Fast-track Visa Options for Technical Workers: Türkiye’s AMS Visa and Greece’s Installation Visa

Companies frequently need to deploy technical experts abroad for short-term assignments—whether to install machinery, maintain complex systems or deliver specialised training. These assignments are often urgent and last-minute, requiring fast and efficient immigration solutions to avoid project delays. Traditional work permit routes, even when short-term work permit options exist, can be too slow or administratively burdensome for such time-sensitive needs.

Türkiye and Greece are two neighbouring countries that have introduced streamlined pathways tailored to technical professionals. Türkiye’s Assembly, Maintenance, Service (AMS) Visa and Greece’s Installation Visa stand out for offering specific consular based options that are comparatively quicker and less complex than standard work permits.

By contrast, other regional options like Bulgaria’s short-term permit remain comparatively complex. The Bulgarian “Short-term Registration” permit includes multiple steps such as registering with the national Employment Agency and notifying other local authorities, typically taking around four months to complete.

The Türkiye and Greek permits are designed for technical work and provide an alternative that enables faster mobilization while maintaining compliance with local regulations. While similar in purpose, these visa processes differ in important ways, explored below.

Who can apply for the AMS and Installation Visas?

Both the Türkiye and Greece visas are intended for foreign nationals coming to perform short term technical work, specifically assembly, maintenance or service work on imported products. In both cases, the work must be temporary and tied to a specific service agreement between the home and host companies.

Can these visas be applied for online?

No, neither visa can be applied for entirely online. Both require the applicant to appear in person at a consulate for the application and collection process.

How long does visa processing take?

• • • Türkiye’s AMS Visa can be processed in as little as two days, though it may take up to three weeks depending on the consulate and their workload at the time of filing.
    • Greece’s Installation Visa is slightly less variable, typically taking between two to three weeks regardless of where the application is filed.

Can applicants work locally in the host country?

In both cases, the foreign nationals must remain on their home country’s payroll. Local employment by the host company is not permitted. Both visas allow work at third-party client sites, provided the proper documentation is in place.

How long can assignees stay?

Both visas are strictly short-term, and renewal in-country is not possible (although there are limited options to extend past 90 days in Türkiye).

Key features of the visas: Türkiye vs Greece

What is the AMS visa validity and reapplication policy?

*While the AMS visa is generally issued for up to 90 days and is valid across a six-month period, some Turkish consulates have issued visas valid for 90 days across 12 months at their discretion. Reapplication rules vary in practice, and some consulates may only issue a new visa once every 12 months.

Is there a domestic work permit exemption in Türkiye?

**Yes, Türkiye offers a domestic exemption route. This allows entry as a visitor and subsequent application for a work permit exemption to perform technical services under the same scope as the AMS visa. This route is recommended under specific scenarios on a case-by-case basis.

Final considerations

For companies navigating short-term technical assignments in the EMEA region, both Türkiye’s AMS Visa and Greece’s Installation Visa offer viable pathways—but with distinct procedural nuances. Türkiye’s faster processing times, generally less stringent documentation and domestic exemption route may appeal to firms needing flexibility, while Greece’s more structured requirements provide predictability and legal clarity. Careful planning and an understanding of these differences are key to ensuring compliance and minimising delays.

As global mobility continues to evolve, staying informed on local visa frameworks remains essential for international business success. Fragomen supports technical assignment planning by providing professional guidance in line with current immigration regulations.

Need to know more?

For further information and advice on this topic, please contact Senior Manager Ben Morgan at [email protected] and Manager Mariana Da Encarnacao at [email protected].

This blog was published on 16 July 2025, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.