National long-stay visa (D): Chinese citizen → Greece
Over 90 days means Greece's national rules
Living, working or studying in Greece is governed by Greece's own immigration law, not the shared Schengen rules — every nationality without free movement needs a national (D) visa or permit.
The bottom line
- Long stays use national D visas tied to a residence purpose; residence permits after arrival are handled by the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.
- Apply through Ministry of Foreign Affairs — the EU-level rules only guarantee that a D visa lets you visit the OTHER Schengen states 90 days in any 180.
- Your short-stay visa requirement is separate — a C visa never converts into residence; start with the national route directly.
When to start
Start 2–4 months before your travel date.
National routes start with the underlying purpose: a job offer or contract, university admission, or proof of family ties. Long stays use national D visas tied to a residence purpose; residence permits after arrival are handled by the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.
Start on the official portal (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and follow the route for your purpose. Global Visa Center World (GVCW) in many countries — Greece's distinctive provider — plus VFS Global in others (e.g. Turkey).
Lodge documents and biometrics at Greece's mission or application centre covering China. National-visa appointments are scarcer than short-stay ones — book the moment your file is ready.
Long-stay decisions involve in-country authorities (migration agency, labour office or canton/region) and typically take 1–3 months — don't book non-refundable travel until granted.
Most states require converting the D visa into a residence permit or registering your address shortly after arrival — Greece's rules are in the guide above. Missing this deadline can invalidate the stay.
What you'll need
- Passport — Valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the area, issued within the last 10 years, with 2 blank pages.
- Purpose evidence — Employment contract, admission letter, or family documents — the core of a national application.
- Financial evidence — Bank statements, salary or scholarship meeting the destination's national threshold.
- Health insurance — Coverage valid in the destination until you join its national system. · Until local insurance starts
- Proof of status in China — Evidence you legally reside where you're applying. · If requested
Good to know
- A D visa from one state lets you move around the other Schengen states 90 days in any 180 — but you may only live, work or study in the issuing state.
- Every nationality needs the national route, including visa-exempt (Annex II) nationals — the 90-day waiver never covers employment or residence.
Where you'll apply
Where you'll apply in China
Apply in your districtWho runs the centre: Typically Global Visa Center World (GVCW) in many countries — Greece's distinctive provider — plus VFS Global in others (e.g. Turkey)
Greece consulates have territorial jurisdiction: apply to the mission covering your area of legal residence in China. Start on the official portal below — it directs you to the visa centre/operator for your area; you generally cannot pick another city for a faster slot.
Getting a slot — book early · community-reported, checked 2026-06-13
- Slots are released in batches with no fixed public schedule — most often early morning local time, on Monday mornings, and around the 1st of the month.
- For popular consulates (e.g. France, Italy and Spain in big cities), a fresh batch can be gone within minutes — be registered and logged in before you look.
- Cancellations free up slots throughout the day, so check daily even when it shows ‘no availability’.
- Because of this, apply as early as you are allowed — up to 6 months before travel. Waiting until 1–2 months out often means no slots are left at all.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs — official portal (find your centre) →
Continue on the official site →