We work hard to keep this guide accurate. If you spot outdated info, email updates to contact@desinri.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Short Description:<\/strong> Complete guide to Greece\u2019s Type D Work Visa: eligibility, documents, process, family options, residence permit steps, rights, limits, and official sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Last Verified On:<\/strong> 2026-04-02<\/p>\n\n\n\n Greece\u2019s National Long-Stay Visa (Type D)<\/strong> is the visa used by third-country nationals who want to stay in Greece for more than 90 days within a 180-day period<\/strong> for a purpose recognized by Greek law, including work and employment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For work cases, the Type D visa is not usually the whole immigration status by itself. In most cases, it is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In plain English: for many workers, the Type D visa gets you into Greece legally for your approved work purpose, and the residence permit<\/strong> is what governs your longer-term stay and ongoing work authorization after arrival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It exists because Greece separates:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Employment is a long-stay purpose, so non-EU nationals generally need a national visa<\/strong> before moving to Greece for work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This route is mainly for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Broadly, Greece\u2019s work immigration system usually involves:<\/p>\n\n\n\n An underlying legal basis for employment<\/strong> A Type D national visa issued abroad<\/strong> A residence permit application after arrival<\/strong>, if applicable This is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may see related labels such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because Greek consulates and ministries sometimes organize work routes by underlying residence permit category, the exact naming may vary slightly by post and legal basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning:<\/strong> \u201cD-Work\u201d is a practical label, not always the exact formal title used by every embassy page. Officially, the umbrella route is the National Long-Stay Visa (Type D)<\/strong> for employment\/work purposes.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n This is the core audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Apply if you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some research-related and specialized employment routes may use a Type D visa before residence formalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Possible in specific legal categories, if the stay exceeds 90 days and falls under a recognized long-stay route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Possible where the activity is long-term and requires a national visa\/work-based authorization rather than a short Schengen cultural\/business visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on Greek law, this may include categories such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not<\/strong> use this visa for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You likely need a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C)<\/strong> instead, unless you are visa-exempt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are only attending:<\/p>\n\n\n\n you may need a short-stay Schengen visa<\/strong>, not a D-Work visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Greece does not generally treat the Type D work visa as an open-ended job-seeker visa<\/strong> for ordinary applicants. Usually, you need the underlying employment basis first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your main purpose is education, use the Type D study\/student route<\/strong>, not the work route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you plan to work remotely for foreign employers or clients while living in Greece, you should examine the digital nomad<\/strong> framework rather than a standard employment visa, unless your situation legally fits a Greek employment category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your main purpose is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n then another category may be more suitable, such as investor or business-related residence routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not appropriate for retirement-only residence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not applicable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not appropriate unless your main purpose is recognized long-term treatment under another route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use the official\/diplomatic route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the exact legal subcategory, this visa may be used for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are not automatic; they depend on the exact category:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not<\/strong> use this visa for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not true. Work is usually limited to the status and purpose approved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Often not possible or not advisable. Many categories require you to obtain the proper national visa abroad first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not necessarily. Tax, social security, and status rules can become complicated. The legality depends on your precise residence status and work authorization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The umbrella official category is the National Long-Stay Visa (Type D)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For this guide, the specific use case is the work\/employment<\/strong> stream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Greek law recognizes multiple residence-permit and admission categories connected to work. Consulates may issue the Type D visa based on one of those underlying legal bases. These may include, depending on current law and policy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The visa is commonly linked to later residence-permit categories issued in Greece. The exact permit title depends on the legal route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Greek immigration law has been amended multiple times. The legal architecture may be described under:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning:<\/strong> Applicants should match their case to the underlying residence permit category<\/strong>, not just the broad label \u201cwork visa.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Because Greece\u2019s work-based Type D visa is usually tied to an underlying employment\/residence category, eligibility is partly general<\/strong> and partly category-specific<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Generally for third-country nationals<\/strong>, meaning non-EU\/EEA\/Swiss nationals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n EU\/EEA\/Swiss citizens usually do not need this visa to work in Greece under free movement rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You generally need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Exact passport-validity requirements can be stated by the consulate handling your file.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You must show that your actual purpose is long-stay work in Greece under a recognized category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually one of the following is required:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may need to show:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For long-stay visas, proof of insurance is commonly required, at least for the visa stage and\/or until social insurance is activated in Greece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Greek authorities may require a clean criminal record certificate or may refuse on public-order\/security grounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on category and consular practice, health certificates may be required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applicants usually appear in person at the Greek consular authority and may provide biometric data as part of the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You normally apply from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applying from a third country without lawful residence may not be accepted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These vary and may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Relevant only if accompanying\/joining family members are involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n May be requested at the visa stage or proven through host\/employer documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike pure visitor visas, this is a long-stay route. You are not expected to show short-term visitor intent. You must show lawful long-stay purpose<\/strong> and compliance with the specific route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Greek consulates may have local checklist differences regarding:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning:<\/strong> This is one of the most important practical issues for Greece. The legal basis is national, but the consulate-specific submission checklist<\/strong> often decides whether an application is accepted smoothly.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n You may be ineligible if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Missing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The employer letter may be vague, unsigned, outdated, or inconsistent with the work contract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Authorities may refuse if they cannot authenticate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common issues:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Greece can be strict about:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Subject to the exact category, you may gain:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the category and duration:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A national visa and\/or residence permit may permit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n But this should not be confused with unlimited free movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you remain lawfully resident and renew on time, your residence may contribute toward:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may need to obtain:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This route is not designed as a welfare-based route. Access to public benefits depends on national law and insured status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Incidental study may be possible, but this route does not substitute for a student residence permit where study is the main purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Check:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Greek national visas are generally issued for long stay and can be valid up to one year<\/strong>, depending on category and consular decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The visa is for a stay exceeding 90 days. In practice, for many workers it is the entry vehicle for the authorized long-stay period until residence permit steps are completed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Often multiple-entry, but:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your visa will show:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Follow the visa sticker strictly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No general automatic grace period should be assumed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Overstaying can lead to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Renewal is usually about the residence permit<\/strong>, not the visa sticker. Apply before expiry and according to the competent authority\u2019s deadlines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you file a residence permit renewal\/application on time in Greece, you may receive proof of filing that preserves lawful stay while the case is pending. Travel rights during this period can be restricted or document-specific.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Important:<\/strong> The exact checklist varies by work subcategory and by Greek consulate. Always use the checklist from the Greek embassy\/consulate responsible for your place of residence.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n This is the heart of the file.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common mistakes:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n May include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common mistakes:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If spouse\/children are included in the planning process:<\/p>\n\n\n\n May include:<\/p>\n\n\n\nVisa Snapshot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nItem<\/th>\n Details<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Country<\/td>\n Greece<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Visa name<\/td>\n National Long-Stay Visa (Type D) – Work \/ Employment<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Visa short name<\/td>\n D-Work<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Category<\/td>\n National long-stay visa leading to residence-permit-based stay<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Main purpose<\/td>\n Entry to Greece for employment or other work-related long stay permitted under Greek immigration law<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Typical applicant<\/td>\n Non-EU\/EEA\/Swiss national with an approved work-based admission route, job offer, or other qualifying employment authorization<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Validity<\/td>\n Usually up to 1 year as a national visa, depending on the category and consular issuance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Stay duration<\/td>\n Long stay; typically used to enter Greece and then complete residence permit formalities where required<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Entries allowed<\/td>\n Often multiple-entry, but check the visa sticker and consular decision<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Extension possible?<\/td>\n Yes, usually through residence permit renewal in Greece if the underlying work status continues and legal conditions are met<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Work allowed?<\/td>\n Yes, but only for the work\/status authorized under the visa and\/or resulting residence permit<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Study allowed?<\/td>\n Limited; incidental study may be possible, but this is not a study visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Family allowed?<\/td>\n Possible, usually through separate family reunification\/dependent processes depending on the worker category and residence status<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n PR path?<\/td>\n Possible, indirectly through lawful long-term residence and later long-term resident\/permanent residence routes where eligible<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Citizenship path?<\/td>\n Indirect; lawful residence may count toward naturalization if statutory residence and integration rules are met<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \n
Why it exists<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Who it is meant for<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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How it fits into Greece\u2019s immigration system<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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What it is, legally<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Alternate names and labels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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2. Who should apply for this visa?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Best-fit applicants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Employees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Researchers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Religious workers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Artists and athletes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Special category workers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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People who usually should not<\/strong> use this visa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Tourists<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Business visitors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Job seekers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Students<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Digital nomads<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Founders and investors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Retirees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Transit passengers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Medical travelers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Diplomatic\/official travelers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. What is this visa used for?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Permitted purposes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Usually permitted only if specifically authorized<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Prohibited or risky uses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Common misunderstandings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI have a Type D visa, so I can do any work.\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI can enter on a tourist visa and change to work inside Greece.\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRemote work for a foreign employer is always fine on a work visa.\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Official visa classification and naming<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Official program name<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Short name \/ code<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Long name<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Internal streams<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Related permit names<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Old vs current naming<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Commonly confused categories<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nCommonly Confused With<\/th>\n Difference<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Schengen Type C visa<\/td>\n Short stay only, generally up to 90 days in 180 days; not for relocation for work<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Student Type D visa<\/td>\n For studies, not employment<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Digital Nomad visa<\/td>\n For remote workers meeting separate rules, not standard local employment<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Family reunification visa<\/td>\n For joining family, not for taking up a principal worker role<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Investor \/ Golden Visa route<\/td>\n Based on investment, not ordinary employment<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n 5. Eligibility criteria<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
General eligibility rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Nationality<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Passport validity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Genuine approved purpose<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Underlying work authorization basis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Financial sufficiency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Health insurance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Criminal record \/ public order<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Medical\/public health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Biometrics \/ in-person appearance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Residence in the country of application<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Category-specific eligibility factors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Things Greece does not<\/strong> generally use for this route<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Relationship proof<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Accommodation proof<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Intent<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Embassy-specific rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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6. Who is NOT eligible \/ common refusal triggers<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Typical ineligibility factors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Common refusal triggers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Mismatch between purpose and documents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Incomplete file<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Weak or unclear employer documentation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Unverifiable documents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Insurance problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Translation or legalization mistakes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Prior immigration violations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Interview mistakes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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7. Benefits of this visa<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Main benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Legal rights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Family benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Travel flexibility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Long-term benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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8. Limitations and restrictions<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Work limitations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Stay limitations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Family limitations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Reporting and registration obligations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Public funds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Study limitations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Re-entry limitations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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9. Duration, validity, entries, and stay rules<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Visa validity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Stay duration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Entries allowed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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When the clock starts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Grace periods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Overstay consequences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Renewal timing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Bridging\/interim status<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
10. Complete document checklist<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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A. Core documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nDocument<\/th>\n What it is<\/th>\n Why needed<\/th>\n Common mistakes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Visa application form<\/td>\n Official national visa form<\/td>\n Starts the case<\/td>\n Old form version, unsigned form<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Appointment confirmation<\/td>\n Proof of scheduled submission<\/td>\n Required by many consulates<\/td>\n Wrong location\/date<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Cover letter if requested\/useful<\/td>\n Explanation of purpose<\/td>\n Clarifies category and facts<\/td>\n Generic or inconsistent content<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n B. Identity\/travel documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nDocument<\/th>\n What it is<\/th>\n Why needed<\/th>\n Common mistakes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Passport<\/td>\n Valid travel document<\/td>\n Identity and visa issuance<\/td>\n Expiring soon, damaged passport<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Passport copies<\/td>\n Bio page and relevant pages<\/td>\n Record and verification<\/td>\n Missing prior visa pages<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Photos<\/td>\n Passport-sized photos<\/td>\n Visa sticker processing<\/td>\n Wrong size\/background<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n C. Financial documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nDocument<\/th>\n What it is<\/th>\n Why needed<\/th>\n Common mistakes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Bank statements<\/td>\n Recent personal statements<\/td>\n Shows ability to support initial stay if asked<\/td>\n Sudden unexplained deposits<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Salary\/employment terms<\/td>\n Contract\/pay details<\/td>\n Shows lawful remuneration<\/td>\n Salary mismatch<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Sponsor support documents<\/td>\n If applicable<\/td>\n Helps explain maintenance<\/td>\n Sponsor not legally linked<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n D. Employment\/business documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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E. Education documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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F. Relationship\/family documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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G. Accommodation\/travel documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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