A Comprehensive Guide to Obtaining a Permanent Residence Permit in Greece

Legal Grounds for a Permanent Residence Permit in Greece

This section briefly describes the most common routes to permanent residency in this country. 

Formal Employment

The most straightforward way to relocate is to find a job in Greece and apply for a legal status on that basis. Keep in mind, though, that you will need to learn Greek for this purpose, stay with your employer until you get your permanent residence permit, and the salary will most likely not be very high. 

Self-Employment

You can be a freelancer, an online employee, self-employed or a digital nomad, if you can prove a stable income of €3,500 per month. One essential condition, though, is that you do not seek employment in the country after relocation. However, you will need additional income for your children and an unemployed spouse, and the permit will have to be renewed every two years. To be able to extend residence permit after two years, you must stay in Greece for at least 6 months per year.

Investments in Private Property

Known as a Golden Visa, this is by far the most convenient way to obtain long-term and permanent residency in Greece. All you need to do is purchase a private property for at least €250,000 depending on regions, submit a minimal amount of documentation (see the relevant section below) and wait for 3–6 months for the approval.

In September 2024, the government plans to raise the investment threshold to €400,000 and €800,000 in popular Greek regions.

Your Golden Visa will be suitable to your family members as well, and you will not even have to reside in the country permanently for this purpose. Any property will do, as long as it is not near the border or military bases.

Greek Visas

Whichever way to obtain a Greek permanent residence permit you choose, you will need to open an account with a Greek bank. This requires obtaining a local SIM card and a Greek tax number, which can only be done within the country. In other words, you will have to apply for a visa and plan a visit to Greece.

All three can be obtained relatively easily, especially with the assistance of an interpreter and a lawyer. Timewise, you should plan 2–3 days for the visit. You can call the nearest Greek Consulate or look through official websites, to find out whether you need a visa at all.

Keep in mind that even if you do not need a visa, you will still have to have:

• a passport which is valid for at least three months after your departure,

• proof of 50 euros per day,

• a ticket out of the country.

And in the case of a Schengen visa, you will also need:

• medical insurance of 30,000 euros,

• bank statements for the previous half a year,

• your marriage certificate, if applicable,

• two passport-size colour photos. 

Opening a Bank Account

The registration process will be pretty straightforward and very much the same as it would be in other countries, but prepare for a mess in the bank and do not expect it to be over in half an hour. On the other hand, Greek banks only work till 14:00, so it will not be the entire day wasted. Applying for a tax number will be simple enough too, but you will need an interpreter unless you speak Greek well.

1. Before moving to Greece, make sure you collect the following documents:

• your identity document and your birth certificate (in case your patronymic name is not indicated in your passport).

• a utility bill or a confirmation letter from your landlord or housemate to prove your residential address.

• any confirmation of your income, whether a copy of your job contract, recent payrolls or a tax statement from the country where you are employed.

2. Upon arrival in the country, get yourself a local mobile phone number and visit the Tax Department to apply for and receive a tax number. You will need some written proof that the number is indeed yours. Generally, a copy of the registration form will suffice.

3. Visit the bank you have selected for the purpose. Keep in mind that Greek banks are open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday to Thursday, and from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Fridays. Make sure you do not plan your visit on the public holidays shown in the list below.

• New Year's Day;

• 6 January;

• The 7th Monday before Easter;

• 25 March;

• Good Friday;

• Monday after Easter;

• May Day;

• The 6th Monday after Easter;

• 15 August;

• 28 October;

• Christmas;

• Boxing Day.

Required Documents

Technically, you will only need the following documents to apply for a permanent residence permit:

• your identity document;

• proof of a Greek bank account;

• medical insurance;

• confirmation of a stable income.

However, you will also need some additional documents, which will vary depending on how you decide to get a permanent residence. For instance, in the case of a Golden Visa, it will be:

• your Greek tax number;

• proof of your residential address in Greece;

• your marriage certificate, if applicable;

• proof of your purchase of local private property;

• police clearance.

Processing Time

Depending on the type of residence permit, you might have to wait from several months to 2–3 years before your application is approved. Moreover, you will only have to renew it every five years, and once you have had it for seven years, you will be eligible to apply for Greek citizenship without having to reside in the country for this purpose.

Conclusion

Greece does, indeed, offer convenient terms for acquiring a permanent residence permit, especially via investments in its private property sector, and the first step is to decide which path will work best in your case. The rest is a straightforward process of collecting the right documents and visiting the right offices.

We hope our article will help you decide how you would like to go about it. Consult your lawyer, travel agent or the nearest Greek Consulate with any additional questions you might have in the process.

Tips

1. As a third country national, research the different categories of permanent residency in Greece, including Golden Visas for investors and visas for family members of Greek citizens.
2. Visit Greece to explore potential places to live, such as Athens or Crete, and familiarise yourself with the country's culture and lifestyle.
3. Consider investing in Greek real estate, as owning property can grant access to a Golden Visa Look for properties in popular locations like Athens. Athens has a favourable investment climate and quality new buildings.
4. Consult with a legal representative or attorney to guide you through the process of obtaining permanent residency, ensuring all paperwork is up to date and accurate.
5. Gather all necessary documents, such as a valid travel document, proof of sufficient funds, and evidence of health insurance or travel insurance.
6. Be prepared to provide proof of your marital status and family relationships, especially if you are applying for residency as a family member of a Greek citizen.
7. If you're an investor, consider opening a Greek company or becoming a shareholder in an existing one. This may qualify you for permanent residency under certain conditions.
8. Ensure you meet the requirements for tax residency in Greece, such as residing in the country for at least 183 days per year and registering for tax purposes.
9. Learn Greek or English languages and participate in social integration activities to help ease your transition and improve your chances of obtaining permanent residency.
10. Stay informed about any changes to immigration laws and procedures by regularly checking government websites and the government gazette.
11. Consider the possibility of dual citizenship if you wish to retain your original nationality while also becoming a Greek citizen.
12. If you're applying for residency as a student, ensure you're enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Greece, and maintain good academic standing.
13. Keep track of your physical residence in Greece, as continuous stay in the country may be required for certain residency categories.
14. Familiarise yourself with the joint ministerial decision process and the social integration code, as these can impact your residency application.
15. Obtain translations of all necessary documents from non-EU countries, as these must be submitted in Greek for your application to be considered.
16. Be prepared for an interview and possible background check, including a review of your criminal records, as part of the application process.
17. Ensure all fees are paid on time and keep a record of all transactions, including credit transfers and real estate investments.
18. Stay patient throughout the process, as it may take several months for your application to be processed and a decision to be issued.

Read also:

• Healthcare in Greece
• Golden visa in Portugal
• Greek citizenship test
• Countries offering citizenship by investment
• Moving to Greece from the UK
• Retiring in Greece
• France residence permit
• Residency in Spain for financially independent
• Spanish nationality
• Portuguese citizenship
• Cost of living in Greece