How to Immigrate to Greece from Ukraine: Visa, Residency & Legal Guide

Greece has long been a welcoming destination for Ukrainians—offering a peaceful lifestyle, EU access, and cultural familiarity. Whether you’re seeking long-term protection, family reunification, or permanent relocation, this guide explains how to immigrate to Greece from Ukraine legally and smoothly.


🌍 Why Ukrainians Choose Greece

  • 🕊️ EU-wide temporary protection mechanisms

  • 🏖️ Warm climate and Orthodox Christian traditions

  • 👪 Strong Ukrainian-Greek diaspora, especially in Athens and Thessaloniki

  • 🏛️ Opportunity to study, work, or retire in the EU

  • 🛬 Direct flight connections and geographic proximity


🛂 Immigration Pathways for Ukrainians

Depending on your situation—whether you’re a refugee, a digital worker, or a family migrant—there are several visa and residency options.


1. 🕊️ Temporary Protection for Ukrainians (EU Directive 2001/55/EC)

Following the conflict in Ukraine, the EU—including Greece—activated temporary protection status.

  • Grants immediate residency rights, work authorization, and access to healthcare

  • Valid for at least 1 year, renewable

  • No visa application needed if entering with Ukrainian biometric passport

  • Apply at local police immigration office in Greece

👉 Check Greece’s Official Guidance on Temporary Protection


2. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Reunification Visa

Available if you have close family legally residing in Greece.

  • Sponsor must be a Greek resident or citizen

  • Covers spouses, underage children, and sometimes parents

  • Requires proof of income, housing, and health insurance


3. 🧳 Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa

Ideal for Ukrainian retirees or individuals with passive income.

  • Minimum monthly income: €2,000 (plus ~20% for spouse, 15% per child)

  • No employment allowed

  • Health insurance required

  • Apply through the Greek consulate in Lviv or Kyiv

  • Leads to a renewable 2-year residence permit


4. 🧑‍💻 Digital Nomad Visa

Great option for remote workers or freelancers from Ukraine.

  • Must prove income of €3,500/month from non-Greek clients

  • Remote work only—cannot work for Greek companies

  • Valid for 1 year, renewable for up to 2 years

  • Family members can be included


5. 🏘️ Golden Visa (Investment Residency)

If you’re able to invest in Greek property, this visa offers EU residency.

  • Minimum real estate investment: €250,000 to €500,000

  • 5-year renewable residence permit

  • No minimum stay required

  • Includes family members

  • Eligible for citizenship after 7 years of residency

👉 Explore Golden Visa Options in Greece


📋 Required Documents (Varies by Visa)

  • Valid Ukrainian passport (biometric preferred)

  • Proof of income or investment

  • Proof of accommodation in Greece

  • Clean criminal record

  • Private health insurance

  • Birth/marriage certificates (if applicable)

  • Visa application forms and biometric photos

📝 Official documents must be translated into Greek and apostilled.


📍 Where to Apply from Ukraine

  • Greek Embassy in Kyiv

  • Greek Consulate in Mariupol, Lviv, or Odessa (if operational)

  • For EU-based applications: local Greek immigration office (for asylum or reunification)

🛂 Ukrainians with biometric passports can enter Greece visa-free for up to 90 days and apply for legal status within Greece.


⚖️ Legal Support for Ukrainians in Greece

Borderless Lawyers provides personalized immigration assistance for Ukrainians:

✅ Temporary protection and asylum applications
✅ FIP and Digital Nomad visa strategy
✅ Family reunification petitions
✅ Greek residency permits and renewals
✅ Real estate investment for the Golden Visa

We work closely with Ukrainian clients across Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete, and Patras.


📦 Visa Options Overview

Visa Type Best For Income Requirement Work Allowed Family Included Citizenship Path
Temporary Protection War-displaced persons None Potential after 7 yrs
FIP Visa Retirees/passive earners €2,000/month
Digital Nomad Remote workers €3,500/month ✅ (remote)
Family Visa Dependents of residents Sponsor required
Golden Visa Investors €250K–€500K real estate

📌 Tips for Ukrainian Citizens

  • Arrive with your biometric passport to enter visa-free

  • Register for temporary protection within 90 days

  • Consider opening a Greek bank account and applying for an AFM (Greek tax number) early

  • Use certified translators for document preparation

  • Take advantage of legal aid clinics offered to Ukrainian nationals in Greece

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