Finding an internship in Greece
Are you interested in interning in Greece? Whether you're an EU/EEA or non-EU citizen, there are plenty of opportunities available in various industries to gain valuable skills and experience. In this article, we'll explore the different sectors where internships are available in Greece and how to obtain a National D-type visa, as well as a residence permit, if necessary.
Who is eligible for an internship in Greece?
Internship opportunities in Greece are available to both EU/EEA and Non-EU citizens. While EU/EEA citizens are not required to obtain a visa for their internship in Greece, non-EU citizens must obtain one if they wish to intern in the country.
What opportunities are available in Greece regarding internships?
There are plenty of industries in Greece where you can intern and gain valuable skills and experience. Despite ongoing financial struggles, the startup industry in Greece has received almost 500m in funding since 2021, with growth in sectors such as socials, leisure & accommodation, transport, and food tech. Furthermore, Greece is home to numerous international companies, including Deloitte, PWC, Tesla, and Thales, that are always looking for bright minds to innovate their projects in Greece.
In addition, Greece remains a leader in the shipping industry in Europe, boasting innovative and well-connected ports such as Piraeus and Alexandroupolis. Internship opportunities are available in all aspects of the shipping and maritime industry, such as naval architecture, shipping operations, brokerage, operations, legal, and financial. For example, Danaos, a prominent container shipping company, offers interns the opportunity to work within the company and gain experience in all aspects of operations and communication with potential shipping clients.
If you're interested in a career in medicine, Greece offers internship positions for pre-med, pre-health, and graduate students to shadow doctors in hospitals in a variety of departments, providing first-hand ward and surgery experience. In some instances, these internship schemes even offer extra credits for your studies. Check out Cerca Abroad's medical internships for more information.
Other than the sectors mentioned above, the following sectors also often offer internship opportunities:
- Finance and Accounting
- Education and Teaching
- Digital Marketing
- Hospitality and Tourism
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How to apply for a visa for an internship in Greece?
After you have selected an internship and received confirmation from your employer, the next step is to apply for a National D-type visa from the Greek consulate in your home country or place of residence. To apply for this visa, you will need to provide the following documents:
- A fully completed application form
- A valid passport or travel document
- Two passport photos
- Criminal/police record certificate from your home country
- Medical certificate
- International health insurance to cover the duration of the internship
- A document from your employer detailing the length and type of internship.
The application fee for the visa is €90, with an additional €30 processing fee, and it will be affixed to a page in your passport. The processing time can take from a few weeks to a month, so it is best to apply well in advance of your internship start date.
Once you have obtained your National Visa, you can enter Greece legally and begin your internship. However, it is advisable to apply for a residence permit upon arrival, depending on the length of your internship.
