Everybody is talking about getting residency in Greece. Known for its endless coastline, enjoyable weather, thousands of fascinating islands, cheerful people, and rich history, it is no surprise that according to a European Commission report, over 459,100 people applied for Greek visas last year. Not only is Greece a great place to live, but residency also grants visa-free entry to all Schengen countries, the right for the whole family to live and study in Greece, travel to any Schengen country, and much more. want to know all the insider tips for getting Greek residency?
Within this article, we’ll give you a comprehensive guide to the process of applying for residency in Greece, the requirements, and the most effective methods to succeed.
Key Takeaways
- The main options for getting residency in Greece are through Greece Golden Visa, Student Visa, for employees getting an EU Blu Card, or applying for a national visa (D). Other options may require being a close relative of a Greek citizen.
- There are lots of benefits to getting residency in Greece. For example, visa-free access to all the Schengen countries, residence permits for the whole family, the right to apply for Greek citizenship, and so on.
- Greece residency requirements may be different depending on which program you’ve chosen.
5 Benefits of Getting Permanent Residency in Greece
Getting permanent residency in Greece not only provides a foothold in Europe but also opens a world of advantages. Applying for a Greek residence permit can be easily done and has much to offer:
- Visa-free access to all the Schengen countries
As of April 2024, there are 29 Schengen countries including most nations in mainland Europe. Not all the European states are a part of the Schengen zone, but well-known countries such as France, Germany, Italy, and Spain can be easily available for you to explore, conduct business, and study.
- Residence permit for the whole family
If you’ve obtained a Greek Golden Visa, the residence permit is not only for yourself, but also for your spouse, parents, and all unmarried children under the age of 21. We’ll talk more thoroughly about the Golden Visa later in this article.
- No language criteria
Unlike some other countries where proficiency in the local language is necessary for residency, Greece does not impose such a requirement. This makes it more accessible.
- The right to apply for Greek citizenship
You can apply for Greek citizenship, which includes an EU passport, and grants the holder the right to reside, work, and study in any of the EU member countries, beyond just Greece.
- Renting real estate property to third parties
As a third-country national who has obtained a Greece Golden Visa through property investment, you have the privilege of renting out the property to other third parties without losing your visa status.
4 Ways to Get Greece Residency
Applying for permanent residency in Greece can seem a little difficult for those who haven’t done enough research. But with agencies like Mirabello Consultancy, you will get the insights and help needed for a streamlined process.
Before exploring the most effective ways to get residency in Greece, it’s important to mention that there are two types of residence permits in Greece: temporary and permanent. The temporary permit is valid for 5 years and must be renewed to extend your stay, while the permanent permit is valid for 10 years. Additionally, after residing in the country for 7 years, you have the option to apply for Greek citizenship, which requires demonstrating proficiency in the Greek language as well as knowledge of its history and culture.
The question of how to become a Greek resident also depends on your nationality.
For EU citizens, obtaining residency in Greece for work requires applying for a Greek residency permit. If you have a Greek partner or close family member, you can simplify the process as they can assist you with signing documents. Alternatively, you can demonstrate your earnings from an external source or provide an offer letter from a Greek company. If EU citizens are studying or in vocational training, or can show sufficient funds and health insurance while unemployed, they can also stay in Greece for longer than 3 months.
Greek residence permits for non-EU citizens are a bit different as they need to apply for a separate Greek visa. However, if you have a family member who is an EU citizen, you can apply for residency within 3 months of arrival. This application is submitted to the immigration authority of your place of residence with a fee of €16 for printing an e-residence permit. If you do not fall into categories like being of Greek origin, married to a Greek citizen, or intending to be a full-time student, you may consider
- Investor Permit (Golden Visa),
- Digital Nomad Permit,
- Financially Independent Permit (FIP)
for residency in Greece.
So now let’s head up to the most effective ways to get residency in Greece.
1. Being related to a Greek citizen
A Greek permanent residence permit can also be acquired by being a close relative of a Greek citizen. Greece PR process (permanent residence process) requires a temporary residence permit. After living there for 5 years based on that document, people can apply for pr. And it’s important to say that during that period they can’t leave the country for longer than 2 years at once.
The list of relatives, who can apply for this program, includes:
- Spouse,
- Partner if registered in Greece,
- Dependent parents or spouse's parents,
- Dependent children under 21 years old, as well as those of a partner,
- Children who have been adopted by a Greek citizen or their spouse or partner,
2. Studying in Greece
Becoming a student is yet another popular way of getting residency in Greece. As for 2024, there are 178 degrees available in Greece starting from Business Management and ending with Literature.
Student Residence Permit Eligibility Requirements:
- Be a student from a non-EU/EEA country (EU/EEA citizens don’t need a student visa to study there),
- Have enough funds to cover living expenses in Greece (about €650 per month),
- Provide recent police clearance,
- Pay the visa fee,
- Possess valid travel documents,
- Have valid travel health insurance.
Documents Required for the Student Residence Permit:
- Certificate of registration and fee payment at the educational institution or acceptance letter,
- Proof of adequate income (€650 per month) from a deposit account, bank transfer, scholarship, or part-time employment,
- Consent of parents or legal guardian for minors,
- Certificate of Greek language proficiency if required by the curriculum,
- Completed and signed application form with a recent photograph,
- Passport or recognized travel document with sufficient validity,
- Criminal record certificate from the applicant's country of residence,
- Medical certificate showing no health risks,
- Travel insurance covering medical and repatriation costs,
- Additional supporting documents as requested by the Consular Authority to assess entry eligibility.
3. Working in Greece
There is a huge demand in IT, customer support, healthcare, and tourism now are the most in-demand jobs in Greece. Acquiring an EU Blu Card is a common way of getting residency in Greece. It is a residence permit that allows highly skilled professionals from outside the EU to live and work in any of the 26 member states. In Greece, the EU Blue Card serves as a valid work permit, enabling holders to reside and work in the country without needing additional visas or permits.
The applicant must
- Have a Master's Degree or equivalent,
- Have at least 5 years of experience in their field,
- Have a work contract or job offer for highly qualified employment for at least one year,
- Meet the minimum salary threshold in the EU country where they want to work,
- For regulated professions, provide proof of meeting national legal requirements.
If you lose your job within the first three years under a Blue Card, you have three months to find another job; otherwise, you will have to leave the country.
Besides acquiring an EU Blu Card, if you want to work in Greece, you can also apply for a Greek national visa (D). The required documents are:
- English or Greek-filled D Visa form,
- Valid passport,
- Copies of the data page of your passport and residence permit,
- Up-to-date color photos no older than six months old,
- Travel medical insurance covering the period related to the D visa,
- Certificate of good health,
- No records of any criminal activity in your name.
4. Getting a Greece Golden Visa
If you have already scoured the internet for insight on obtaining a Greek residence permit, you probably ran into a "Greek Golden Visa". The Greece Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program allowing non-EU citizens to obtain Greek residency through investments in real estate or other assets. This program was launched in 2013 and according to a study conducted in 2022, more than 31,000 Greek Golden Visa permits were issued to main applicants and their dependents combined. These applications resulted in an inflow of over €2.6 billion in global funds into Greece.
Requirements for the Greece Golden Visa:
- Be a non-EU/EEA country citizen,
- Be at least 18 years of age,
- Have a clean criminal record,
- Have medical insurance for yourself and your family,
- Be of good character.
Documents needed for the Greece Golden Visa Application:
- Two copies of the application form,
- 4 recent, colored passport pictures following the Schengen Visa photo requirements,
- A certified copy of all the pages of the valid passport,
- Certified proof of an active Schengen Visa (if applicable) for applicants and their family members,
- Certified evidence of active Greek health insurance for all applicants and their family members,
- Certified proof of payment of processing fees and relevant government fees,
- Proof of sufficient funds in bank accounts,
- Notarized real estate purchasing agreement or documents related to the investment that can be used as proof of completion of the investment.
Real Estate Investment Options:
- Minimum €250,000 investment in real estate, except in municipalities in Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini. This investment can be in one or across multiple properties. (Important: This investment threshold is about to be increased to EUR 400,000 by the Greek Government by Q4-2024)
- Minimum €500,000 investment in real estate in municipalities in Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini, as of July 31st, 2023. This investment needs to be in one single property. (Important: This investment threshold is about to be increased again, now to EUR 800,000, by the Greek Government by Q4-2024)
- 10 years of a lease agreement, whether signed for hotel accommodations or furnished tourist residences in integrated tourist resorts.
Other Investment Options:
Minimum €400,000 investment in
- Greek government bonds,
- Bonds or shares of real estate investment companies in Greece,
- Shares and bonds of venture funds and private equity firms headquartered in Greece.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this article has outlined several common pathways for getting residency in Greece. The Greece PR requirements (permanent residence requirements) vary depending on whether one is a student, investor, or job-seeker. From the Greece Golden Visa to the EU Blue Card, there are many methods available. If you need any assistance or are just curious about a Greek residence permit, schedule a no-obligation call with our experts at Mirabello Consulting Agency. Greece is a destination for many due to its affordability compared to other EU countries, stunning natural landscapes, modern and in-demand job opportunities, and diverse and engaging study programs.
FAQ
What is the easiest way to get residency in Greece?
The Greece Golden Visa program is widely regarded as the most convenient method to obtain permanent residency in Greece. Simply purchase a private property valued at a minimum of €250,000 or more, provide minimal documentation (outlined in this article), and await approval, typically within a few months.
How much money do I need to get residency in Greece?
The money you need for getting residency in Greece may vary depending on the immigration path you choose. If you’re a student, you should have at least €650 per month, if you’re an investor, you can become a resident of Greece by investing at least €250,000 in Greece real estate.
How long does it take to get residency in Greece?
Depending on the type of residence permit, the period may be different. However, on average, obtaining a residence permit takes 2-3 months.
