Germany Visa RequirementsFor Greece passport holders
Greek citizens travel to Germany without any visa. Both are EU and Schengen members with full freedom of movement. Germany has one of the world's largest Greek diaspora communities.
Great news! Greece passport holders can enter Germany without a visa for tourism or business purposes.
No visa required. A valid Greek passport or national identity card is accepted. For long-term residence, registration at the local Einwohnermeldeamt (residents registration office) is required within two weeks of arrival. The EHIC card covers emergency medical treatment.
Germany is part of the Schengen Area. Your stay counts toward the 90-day limit within any 180-day period for the entire Schengen zone. Learn more about Schengen rules →
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
3 months beyond departure from Schengen
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Greece to Germany: What You Need to Know
Germany and Greece are both EU and Schengen members. Greek nationals enjoy full freedom of movement to Germany. Germany is home to one of the largest Greek communities outside Greece, particularly in cities like Munich, Frankfurt and Stuttgart, with roots going back to the Gastarbeiter (guest worker) era of the 1960s and 1970s. Strong economic, cultural and political ties connect the two countries.
Money & Banking
Germany uses the euro (EUR). ATMs are widely available. Card payments are increasingly common, though Germany has traditionally been a cash-heavy society; carry some cash for smaller establishments.
Practical Tips
Direct flights connect Athens (ATH) and Thessaloniki (SKG) to Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), Berlin (BER) and other German cities. Germany's established Greek communities make it a natural destination for family visits as well as tourism and work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Greek citizens need a visa to visit Germany?
No. Both are EU and Schengen members. Greek nationals travel to Germany freely with no stay limit or border checks.
Is there a large Greek community in Germany?
Yes. Germany has one of the largest Greek diaspora communities in the world, with hundreds of thousands of Greek nationals and German citizens of Greek descent, particularly in Munich, Stuttgart and Frankfurt.
How large is the Greek community in Germany?
The Greek community in Germany is one of the largest Greek diaspora communities in the world, estimated at over 350,000 people. Greeks began arriving as Gastarbeiter (guest workers) in the 1960s under a bilateral labor agreement. German cities with large Greek communities include Munich, Dusseldorf, Stuttgart, Nuremberg, and Frankfurt. Greek churches, schools, cultural associations, and restaurants are well-established throughout Germany.
Can Greek nationals work in Germany?
Yes. As EU citizens, Greek nationals have full freedom of movement rights in Germany. Registration at the local Einwohnermeldeamt is required within two weeks for stays beyond a few weeks.
What are the best cities in Germany for Greek tourists?
Berlin (history, art, nightlife), Munich (Oktoberfest, Alps access, museums), Hamburg (port, Speicherstadt warehouse district, music scene), Cologne (cathedral, art museums, carnival), and the Rhine Valley (castles, wine) are the most popular. Each German city has a distinct character.
Are there direct flights from Greece to Germany?
Yes. Multiple daily flights connect Athens (ATH) and Thessaloniki (SKG) to Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), Berlin (BER), Dusseldorf (DUS) and other German cities.
How do I travel between Greek and German cities?
Direct flights from Athens and Thessaloniki to Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), Berlin (BER), Dusseldorf (DUS), and Hamburg (HAM) operate with Lufthansa, Aegean, Eurowings, and other carriers. Flights take 2.5-3.5 hours depending on destination.
Is the EHIC card valid in Germany?
Yes. The EHIC covers emergency medical treatment throughout Germany.
Is Germany expensive for Greek travelers?
Germany is moderately priced by Western European standards, roughly comparable to Austria or the Netherlands. Berlin is the most affordable of the major German cities; Munich and Frankfurt are the most expensive. Budget EUR 80-120 per day for mid-range travel.
What currency does Germany use?
Germany uses the euro (EUR), the same as Greece.
Does Germany accept card payments everywhere?
Germany has historically been more cash-oriented than other EU countries, though this is changing rapidly. Supermarkets and chain stores now widely accept cards, but some smaller restaurants, bakeries, and markets still prefer cash. Carrying some euros is advisable.
What is Oktoberfest and when does it take place in Munich?
Oktoberfest is Munich's world-famous beer festival running for approximately 16 days from mid-September to the first Sunday of October. Huge beer tents (Festzelte) operated by Munich's traditional breweries fill a large fairground (Theresienwiese). Book accommodation months in advance if visiting during Oktoberfest. Entry to the tents is free but beer steins (1 liter Masskrug) cost EUR 14-16 each.
What is the Bavarian Alps region and how do I reach it from Munich?
The Bavarian Alps (Berchtesgaden, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Berchtesgadener Land) are about 1-1.5 hours south of Munich by regional train. Zugspitze (Germany's highest peak at 2,962 m), Neuschwanstein Castle, and the Eagle's Nest (Kehlsteinhaus) near Berchtesgaden are the key destinations.