Move to Greece from Canada: Complete Guide to Visas, Residency & Legal Help

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 β€” with legal clarity, step-by-step support, and expert advice.


🌍 Why Canadians Are Moving to Greece

  • β˜€οΈ Warmer climate and relaxed lifestyle

  • πŸ§˜β€β™€οΈ Affordable living costs compared to Canadian cities

  • πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Ί Access to the Schengen Zone

  • πŸ›οΈ Cultural richness, nature, and history

  • πŸ‘ͺ Strong Greek-Canadian ties and ancestral roots


πŸ›‚ 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. πŸ’» Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Workers)

Perfect for Canadians working remotely for non-Greek companies.

  • Income requirement: €3,500/month

  • Valid for 1 year (renewable)

  • Includes spouse (+20%) and kids (+15%)

  • Apply in Canada or after arriving in Greece

  • Work is allowed β€” but only for non-Greek clients


2. πŸ‘΄ Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa

Great for retirees or those living off pensions, investments, or passive income.

  • Minimum income: €2,000/month

  • No employment allowed in Greece

  • 2-year renewable residence permit

  • Includes family members

  • Path to permanent residency and citizenship


3. 🏠 Golden Visa (Real Estate Investment)

Ideal for Canadians investing in Greek property.

  • Property value: €250,000–€500,000 depending on location

  • 5-year renewable residence permit

  • No minimum stay required

  • Includes entire family

  • Eligible for citizenship after 7 years


4. πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦ Family Reunification

Available if you have a spouse, child, or parent legally living in Greece.

  • Sponsor must be a legal resident or citizen of Greece

  • Includes marriage, children, and parental ties

  • Requires income support and housing documentation


5. πŸ‡¬πŸ‡· Citizenship by Descent

If your parent or grandparent was Greek, you may qualify for Greek citizenship by ancestry.

  • Full EU rights and passport

  • No Greek language requirement

  • Apply via the Greek Consulate in Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal

  • Can be done before or after moving to Greece


πŸ“‹ Required Documents (Most Visas)

  • Valid Canadian passport

  • Proof of income or pension

  • Greek tax ID (AFM)

  • Clean police certificate (RCMP)

  • Health insurance (private or Greek EOPYY)

  • Lease or proof of accommodation

  • Apostilled and translated documents (marriage, birth, etc.)


πŸ“ Where to Apply

Canadians can apply at:

  • The Greek Consulates in Canada:

    • Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver

  • Or in Greece after entry (for some visa types like digital nomad or family reunification)


βš–οΈ Legal Help for Canadians Moving to Greece

At Borderless Lawyers, we assist Canadians at every step:

βœ… Visa and residency strategy tailored to your case
βœ… Citizenship by descent via Greek lineage
βœ… Real estate due diligence for Golden Visa
βœ… Translation and certification of Canadian documents
βœ… Local representation in Greece

πŸ“ž Book a free consultation to get started today.


πŸ“Š Visa Comparison Table

Visa Type Income Needed Can Work? Includes Family Citizenship Path
Digital Nomad Visa €3,500/month βœ… (remote only) βœ… βœ… (after 7 yrs)
FIP Visa €2,000/month ❌ βœ… βœ…
Golden Visa €250K+ in property ❌ βœ… βœ…
Family Reunification Based on sponsor ❌ βœ… βœ…
Citizenship by Descent N/A βœ… N/A βœ… (full citizen)

🧳 Tips for Canadians Relocating to Greece

  • Open a Greek bank account as early as possible

  • Set up your AFM (Greek tax number) with a lawyer’s help

  • Choose private health insurance for faster processing

  • Bring original long-form birth and marriage certificates

  • Start citizenship-by-descent applications in Canada if eligible


πŸ“ž Get Legal Help from Anywhere in Canada

We serve clients across Canada β€” from Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, to Calgary and Ottawa.

  • 🌐 Online consultations available

  • πŸ“ Step-by-step immigration plans

  • πŸ’Ό Dedicated legal support from start to settlement

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