Dreaming of a Mediterranean life under the Greek sun? Whether you’re planning to retire, work remotely, invest, or reunite with family, here’s your ultimate guide on how to move to Greece from Canada — with legal clarity, step-by-step support, and expert advice.
🌍 Why Canadians Are Moving to Greece
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☀️ Warmer climate and relaxed lifestyle
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🧘♀️ Affordable living costs compared to Canadian cities
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🇪🇺 Access to the Schengen Zone
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🏛️ Cultural richness, nature, and history
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👪 Strong Greek-Canadian ties and ancestral roots
🛂 Visas & Residency Options for Canadians
While Canadians can stay in Greece visa-free for 90 days, a residency permit is required for long-term stays. Here are the most popular options:
1. 💻 Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Workers)
Perfect for Canadians working remotely for non-Greek companies.
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Income requirement: €3,500/month
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Valid for 1 year (renewable)
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Includes spouse (+20%) and kids (+15%)
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Apply in Canada or after arriving in Greece
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Work is allowed — but only for non-Greek clients
2. 👴 Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa
Great for retirees or those living off pensions, investments, or passive income.
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Minimum income: €2,000/month
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No employment allowed in Greece
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2-year renewable residence permit
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Includes family members
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Path to permanent residency and citizenship
3. 🏠 Golden Visa (Real Estate Investment)
Ideal for Canadians investing in Greek property.
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Property value: €250,000–€500,000 depending on location
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5-year renewable residence permit
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No minimum stay required
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Includes entire family
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Eligible for citizenship after 7 years
4. 👨👩👧👦 Family Reunification
Available if you have a spouse, child, or parent legally living in Greece.
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Sponsor must be a legal resident or citizen of Greece
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Includes marriage, children, and parental ties
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Requires income support and housing documentation
5. 🇬🇷 Citizenship by Descent
If your parent or grandparent was Greek, you may qualify for Greek citizenship by ancestry.
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Full EU rights and passport
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No Greek language requirement
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Apply via the Greek Consulate in Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal
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Can be done before or after moving to Greece
📋 Required Documents (Most Visas)
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Valid Canadian passport
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Proof of income or pension
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Greek tax ID (AFM)
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Clean police certificate (RCMP)
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Health insurance (private or Greek EOPYY)
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Lease or proof of accommodation
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Apostilled and translated documents (marriage, birth, etc.)
📍 Where to Apply
Canadians can apply at:
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The Greek Consulates in Canada:
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Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver
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Or in Greece after entry (for some visa types like digital nomad or family reunification)
⚖️ Legal Help for Canadians Moving to Greece
At Borderless Lawyers, we assist Canadians at every step:
✅ Visa and residency strategy tailored to your case
✅ Citizenship by descent via Greek lineage
✅ Real estate due diligence for Golden Visa
✅ Translation and certification of Canadian documents
✅ Local representation in Greece
📞 Book a free consultation to get started today.
📊 Visa Comparison Table
| Visa Type | Income Needed | Can Work? | Includes Family | Citizenship Path |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Nomad Visa | €3,500/month | ✅ (remote only) | ✅ | ✅ (after 7 yrs) |
| FIP Visa | €2,000/month | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Golden Visa | €250K+ in property | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Family Reunification | Based on sponsor | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Citizenship by Descent | N/A | ✅ | N/A | ✅ (full citizen) |
🧳 Tips for Canadians Relocating to Greece
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Open a Greek bank account as early as possible
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Set up your AFM (Greek tax number) with a lawyer’s help
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Choose private health insurance for faster processing
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Bring original long-form birth and marriage certificates
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Start citizenship-by-descent applications in Canada if eligible
📞 Get Legal Help from Anywhere in Canada
We serve clients across Canada — from Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, to Calgary and Ottawa.
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🌐 Online consultations available
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📝 Step-by-step immigration plans
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💼 Dedicated legal support from start to settlement