Greece Visa Guide for Pakistanis
Schengen area member. Pakistani passport holders require a Schengen visa.
Available Visa Types
Tourist Visa
multiple entryBusiness Visa
multiple entryTransit Visa
double entryVisa fees, processing times, and requirements are approximate estimates. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before applying.
About Greece
Greece is one of the most historically rich and visually stunning destinations in Europe, and for Pakistani travelers, it offers a unique blend of ancient civilization, Mediterranean beauty, and accessible European culture. As a Schengen Area member, Greece requires Pakistani passport holders to obtain a Schengen visa prior to travel, but the process is well-established and many Pakistanis successfully visit each year for tourism, business, and education. Greece's location as the gateway between Europe, Asia, and Africa has given it a cosmopolitan character that makes visitors from Pakistan feel relatively welcomed and at ease.
For Pakistani tourists, Greece is primarily known as a dream holiday destination featuring the iconic whitewashed buildings of Santorini, the ancient ruins of Athens including the Acropolis, the crystal-clear waters of Mykonos, and the historical sites of Thessaloniki and Delphi. Beyond tourism, a growing number of Pakistanis have settled in Greece over the past two decades, particularly in Athens, forming small but active communities. Many Pakistani migrants arrived through irregular migration routes due to Greece's proximity to Turkey, but efforts toward regularization and legal pathways have grown in recent years. The Pakistani community in Greece, while smaller than in the UK or UAE, maintains mosques, halal food stores, and cultural associations primarily in Athens.
Greece also serves as a transit point for Pakistanis seeking opportunities elsewhere in Europe, but increasingly people are finding reasons to stay. The Greek government has made efforts to attract skilled workers and international students as the country rebuilds its economy following earlier financial difficulties. Pakistani students are beginning to explore Greek universities as an affordable European education option, with tuition fees significantly lower than in the UK or Germany while still offering EU-recognized degrees. The country's growing tech and tourism sectors are also creating new employment opportunities for foreign nationals.
Culturally, Greece and Pakistan share a deep historical connection through the legacy of Alexander the Great, whose conquest extended into present-day Pakistan. The ancient Greek influence is visible in the art, architecture, and coinage discovered in Gandhara, connecting the two civilizations across millennia. Greek cuisine, though not traditionally halal, is increasingly accommodating Muslim dietary needs in major tourist areas, and the warm Mediterranean hospitality of Greeks resonates well with Pakistani visitors accustomed to a culture that values generosity and community. For Pakistani families considering Greece as a travel or relocation destination, it represents an exciting blend of history, natural beauty, and emerging opportunity within the European sphere.
Key Facts about Greece
Pakistani Community in Greece
Job Market for Pakistanis
Greece's economy is driven by tourism, shipping, agriculture, and a growing technology sector, and there are opportunities for skilled foreign workers particularly in hospitality, IT, and healthcare. Average salaries in Greece are lower than in Northern Europe, ranging from approximately USD 1,000 to USD 2,500 per month depending on the sector, with tourism and hospitality roles often including accommodation. Pakistani nationals require a work visa sponsored by a Greek employer, and the process involves approval from the Greek Ministry of Immigration and relevant labor authorities.
Culture & Lifestyle
Greece has a small but established Muslim community, and halal food is available in Pakistani and Turkish-run restaurants primarily in Athens and larger cities. Several mosques operate in Athens and Thessaloniki, and Muslim prayer facilities can be found in major tourist areas. Greeks are generally hospitable and respectful of religious differences, making it manageable for Muslim families, though halal options may be limited in smaller towns and rural areas.
Education in Greece
Greek public universities are affordable by European standards, with tuition fees ranging from approximately USD 1,500 to USD 5,000 per year for international students, and some programs are offered in English at postgraduate level. Universities such as the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and the Athens University of Economics and Business attract international students including Pakistanis. Degrees from recognized Greek universities are generally accepted by HEC Pakistan for equivalence, and while dedicated scholarships for Pakistanis are limited, EU-funded programs such as Erasmus+ can provide support for eligible students.
Healthcare in Greece
Greece has a public healthcare system (ESY) that provides free or subsidized care to residents and EU citizens, but Pakistani visitors and short-term visa holders are not covered and must rely on private healthcare or travel insurance. It is strongly recommended that Pakistani travelers and visa applicants obtain comprehensive travel health insurance covering at least EUR 30,000 in medical expenses, as this is also a mandatory Schengen visa requirement. Private hospitals and clinics in Athens and major cities are of good quality, but medical costs can be significant without insurance coverage.
Path to Citizenship in Greece
Pakistani nationals can pursue long-term residency in Greece through employment, business investment, family reunification, or the Greece Golden Visa program, which grants residency through real estate investment of EUR 250,000 or more. After five years of legal continuous residency, immigrants may apply for permanent residency, and Greek citizenship can be applied for after seven years of legal residence. Greece does allow dual citizenship in principle, meaning Pakistanis who qualify could potentially retain their Pakistani nationality alongside Greek citizenship, though it is advisable to confirm the latest regulations with legal counsel.
Frequently Asked Questions about Greece
Greece is generally a safe country for Pakistani families and is considered one of the safer European destinations. Crime rates are relatively low, and tourists are well-received in major cities and island destinations. Pakistani families may feel comfortable in larger cities like Athens and Thessaloniki where there is a small Pakistani community and Muslim-friendly facilities. However, it is wise to exercise standard travel precautions, particularly in crowded tourist areas where petty theft can occasionally occur. Greek people are known for being warm and hospitable toward visitors.
Halal food is available in Greece, primarily in Athens where Pakistani, Turkish, and Arab-run restaurants and grocery stores offer halal options. In Thessaloniki and Patras, there are also halal food outlets catering to the Muslim community. In major tourist destinations like Santorini and Mykonos, some restaurants cater to Muslim dietary requirements, but options may be limited, so it is advisable to research in advance. Seafood and vegetarian dishes, which are widely available across Greece, can serve as easy halal-friendly alternatives in areas with fewer dedicated halal restaurants.
The total cost of a trip to Greece from Pakistan typically ranges from PKR 350,000 to PKR 700,000 or more per person depending on travel style. Return flights from Karachi or Lahore to Athens generally cost between PKR 120,000 and PKR 220,000, often with one stop via Dubai, Istanbul, or Doha. Accommodation in Athens averages USD 50 to USD 120 per night (approximately PKR 14,000 to PKR 33,000), while the famous islands like Santorini can cost significantly more. Daily food and transport expenses average around USD 40 to USD 70 per person. Additionally, the Schengen visa application fee is approximately EUR 80 (around PKR 25,000), and travel insurance is mandatory.
There are currently no direct flights from Pakistan to Greece. Pakistani travelers must connect through major hub airports, with the most common routes going via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Dubai (Emirates or flydubai), Doha (Qatar Airways), or Abu Dhabi (Etihad). The total journey time including a layover is typically between 8 and 14 hours depending on the connection. Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways often offer competitive fares for this route. It is advisable to book at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance for better prices, especially during peak summer travel season.
The Pakistani community in Greece is estimated at around 15,000 people, making it one of the smaller Pakistani diaspora communities in Europe. The majority are concentrated in Athens, particularly in neighborhoods like Omonia and Victoria Square, where Pakistani-owned businesses, restaurants, and grocery shops are visible. Smaller communities exist in Thessaloniki and Patras. Many community members are involved in trade, retail, and the food industry. There are mosques and Islamic cultural centers in Athens that serve as community gathering points for Pakistanis and other Muslim residents. The community maintains cultural and religious ties through celebrations of Eid and other Pakistani cultural events.