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Understanding Greece Visa Processing Time: A Comprehensive Guide

Last Update: 06-09-2024

Oia, Santorini, Greece

Introduction

When planning a trip to Greece, understanding the Greece visa processing time is crucial for a smooth application process. Whether you're applying for a Greece tourist visa, short stay type C visa, or a Greece study visa, the processing time can vary based on the type of visa and your specific circumstances. Typically, the Greece visa processing time for Indian applicants is around 15 working days. However, if your application requires additional consultation or review, it can extend up to 45 working days. To ensure that your visa application is processed efficiently, it's advisable to apply well in advance—ideally no later than 15 working days before your intended departure.


In this blog, we'll explore the various Greece visa types, their respective processing times, and essential tips on how to expedite your visa application. Whether you're seeking a short stay Schengen visa for tourism, a long-term family reunification visa, or a work visa, we'll cover all the necessary details to help you navigate the process with ease.

Table of Contents


  1. Greece Visa Processing Time for Indians
  2. Greece Short Term Schengen Visa Processing Time
  3. Greece Long Term Visa Processing Time
  4. When Should I apply for a Greece visa?
  5. How to Get a Fast Greece Visa?
  6. FAQs

Greece Visa Processing Time for Indians

The visa processing time for Greece for Indian citizens is generally around 15 days. However, in certain cases that require a more detailed examination, this period can extend up to 45 days. To avoid any potential delays, it's advisable to apply well in advance.

Greece Short Term Schengen Visa Processing Time

For a Greece short-term visa, including tourist or business visas, the typical processing time is about 15 working days. This timeframe is relevant for various short-stay type C visas intended for purposes such as tourism, business, family visits, or attending events, allowing a stay in Greece of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, depending on the visa type.


Note that a short study visa might require up to 90 days due to additional documentation. Be sure to collect all required documents for your visa application. Since processing times can vary, fulfilling all requirements can help speed up your stay in Greece.

Note:

If you submit your visa application at a Visa Application Centre in India other than New Delhi, add 5 extra days to the processing time. This is because your application will first be sent to the GVCW New Delhi VAC for Greece and then forwarded to the Embassy of Greece - Consular Office in New Delhi.

Visa TypePurpose of VisitProcessing Time

Tourist Visa

This visa for Greece is intended for vacations, visiting friends and family, or other short-term stays. It does not permit you to work while you're there.  The duration of stay can be up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

15 Working Days

Documents required for a Greece tourist visa for Indians:


  • Visa Application Form: Sign and bring the completed form with you to your appointment.
  • Original Passport: Valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay, with a minimum of 2 blank pages, issued within the last ten years.
  • Clear Photocopy of Passport: Include the first and last pages, all visas, and entry stamps.
  • Previous Passport: Include if applicable.
  • Photograph: One recent colour photo with a white background.
  • Bank Statement: Show financial transactions for the last three months, stamped and signed by the bank.
  • Cover Letter: Explaining the purpose of your trip and duration of stay.
  • Travel Insurance: Covering a minimum of 30,000 Euros for the entire stay in the Schengen Area.
  • Proof of Accommodation: Include hotel reservations, holiday home rental, or campus residence booking. If staying with a family member or friend, include proof of sponsorship or private accommodation. Some Schengen States may require a national form for sponsorship.
  • Flight Reservation: Provide a return or round-trip ticket. For multiple Schengen States travel, include proof of intra-Schengen flight reservation, train itinerary, or car rental.
  • ITR (Income Tax Return): Include ITR acknowledgment for the last two assessment years, attested.

Greece Business Visa Processing Time for Indians

The Greece business visa processing time is usually between 15 to 30 working days.


A Greece Schengen Business Visa allows you to visit Greece for business purposes such as attending meetings, conferences, or professional events, for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Visa TypePurpose of VisitProcessing Time

Tourist Visa

This visa is ideal for short business trips and is suitable if you are responding to invitations from partners in Greece or attending trade fairs, seminars, or conferences related to your professional activity.

15 Working Days

Documents required for a Greece business visa for Indians:


  • Original Passport: Must have two blank pages, be valid for at least 3 months beyond your trip.
  • Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photos.
  • Schengen Visa Application Form: Signed and completed.
  • Invitation Letter: From the Greek company detailing the purpose of your trip, the activity, duration, and location of the meeting, seminar, or conference.
  • Admission Cards: For trade fairs or conferences, if applicable.
  • Commitment Letter: From the inviting organisation to cover all costs, if applicable.
  • Travel Insurance: Minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros for the entire stay in the Schengen Area.

Greece Family Visa Processing Time for Indians

The Greece family and friends visa processing time typically ranges from 15 to 30 working days.


A Greece Schengen family and friends visa permits you to travel to Greece for visiting family members or friends for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This visa is suitable for personal visits, family gatherings, or spending time with friends.

Visa TypePurpose of VisitProcessing Time

Visiting Family and Friends Visa

This visa is for visiting family and friends in Greece and other Schengen areas. The duration of stay can be up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

15 Working Days

Greece Transit Visa Processing Time for Indians

The Greece transit visa processing time typically ranges from 15 to 30 working days.


A Greece Schengen transit visa permits you to transit through Greece en route to another destination. This visa allows for a short stay in Greece for up to 90 days within a 180-day period if required.

Visa TypePurpose of VisitProcessing Time

Transit Visa

This Greece transit visa is designed for travellers passing through Greece on their way to another Schengen country. It allows for a brief stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

15 Working Days

Greece Long Term Visa Processing Time

For a Greece long-term visa, such as a Work Visa, Self-Employment Visa, or Student Visa, the Greece visa processing time generally ranges from 30 to 45 working days. These visas are intended for stays exceeding 90 days and are suitable for purposes such as working, self-employment, or studying.


To apply for a Greece visa from India, ensure you submit all required documents and meet the visa application requirements. This helps in expediting the processing time. Travel to Greece with all the necessary paperwork to avoid delays in your application.

Greece Work Visa Processing Time

A Greece employment visa typically takes up to 30 to 45 working days to process.


This visa for Greece allows its holder to enter and stay in Greece for more than 3 months. To apply for a Greece visa from India, ensure all required documents are submitted to expedite the visa processing time.

Visa TypePurpose of VisitProcessing Time

Work Visa

This visa is for work purposes, allowing you to stay in Greece for over 3 months.

15 Working Days


Documents required for a Greece study visa for Indians:

  • Certified copy of a valid labour contract, ratified by a public authority, showing your salary matches or exceeds that of unskilled workers and includes employment terms.
  • Proof of educational qualifications and experience.
  • Relevant certifications, authorizations, licences, and references.

Greece Study Visa Processing Time

A Greece study visa typically takes up to 30 to 45 working days to process.


This visa for Greece allows you to stay in Greece for more than 3 months for educational purposes. To apply for a Greece visa from India, ensure all required documents are submitted to expedite your visa processing time.

Visa TypePurpose of VisitProcessing Time

Study Visa

This visa is for educational purposes, allowing you to stay in Greece for more than 3 months for study.

30 to 45 Working Days


Documents required for a Greece study visa for Indians:

  • Certificate of registration and fee payment at the education institute, or proof of acceptance for registration.
  • Evidence of sufficient income to cover study and living expenses, at least 400 euros per month.
  •  Parental consent for minors under 18 for the planned stay.
  • If Greek language proficiency is required, obtain and present a certificate from the education institute confirming your language skills.

Greece Long-term Family Reunification Visa Processing Time

A Greece long-term family reunification visa typically takes up to 30 to 45 working days to process. This visa allows you to stay in Greece for more than 3 months to join family members residing there.


Visa TypePurpose of VisitProcessing Time

Long-term Family Reunification Visa

This visa is for joining family members, such as your spouse or children, in Greece, allowing you to stay for more than 3 months.

30 to 45 Working Days


Documents required for a Greece Long-term family reunification for Indians:

  • Family Status Certificate: Issued by foreign authorities, officially certified and translated, proving family relationship.
  • Proof of Accommodation: Residence purchase or lease contract attested by a Tax Office.
  • Stable Income: Sufficient to meet the needs of you and your family, not reliant on social assistance.
  • Full Health Insurance: Coverage for all risks, applicable to domestic workers, and for all family members being brought over.

When Should I apply for a Greece visa?

When applying for a Greece visa, it’s important to plan ahead as visa applications typically take up to 15 working days to process. However, due to possible consultations with other Schengen countries, processing may extend up to 45 working days. To ensure your visa is processed in time, apply no later than 15 working days before your planned departure. If you are submitting your visa application at a centre in India other than New Delhi, remember to add 5 extra days to account for the additional time needed to forward your application from the GVCW New Delhi VAC for Greece to the Embassy of Greece - Consular Office in New Delhi.

How to Get a Fast Greece Visa?

Greece does not offer a specific fast-track service for visa applications, but there are several steps you can take to potentially expedite your Greece visa processing time:


  • Apply Early: Submit your Greece visa application as soon as possible. Processing times can vary depending on the visa type and time of year. Applying early helps you avoid delays and ensures you receive your Schengen visa in time for your travel.
  • Ensure Document Accuracy: Carefully check that all documents are complete and accurate. Errors or missing information can lead to delays in your Greece visa application. Verify that all your documents are correct before submission.
  • Contact the Embassy: If you have an urgent need, contact the Greek Embassy or Consulate. While there is no official fast-track service, explaining your situation might help expedite your visa application.
  • Use Visa Facilitation Services: Consider using visa facilitation services that assist with the Greece visa process. While these services cannot officially speed up processing times, they can make the application process smoother.
  • Choose the Right Visa Type: Different Schengen visa categories might have varying processing times depending on your visit's purpose. Apply for the visa type that best suits your needs to avoid unnecessary delays.

Planning ahead and allowing ample time for your stay in Greece is the best way to reduce stress and increase the likelihood of receiving your visa on time.

To sum it up

Navigating the Greece visa processing time effectively can make a significant difference in your travel plans. Whether you're applying for a Greece tourist visa, a short stay type C visa, or a Greece study visa, being aware of the typical processing duration is around 15 working days, but potentially extending up to 45 working days. By applying well in advance, ideally no later than 15 working days before your trip, you can ensure a smoother application process.


In this blog, we’ve covered the essential details of Greece visa processing times, including specific timelines for different visa types such as Greece work visas, short stay Schengen visas, and long-term family reunification visas. We’ve also provided valuable tips on how to expedite your visa application, ensure you meet all requirements, and prepare the necessary documents. By staying informed and proactive, you can enhance your chances of a successful visa application and enjoy your time in Greece without unnecessary delays.

FAQs

What is the processing time for a Greece tourist visa for Indians?

The Greece tourist visa processing time is generally around 15 working days. However, it may extend up to 30 to 45 days in some cases.

How long does it take to get a Greece business visa?

A Greece business visa usually takes between 15 to 30 working days to process. Ensure all required documents are correctly submitted to avoid delays.

When should I apply for a Greece visa to avoid delays?

Apply for your Greece visa at least 15 working days before your planned departure. This allows for any unexpected delays or additional processing time.

Can I expedite my Greece visa application?

Greece does not offer a fast-track visa service. To expedite your application, apply early and ensure all documents are accurate and complete.

How does applying outside New Delhi affect my Greece visa processing time?

Submitting your visa application at a centre other than New Delhi may add about 5 extra days to the processing time, as the application is first sent to the GVCW New Delhi VAC.

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