Question 1

How long does it take to get a work permit in Greece?

Accepted Answer

For most non-EU hires, 3–4 months from a complete document pack. EU Blue Card and ICT routes can be faster. Three stages: Employer filing and Metaklisi approval; National visa at the consulate; Residence permit application in Greece.

Question 2

Which permit route is right for our hire?

Accepted Answer

It depends on salary, qualifications, whether it's an in-group transfer, and length of stay. The common routes: EU Blue Card — highly qualified roles above the salary threshold; Intra-corporate transfer (ICT) — moves inside the same group; National work permit via Metaklisi — the standard employment route; Digital nomad permit — remote work for employers outside Greece.

Question 3

Does Mazi guarantee work permit approval?

Accepted Answer

No. Approval rests solely with the competent Greek authorities. Mazi's role is to ensure legal precision and complete documentation, prepared and filed by licensed counsel, to reduce the risk of delays or rejection.

Question 4

What happens if the application is rejected?

Accepted Answer

Rejections are uncommon when the file is complete and well-prepared, but they happen — usually over quota exhaustion, incomplete documentation, or contract terms that don't match the declared salary. When it happens, we review the stated reasons with you and, where an administrative appeal or a corrected re-application is the right move, we handle it. We can't guarantee an outcome — that decision sits with the Greek authorities — but you won't be left figuring out next steps alone.

Question 5

What does Mazi actually cost?

Accepted Answer

Transparent fixed fees quoted before you sign, with government charges passed through at cost. No hourly billing, no month-end surprises. Volume rates for employers moving several people a year.

Question 6

How are government fees handled?

Accepted Answer

All official state fees and translation costs are passed through directly at cost, with receipts.

Question 7

Is Mazi a law firm or a relocation agency?

Accepted Answer

Mazi is a coordination platform, not a law firm — legal filings and advice come from licensed Greek immigration counsel we work with. Mazi's own team handles housing, AFM/AMKA, banking and schools. One accountable partner instead of two vendors to manage.

Question 8

What does the HR team have to do?

Accepted Answer

Provide employment details and company documents once, then approve. Document chasing, appointments and deadline tracking happen in the Mazi platform, with live case status.

Question 9

How do we get started?

Accepted Answer

Book a 20-minute intro call. We map route, timeline and cost, and you get a written summary afterwards either way.

Question 10

Do you work with the employee's family too?

Accepted Answer

Yes, included in the relocation scope rather than sold as an upsell: Spouse and dependent permits; School placement and healthcare registration; Spouse job-search support.

Question 11

Can you help someone who is already in Greece?

Accepted Answer

Yes — renewals, permit type changes, status corrections and family reunification are routine for us. Come to us early if a permit is close to expiry.

Question 12

What is the 50% tax exemption (Article 5Γ)?

Accepted Answer

Article 5Γ of the Greek Income Tax Code (Ν. 4172/2013) exempts 50% of Greek-source employment or business income from income tax and the special solidarity levy, for 7 tax years from the year you're admitted to the regime. Eligibility is cumulative: You weren't a Greek tax resident for 5 of the previous 6 years; You transfer your tax residence from an EU/EEA state, or a state with a tax administrative-cooperation agreement with Greece; You provide employment or business services in Greece; You declare intent to remain in Greece for at least 2 years.

Question 13

How much does this cost me personally?

Accepted Answer

For most employer-sponsored cases, your company covers Mazi's fee as part of the relocation package — check with your HR team on exactly what's included. Where you're applying on your own rather than through an employer, we quote a fixed fee in writing before anything starts, the same as we do for companies.

Question 14

What if I don't speak Greek or English well?

Accepted Answer

Sofia, our AI assistant, answers routine questions in multiple languages. Anything that needs a person goes to our Athens team, who work in Greek and English — for key appointments like biometrics or the tax office, we can often arrange interpretation.

Question 15

What happens to my status while my paperwork is being processed?

Accepted Answer

Once your residence permit application is filed in Greece, you receive a blue receipt (βεβαίωση κατάθεσης) that legalises your stay and work while the case is pending. We track the case and flag anything that needs your attention before a decision is made.

Question 16

Is my personal information kept safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your documents are stored securely and we never sell or share your data. Only the people actually working on your case — our team and, where relevant, the reviewing lawyer — have access to it.

Question 17

Which cities do you cover?

Accepted Answer

Athens and Thessaloniki in person. The rest of Greece, including the islands, remotely with local partners for viewings and appointments.

Questions HR and employees ask before the first move

Before you book a call, start here

How long will this take?

Which route do we need?

What will it cost?

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