Greek visa resources
After you arrive in Greece on a national visa
A national visa is an entry document: once in Greece you must apply for a residence permit before the visa expires, after getting a tax number and registering locally.
Important
A Greek national (Type D) visa authorises entry and initial stay, but it is not the final permit. Consular posts must inform applicants that they are obliged to file a residence-permit application with the competent Aliens and Immigration department at their place of residence in Greece - and this must be done after entry and before the visa expires.
To complete the residence-permit application you generally first obtain a Greek tax identification number (AFM) and register your local address. You then submit the residence-permit application (largely online through the Ministry of Migration and Asylum), attend for biometrics, and receive a certificate (the blue receipt / bebaiosi) that proves your legal stay while the permit is issued.
Steps after arrival
- Obtain a Greek tax number (AFM) from the competent tax office
- Register your local address as required
- File the residence-permit application before your national visa expires, with the competent migration service
- Attend the appointment for biometrics (fingerprints and photo)
- Keep the blue receipt (bebaiosi) - it evidences legal residence while the card is produced
- Collect the biometric residence-permit card when notified
Next steps
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.