E.4 — Standard Employment Residence Permit (Άδεια Διαμονής Εξαρτημένης Εργασίας - E.4)

The Standard Employment Residence Permit (Type E.4) is a core component of Greece’s immigration framework, governed by the Code for Migration and Social Integration (Law 4251/2014). It fills the gap for foreign nationals seeking to work for a specific Greek employer, ensuring that such recruitment aligns with the needs of the national labor market. The process typically requires an employer-sponsored application, which must be approved by the Decentralized Administration to verify that the position cannot be filled by local or EU/EEA candidates, thereby balancing labor demand with domestic employment protection.

This permit is for third-country nationals who have secured a formal job offer from a registered Greek company. The ideal applicant is a professional hired for a full-time role, with the employer acting as the primary sponsor for the residence permit. To qualify, the applicant must meet a minimum annual income threshold of 10,560 EUR and provide proof of comprehensive health insurance. It is a distinctive, employer-linked visa that requires the worker to maintain their employment status to remain in the country, providing a structured pathway for long-term residency through professional contribution.