Which Documents Do You Need When Moving to Greece from the U.S.?

Relocating to the Motherland of Democracy takes more than just one-way flight tickets. Island sunsets and rich history all have to wait until you get the paperwork sorted out. So, what should you gather when moving to Greece from the USA? This post takes a good look at Greece visa requirements to help you understand the consular standard document expectations for a long-stay visa application.

Essential Documents for a Greek Long-Stay Visa

For an American moving to Greece, the typical visa needed is the national long-stay (Type D) visa. Issued by a Greek consulate, it allows you to stay beyond the 90-day tourist window. The exact checklist depends on your purpose — to work or retire in Greece — but here’s what is usually expected.

U.S. Passport, Visa Application Form, and Photos

Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area, with a few extra blank pages for a visa stamp. Complete and sign a visa application form, and include a recent passport-style photo upon submission. The photos must be taken within 6 months and adhere to the background and quality rules.

Medical Certificate and Health Insurance

You’ll be required to submit a statement of good health from a recognized medical institution confirming you’re free of any transmissible disease that may pose a risk to public health. Your consulate may require a specific template, so check with your case officer in advance. A medical certificate will be accompanied by valid health insurance covering your stay in Greece.

FBI Background Check

Greek long-stay visa applications generally require a criminal record certificate from the applicant’s country of residence. For Americans living in the U.S., this may mean an FBI background check rather than a local or state-level police clearance. A clean criminal record demonstrates that you’re a good fit to integrate into Greek society. Remember to check the required issue date with your consulate.

Proof of Accommodation in Greece

Showing immigration officials where you’ll live in Greece is essential. This can be a signed lease, a formal letter from your host, or a property deed if you’ve bought a house. Make sure it clearly states the address and length of stay. 

Supporting Documents for Your Residency Route

Beyond the core documents, the paperwork checklist also depends on why you’re moving. Whether seeking a work visa or student visa for Greece, applicants are usually asked about their purpose and financial solvency. The documents below are relevant to the most common immigration paths for Americans.

Employment Contracts for Work Visa Applicants

If you’ve landed a job with a Greek employer, you’ll need a formal offer letter or a signed employment contract. This document should clearly specify your upcoming position, salary, and term of employment. Before hiring you, the employer must complete the applicable procedures for employing a non-EU national under Greek immigration and labor laws.

Remote Work Agreements and Earnings Records for Digital Nomads

The Greece digital nomad visa targets remote workers employed by companies outside of Greece. You’ll be asked for a remote work contract, freelance contract, or client agreements. Plus, bank statements, payslips, and tax records showing your income are required as evidence that you can support yourself while in Greece.

Pension and Passive Income Statements for Financially Independent Applicants

The Financially Independent Person (FIP) pathway, commonly referred to as the Greece retirement visa, is designed for people who demonstrate steady passive income without having to work in Greece. You’ll need to present pension award letters, rental income records, dividend statements, or similar documentation.

Admission Letters and Financial Support Records for Students

Student visa applications for Greece often require an official admission or enrollment letter from a Greek-recognized educational institution. Along with this letter, you’ll need to submit proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses, such as bank statements, scholarships, and sponsorship letters.

Investment Evidence for Golden Visa Applicants

The Greece residency by investment route, or Golden Visa program, lets you enter the country by investing a qualifying amount of capital. You must generally prove a real estate purchase, fund transfers, or an alternative asset investment. Minimum amounts vary by type and location, so verify the current thresholds first.

Civil Status and Family Documents for Moving to Greece

At the center of a family-based Greece residency application sits civil status and family documents. These records tell Greek authorities who you are and which family members you’re bringing to Greece. Prepare the following early, since some may take weeks to arrive.

Birth and Marriage Certificates

Long-form birth and marriage certificates may be required to establish family relationships, depending on your visa category and family circumstances. Order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where the birth or marriage occurred. Keepsakes or photocopies don’t qualify, so always check for certifying signatures.

Divorce Decrees and Legal Name Change Records

If your marriage has ended, expect to provide documents showing it was resolved, such as a divorce decree. The document should be the final judgment, certified by the court that granted it. Similarly, name change matters too — if you’ve legally changed your name, provide a name-change court order to clarify your identity.

Adoption Papers and Child Custody Orders

Adoptive parents should have proper adoption decrees ready. For minors traveling with one parent, bring the court order showing who holds legal custody. In case of shared custody, you may also need a notarized consent letter signed by the parent who stays. These must typically be current and authenticated to satisfy consular requirements. 

Apostilles for U.S. Documents and Their Necessity in Greece

Greece is a signatory to the Hague Convention, which means American paperwork is recognized there with a single apostille. This certificate validates the record’s origin and must be issued by the correct agency: a DOS federal apostille covers federal documents, while the rest goes through state offices.

State Apostilles for State-Issued and Notarized Documents

Those originating from local and state agencies must be apostilled by the Secretary of State’s office or an equivalent authority where they come from. Birth records, marriage licenses, and notarized statements are common examples. For instance, if you were born in Texas, request an apostille for your birth certificate from Texas. For notarized documents, request the apostille from the state where the notarization took place.

Federal Apostille for an FBI Background Check

Since your FBI Identity History Summary is a federal document, individual states don’t have authority over it. You must have it authenticated through the U.S. Department of State. Order a rap sheet from the FBI, then send the report to the DOS for authentication, and make sure it remains valid as Greece expects.

Greek Translations and Document Submission Standards

Greek consulates generally require every English document to be submitted with a certified Greek translation, covering both the record and the apostille stamp. The job must be done by a translator listed in the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Register of Certified Translators or another professional authorized to provide official translations under Greek law. Keep the document, apostille, and translation together and submit them as a single package. 

Don’t Let Paperwork Delay Your Greek Adventure

Moving to Greece is a wonderful journey, provided you have a well-prepared folder that prevents red tape. From civil records to FBI background checks for visa applications, an apostille helps verify their authenticity for the Greek consulate’s review. If you need help with the apostille, EZ Apostille lets you skip the paperwork maze by handling authentication from start to finish — totally hands-off. 

FAQ

Living in Greece as an American starts with a stack of paperwork required for a visa application. Here are answers to practical questions before filing one.

Can I authorize someone to handle paperwork in Greece before I arrive?

Yes, you can sign a power of attorney to authorize someone to act on your behalf in Greece, such as for administrative processes or legal transactions.

Do children need school transcripts and vaccination records to enroll in Greece?

Usually, yes. Many Greek schools ask for previous transcripts and a vaccination booklet before admitting your children to an academic program.

Can I use my U.S. driver’s license after becoming a Greek resident?

Yes, but the rules for exchanging it depend on your residency status. You can apply to exchange a valid U.S. driving license for a Greek one once you meet the eligibility requirements. Your Greek residence permit or equivalent document must generally have been issued at least 185 days before you apply. 

Do pets need separate travel documents for entry into Greece?

Absolutely! Your pets need an EU Animal Health Certificate (AHC), along with an ISO microchip, rabies vaccination, and a non-commercial owner declaration.

Can I request U.S. documents remotely after moving to Greece?

Of course! Many authorities allow you to request documents from afar, such as by mail or through an online portal. For authentication, you can entrust a family member or a professional service like EZ Apostille to coordinate government submission and international shipping for you.