With a warm Mediterranean climate, affordable cost of living, excellent food, and a relaxed pace of life, Greece is quickly becoming one of the most attractive destinations for retirees from around the world. But before you start enjoying sunsets on the Aegean, you’ll need to secure the right residence permit and take care of a few legal and financial steps.
In this guide, we cover how to retire in Greece legally, including visa options, income requirements, taxes, and how Borderless Lawyers can assist you at every stage.
👵 Can You Retire in Greece as a Foreigner?
Yes. Non-EU/EEA citizens (including Americans, Canadians, Brits, Australians, and more) can retire in Greece by applying for a residence permit for financially independent persons (FIP).
EU/EEA citizens do not need a visa or permit but must register locally after 90 days.
✅ Greek Residence Permit for Retirees
🧾 Type of Permit:
Residence Permit for Financially Independent Persons (Αυτοτελώς Διαμένοντες)
🔍 Who It’s For:
Foreigners who have stable passive income and do not plan to work in Greece.
💶 Income Requirements for Retirement in Greece
You must demonstrate:
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Minimum income: €2,000/month (net)
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For a spouse: +20% → €2,400/month
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For each dependent: +15% → +€300/month
Acceptable sources of income:
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Pension income
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Investment income (dividends, real estate rentals)
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Savings (as backup proof)
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Annuities or trust distributions
Funds must be from outside Greece.
📑 Required Documents
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Valid passport
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Type D visa (applied for at Greek consulate)
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Proof of income (bank statements, pension letter)
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Private health insurance valid in Greece
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Rental contract or property ownership in Greece
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Clean criminal record
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Passport photos
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Application form and consular fees
🏛️ Application Process
Step 1 – Apply for Type D Visa
Apply at the Greek Consulate in your country. You’ll need to show proof of income and intent to retire.
Step 2 – Enter Greece
You’ll have 90 days to submit your residence permit application at the Decentralized Administration Office near your new residence.
Step 3 – Biometric Appointment & Residence Card
Once submitted, you’ll receive a blue certificate while waiting for approval. Once granted, you’ll receive your residence permit (valid for 2 years, renewable).
🏠 Where to Retire in Greece?
Popular locations for foreign retirees:
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Crete – expat-friendly, affordable, good healthcare
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Rhodes – sunny island with seasonal charm
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Athens Riviera – urban + beach lifestyle
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Peloponnese – quiet coastal villages, historic charm
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Corfu – lush green island with growing expat base
🏥 Healthcare Access in Greece
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Retirees need private health insurance for residency.
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After 5 years of legal stay, you may qualify for public healthcare access.
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Many regions have high-quality private clinics and English-speaking doctors.
💼 Do You Pay Taxes in Greece as a Retiree?
You may become a Greek tax resident if you stay more than 183 days/year.
As a tax resident, worldwide income may be taxable in Greece—though double taxation treaties exist with many countries (USA, UK, Canada, Germany, etc.).
Greece also offers a non-dom regime with tax incentives for retirees moving from abroad. Ask us if you qualify.
🧠 How Borderless Lawyers Can Help
Relocating to Greece should be exciting—not overwhelming.
At BorderlessLawyers.com, we guide retirees through:
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Visa & residence permit applications
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Translations, apostilles, and documentation
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Greek address setup and lease support
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Applying through Power of Attorney if you can’t travel
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Healthcare and tax planning for long-term retirees
📞 Book a free consultation and let us simplify your move to Greece.
❓ FAQ – Retiring in Greece
Q: Can I retire in Greece if I own a property?
A: Yes, but ownership alone doesn’t guarantee residency—you still need to meet income requirements.
Q: How long can I stay with a residence permit?
A: The FIP permit is valid for 2 years, and renewable every time as long as you meet the criteria.
Q: Do I have to live in Greece year-round?
A: You must show real residency intent, but some travel is allowed. Be cautious if you want to renew later.
🌅 Ready to Retire in Greece?
Let Borderless Lawyers handle the legal work—so you can enjoy Greek sunsets, local markets, and a new lifestyle. We’ve helped retirees from around the world relocate to Greece confidently and legally.
👉 Start your retirement journey today — Contact us now.