Looking to live in Greece without working locally? The FIP Visa—Greece’s Financially Independent Person (FIP) residence permit—might be your ideal solution. It allows non-EU nationals with stable income from abroad to live in Greece legally, without a job offer.
🌍 What Is the FIP Visa in Greece?
The FIP Visa (Financially Independent Person Visa) is a residence permit for individuals with passive income, such as pensions, dividends, real estate, or investments. It’s designed for retirees, digital nomads without a remote job, and others who can support themselves financially while enjoying life in Greece.
✅ Key Benefits
💶 No investment or job required
🏖️ Live in Greece full-time
🩺 Access to Greek healthcare and services
🏠 Rent or purchase property freely
👨👩👧 Family reunification option after 2 years
📍 Can lead to permanent residency and eventually citizenship
🧾 FIP Visa Requirements
To qualify, applicants must meet the following:
💰 Minimum Passive Income
You must demonstrate:
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€2,000/month for a single applicant
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+20% for a spouse (€400)
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+15% per child (€300 each)
📌 Proof must be from passive sources such as:
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Foreign pension
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Rental income
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Dividends, royalties
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Trusts or investments
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Fixed savings (if applicable)
📄 Other Requirements
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Valid passport
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Clean criminal record
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Proof of Greek address (rental contract or property deed)
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Greek private health insurance
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Proof of financial means (bank statements, contracts, or tax returns)
📝 Application Process
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Apply for a national type D visa at the Greek Consulate in your country |
| 2️⃣ | Enter Greece and submit residence permit application within 90 days |
| 3️⃣ | Provide biometric data and final documentation |
| 4️⃣ | Receive 2-year initial residence permit |
🔁 The permit is renewable every 2 years if requirements are still met.
🏠 Where to Live in Greece on the FIP Visa?
Many financially independent expats choose:
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🏖️ Crete, Rhodes, or Corfu – Sunny island living
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🏛️ Athens – Cultural life and infrastructure
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🌄 Peloponnese or Kalamata – Coastal towns with charm
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🏞️ Thessaloniki – Vibrant and budget-friendly second city
👨👩👧 Family Reunification
Family members cannot apply simultaneously. You must wait 2 years before sponsoring:
👩 Spouse
👧 Children under 18
Once approved, they receive their own dependent residence permits.
⚠️ Important Notes
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You cannot work or freelance in Greece on the FIP visa
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You may work remotely for a foreign employer only if income is passive
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You must reside in Greece at least 183 days/year
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You are eligible for permanent residency after 5 years
💼 How Borderless Lawyers Can Help
We offer start-to-finish legal assistance for the FIP visa process:
✅ Income and documentation review
✅ Consulate application support
✅ Residence permit submission
✅ Family reunification guidance
✅ Renewals and long-term strategy
🌐 We work with clients worldwide: U.S., Canada, UK, South Africa, UAE, and more.
📦 FIP Visa Quick Reference Table
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Income requirement | €2,000/month (single) |
| Work allowed in Greece? | ❌ No |
| Remote work abroad? | ✅ Yes (if passive income) |
| Initial permit duration | 2 years |
| Renewable? | ✅ Yes |
| Family reunification? | ✅ After 2 years |
| Citizenship pathway? | ✅ After 7 years |