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
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🕊️ EU-wide temporary protection mechanisms
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🏖️ Warm climate and Orthodox Christian traditions
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👪 Strong Ukrainian-Greek diaspora, especially in Athens and Thessaloniki
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🏛️ Opportunity to study, work, or retire in the EU
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🛬 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.
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Grants immediate residency rights, work authorization, and access to healthcare
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Valid for at least 1 year, renewable
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No visa application needed if entering with Ukrainian biometric passport
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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.
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Sponsor must be a Greek resident or citizen
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Covers spouses, underage children, and sometimes parents
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Requires proof of income, housing, and health insurance
3. 🧳 Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa
Ideal for Ukrainian retirees or individuals with passive income.
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Minimum monthly income: €2,000 (plus ~20% for spouse, 15% per child)
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No employment allowed
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Health insurance required
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Apply through the Greek consulate in Lviv or Kyiv
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Leads to a renewable 2-year residence permit
4. 🧑💻 Digital Nomad Visa
Great option for remote workers or freelancers from Ukraine.
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Must prove income of €3,500/month from non-Greek clients
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Remote work only—cannot work for Greek companies
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Valid for 1 year, renewable for up to 2 years
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Family members can be included
5. 🏘️ Golden Visa (Investment Residency)
If you’re able to invest in Greek property, this visa offers EU residency.
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Minimum real estate investment: €250,000 to €500,000
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5-year renewable residence permit
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No minimum stay required
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Includes family members
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Eligible for citizenship after 7 years of residency
👉 Explore Golden Visa Options in Greece
📋 Required Documents (Varies by Visa)
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Valid Ukrainian passport (biometric preferred)
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Proof of income or investment
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Proof of accommodation in Greece
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Clean criminal record
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Private health insurance
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Birth/marriage certificates (if applicable)
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Visa application forms and biometric photos
📝 Official documents must be translated into Greek and apostilled.
📍 Where to Apply from Ukraine
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Greek Embassy in Kyiv
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Greek Consulate in Mariupol, Lviv, or Odessa (if operational)
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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 |
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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
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Arrive with your biometric passport to enter visa-free
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Register for temporary protection within 90 days
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Consider opening a Greek bank account and applying for an AFM (Greek tax number) early
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Use certified translators for document preparation
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Take advantage of legal aid clinics offered to Ukrainian nationals in Greece