Greece is one of the top destinations for Non-EU citizens who want to be a part of European residency. The EU offers them better opportunities, environment, people, network, businesses, etc.
Notably, Greece’s strategic location, Mediterranean lifestyle, and access to the Schengen Area offers everyone- investors, remote workers, students, and families a chance to level up their lifestyle.
But here’s the thing you must know before applying. The Greece resident permits policies are evolving fast and with such a system, you must choose the resident permit that fulfills your needs.
How to do that? Read this blog till the end and we will explore
- The main types of Greece residence permits
- Eligibility
- Benefits
- Application processes,
- Costs
- Trends
Why Consider Greece Permanent Residency?
Truly, Greece offers beautiful scenic cultural richness to its residents, but the benefits of living in Greece go beyond that. Here is what truly attracts Non-EU citizens to Greece:
1. EU and Schengen Access:
Greece is a member of the European Union. Therefore, the residents here have access to the Schengen Area with visa-free travel across Europe.
2.Investment Opportunities:
Greece’s Golden Visa program is one of the most popular investment residency options. The applicant must invest the required amount, and they get permanent residency in return. Notably, this has attracted record numbers of applicants in 2024 and 2025.
3. Affordable Living:
Greece is comparatively more affordable than other Western European countries. It has a lower cost of living, which makes it a good choice for retirees, remote workers, and families.
4. Family-Friendly Policies:
Most Greece residence permits policies allow the applicants to bring their families (spouses and dependents).
5. Pathway to Citizenship:
Greece offers permanent residency and after 7 years of legal residence in the country, you become eligible for Greek citizenship. The time may vary on the permit route you choose.
Note: Experts consider Greece as a preferred choice for residency for its stable political environment, growing digital nomad community, and promising tax regimes. These are the factors that attract investors, employees, and students alike.
Types of Greece Residence Permits:
Greece’s residence permits policies allow a wide range of applicants, such as investors, remote workers, students, families, etc. Here are the main Visa categories of the Greece Residency by investment program:
- Ordinary Residence Permits: For employment, study, family reunification, and humanitarian causes.
- Greece Golden Visa: For investors who meet specific financial criteria.
- Digital Nomad Visa: For remote workers employed by companies outside Greece.
- EU Blue Card: For highly skilled professionals.
- Long-Term Residence Permit: For those who have lived legally in Greece for five years or more.
Note- Each permanent residency permit type has its eligibility criteria, requirements, validity period, and renewal time. Check below:
| Criteria | Ordinary Permits | Greece Golden Visa | Digital Nomad Visa |
| Initial Validity | 1–2 years | 5 years | 1 year |
| Renewal | Up to 3 years | 5-year increments | Renewable |
| Mandatory Residence | 183 days/year | Not required | Not required |
| Family Inclusion | Spouse, children <18 | Spouse, children <21, and parents | Spouse, children |
| Access to Work | Only with relevant permit | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Path to PR/Citizenship | Yes, after 5+ years | Yes, eligible | Yes, after 5+ years |
| Key Purpose | Employment, studies, family | Investment | Remote work |
Detailed Permit Categories:
1. Investment Route (Greece Golden Visa)
The Greece golden visa is the most popular type for people who are ready to invest in Greece to get residency. Notably, alone, this program received 9,289 new applications in 2024. This is a 10% increase from the previous year and shows a 25% compound annual growth rate since 2018.
- Eligibility:
The applicant must be a Non-EU/EEA national and over 18 years of age, must have a clean criminal record, and valid health insurance.
- Investment Options:
- Minimum €250,000 real estate with special conditions.
- €400,000 property in less developed areas (single property, min. 120m²).
- €800,000 for property in Athens, Thessaloniki, or major islands.
- Government bonds: €500,000 (three-year minimum maturity).
- Investment in shares, funds: €800,000.
- Key Rights: The applicant gets a five-year renewable permit, family members (spouse, children under 21, parents).
- Residency Requirement: No mandatory stay.
- Limitations: the applicant cannot work locally for a Greek employer. However, he is allowed to manage investments or run businesses.
- Path to PR/Citizenship: It opens doors for permanent residency after five years. After 7 years, you can apply for citizenship with conditions.
Note- The Golden visa program has a low rejection rate (approximately 2%) that makes it a reliable choice for investors.
2.Work / Employment Based Route
Work/employment permit root is for individuals who have secured jobs in Greece. This permit allows them to work and reside in Greece. But this process features several steps and strict compliance with Greek labour laws.
- Eligibility: Job offer from a Greek employer with minimum salary (currently €713/month for standard permits).
- EU Blue Card: Available for highly qualified professionals with higher salaries and qualifications.
- Validity: Typically issued for 1–2 years, renewable.
- Other Notes: New 2025 rules emphasize digital applications and stricter document requirements.
Note- All the applicants must enroll in the labour market test that ensures that EU/EEA citizens are not available for the position.
3. Digital Nomad / Remote Work Route
The 21st century is the home of the hybrid and digital no mad work culture. That’s why Greece has introduced digital nomad visas for remote workers and entrepreneurs.
These applicants are employed outside Greece but want to reside in the country. Notably, this program has gained popularity because it is flexible, asks for fewer requirements and offers attractive benefits.
- Eligibility: Proof of remote employment/business, minimum monthly income (currently around €3,500 per month for a solo applicant, €4,200 for a couple, and €4,830 for a family).
- Validity: One year initially, renewable.
- Benefits: No work rights within Greece, but full residence and Schengen travel.
Note- The digital nomad visa is ideal for remote workers who want to have a Mediterranean lifestyle but don’t want to relocate their business or employment.
4. Family Reunification & Marriage Route
Greece offers family reunification marriage permit routes that are for spouses and dependent children. This permit allows the applicant to bring their families to Greece.
- Eligibility: Spouses and dependent children of Greek residents or citizens. It also includes officially registered same-sex partnerships.
- Marriage Route: Non-EU spouses of Greek citizens can apply for residency.
- Family Reunification: Permit issued if the sponsor already resides legally in Greece.
- Benefits: offers access to public services and education.
Note- Greece residency offers an unbeatable benefit of family reunification. This ensures that families can stay together in the country and benefit from its social services.
5. Student & Study Route
The student residency permit in Greece is for non-EU students, studying in a Greek educational institution.
- Eligibility: Non-EU students with an admission letter to a Greek educational institution.
- Validity: Up to the study duration, typically up to two years and renewable.
- Work Rights: May work part-time under certain conditions.
- Family: Not typically eligible to bring dependents. However, you can bring your family to a PhD or research program.
Note- The student residency permit later opens a pathway to long term residency and even citizenship.
6. Long-Term Residence & Citizenship Path
The long term residency permit is given to legal residence after 5 years of a continuous stay in Greece.
- Eligibility: Proof of integration (language proficiency, civic knowledge), continuous legal stay.
- Benefits: Near-equal rights with Greek citizens, easier cross-EU mobility.
- Citizenship: Eligible after 7–10 years (shorter for marriage, studies or investment route).
Note- A long term residence permit is a crucial step for people who want complete citizenship in Greece.
Also Read: What is the Procedure for Greece Citizenship by Investment?
Choosing the Right Route- What Fits Your Situation?
Greece offers multiple residency permit routes to applicants. But now the question is how to choose the right one?
Before jumping to a decision, make sure to check your personal & professional goals, investment capabilities, flexibility and family requirements.
For example-
- The golden visa is famous for flexibility and offers applicants the ability to include their family in the application.
- Professionally skilled employees and business owners should choose a work permit or EU blue card.
- Digital nomads should choose a remote residency permit that allows them to reside in the country with flexible allowances.
- Families should explore family reunification or marriage routes.
- Students should opt for the student residency permit. Notably, this opens the doors for future PR or citizenship options.
- Long-term residence permits are given to applicants who have resided in the country for five or more years through a valid permit.
Practical Application Process & Timeline:
Greece has made their residence permit process digital and very streamlined. This includes the following steps:
Step 1: Choose the right permit category. Next, confirm your eligibility.
Step 2: Arrange all your required documents such as
- Proof of income.
- Health insurance
- Identity documents
- Linguistic proofs.
Step 3: Apply for a national D Visa at the Greek embassy.
Step 4: Come to Greece and submit your residence permit application. Make sure it’s digitally submitted, because all the new applications from 2025 are guided to do so.
Step 5: Attend a biometrics appointment in Greece.
Step 6: Wait for the permit. You will get a temporary permit digitally, but the final permit card will be ready in 2–3 months.
Note-
Make sure all your documents and information are correct and timely submitted.
Costs & Hidden Expenses of Greece Visa Permits:
The actual cost of a residential permit varies with formal types and individual circumstances.
1. Golden Visa Permit-
Investment – €250,000–€800,000
Stamp duties, lawyer/notary fees, and government charges – typically €2,000–€3,000 per applicant
2. Work/Study/Family Permit-
Application Fees- €150–€300
Additional Cost- translation, travel, and legal fees may apply.
Note- A valid health insurance is essential for all applications.
Experts suggest keeping some additional budget for Indian expenses such as legal representation, translation services, and ongoing compliance costs.
Risks, Pitfalls & Recent Legal/Policy Changes:
The Greek immigration laws have recently been changed and have become stricter. The new applicants must have proper documentation through a digital process, careful attention to detail, and tougher eligibility criteria.
But here is the positive side! The strict application process has reduced backlogs in the golden visa program. However, time is still one of the biggest challenges.
The same goes with work and digital nomad permits, where applicants must fulfill all the eligibility criteria and compliance.
So, when needed, do not hesitate to take professional support to understand complexity and ensure a smooth application process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
1. What are the main types of residence permits in Greece available for non-EU citizens?
The main types of Greek residence permits are digital nomad, investment, study, family, reunification/marriage, blue card, and humanitarian permits.
2. How much investment do I need for the investment-based route (Golden Visa) in Greece and what do I get?
The minimum investment amount for a golden visa is €250,000 with specific conditions, €400,000–€800,000 for prime properties, or via bonds/equities. In return, you get a 5-year permit for yourself and then may apply for citizenship.
3. Can I work in Greece if I hold a residence permit via the investment route?
No, the Golden Visa permit does not allow you to work for local salaried jobs. However, you can manage your investments or property or your business.
4. What are the minimum stay requirements or physical presence rules for different permit types?
The Golden Visa has no residence requirements whereas most other permits require you to stay 183 days a year in Greece.
5. How long until I can apply for long-term residence or citizenship in Greece?
You will get a long-term residence format after 5 years of legal stay in the country. For citizenship, you must stay in the country for 7-10 years depending on your route.
Conclusion:
Greece has become one of the most prominent residential centres for non-EU citizens. Why? Because it offers all- investors, professionals, students, and families a professional network, better social services, a prosperous community, stable economy, world-class healthcare and education system, and political conditions.
The Greece residence permits come in different types targeting specific groups of people. From Golden Visa to Student Permit, Greece has maintained its position as one of the choices.
If you’re looking to settle down in the country, choose the right route fulfilling your requirements. But be careful because the latest changes in the resident permit laws have made them stricter.
