Beginning of Work and Holiday visa Programme between Greece and Australia (1 July 2019) - Requirements

We are pleased to announce that the Youth Mobility programme (Work and Holiday) between Greece and Australia entered into force on the 1st July 2019.

The Programme is based on the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Hellenic Republic and the Government of Australia on a “Work and Holiday” Visa Arrangement, which was signed at Canberra, on the 14th day of May 2014, and was ratified by the Greek government by the Greek Law No. 4353/2015.

This Agreement provides for simplified procedures so that young Greek and Australian citizens, between 18 and 30 (not having reached the age of 31 at the time of the submission of the application), may have the opportunity to travel and work in Australia and Greece respectively for up to 12 months.


Australian citizens who are interested in this programme can visit the following webpage for more information: https://www.mfa.gr/australia/en/greece/greece-and-australia/work-and-holiday-visa.html


Please note that supporting documentation is required to verify that the applicant meets the necessary conditions and is eligible to apply. The necessary documentation and criteria are highlighted in the above-mentioned webpage (degree of tertiary education or letter from University that the applicant has successfully completed at least two (2) years undergraduate university studies, bank statements for the last 6 months showing sufficient funds etc.).

Further documents required for issuing the visa (which also serves as residence permit) are the following:

-       Valid passport, expiring at least 3 months after the end of your stay, having at least two (2) blank pages

-       Application form, with recent photo


-       A departure ticket or sufficient financial resources to cover the cost of the departure

-       Proof that they have adequate living resources for their personal expenses for the purpose of their entry (participation in the Youth Mobility Program in Greece), namely the amount of at least 3000 Euros for the 12- month stay in Greece.


-       A letter from the Australian Department of Home Affairs (letter of support), in which it is stated that the Australian Government gives its consent to their stay in Greece, taking into consideration the terms of the Youth Mobility (Work and Holiday) Agreement. Please find more details in this link: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/whm-program/working-holidays-for-australians/letter-of-support


-       Visa fee of EUR 75 (payable in AUD, equivalent amount, cash only).


-       A stamp-fee of EUR 150 for the residence permit (payable in AUD, equivalent amount, cash only)


-        A criminal record certificate issued by the Australian authorities, certifying the criminal status of the applicant. In cases where the applicant has lived in another country for more than a year before lodging the entry visa application, the Greek Consular Authority may also request the presentation of a criminal record certificate issued by that country.


-       A Medical certificate issued by a recognised state or private institution, showing that the applicant does not suffer from a disease capable of constituting a risk to public health, according to the international data of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union acquis, as well as other infectious, contagious or parasitic diseases, imposing the taking of measures to protect public health (for sample please visit https://www.mfa.gr/en/visas/visa-types/national-visas.html).


The Greek Missions in Australia receive medical certificates from official state and private entities in Australia, namely from doctors registered for the competent entity, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), as well as from official public or private hospitals (those that own "hospital declaration" issued by the Australian Ministry of Health). The crucial element is which entity has the applicant's medical record. Typically, the medical record of most citizens is maintained by their family doctor (GP) or, in some other cases (rarely), by a public or private hospital.


-       A full travel insurance, with a duration equal to, at minimum,  the duration of the visa issued, covering the costs which may arise in case of repatriation for medical reasons, for urgent medical care and/or for emergency hospital care (coverage of min 30.000 EUR)


Please note that applications must be submitted in person, upon appointment, at the Greek Mission which is responsible for the area in which you reside (Consular Section of the Embassy of Greece in Canberra, Consulate General in Adelaide, Consulate General in Melbourne, Consulate General in Sydney or Consulate in Perth). Please contact the competent Greek Mission to book an appointment once you have all necessary documents.