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Greece Residency & Lifestyle in 2025

Ancient heritage, Mediterranean beauty, and modern EU living. Greece is a gateway to Europe for investors, retirees, and digital nomads seeking stability, opportunity, and a timeless lifestyle.

Assos, Greece coastline
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What Sets Greece Apart?

Steeped in history yet firmly part of modern Europe, Greece offers a unique blend of Mediterranean lifestyle, cultural richness, and EU stability. It’s a destination where ancient heritage meets contemporary living.

With attractive visa routes like the Golden Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, and Financially Independent Person permit, Greece appeals to investors, families, and remote professionals alike. It combines affordability, a clear path to citizenship, and enviable access to the Schengen Zone.




6th
Global Passport
45th
Safety Ranking
13th
Digital Nomad Index
58.5
Healthcare Score





Greece Visa Programs

Choose the compliant pathway that fits your situation. Requirements vary by consulate and route—our lawyers handle the detail.

Good to know: Greece’s Golden Visa now has tiered real-estate thresholds (€800k / €400k / €250k) for a single property (typically ≥120 m² in most cases) and short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnb) are not permitted under the permit. Financial-asset routes (funds/bonds/deposits) remain available.

Golden Visa — Financial Assets

€350k–€800k (funds, bonds, shares, deposits)

Residency through regulated financial instruments (AIFs, mutual funds, corporate/government bonds, or time deposits). Hands-off alternative to property.

  • 5-year card tied to asset holding
  • Family inclusion available
  • Due-diligence on source of funds
  • PR after 5 years (with residence), citizenship after 7 years
  • No local employment permitted under GV

Digital Nomad Visa

€3,500 net monthly income (baseline)

Live in Greece while working remotely only for foreign employers/clients. Show sufficient income and comprehensive health insurance.

  • 1-year visa; convertible to 2-year permit
  • +20% income for spouse, +15% per child
  • Family members can accompany
  • Tax residence typically at >183 days/year
  • No Greek-source employment

Financially Independent Person

~€3,500 monthly passive income

For retirees and passive-income earners able to self-support. Requires residence in Greece for >183 days/year to maintain status.

  • Initial 2-year residence, renewable
  • Private health insurance required
  • Family reunification possible
  • Eligible toward PR (5 years) and citizenship (7 years)
  • Local employment generally not included

Entrepreneur / Startup Visa

From ~€250k (effective 2025)

Establish or invest in a Greek company with a credible plan, jobs impact, and capital proof. Aligns with Greece’s startup framework.

  • Work allowed in your own company
  • Business plan & incorporation required
  • Family inclusion possible
  • Counts toward PR and citizenship timelines
  • Compliance & accounting coordination recommended

EU Blue Card (Skilled)

Salary threshold & degree/skills

For highly-qualified professionals employed by a Greek entity. Requires contract meeting salary floor and qualifications.

  • Work authorization with sponsoring employer
  • Mobility within EU (under Blue Card rules)
  • Family reunification eligible
  • Leads to long-term EU residence
  • Renewable while employment continues

Work Permit (Employment)

Job offer + employer sponsorship

Classic employment route via a Greek employer. Contract, qualifications, and labor-market approvals may apply.

  • Residence + work authorization
  • Renewable while employed
  • Family reunification typically possible
  • Counts toward PR (5 years) & citizenship (7 years)
  • Consulate practices vary

Family Reunification

Dependent proof & sponsor status

For dependents of lawful residents/citizens. Relationship, accommodation, and income sufficiency must be evidenced.

  • Spouse/partner, minor children; parents in some cases
  • Linked to sponsor’s permit validity
  • Access to education & healthcare
  • Pathway aligns with sponsor’s PR/citizenship
  • Document legalization & translation required

Student Visa (Higher Education)

University admission + funds

Residence for degree studies at recognized Greek institutions. Proof of admission, means, and insurance required.

  • Residence valid for study duration
  • Limited work rights may apply
  • Can switch to employment/other routes later
  • Family accompaniment depends on level/program
  • Counts toward long-term residence in many cases


Greece Immigration & Relocation Specialists

Move to Greece with Attorney-Led Support

Current routes include the Golden Visa (non-real-estate), D7 Passive Income, D8 Digital Nomad and D2 Entrepreneur. We coordinate tax planning with licensed partners where appropriate. Information only—we don’t provide investment advice.

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Greece Golden Visa — Deep Dive

Greece’s Golden Visa remains one of Europe’s most flexible residency routes. Reforms introduced in 2024–2025 focus on quality housing stock and compliance—while keeping a clear path for families seeking long-term residence and, with real presence, eventual citizenship.

Learn about the Greece Golden Visa
Symi Islands, Greece coastline

2024–2025 Reforms

Tiered thresholds of €800k / €400k / €250k by area and property type. Most routes require a single property (≈120 m²). Short-term rentals are banned under GV to preserve residential use.

€250k Conversions & Heritage

The €250k tier applies to commercial-to-residential conversions and listed/heritage restorations. Conversions must be completed before filing; heritage projects require certified restoration.

Processing — Step by Step

Obtain AFM (tax ID) & bank account → sign PoA (if applicable) → invest & submit → receive Blue Paper (interim status) → attend biometrics in Greece → residence card issuance.

Family Inclusion

Include spouse/partner, unmarried children under 21 (extendable while dependent), and dependent parents of both spouses. Each receives their own 5-year card linked to the main investment.




Greece Residency Application
Step-by-Step Timeline

The application process is generally straightforward, with most cases completing within several months depending on biometrics and local workloads.

Residence permits can be renewed as long as conditions are met, and over time this can lead to long-term residency or citizenship for those who establish genuine residence in Greece.

Step 1Plan

Choose route & gather documents

Select GV (real estate or financial assets), Digital Nomad, FIP, work or entrepreneur route. Compile IDs, funds proof, clean records, translations/apostilles.

Step 2Setup

Obtain AFM & open bank account

Get Greek tax number (AFM), open a local account, issue Power of Attorney if needed. Run legal checks on property or onboard to the chosen instrument.

Step 3Submission

Submit application & receive Blue Paper

Complete the qualifying investment and file your application. You’ll receive the “Blue Paper” confirming interim lawful stay pending biometrics.

Step 4Biometrics

Biometrics appointment in Greece

Attend fingerprints, photo and signatures. Bring any originals required; authorities validate remaining documentation.

Step 5Issuance

Residence card issued (4–12 months)

After approval and issuance fees, 5-year residence cards are produced for each applicant. GV renews while you keep the investment.

Step 6Renewals

Renewals every 2–5 years

Frequency depends on route. For GV, renew every 5 years while maintaining the qualifying investment; physical presence not required for renewals.

Step 7Citizenship

Citizenship after 7 years (if eligible)

Track 183+ days/year, pass B1 Greek language and civics exam. Note: GV without residence time doesn’t accrue toward citizenship.




Settling in Greece — Guides by Profile

Practical guidance tailored to your situation—requirements, timelines, tax points, and setup checklists.

Investors

Golden Visa (real estate & financial assets), costs, and compliance.

  • Thresholds & eligible routes
  • Due diligence & timelines
  • Family inclusion rules

Digital Nomads

Remote-work permit, income thresholds, insurance, best bases.

  • Eligibility & documents
  • Tax residence notes
  • City & island picks

Retirees (FIP)

Financially Independent Person route, healthcare, settling in.

  • Income benchmarks
  • Healthcare & insurance
  • 183+ days residence

Families

Family inclusion, schools, neighborhoods, everyday logistics.

  • Who counts as dependant
  • School options
  • Housing & areas

Entrepreneurs

Startup/entrepreneur permits, company setup, hiring & compliance.

  • Capital & business plan
  • Company formation
  • Accounting & payroll

Students

University admission, residence steps, work options after study.

  • Funds & insurance
  • Work-rights overview
  • Post-study pathways



What You Get With Movingto

From first scoping to residency approval, we run every step with attorney-led precision, transparent pricing, and a software-led workflow—calm, clear, and compliant.
01|

Initial Scoping

We map your goals and timeline, then evaluate visa routes that fit your profile—Golden Visa, Digital Nomad, Financially Independent Person, or Entrepreneur.

02|

Country & Route Strategy

We compare options across Greece and our other covered countries, selecting the most strategic path for you and your family.

03|

Legal & Documentation

Attorney-led review and precise document preparation. No guesswork, no hidden risks—just clean files ready to submit.

04|

Submission & Processing

We liaise with Greek authorities, manage filings and appointments, and keep you updated at each milestone—without the paperwork stress.

05|

Residency Approval

Permits issued—you can live, work, or study in Greece. We also coordinate renewals and ongoing compliance through the platform.

06|

Citizenship Planning

Guidance beyond residency: renewals, permanent residency, and citizenship eligibility after seven years—mapped clearly from day one.





Frequently Asked Questions — Greece

01
Can Golden Visa holders work in Greece?
The Golden Visa grants residency and Schengen travel but not local employment rights. You may own a company and receive dividends/rental income, but salaried work in Greece requires a work-authorized permit.
02
Do I need to live in Greece to keep the Golden Visa?
No minimum stay is required to maintain the permit. It renews every five years as long as the qualifying investment is kept. For citizenship later, Greece expects long-term physical residence and integration.
03
What changed in 2024 for the Golden Visa (real estate)?
Greece introduced tiered thresholds (€800k / €400k / €250k by area and special cases), a single-property purchase of at least 120 m² (for most routes), and a ban on short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnb) under GV. Violations risk fines or revocation.
04
What’s the income requirement for the Digital Nomad Visa?
At least €3,500 net per month from foreign employment or clients. It’s a remote-work route (no Greek employer), and private health insurance is required. Family can join with higher income expectations.
05
How does the Financially Independent Person (FIP) permit work?
Show ~€3,500 monthly passive income and plan to live in Greece (generally 183+ days per year). It’s designed for self-sufficient residents; local employment is not its purpose.
06
Who can I include as family on my application?
Spouse/partner, unmarried children under 21, and financially dependent parents of either spouse are typically eligible. Ages and dependency rules vary by route; your lawyer will structure the family file accordingly.
07
What’s the realistic processing timeline?
Expect roughly 4–12 months, depending on route, biometrics availability, and local workloads. Typical steps: AFM and bank account, file submission and Blue Paper, biometrics, then residence card issuance.
08
Will I become a Greek tax resident automatically?
Tax residency is based largely on presence (commonly 183+ days/year). Some permits don’t force residency, but living in Greece can trigger it. Greece offers special regimes (Non-Dom, Pensioner 7%, Brain Gain) that may reduce overall tax if you qualify.



Private Community

Greece Residency Programs Circle

A members-only space for qualified families and investors pursuing Greek residency. Counsel-led briefings, source-linked program facts, and peer insights. (Golden Visa available with updated 2024 thresholds and routes.)
Counsel Briefings
Updates from licensed Greek immigration lawyers on policy and process.
Program Facts
Golden Visa (real estate tiers, heritage projects), Digital Nomad, FIP, Work & Study—kept current with source links.
Tax & Structuring Q&A
Sessions with licensed advisers on tax regimes, residency thresholds, and cross-border planning.
Banking & Concierge
Introductions to banking, relocation, education, and healthcare partners in Greece.
Join our Facebook Community
Information only. We do not provide investment advice.



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