Self-employment / Freelance in Greece
2 documented routes of this kind in Greece, each with its conditions, documents, official government fees and process.
Financially Independent Persons (FIP) / Persons of Sufficient Means (Category I)
Residence permit for persons with stable passive income sufficient to cover living costs, with no right to local employment or business.
- Validity
- 3 years, renewable
- Language requirement
- None for the permit; B1 Greek for EU long-term residence and naturalization
- Permanent residence
- Counts toward 5-year EU long-term residence (Category M)
- Citizenship
- 7 years lawful residence
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
- Visa/permit stamp duty (paravolo) 1,000 EUR
- Electronic residence permit card 16 EUR
Process Steps
-
1
Obtain FIP Type D visa
Obtain FIP Type D visa at the consulate.
-
2
Enter Greece
Enter Greece.
-
3
File permit application
File the residence permit application with proof of means, insurance, and accommodation.
-
4
Biometrics and card
Attend biometrics; 3-year card issued.
Official Sources
Self-Employment / Independent Economic Activity (Category B)
Residence permit for approved independent professional or business activity, with proof of economic sustainability.
- Language requirement
- None for the permit; B1 Greek for EU long-term residence and naturalization
- Permanent residence
- Counts toward 5-year EU long-term residence
- Citizenship
- 7 years lawful residence
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
- Electronic card printout 16 EUR
Process Steps
-
1
Secure approval/visa
Secure approval and visa for the independent activity.
-
2
Enter Greece
Enter Greece and register the activity and tax status.
-
3
File permit and biometrics
File the residence permit application and attend biometrics.
-
4
Card issued
Card issued (EUR 16 card fee).