INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS SUPPORT UNIT

The conditions for coming to Greece for scientific research purposes in a research organization are as follows:

1. The designated organization must be officially approved for this purpose in compliance with relevant legislation.
2. A host contract must be signed, wherein you commit to completing your research program.
3. The research organization must also commit to hosting the researcher for research activities approved by the organization’s competent bodies.

You are required to submit an application to the competent Service of the Immigration  Service Directorate of the Decentralized Administration in your area to obtain the relevant residence permit.

The granted residence permit’s validity aligns with the duration specified in the host contract signed with the specific research organization. For renewal, you should submit the relevant application to the same service two months before the current permit’s expiration.

Family members can apply for a residence permit, and upon submission of the required supporting documents, they receive a permit of the same duration as yours. This also applies to family members of a researcher who comes to Greece to conduct part of their research, already possessing a relevant researcher residence permit from another EU member state.

For the renewal of your family members’ residence permits, the same conditions as your residence permit renewal apply.

The conditions for this are as follows:

(a) Your research plan must be approved by the competent body of the research organization. This includes specifying the purpose and duration of the research, confirming the availability of necessary financial resources, and assessing the researcher’s qualifications concerning the research subject.

(b) During your stay, you must possess sufficient resources, not reliant on the social welfare system, amounting to at least 900 euros per month to cover expenses.

(c) You must have insurance covering all risks as stipulated by current legislation, equivalent to coverage provided to nationals.

(d) The host contract must define your legal relationship and working conditions in compliance with applicable laws. Additionally, upon signing the host contract, the research organization must issue an individual declaration assuming financial responsibility for any costs incurred if you remain in Greece unlawfully after the contract’s termination.

If your stay here will not exceed three months, there is no need for a new residence permit in Greece, as the permit you already hold from another EU member state grants you that right. However, if your stay in Greece extends beyond three months, you will need to sign a new hosting contract with the research organization here. Simultaneously, you should obtain the corresponding residence permit for your research in Greece.

5. I am a researcher from a third country. Can I stay in Greece after the end of my research?

You are permitted to stay in Greece for a minimum period of twelve (12) months to seek employment or establish a business.

Upon your request, Greek authorities grant a residence permit under Regulation (EC) No. 1030/2002, contingent upon receiving confirmation from the host organization regarding the completion of your research activity. Additionally, the permit can be renewed for family reunification purposes.

You can submit this application at least thirty (30) days before the expiration of your current permit. The confirmation from the research organization regarding completion of your research activity must be submitted within ninety (90) days after the previous permit’s expiration.

After a minimum of three (3) months from the issuance of your residence permit, you must demonstrate to the competent agency a realistic prospect of employment or business establishment commensurate with your level of education.

If the criteria for extending the residence permit are no longer met, the competent service has the authority to revoke your residence permit and those of your family members.

Besides the rights extended to students from third countries, foreign researchers have additional entitlements. These include the right to teach as per the prevailing legislation, alongside equal treatment with Greek citizens, particularly concerning:

(a) Recognition of diplomas, certificates, and other professional titles. (b) Working conditions encompassing salary and termination terms. (c) Social security coverage. (d) Tax incentives. (e) Access to goods, services, and access to public services and facilities.