Moving to Greece from the USA: Visas, Residency & Legal Support

Considering a fresh start under the Mediterranean sun? Whether you’re relocating for retirement, remote work, or a cultural lifestyle shift, here’s everything you need to know about moving to Greece from the USA — with a smooth legal path and expert help.

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✈️ Why Americans Are Moving to Greece

• 🌞 Warm weather and laid-back lifestyle

• 💰 Lower cost of living than most U.S. cities

• 🏛️ Rich in culture, history, and cuisine

• 🏝️ Over 200 inhabited islands to choose from

• 🧘 Great for retirees, digital nomads, creatives, and entrepreneurs

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🛂 Do U.S. Citizens Need a Visa for Greece?

• You can visit Greece visa-free for 90 days in any 180-day period

• If you want to stay longer, you’ll need a residence permit based on your reason for moving (e.g. work, retirement, investment, family)

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🏡 Visa & Residency Options for U.S. Citizens

Here are the most common visa pathways for Americans relocating to Greece:

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1. 💻 Digital Nomad Visa

Ideal for remote workers and freelancers with non-Greek income.

• Income requirement: €3,500/month (plus 20% for spouse, 15% for child)

• 1-year visa, renewable for another year

• Must not work for Greek companies

• Apply in the U.S. or after arriving in Greece

• Includes spouse and dependent children

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2. 👴 FIP Visa (Financially Independent Person)

Perfect for retirees or people with passive income.

• Income requirement: €2,000/month

• Cannot be employed in Greece

• Private health insurance required

• 2-year renewable residence permit

• Eligible for permanent residency and citizenship

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3. 🏠 Golden Visa (Property Investment)

For U.S. citizens investing in Greek real estate.

• Investment: €250,000 to €500,000 depending on region

• 5-year renewable residence permit

• Includes spouse, children, and dependent parents

• No minimum stay required

• Eligible for citizenship after 7 years of residence

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4. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Reunification

Available if a family member is a legal resident or Greek citizen.

• Proof of relationship required

• Sponsor must show income and accommodation

• Residence permit granted for family members

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5. 🇬🇷 Greek Citizenship by Descent

Do you have Greek ancestry? Americans with Greek parents or grandparents may qualify for citizenship by descent.

• No Greek language requirement

• Apply through the Greek Consulate in New York, Los Angeles, Boston, or Chicago

• Get full EU citizenship and rights

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📑 Key Documents You’ll Need

• Valid U.S. passport

• Proof of income or pension

• U.S. police clearance (FBI background check)

• Greek tax number (AFM)

• Private health insurance

• Marriage/birth certificates (if applying with family)

• Apostille certification and official Greek translations

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📍 Where to Apply

Americans can apply for Greek residence permits:

• At the Greek Consulates in the U.S. (New York, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Chicago, etc.)

• OR enter Greece and apply directly with local authorities (depending on the visa type)

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⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Can Help

We offer full-service relocation support for U.S. citizens moving to Greece:

✅ Visa selection and application support
✅ Property due diligence for Golden Visa
✅ Citizenship by descent research & submission
✅ Tax number (AFM) registration
✅ Document translation and legalization
✅ U.S.–Greece legal coordination

📍 Serving clients across New York, California, Florida, Texas, and beyond

📞 Schedule a free consultation to get started

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📊 Visa Comparison Table

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🧠 Tips for Americans Relocating to Greece

• Open a Greek bank account with legal assistance

• Submit your U.S. documents early for apostille and translation

• Bring original long-form birth and marriage certificates

• Use a local immigration lawyer to avoid delays and rejections

• Start Greek citizenship applications from the U.S. if eligible

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📞 Ready to Move from the U.S. to Greece?

Our expert team handles your entire relocation — from visa to real estate and residency.