greece work visa into permanent residency if you have legally lived and worked in Greece for at least five consecutive years. During this time, you must maintain a valid residence permit, stable employment, and comply with all Greek immigration rules. You must also meet income, health insurance, and language requirements. Once these conditions are fulfilled, you can apply for permanent residency through the Greek authorities.

To qualify for permanent residency in Greece, you must legally reside in the country for at least five continuous years. During this period, you should not stay outside Greece for more than six consecutive months or exceed a total of ten months abroad. Any long or frequent absences may break your continuous residency and delay your eligibility for permanent residence status.

To qualify for permanent residency, you must show stable and sufficient income to support yourself and any dependents. Typically, this means earning around €12,000 to €13,000 per year, though the amount may vary depending on family size and current government guidelines. The income must be legal, consistent, and supported by tax records and employment documents.

Yes, applicants must demonstrate basic knowledge of the Greek language, usually at an A2 level. This requirement ensures that residents can communicate in everyday situations and integrate into Greek society. In some cases, applicants may also need to show basic understanding of Greek culture and civic life through an official language or integration test.

Yes, you may change employers after receiving a Greek work visa, but only after obtaining approval from the relevant authorities. The new employer must apply for a new work permit on your behalf, and you must wait for approval before starting the new job. Working without proper authorization may affect your legal status.

To apply for permanent residency, you need a valid passport, residence permit, proof of continuous legal stay, employment records, tax payment proofs, health insurance coverage, proof of accommodation, and a police clearance certificate. Authorities may request additional documents depending on your employment history or personal circumstances.

No, you must be physically present in Greece to apply for permanent residency. Extended stays outside Greece may interrupt your continuous residence period and affect your eligibility. It is important to maintain legal residence and remain in the country during the qualifying period.

In most cases, time spent on a student visa or short-term residence permit does not fully count toward permanent residency. Only time spent on long-term residence or work permits is considered valid for PR eligibility. Partial credit may apply in specific cases, depending on Greek immigration rules.

Yes, your spouse and dependent children may apply for permanent residency if they have legally lived with you in Greece and meet the necessary conditions. They must hold valid residence permits, have adequate accommodation, and meet financial and documentation requirements.

The processing time usually ranges from six to twelve months, depending on the volume of applications and the completeness of your documents. Delays may occur if additional checks or clarifications are required by the immigration authorities.

No, permanent residency and citizenship are different. Permanent residents can live and work in Greece indefinitely but do not have voting rights or a Greek passport. Citizenship requires a longer period of residence, language proficiency, and integration into Greek society.

Yes, permanent residents are allowed to work for any employer in Greece without needing a separate work permit. However, they must still follow Greek labor laws, pay taxes, and maintain valid residence status.

If your application is rejected, you may appeal the decision or reapply after correcting the issues mentioned in the rejection notice. Common reasons for rejection include incomplete documentation, insufficient residency proof, or failure to meet income requirements.

Yes, after holding permanent residency for the required number of years and meeting additional criteria such as language proficiency and integration tests, you may apply for Greek citizenship. Citizenship provides additional rights, including voting and holding a Greek passport.