If you’re planning to live in Greece, one of the first decisions you’ll face is: what type of visa or residence permit should you apply for? The answer depends on your nationality, purpose of stay, financial situation, and long-term goals.
In this guide, we compare the most common Greek visa and residence permit options for foreigners and help you understand which route suits you best—with legal support from Borderless Lawyers.
🗂️ Overview Table: Greece Visa & Residence Permit Options
| Purpose of Stay | Visa/Permit Type | Key Criteria | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remote work | Digital Nomad Visa | €3,500/month income | 1–2 years |
| Retirement | Financially Independent Person (FIP) | €2,000+/month passive income | 2 years |
| University study | Student Visa | Enrollment in Greek institution | 1–2 years |
| Employment | Work Visa & Permit | Greek employer sponsorship | 1–2 years |
| Family reunion | Family Reunification Permit | Ties to legal resident | Matches sponsor |
| Entrepreneurship | Self-Employment or Investment Permit | Business plan or startup capital | Varies |
| Humanitarian | Asylum or Protection Status | Meet international protection criteria | Variable |
👨💻 Digital Nomad Visa
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For remote workers and freelancers employed outside Greece
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Must show net income ≥ €3,500/month
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Can bring dependents (income thresholds increase)
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Ideal for digital entrepreneurs and location-independent professionals
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Apply at Greek consulate abroad, then convert to residence permit in Greece
✅ Best for: Freelancers, tech workers, digital entrepreneurs
👵 Financially Independent Residence Permit
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Designed for retirees and non-working individuals
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Requires passive income of at least €2,000/month
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No employment in Greece allowed
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Valid for 2 years, renewable
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Property ownership helps but is not required
✅ Best for: Retirees, passive investors, property owners
🎓 Student Visa & Permit
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Requires acceptance from a recognized Greek university
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Proof of sufficient funds (~€400–€600/month)
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Allows part-time work
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Can lead to other residence permits after graduation
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Private and public programs qualify
✅ Best for: Foreign students, Erasmus+ participants, PhD candidates
💼 Work Visa and Residence Permit
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Must secure a job offer from a Greek employer
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Employer files for pre-approval in Greece
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Apply for a Type D visa once approved
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Residence permit granted after arrival
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Includes intra-company transfers, seasonal jobs, and high-demand roles
✅ Best for: Foreign workers with Greek job offers
👨👩👧 Family Reunification Permit
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Available to spouses, minor children, and sometimes dependent parents
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Sponsor must be a legal resident of Greece
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Requires proof of income, relationship, and housing
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Valid as long as the sponsor’s permit remains active
✅ Best for: Families relocating together
🚀 Self-Employment & Entrepreneur Visas
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Open to professionals starting a business or working independently in Greece
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Must demonstrate professional qualifications, financial stability, and a business plan
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Typically issued under Article 16 of migration law or via startup visa schemes
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May require approval from local chamber or authorities
✅ Best for: Freelancers, consultants, or business founders
🛂 Humanitarian & Asylum Pathways
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Available to individuals seeking international protection
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Must file for asylum in Greece upon arrival or from a safe third country
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Permits granted based on vulnerability, war, persecution, or statelessness
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Complex legal process with strict requirements and appeal rights
✅ Best for: Asylum seekers, war refugees, or vulnerable persons
🔁 Can You Change Your Permit Type Later?
Yes — some types of permits can be converted, for example:
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From student → job-seeker or employment permit
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From digital nomad → long-term residence (after renewals)
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From retirement → permanent residency after 5 years
Borderless Lawyers helps you explore legal upgrade pathways based on your evolving life in Greece.
📌 Things to Keep in Mind
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Many visas require applying first at the Greek consulate abroad
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Most residence permits require you to live in Greece continuously
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Healthcare, housing, and income requirements are strictly enforced
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Documents must be apostilled and translated into Greek
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Every permit comes with renewal obligations and tax implications
💼 How Borderless Lawyers Helps You Choose the Right Path
With so many visa types, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Our legal team:
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Evaluates your personal and financial profile
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Recommends the best visa route for your goals
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Prepares your documents and application
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Represents you via Power of Attorney if you’re not in Greece
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Assists with renewals, appeals, and status changes
🎯 We make sure you apply for the right permit the first time—saving time, stress, and rejections.
❓ FAQ – Greece Residence & Visa Options
Q: I’m a freelancer. Should I apply as a digital nomad or entrepreneur?
A: Depends on your client base. If your work is fully remote and for foreign clients → digital nomad. If you plan to register in Greece → entrepreneur.
Q: Can I bring my family on any permit?
A: Most long-term permits allow family reunification, but you must meet higher income thresholds.
Q: Can I buy property and get a visa?
A: The Golden Visa program is currently suspended, but property owners may qualify for retirement or independent income permits.
🧭 Need Help Deciding Which Visa to Choose?
Let Borderless Lawyers guide you. Whether you’re moving for work, study, family, or lifestyle, we’ll help you navigate Greek bureaucracy and choose the permit that truly fits your future.
👉 Book your strategy session now and make the right legal move to Greece.