Blog • Published on:April 2, 2025 | Updated on:April 3, 2025 • 23 Min
In 2025, Greece is no longer just a retirement dream or a low-cost beach escape. It has become one of Europe’s most strategic choices for acquiring long-term residence.
Whether you’re an investor seeking EU access, a professional escaping high taxes, or a parent looking for affordable education in Europe, Greece now offers a surprisingly flexible set of residence pathways.
Now, Greece offers over a dozen types of residence permits, ranging from investment-based stays to work, study, and family reunification routes. Some lead to citizenship in as little as 3–7 years. Others are designed for people who just want a safe EU fallback with minimal obligations.
We’ll walk you through every major permit available in Greece today: what it costs, who qualifies, how it’s processed, and where it leads long term. If you’re comparing options in the EU, this guide will help you understand what’s realistic, and what’s actually worth it.
Greece’s residence permit system is built around specific categories, each tied to the applicant’s reason for moving. Now, the system is more structured than ever, with digital tools in place for tracking, submitting, and renewing applications.
That said, local interpretation still varies between regions, and knowing the permit types is just the beginning.
While every permit type has specific requirements, there are a few baseline criteria that apply to almost all residence permit applications in Greece:
Some permits, like the Digital Nomad Visa or Golden Visa, may waive certain requirements, like Greek language skills or employment ties, but nearly all require applicants to demonstrate economic self-sufficiency and a legitimate reason to stay.
Most residency applications follow a hybrid process: part digital, part in-person. Here’s the standard flow:
1. Collect Required Documents
Including passport, photos, proof of funds, insurance, and any category-specific documents (like a property title or employment contract).
2. Submit Application
Either at a Greek consulate (if applying from abroad) or the local immigration office (if applying from inside Greece).
3. Receive Filing Receipt
You’ll receive a temporary proof-of-application paper (commonly called the blue certificate), which serves as legal proof of residence during processing.
4. Provide Biometric Data
Fingerprints and a digital photo are taken during your appointment.
5. Receive Residence Permit Card
If approved, you’ll get your biometric residence permit (BRP) card, typically valid for 1–5 years depending on your permit type.
Greece’s Golden Visa remains one of the most popular investment-based residency programs in Europe. But in 2025, it’s no longer the €250,000 real estate shortcut that investors were rushing into a few years ago.
Recent rule changes have reshaped the market, adding more weight to the location and type of property being acquired.
Here’s what’s changed, what remains attractive, and what to be careful about.
The most important update is the two-tiered property threshold introduced by Greek lawmakers and officially in effect since mid-2024.
What counts as an eligible investment:
Renovations, partial ownership, or properties under construction do not qualify unless strict valuation and completion requirements are met.
That’s a common point of confusion, and a source of rejection for many first-time applicants.
Residency is granted for five years, with the right to renew indefinitely. You don’t have to live in Greece to keep the permit active, which makes this especially appealing for families looking for EU backup plans, or investors based in the Gulf, Asia, or Latin America.
Greece ranks among the most accessible and strategic countries in Europe for securing permanent residency. Read the full overview here.
You can include your spouse, dependent children up to age 21, and even both sets of parents in your initial application, without any additional investment required.
You also gain visa-free access to all 29 Schengen countries, including France, Germany, and Spain.
But it’s important to understand that this doesn’t make you a tax resident of Greece, and it does not allow you to work for a Greek company. You can earn rental income from your investment but not take up employment.
The Golden Visa process is relatively streamlined by EU standards. Most applicants appoint a legal representative in Greece who handles everything remotely, from getting your tax number to signing on your behalf at the notary.
Once your investment is completed and the paperwork is submitted, a temporary residence certificate is issued. This acts as your legal residency while the application is being processed.
In major cities like Athens, approvals can take anywhere from three to six weeks. Delays are still common in smaller municipalities, especially during peak tourism or summer months.
Biometric data must be submitted in person, but most of the rest can be done remotely via power of attorney.
Renewals happen every five years, as long as the qualifying investment remains in place. If you sell the property or fall below the threshold, the permit is void, unless you reinvest in another eligible asset that meets the current requirements.
There is no physical presence requirement for renewals. You’re not required to spend any specific number of days in Greece, which makes this one of the few EU programs where permanent residence can be maintained without relocation.
Greece offers several residence pathways for people who plan to live in the country while working, whether for a Greek company, independently as a freelancer, or remotely for clients abroad. Each permit comes with distinct rights and obligations, so understanding the differences is key to making the right choice.
This permit applies if you’ve received a formal job offer from a Greek employer and intend to work on the ground in Greece. It requires employer sponsorship, and the hiring company must prove that no suitable local or EU candidate could fill the role, this is known as the labor market test.
To qualify, you'll need:
Once approved, you’re granted full work rights for the duration of your contract, usually one to two years, renewable.
You’ll also be contributing to Greece’s social insurance system, which grants you access to state healthcare and other public benefits.
This is a reliable but relatively rigid path. You’re tied to that specific employer and role unless you update your permit.
If you're not working for a single employer but instead offer services independently or plan to launch a small business, this permit gives you the legal status to operate in Greece.
It’s designed for:
You’ll need:
This permit allows full work rights, but you’ll be subject to Greek taxation and regular reporting. While it offers flexibility, the application process can be more document-heavy than a standard work permit, especially when proving economic sustainability.
Greece introduced the Digital Nomad Visa to attract remote workers who earn income from abroad and want to live in Greece without integrating into the local job market. It has quietly become a favorite for non-EU professionals who want EU access without complex tax exposure.
To be eligible, you must:
What makes this route popular is that it provides legal residency without tax residency, as long as you stay under the 183-day threshold annually. If you decide to stay longer and become a tax resident, you may qualify for favorable tax schemes (like the non-dom tax regime), but this must be structured properly in advance.
The Digital Nomad Visa is initially valid for one year and can be renewed for another year. After two years, many nomads switch to another permit category or begin the path toward long-term residence.
Looking for more details on Greece’s Digital Nomad Visa?We’ve covered the full breakdown, plus how it compares to other top programs, in our recent blog: The Complete Guide to Digital Nomad Visa Programs.
Greece also issues residence permits for seasonal employment, mainly in agriculture, hospitality, and construction. These permits are tied directly to a sponsoring employer and typically last from a few weeks to nine months.
They come with significant limitations:
This permit is suited only for temporary workers. If you’re planning a longer-term stay or professional transition, it’s best to explore other routes.
Greece allows non-EU nationals to bring family members under various residence permit types, provided certain financial, legal, and accommodation requirements are met. Whether you're a Golden Visa holder, a salaried employee, or a student, you may be eligible to sponsor close family members to live with you.
This is the most common route for residents who have been living in Greece for at least two years and want to bring their spouse, minor children, or dependent parents. It’s available to holders of long-term work permits, self-employment permits, and in some cases, students.
To qualify, you’ll need to show:
Family members receive permits that match the duration of the sponsor’s residence status. Spouses often gain limited or full work rights, depending on the primary permit type.
If you're married to a Greek citizen, you're eligible for a residence permit that’s renewable on an annual basis. This path also creates a faster route to Greek citizenship, typically available after three years of marriage and legal residence in Greece.
You’ll need:
Authorities may require interviews or supporting evidence to confirm the relationship is genuine. If approved, the permit allows full work rights and participation in public services.
Greece allows broader family sponsorship than many other EU countries, particularly under the Golden Visa program. Investors can include:
For employment or student permit holders, adding dependent children is generally straightforward. Sponsoring parents, however, usually requires higher income thresholds and strong proof of financial support.
If you're in a committed relationship with a Greek citizen or long-term resident but not legally married, you may still be eligible for a residence permit through a registered cohabitation agreement (σύμφωνοσυμβίωσης). This must be signed and notarized in Greece to be valid.
Once approved, the partner gains legal residency with similar rights to a spouse. Work permissions may vary depending on the permit the primary resident holds.
Greece has become increasingly attractive for international students, not only because of low tuition fees and affordable living costs, but also due to the relatively straightforward residence process for non-EU nationals.
Students, who get accepted into recognized Greek university, become eligible to apply for a student residence permit. This includes bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs.
What is needed:
Permits are usually issued for one academic year and can be renewed annually until the program is completed. Students are allowed to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week), but full-time employment is not permitted under this permit.
Non-EU nationals can also apply for residence permits to attend intensive Greek language courses at accredited schools.
These are commonly used by people preparing for integration exams, pursuing citizenship, or planning to enroll in Greek universities later.
Requirements are similar to study permits, with an emphasis on:
These permits do not typically allow any work rights and are more limited in renewal options, usually capped at one or two years.
If you're conducting academic research at a Greek institution, either through a fellowship, exchange program, or funded collaboration, you may be eligible for a residence permit under the research or scientific visa category.
What you’ll need:
This permit allows full access to academic institutions and often comes with work rights directly related to the research. In some cases, family members can be included or added later under family reunification rules.
For many foreign nationals, securing a Greek residence permit is just the first step. The real value comes with long-term stability, being able to live, work, or travel across Europe without renewals or permit restrictions.
In Greece, this means working toward one of two statuses: Long-Term EU Residence or Greek Citizenship. Each has its own track, and understanding the difference is crucial.
This is a special permit for third-country nationals (non-EU) who have legally and continuously lived in Greece for at least five years. It's renewable every five years and grants nearly the same rights as a Greek national, except voting and political participation.
To qualify, you must:
This status allows unrestricted access to the Greek labor market, use of public healthcare, and, in many cases, the ability to move to another EU country under certain conditions. It does not, however, automatically make you a Greek citizen.
Greek citizenship is one of the more structured in the EU and can be obtained after several years of legal residence, depending on your status.
Here’s how the timelines break down:
Key requirements:
Citizenship grants you a Greek passport, voting rights, and full EU citizenship, meaning you can live and work freely anywhere in the European Union.
However, processing times can be lengthy, sometimes taking 12–24 months after application, depending on backlog and regional variations.
Securing a residence permit in Greece isn’t outrageously expensive by EU standards, but the full cost involves more than just the government fee.
From legal representation to document translations and long-term renewals, there are several layers of expense depending on your permit type and your strategy for staying long term.
Let’s break down the real costs, based on the most common categories.
Most applicants choose to work with a lawyer or relocation advisor, especially for categories like the Golden Visa or Self-Employment permit. Here’s what you can expect:
Important note: These fees do not include document translations, notary fees, or any courier costs, which can add another €300–€500 depending on your origin country and document volume.
All foreign documents need to be either:
Average cost for this part of the process:
Permits must be renewed periodically, typically every one to five years, depending on the category. Costs include:
Keep in mind: If you’re relying on a permit that’s tied to a specific condition (investment, income, enrollment), you’ll need updated documentation every time you renew.
Once your residence permit is approved in Greece, you gain access to a number of public services and legal rights. But the extent of those rights depends heavily on the type of permit you hold.
Some categories, like employment and long-term residence, come with full integration into the system. Others, like the Golden Visa, are more limited in scope, intentionally designed for passive residents.
All valid Greek residence permits allow visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Zone, which includes 29 European countries. You can spend up to 90 days in any other Schengen country within a 180-day period, similar to how EU citizens travel within the bloc.
However, your permit does not allow you to live or work in other EU countries unless you hold the long-term EU residence permit (after 5 years) or acquire citizenship.
Healthcare access depends on your permit type and whether you contribute to the Greek social security system.
All legal residents in Greece, regardless of nationality, can enroll their children in public schools for free. These schools teach in Greek, but some offer integration support for non-Greek-speaking children. There’s no tuition, and textbooks are provided at no cost.
For private or international schools (such as American, British, French, or German curricula), tuition fees range widely and must be paid out of pocket.
Access to public universities is generally limited to residents who have completed Greek secondary education or can meet special entrance criteria. Otherwise, international students apply through standard non-EU admission routes.
While Greece has made progress digitizing parts of its immigration system, the reality is still a mix of online steps, in-person appointments, and regional inconsistencies. Knowing exactly what to prepare, and where the bottlenecks happen, can save you months of frustration.
Whether you're applying from abroad or adjusting your status within Greece, the process follows the same general sequence. Here’s what to expect.
Regardless of your category, you will almost always need:
All documents in a foreign language must be officially translated into Greek. Translations can be done via certified translators or the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Tip: Greek bureaucracy runs slower in August and around national holidays (especially October 28 and March 25). Plan accordingly.
Once your application is submitted and accepted, you’ll receive a temporary blue certificate (βεβαίωση κατάθεσης) that serves as proof of legal stay during processing.
You’ll then be asked to appear at the local migration office to:
This is a required step for all residence permits issued after 2021, as all cards are biometric.
Greece requires strict compliance on foreign documents. That means:
This is where many first-time applicants get stuck, especially those who underestimate how long it takes to get documents legalized in their home country.
Greece offers more than one way to reside and live in the country. And choosing the right residence path is about understanding how your goals align with the rules. Some permits are perfect for minimal-commitment residency. Others reward real involvement in local life.
The key is clarity: know what you're applying for, what it leads to, and what it demands in return.
If you're planning to build something in Greece, whether it’s a business, a future, or simply a better lifestyle, getting your residence strategy right is the first move that makes the rest possible. Savory & Partners can help you navigate the options and design the most efficient path forward.
Yes, in most cases. You can transition from a student visa to a work permit, or from a digital nomad visa to a self-employment permit. However, switching from the Golden Visa to a work-based permit (or vice versa) usually requires a fresh application. Always check the timeline and eligibility before your current permit expires.
Yes, but only if you spend at least 183 days per year physically in Greece. If you hold the permit but don’t live in Greece, those years won’t count toward the 7-year residency requirement for naturalization.
For long-term EU residence permits and citizenship, yes. A basic level (A2) is required for permanent residence, and an intermediate level (B1–B2) plus a formal integration test is required for citizenship.
Plan at least two to three months in advance, especially if documents need to be legalized or translated. If applying through a consulate in your home country, appointment wait times can stretch further depending on demand.
In some cases, yes. For Golden Visa applicants, the full process (including purchase, legal work, and submission) can be done via power of attorney. For work or digital nomad visas, you usually need to apply through the Greek consulate in your country of residence, then enter Greece once approved.
You must renew before expiration. There is a 30-day grace period, but if you miss it, you risk penalties, a ban from reentry, or a full reset of your residency timeline. Start the renewal process at least two months in advance.
Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum. (2024). Annual Statistics Report on Asylum and Labour Migration for 2024. Retrieved March 31, 2025, from https://med-ma.eu/publications/unpacking-greeces-2024-migration-asylum-report-data-and-trends/
European Commission. (2023). Residence permits - statistics on first permits issued during the year. Retrieved March 31, 2025, from https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/SEPDF/cache/16752.pdf
Greek City Times. (2024). Greece: Over 270,000 Residence Permit Applications Await Processing. Retrieved March 31, 2025, from https://greekcitytimes.com/2024/10/27/greece-over-270000-residence-permit-applications-await-processing/
eKathimerini. (2025). Migration reforms to target labor needs. Retrieved March 31, 2025, from https://www.ekathimerini.com/economy/1259543/migration-reforms-to-target-labor-needs/
Schengen News. (2024). Greek Parliament Passes New Code on Migration. Retrieved March 31, 2025, from https://schengen.news/greek-parliament-passes-new-code-on-migration/
Written By
João Silva
João Silva is a seasoned consultant in the global mobility industry with over 12 years of experience. Specializing in European residency and citizenship by investment programs, João has assisted hundreds of high-net-worth clients in securing their second citizenship through strategic investments in real estate and government bonds.