Your residence permit remains unaffected by temporary absences that do not exceed six months per year.
If you possess a national long-stay visa valid for up to one year, you can travel to other Member States without needing a new special entry visa (VISA) for 90 days within any 180-day period, under the same conditions as a residence permit holder.
However, if you have a certificate of application for a student residence permit (known as the “blue certificate”), your travel rights are limited only to your own country.
You can partake in a portion of your studies in another EU country, even if you have been accepted for studies in a different EU member state. In Greece, you can pursue a segment of your studies for up to three hundred and sixty (360) days. In this scenario, you are not obligated to obtain the special entry permit (study VISA) required by Greek law for those intending to study in Greece.
If you have gained admission to an educational institution in an EU country and wish to continue your studies at a Greek educational institution, you will need to submit:
(a) A copy of the valid degree or certification for the studies completed in the other EU member state.
(b) A certificate outlining the study course completed, demonstrating relevance and complementarity between the two study programs.
(c) Certification from the implementing body of the respective program, showcasing your participation in a community or bilateral exchange program, or certification from the competent authorities of the EU member state where you have been admitted as a student for at least two years.
One of the requirements for naturalization is continuous residence in Greece for a total of seven years before submitting your naturalization application.
The period you spend in Greece as a student does not count towards fulfilling additional rights. Hence, the years of your studies do not contribute to the above 7-year period required for eligibility to apply for Greek citizenship through naturalization.
However, if you legally and continuously reside in Greece for the immediate five (5) years prior to submitting your application, you can obtain long-term resident status. It’s essential not to be absent for more than six consecutive months and for a total period of fewer than ten months within five years. In this scenario, the duration of residence for study or professional training is only considered as half the duration for calculation purposes.
