How to Obtain Residency in Greece: Visas, Permits & Legal Help

Dreaming of living in Greece full-time? Whether you’re moving for retirement, remote work, investment, or family, here’s a complete guide on how to obtain residency in Greece — legally and with expert support.

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🏛️ Why Live in Greece?

• 🌞 Warm climate and Mediterranean lifestyle

• 🏝️ Access to 200+ islands and coastal villages

• 💶 Lower cost of living than most of Western Europe

• 🏡 Real estate investment opportunities

• 📜 Access to EU residency rights and citizenship pathways

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🛂 What Is Residency in Greece?

If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a residence permit (Άδεια Διαμονής) based on your purpose for living in Greece.

Once granted, a residence permit allows you to:

• Live legally in Greece

• Access healthcare and education

• Apply for Greek citizenship (after 7 years in most cases)

• Bring your family members (in most categories)

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📋 Common Types of Residence Permits in Greece

1. 💻 Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work)

For remote workers or freelancers with clients outside Greece.

• Income requirement: €3,500/month

• Valid for 1 year, renewable

• Family members can apply as dependents

• Cannot work for Greek companies

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2. 👴 FIP Visa (Financially Independent Person)

For retirees or individuals with passive income (pension, savings, dividends).

• Income requirement: €2,000/month

• Cannot work or run a business in Greece

• 2-year renewable permit

• Includes spouse and dependents

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3. 🏠 Golden Visa (Real Estate Investment)

Available to non-EU nationals investing in Greek property.

• Minimum investment: €250,000–€500,000 (depending on location)

• Valid for 5 years, renewable

• No minimum stay required

• Includes spouse, children, and dependent parents

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4. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Reunification

For family members of Greek citizens or legal residents.

• Sponsor must show adequate housing and income

• Includes spouse, children, and in some cases, parents

• Renewable every 2 years

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5. 🇬🇷 Residency via Greek Citizenship by Descent

If you have Greek ancestry (parent or grandparent), you may obtain citizenship directly — skipping the need for long-term residency first.

• Apply through the Greek consulate abroad

• No Greek language test required initially

• Full EU citizenship once granted

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🧾 How to Apply for a Residence Permit in Greece

Here’s the standard step-by-step process:

1. Choose the correct visa based on your reason for moving

2. Apply at the Greek Consulate in your home country (for most visas)

3. Enter Greece and finalize your permit at the Aliens & Immigration Office

4. Submit:

   • Valid passport

   • Proof of income (bank statements, tax returns)

   • Greek tax number (AFM)

   • Greek address (rental or ownership contract)

   • Private health insurance

   • Apostilled and translated documents

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📍 Where to Apply

• 🏛️ Outside Greece: At your local Greek Embassy or Consulate

• 🏛️ Inside Greece: At the Decentralized Administration Office (Μεταναστευτική Υπηρεσία)

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📆 Residency Renewal & Permanent Residency

• Most residence permits are valid for 1–5 years

• You must apply to renew at least 2 months before expiry

• After 5 years, you may be eligible for permanent residency

• After 7 years, you can apply for Greek citizenship, if residing continuously

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⚖️ Borderless Lawyers Can Help You

We support clients from the USA, UK, Canada, South Africa, Australia, and Latin America with:

✅ Visa strategy based on your profile
✅ Document collection and translation
✅ Consulate appointment scheduling
✅ Tax ID (AFM) and bank account setup
✅ Legal representation at Greek immigration offices

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📊 Residency Options Overview

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📞 Ready to Start Your Move?

Our legal team will make your residency in Greece smooth and compliant from start to finish.