The Australian government has announced that the Work and Holiday Visa agreement between Greece and Australia will go into effect from July 1, making it easier for young Australians to work and study in Greece and for the youth of Greece to do the same in Australia.
The arrangement has been in the works since 2014 and was ratified by Greek Parliament in December 2015.
From July 1, 500 places are being made available in each country annually for Greek and Australian citizens between 18 and 30 years to live abroad for 12 months.
Those interested may have the opportunity to travel and work in each other’s countries for up to 12 months, under the condition that they satisfy following conditions:
• They should have not previously participated in a program for the Youth Mobility (Work and Holiday) or in a program for Work Holidays in Greece
• They should have a degree of tertiary education or they have successfully completed at least two (2) years undergraduate university studies
• They should have adequate living resources for their personal expenses
• They cannot be employed by one (1) employer for more than six (6) months, unless the appropriate permit is granted. They cannot work as an au-pair.
• During their stay in Greece they are not allowed to take part in studies or training for more than four (4) months.
• The main purpose of the program is recreation, the work should be appendant to the recreation
The entry visa - which is also a residence permit – provides the right to work and study in Greece.
Holders of this entry visa may not extend their stay in Greece beyond the authorised period provided (12 calendar months).
Details regarding the application process and relevant documentation can be found in the following links:
a) Work and Holiday Visa Australia info
For Greek applicants:
greece.embassy.gov.au/athn/home.html
For Australian applicants:
b) Visa Application Form (link to be activated on July 1st 2019)
c) Work and Holiday Visa MoU (click here)
