National Visa D (“Z.17”) for UK-qualified lawyers

Greece introduces a new type of national type D (“Z.17”) visa to facilitate UK citizens professionally practicing law in the UK and are qualified as “advocate”, “barrister” or “solicitor” to enter Greece, register with a Greek Bar Association, and provide specific legal services, either remotely or through temporary stays in Greece.

Key points

Eligible applicants: UK nationals qualified as advocate, barrister, or solicitor.
Purpose: Registration with a Greek Bar Association and provision of designated legal services.
Visa duration: 91 days up to 1 year, depending on the request.
Travel rights:
Multiple entries/exits to and from Greece.
Access to the Schengen Area, subject to the standard 90 days in any 180-day period rule.

Main required documents

Proof of professional qualification (advocate / barrister / solicitor).
Certificate of registration and professional standing from the relevant UK authority (issued within the last 3 months).
Details of the UK professional body or Bar Association.
Proof of sufficient financial resources: at least €2,000 per month (or equivalent annual amount), from employment outside Greece or personal/business bank statements.
Documents must be submitted in English, properly certified and officially translated.

Restrictions

Holders cannot work for a Greek employer while on this visa.
They may request a change of purpose only to certain residence permit categories, i.e. EU Blue Card (Highly Qualified) permit (E.1) or Special-purpose Employment (E.3).
To switch to other residence permit categories, they must leave Greece and apply for a new national visa under the relevant immigration rules.