Greece

Requirements

• Job offer / employment contract from a Greek employer stating working conditions and salary
• Position must be foreseen within the biennial Joint Ministerial Decision quota (by sector and region)
• Work-purpose national (Type D) entry visa
• Proof of health insurance coverage
• Employer documentation (tax clearance / company registration)

Required Documents

• Valid passport with work-purpose Type D visa or entry stamp required
• Employment contract stating working conditions and salary required
• Employer documentation (tax clearance / company registration) required
• Proof of health insurance coverage required
• Passport photos (incl. digital JPEG 2000) required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Employer files application

   Employer files the application with the competent Residence Permit Office of the Decentralized Administration (or via consular/digital procedure).

2. 2

   Verify quota

   Verify the position exists within the biennial Joint Ministerial Decision quota.

3. 3

   Obtain Type D visa

   Worker obtains the work-purpose Type D visa at the Greek consulate.

4. 4

   Enter Greece and finalize contract

   Enter Greece and sign/finalize the employment contract.

5. 5

   File permit and biometrics

   File the residence permit application, attend biometrics, and receive the printed card.

Official Sources

• Official Work for third-country nationals in Greece - Ministry of Labour · Ministry of Labour and Social Security
• Official Entry into force and application of the new Migration Code (Law 5038/2023) · Ministry of Migration and Asylum

Requirements

• Higher professional qualifications, or 5 years comparable experience for non-regulated professions
• Highly qualified work contract of at least 6 months
• Gross annual salary at or above 1.6x the average gross national salary (EUR 31,918.83 for 2024)
• Health insurance

Required Documents

• Copy of travel document with uniform visa OR entry stamp (visa-free) required
• Highly qualified employment contract (minimum 6 months) required
• Job recruitment announcement required
• Professional-qualification documents (non-regulated) OR ATEEN certification (regulated professions) required
• Proof of health-insurance application required
• Employer's prior fiscal-year tax clearance OR legal-entity tax return required
• Employer corporate documents (articles of association, GEMI certificate) required
• One recent color photo (hard copy + digital JPEG 2000 on CD/USB) required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Enter Greece

   Enter on uniform visa or visa-free regime.

2. 2

   Submit application

   Submit the application online via the Ministry of Migration and Asylum portal.

3. 3

   Document verification

   Documents are verified (up to 10 days).

4. 4

   Biometrics

   Attend the biometrics appointment (10-15 days).

5. 5

   Decision and card

   Decision (1-5 days) and card issuance.

Official Sources

• Official Residence permit of a highly qualified employee (E.1) - Initial granting (Mitos) · National Registry of Administrative Public Services (Mitos)
• Official EU Blue Card - Greece (EU Immigration Portal) · European Commission

Requirements

• Admission to a recognized Greek educational establishment
• Sufficient resources (~EUR 400/month commonly cited)
• Health insurance
• Student Type D visa

Required Documents

• Completed/signed residence permit application required
• Certificate of registration and proof of tuition payment from the institution required
• Proof of adequate income to cover studies and subsistence required
• Health insurance required
• Valid passport with student Type D visa required
• Passport photos required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Obtain admission

   Obtain admission to a recognized Greek institution.

2. 2

   Apply for student visa

   Apply for the student Type D visa at the Greek consulate (EUR 75).

3. 3

   Enter Greece and register

   Enter Greece and register with the institution.

4. 4

   File permit and biometrics

   Submit the residence permit application to the Decentralized Administration / Aliens & Immigration Department and attend biometrics.

5. 5

   Permit issued

   Permit issued for the full duration of the academic program; biennial proof of progress required.

Official Sources

• Official National Registry of Administrative Public Services (Mitos) · National Registry of Administrative Public Services (Mitos)
• Official Entry into force of the new Migration Code (Law 5038/2023) · Ministry of Migration and Asylum
• Source Visa & Residence Permit guide for students - University of Crete · University of Crete

Requirements

• Stable annual income sufficient to cover living costs (minimum ~EUR 3,500/month / EUR 42,000/year for the main applicant)
• +20% for a spouse, +15% per dependent child
• FIP Type D visa
• Private health insurance covering medical/hospitalization in Greece
• Proof of accommodation
• No local employment or business in Greece

Required Documents

• Valid passport with FIP Type D visa required
• Proof of financial independence (bank statements, pension records) required
• Private health insurance covering medical/hospitalization in Greece required
• Proof of accommodation (lease or property ownership) required
• Photos required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Obtain FIP Type D visa

   Obtain FIP Type D visa at the consulate.

2. 2

   Enter Greece

   Enter Greece.

3. 3

   File permit application

   File the residence permit application with proof of means, insurance, and accommodation.

4. 4

   Biometrics and card

   Attend biometrics; 3-year card issued.

Official Sources

• Official Entry into force of the new Migration Code (Law 5038/2023) · Ministry of Migration and Asylum
• Source Issuance of residence permit to financially independent persons · Taxlaw.gr (law firm)
• Source Residence permit for financially independent persons (FIP) in Greece · Siopi Law (law firm)

Requirements

• Approved independent professional/business activity
• Proof of economic sustainability and resources
• Relevant professional licenses
• Tax registration
• Subject to Greek taxation/reporting

Required Documents

• Business plan / proof of the independent activity required
• Proof of capital/resources for the venture required
• Relevant professional licenses required
• Tax registration required
• Valid passport with the relevant Type D visa required
• Health insurance required
• Photos required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Secure approval/visa

   Secure approval and visa for the independent activity.

2. 2

   Enter Greece

   Enter Greece and register the activity and tax status.

3. 3

   File permit and biometrics

   File the residence permit application and attend biometrics.

4. 4

   Card issued

   Card issued (EUR 16 card fee).

Official Sources

• Official Self-employed worker - Greece (EU Immigration Portal) · European Commission

Requirements

• Establishing a business with minimum investment generally EUR 300,000 (positive effect on national economy)
• EUR 500,000 for executives/investors in companies
• GEMI registration / incorporation
• Business plan demonstrating economic benefit
• Relevant Type D visa and health insurance

Required Documents

• Incorporation / GEMI registration documents required
• Investment proof (EUR 300,000 / EUR 500,000 capital evidence) required
• Business plan demonstrating economic benefit required
• For executives, employment/appointment documents
• Valid passport with relevant Type D visa required
• Health insurance required
• Photos required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Incorporate company

   Incorporate/register the company (GEMI).

2. 2

   Demonstrate investment

   Demonstrate the qualifying investment.

3. 3

   Obtain Type D visa

   Obtain the relevant Type D visa.

4. 4

   File permit and biometrics

   File the residence permit application and attend biometrics; card issued.

Official Sources

• Official Codification of legislation (English) - Greek MFA · Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Source New Greek residence permit categories - switching categories · Law-Services.gr (law firm)

Requirements

• Real estate EUR 800,000 in Attica/Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini and islands with 3,100+ inhabitants
• Real estate EUR 400,000 elsewhere (single property, min. 120 sqm)
• EUR 250,000 for commercial-to-residential conversion or restoration of listed buildings
• EUR 250,000 in an Elevate Greece startup
• EUR 500,000 bank deposit / real-estate investment company / government bonds (3+ yr); EUR 800,000 regulated-market securities; EUR 350,000 mutual funds
• Private health/safety insurance
• Clean criminal record

Required Documents

• Four recent printed digital passport photos required
• Certified copy of valid passport required
• Valid national visa documentation required
• Private health/safety insurance contract required
• Notary certificate confirming the property purchase or lease required
• Certificate of encumbrance from the land registry/national cadastre required
• Property transfer registration or building permits (per investment type) required
• Clean criminal record required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Select investment

   Select/visit property or identify the qualifying investment.

2. 2

   Complete investment

   Complete the qualifying investment (notarial deed + registration).

3. 3

   Submit application

   Submit application with documents and insurance.

4. 4

   Biometrics and card

   Attend biometrics; 5-year card issued, renewing while the investment is maintained.

Official Sources

• Official Golden Visa - Ministry of Migration and Asylum · Ministry of Migration and Asylum
• Source Greece Residence by Investment - Henley & Partners · Henley & Partners

Requirements

• Sponsor is a legally residing third-country national, or a Greek/EU citizen family member
• Proof of family relationship (marriage/birth certificates, translated + apostilled)
• Proof of sponsor's sufficient income and adequate accommodation
• Health insurance
• Family-reunification Type D visa

Required Documents

• Sponsor's valid residence permit required
• Proof of family relationship (marriage/birth certificates, translated + apostilled) required
• Proof of sponsor's sufficient income and adequate accommodation required
• Health insurance required
• Family member's passport with family-reunification Type D visa required
• Photos required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Sponsor initiates

   Sponsor (legally resident) initiates the reunification application.

2. 2

   Obtain Type D visa

   Family member obtains the family-reunification Type D visa abroad.

3. 3

   Enter and file permit

   Family member enters Greece; residence permit application filed and biometrics taken.

4. 4

   Permit issued

   Family permit issued with validity matching the sponsor's permit.

Official Sources

• Official Residence permits - Ministry of Migration and Asylum (GAS) · Ministry of Migration and Asylum
• Official Family member - Greece (EU Immigration Portal) · European Commission
• Official Residence permit for family members of an E.1 holder - Renewal (Mitos) · National Registry of Administrative Public Services (Mitos)

Requirements

• Proof of EU/EEA/Swiss nationality (sponsor)
• Proof of family relationship for third-country members
• Proof of sufficient resources / health insurance (for non-workers)

Required Documents

• Proof of EU/EEA/Swiss nationality (sponsor) required
• Proof of family relationship for third-country members required
• Proof of sufficient resources / health insurance (for non-workers)
• Passport required
• Photos required

Process Steps

1. 1

   Register residence

   EU/EEA/Swiss nationals register residence and obtain a registration certificate.

2. 2

   Family member residence card

   Third-country family members apply for a 5-year residence card.

3. 3

   Permanent residence

   After 5 years, obtain a document certifying permanent residence (or permanent residence card for family members).

Official Sources

• Official Document certifying permanent residence to EU citizens residing in Greece (Mitos) · National Registry of Administrative Public Services (Mitos)

Requirements

• Hosting agreement / contract with an approved research institution
• Proof the organization is approved
• Research-purpose Type D visa
• Proof of resources and health insurance

Required Documents

• Hosting agreement with the approved research organization required
• Proof the organization is approved required
• Valid passport with research-purpose Type D visa required
• Proof of resources required
• Health insurance required
• Passport photos (incl. digital JPEG 2000) required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Sign hosting agreement

   Research organization signs hosting agreement.

2. 2

   Obtain Type D visa

   Researcher obtains the research-purpose Type D visa.

3. 3

   Enter Greece

   Enter Greece.

4. 4

   File permit and biometrics

   File the residence permit application and attend biometrics.

5. 5

   Card issued

   Card issued (EUR 16 card fee).

Official Sources

• Official National Registry of Administrative Public Services (Mitos) · National Registry of Administrative Public Services (Mitos)
• Official Entry into force of the new Migration Code (Law 5038/2023) · Ministry of Migration and Asylum

Requirements

• Remote work for non-Greek employers/clients (may not work for Greek companies or in the local market)
• After-tax monthly income: EUR 3,500 single; EUR 4,200 with spouse; EUR 4,830 with an additional dependent
• Private health insurance
• Proof of accommodation in Greece
• Clean criminal record from each country of residence in last 5 years

Required Documents

• Valid passport + Type D visa application form required
• Proof of remote work / employment or client contracts required
• Bank statements / proof of income required
• Private health insurance required
• Proof of accommodation in Greece required
• Criminal record certificate (translated to Greek/English, apostilled) required
• Signed declaration of intent not to work for Greek employers/clients required
• Photos required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Book consulate appointment

   Book an appointment at the Greek consulate and prepare documents.

2. 2

   Submit visa application

   Submit the Type D digital nomad visa application in person; pay EUR 75.

3. 3

   Receive visa and relocate

   Receive the 12-month visa and relocate to Greece.

4. 4

   Apply for residence permit

   To stay beyond a year, apply for the 2-year renewable Digital Nomad Residence Permit at the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.

Official Sources

• Official Entry into force of the new Migration Code (Law 5038/2023) · Ministry of Migration and Asylum
• Source Greece Digital Nomad Visa 2025 - The Complete Guide · Expats Greece

Requirements

• Persons of Greek origin / expatriates (homogeneis)
• Documents establishing identity and Greek origin (birth/marriage records linking to a Greek ancestor)
• Application in Greek characters with a consular-sealed photo

Required Documents

• Documents establishing identity and Greek origin, properly validated and translated required
• Application in Greek characters with a recent color photo bearing the consular seal required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Submit application

   Submit the naturalization application to the competent Greek consular authority.

2. 2

   Consular interview

   Consul conducts an interview to confirm expatriate status and substantive requirements (often with reduced/exempt integration requirements).

3. 3

   Gazette publication

   Decision published in the Government Gazette.

4. 4

   Take oath

   Acquire nationality by taking the oath within 1 year of publication.

Official Sources

• Official Naturalisation of expatriates residing abroad (Mitos) · National Registry of Administrative Public Services (Mitos)
• Official Naturalisation of expatriates non-holders of the Special Identity Card (Mitos) · National Registry of Administrative Public Services (Mitos)
• Official Greek Citizenship Code, Law 3284/2004 (text) · Ministry of Interior

Requirements

• EU long-term resident: 5 years continuous lawful residence
• Stable sufficient income and full health insurance
• B1 Greek language certification + Greek history/culture knowledge
• Absences not exceeding 6 consecutive months / 10 months total over the 5 years
• Ten-Year permit (transitional): held a valid residence permit on 01/01/2006; 10 years lawful residence within the last 12 years

Required Documents

• Proof of 5 years lawful residence (prior permits) [EU long-term track] required
• Tax returns / proof of stable income required
• Full health insurance required
• B1 Greek language certification + history/culture proof [EU long-term track] required
• Certified photocopy of all passport pages covering the last permit's validity [Ten-Year track] required
• Current residence permit required
• EFKA insurance-capacity printout OR private insurance policy [Ten-Year track] required
• Certificate documenting 10 years legal residence in the last 12 years [Ten-Year track] required
• Tax clearance note or submitted tax return copy required
• Four color photos (40x60 mm, white background, digital JPEG 2000 on CD) [Ten-Year track] required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Verify eligibility

   Confirm 5 years lawful residence (EU long-term) or 01/01/2006 permit + 10/12 years residence (Ten-Year transitional track).

2. 2

   Gather documents

   Assemble income proof, health insurance, language certification (EU track), and residence history.

3. 3

   File application

   File the application with the competent Decentralized Administration office and attend biometrics.

4. 4

   Card issued

   Permit issued (5 years EU long-term, or 10 years transitional).

Official Sources

• Official Residence permits - Ministry of Migration and Asylum (GAS) · Ministry of Migration and Asylum
• Official Ten-year residence permit under Art. 138(1), Law 4251/14 - Initial issuance · Decentralized Administration of Attica
• Source EU long-term residence permit in Greece - conditions and procedure · Siopi Law (law firm)

Requirements

• Generally 7 years lawful residence (reduced to 3 years for certain categories)
• Pass the Certificate of Knowledge Adequacy for Naturalization (PEG) at 70%+
• Proof of lawful residence period
• Identity/civil-status documents
• Tax/economic-integration evidence

Required Documents

• Completed application (Greek characters, recent color photo with seal) required
• Proof of lawful residence period required
• PEG certificate required
• Identity/civil-status documents required
• Tax/economic-integration evidence required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Obtain PEG certificate

   Pass the PEG exam (70%+), held twice a year in person; required BEFORE the naturalization application.

2. 2

   File application

   File the naturalization application with the competent Citizenship Office (or consular authority for expatriates).

3. 3

   Document checks

   Document completeness, validation, and translation are checked; interview where applicable.

4. 4

   Gazette publication

   Decision published in the Government Gazette.

5. 5

   Take oath

   Acquire citizenship by taking the oath within 1 year of publication.

Official Sources

• Official How Can I Become a Greek Citizen (Ministry of Interior) · Ministry of Interior
• Official Greek Citizenship Code, Law 3284/2004 (text) · Ministry of Interior
• Official Application for Participation in the Exams for the Certificate of Knowledge Adequacy for Naturalisation (Mitos) · National Registry of Administrative Public Services (Mitos)

Requirements

• Application for international protection under the Asylum Code (Law 4939/2022)
• Positive decision granting refugee status or subsidiary protection

Required Documents

• Asylum application registered with the Regional Asylum Office required
• AMKA (social security number) registration within 30 days at a KEP office or e-EFKA required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Register AMKA

   Register for an AMKA (social security number) within 30 days at a KEP office or e-EFKA.

2. 2

   Report address

   Report any change of address/phone to the Regional Asylum Office.

3. 3

   Enroll children

   Enroll children in school from age 4 (compulsory).

4. 4

   Renew permit

   Apply for renewal no later than 30 calendar days before expiry (request by email to GAS.residencepermits@migration.gov.gr); late filing incurs a EUR 100 fine per person.

Official Sources

• Official Positive decision - asylum procedure (Ministry of Migration and Asylum) · Ministry of Migration and Asylum
• Official Residence permits - Ministry of Migration and Asylum (GAS) · Ministry of Migration and Asylum
• Source Rights and duties of refugees - UNHCR Greece · UNHCR