If you’ve been living legally in Greece for several years and want to make it your long-term home, the next logical step is applying for permanent residency. This status gives you stability, easier access to public services, and fewer renewal headaches.
In this guide, we explain how to get permanent residency in Greece, who qualifies, and how Borderless Lawyers can manage your full application process.
✅ What Is Permanent Residency in Greece?
Permanent residency (also called long-term EU residence or “Άδεια διαμονής μακράς διάρκειας”) allows non-EU citizens to live in Greece indefinitely, without the need to renew their permit every 1–2 years.
It also provides limited mobility rights within the EU and access to social benefits under certain conditions.
⏳ Who Can Apply?
To qualify, you must:
-
Have lived in Greece legally for 5 continuous years
-
Have held valid residence permits during that time
-
Have not left Greece for more than 6 consecutive months or 10 months total in 5 years
-
Have sufficient and stable income (e.g., €8,500–€12,000/year)
-
Have Greek language knowledge (A2 level or higher)
-
Have integration certificate or pass Greek integration test
-
Possess health insurance and clean criminal record
✅ The 5-year rule applies to residence permits like: student, digital nomad, financially independent, family reunification, employment, etc.
📑 Required Documents
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Plus copies of all stamped pages |
| Residence permit(s) | Covering full 5-year period |
| Tax returns (5 years) | To prove income and continuity |
| Social security contributions | If applicable |
| Proof of housing | Lease or property deed |
| Greek language certificate | Minimum A2 level (or pass integration test) |
| Health insurance | Private or public (EFKA) coverage |
| Criminal record clearance | From home country and Greek police |
| Application fee | ~€150–€200 depending on region |
📘 Greek Language & Integration Requirements
You must demonstrate basic Greek language proficiency, either by:
-
Passing the Greek integration exam, or
-
Submitting a certified Greek language diploma (A2+), or
-
Having a Greek university degree or long-term schooling in Greece
🧾 Income & Tax Requirements
You must show stable and sufficient income, from:
-
Employment
-
Pension
-
Freelance or business activity
-
Investments
-
Family support (in limited cases)
You also need full tax compliance with Greek authorities (EFKA, AADE).
🏛️ Application Procedure
-
Submit application to the Decentralized Administration Office
-
Provide full documentation and biometric data
-
Receive a blue certificate (βεβαίωση) to stay legally during review
-
Receive your long-term residence permit, typically valid for 5 years, renewable
🎯 Benefits of Permanent Residency in Greece
-
✅ No more annual or biannual renewals
-
✅ Access to long-term family reunification rights
-
✅ Potential to move to other EU countries under Directive 2003/109/EC
-
✅ Easier access to public healthcare and social programs
-
✅ Eligible later for Greek citizenship (after 7 years of legal residence)
🔁 Can You Lose Permanent Residency?
Yes — if you:
-
Leave Greece for more than 12 consecutive months
-
Commit serious crimes or fraud
-
Provide false documentation
-
Fail to maintain health insurance or residence
That’s why legal assistance during and after your application is critical.
💼 How Borderless Lawyers Can Help
BorderlessLawyers.com has helped digital nomads, retirees, investors, and workers across the world transition from temporary to permanent residency in Greece.
We help with:
-
Tracking your eligibility and time spent
-
Preparing and translating all required documents
-
Representing you via Power of Attorney
-
Scheduling your biometrics and integration test
-
Avoiding mistakes that cause rejections
-
Advising on future citizenship eligibility
📞 Ready to stop renewing every year and stay in Greece long-term? We’re here to help.
❓ FAQ – Permanent Residency in Greece
Q: Does time on a student visa count toward the 5 years?
A: In most cases, yes, but only if you maintained residence and income requirements.
Q: Do I need to give up my original nationality?
A: No. Permanent residency is not citizenship and does not require renouncing your current passport.
Q: Can I apply while outside Greece?
A: You must be in Greece at the time of filing, but we can help via POA if you’re traveling.
🏡 Ready to Make Greece Your Permanent Home?
After five years of living legally in Greece, you’ve earned your place. Let Borderless Lawyers take care of the legal side—so you can focus on enjoying your long-term life in Greece.