Study Law in Greece 2024/2025
Study in Greece
Earning a Law Degree in Greece
The Master of Law degree (LLM) is an advanced degree that can be obtained after earning a bachelor's of law degree (LLB). Although an LLM is not necessary to have in order to practice law in Greece, it is desirable by law firms when hiring students fresh out of a law program and can provide specialized knowledge for students wanting to practice a specific area of law. Most students take between five and six years to complete their LLB and LLM degrees.
After graduating from a law program, students are allowed to take the bar exam following completion of an 18-month internship with a law firm or independent lawyer. The Greek bar exam consists of oral and written sections concerning criminal, civil and commercial law. Students wanting to practice law in Greece should be aware that the bar exam is given in the Greek language.
Tuition Fees
EEA and European Union students do not have to pay tuition at attend public schools or universities in Greece. However, tuition may be charged for certain master programs. Non-European students will need to pay a fee each year, which includes textbooks, lab fees, etc.
Employment Opportunities
Qualified Greek lawyers enjoy a high social and business status, especially when practicing in Thessaloniki and Athens. Currently, there is increasing demand for governmental and private company lawyers rather than law firms specializing in only one type of law.
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Basic monthly living cost
Rent in a shared flat
248Share of utilities
69Internet subscription
30Local transportation
30
Sample lifestyle cost
Fast food combo
8Cinema ticket
8Pint of local beer
4
About Greece
Sharing land borders with Turkey, Macedonia and Bulgaria, Greece lies at the crossroads of Africa, Europe and West Asia and is one of the most visited countries in the world. With its picturesque coastlines, mountainous landscape and ancient historical sites dating back to the 6th century BCE. A democratic and highly developed country belonging to the European Union and the United Nations, Greece rates high on the Human Development Index and has the largest economy in the Balkans.
Greece is led by a Prime Minister who is appointed by a Hellenic Parliament elected by Greek citizens. Greece's constitution guarantees civil liberties and other rights similar to those included in other democratic constitutions. Political processes are introduced and implemented by the prime minister, the president (who is limited to some legislative functions) and the cabinet.
Greek Legal System
Greek has three different courts: administrative, civil and penal courts. Called the “Areios Pagos”, the Council of State is the supreme court of administrative law and the Court of Cassation is the supreme court of penal and civil law. Civil cases are initially heard by the Courts of First Instance and then may proceed to the Courts of Appeal. Rulings handed down by the Court of Cassation are irrevocable.
Criminal law involves felonies, misdemeanors and infringements (heard in a magistrate's court). Misdemeanors and felonies are heard in First Instance courts and, if necessary, Courts of Appeal. Judges ruling over Greek courts are given life tenure following a two year probationary period. They do not have access to law clerks and perform all litigation work themselves.
Only the most dedicated and experienced Greek lawyers are selected for judicial positions that require passing examinations created by the "Areios Pagos" (Supreme Court of Greece). New judges must also take courses at the School of Judicial Education located in Thessaloniki for one year. Afterward, they are appointed to a Greek district court where they have the option to apply to other courts after gaining several years of experience in that specific court.
Visa Requirements
What type of Visa do you need?
Visa name
Student Visa (National visa – type D)
Price and currency
EUR 150
The student visa fee depends on the country and can be around 150 EUR. The price may be subject to change.
Who can apply for the visa?
Citizens of the EU/EEA do not need a visa to study in Greece. However, if you come from a non-EU country, you need to obtain a student visa. A list of countries requiring or not requiring a visa can be found here: https://www.mfa.gr/en/visas/visas-for-foreigners-traveling-to-greece/countries-requiring-or-not-requiring-visa.html
Where can you make the application?
Greek consulate
You must apply for your student visa through the Greek consulate that has jurisdiction over your permanent state of residence. Most consulates require you to submit your application in person.
Website:https://www.mfa.gr/en/appendix/greece-bilateral-relations/a.html
How to make the application?
Normally, you will need the following documents:
- Application form for a visa for a long stay in Greece fully filled in and signed
- One recent passport-sized, color photograph
- Passport that should:
• be of validity exceeding by three months the ending date of the visa length
• have at least two blank pages
• have been issued within the previous ten years
- Criminal Record Certificate, recent and duly attested
- Medical fitness certificate
- Travel medical insurance
Additional documents required:
- Registration letter and fee payment\
- Certificate by the Ministry of Education that the educational institution holds a valid license and is registered in the relevant records
- Proof of adequate knowledge of the English language
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses, cost of study and repatriation (including eventual scholarship)
Within 40 days after your arrival in Greece, you should apply for a residence permit with the Migration Department. The following documents are normally required:
- Application Form for a Residence Permit
- Medical Insurance Certificate, issued by a Greek medical insurance company
- Medical certificate, issued by a Greek public hospital (CXR, Mantoux test)
- Receipt of the Residence Permit Fee payment (payment is made at the City Hall)
- Photocopy of passport
- Student’s registration letter confirming that the student is registered with Mediterranean College
- Bank statement confirming that the student has a sufficient amount of money in the bank account to cover the living expenses
When should you apply?
You should make your application 8-12 weeks prior to your planned arrival to Greece.
The length of your student visa depends on the length of your study program. The renewal of the residence permit is annual.
Processing time
12 Weeks
Work opportunities
If you are from the EU/EEA, you are allowed to work.
If you are from outside the EU/EEA, you can apply for a permit that allows you to do some part-time work while you study, to support yourself financially. When you’ve finished with your studies, however, this part-time work permit cannot be converted to the regular one, even if you find an employer to hire you full time. You would still need to apply separately for a work visa.
Hours per week
0
Why do you need this type of visa?
Your visa application may be rejected if you are not able to show proof of the required funds, or if you provide incorrect or incomplete documents.