Residency in Greece: How to Apply and Move to Long-Term Status

A residence permit in Greece can be obtained for employment, study, family reunification, business and investment activities, as well as for residence as a financially independent person (FIP).

To obtain a residence permit through employment, you need to sign a contract with a local company; for business residence, you need to register your own business in Greece. Student residence permits are available to applicants admitted to Greek universities, while family permits are issued to eligible children and spouses of residents. Investment residence requires substantial investment in the Greek economy, while residence as a financially independent person is available to those who can support themselves with savings or income from abroad.

In addition to proving the legal basis for residence, applicants must generally demonstrate sufficient financial means, accommodation in Greece, a clean criminal record, completion of any required medical examination, and valid health insurance. A residence permit allows you to stay legally in the country, carry out the activity linked to your permit, and access medical and banking services. For a more stable status, you may later qualify for long-term resident status. As a general rule, this requires 5 years of lawful and continuous residence in Greece, compliance with permitted absence limits, and fulfilment of integration requirements.

An EU passport provides the broadest rights in Greece. EU citizens can enter the country, live there on a long-term basis, work, study and run a business under the rules applicable to EU nationals. Some EU member states offer simplified citizenship procedures under which an EU passport may be obtained from around 12 months, subject to eligibility. Book a consultation to identify the most suitable route for moving to Greece.

Residence Permit vs Permanent Residence in Greece: Key Differences

For most applicants, a temporary residence permit is therefore the first stage, while permanent or long-term resident status is obtained later after meeting the requirements relating to residence, income, insurance and integration.

6 Requirements for a Greece Residence Permit

1. First, to obtain a residence permit in Greece, you must enter the country lawfully with the appropriate immigration visa and a valid passport. The passport should generally remain valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended period of residence.
2. The second requirement is a clean legal and immigration record in your country of citizenship and within the EU. Criminal convictions, entry bans or previous deportations may result in refusal of a residence permit. To demonstrate compliance, you will normally need to provide a recent criminal record certificate; the accepted issue date should be checked for the specific permit category and consular procedure.
3. The third requirement is stable and sufficient income for long-term residence in Greece. The amount of funds required depends on the basis for the residence permit, and there is no single minimum income threshold for every category. Financial means may be demonstrated through bank statements, salary certificates or other supporting documents.
4. The fourth requirement is valid health insurance. The required level of coverage depends on the residence permit category and must meet the rules applicable to the relevant basis for residence. The policy should remain valid throughout the intended period of stay.
5. The fifth requirement is suitable accommodation in Greece. This may be demonstrated with a tenancy agreement, title deed or a sponsorship letter from the host, for example where accommodation is provided by a relative or employer. You will then need to register at the stated address, which will also be used for official correspondence.
6. The sixth and final requirement is to demonstrate that you do not pose a public-health risk. You may need to undergo a medical examination and obtain a medical certificate confirming the absence of serious infectious diseases. The certificate may be issued by an accredited medical facility in your country of residence or in Greece, depending on the procedure.

Ways to Obtain a Residence Permit in Greece

Employment and family reunification are among the most common routes to a Greece residence permit, accounting for more than 40% of migrants who moved to the country under these grounds. Residence permits for financially independent persons, business owners and investors are also widely used, although these categories generally require substantial financial resources. Some Turkish citizens also legalise their stay through study. Each route has its own requirements, which are outlined below.

Residence Permit Through Employment

You may obtain a Greece residence permit after signing an employment contract with a local company. The employer must apply to the competent migration authority for approval to hire you. The contract must provide for remuneration at least equal to the statutory minimum. The salary under an employment contract must not be lower than the statutory minimum wage in Greece, which is reviewed from time to time. A work residence permit is usually issued for 2 years and, subject to the applicable conditions, may be renewed for a further 3 years. The government fee for the initial work residence permit is EUR 300. Changing employers during the validity of the initial permit may be possible where the relevant requirements continue to be met, including requirements relating to professional specialisation and the applicable social insurance scheme.

If you plan to take up a highly qualified position, you may be eligible for an EU Blue Card. Applicants must demonstrate relevant higher education or professional experience in a comparable role, generally at least 5 years where experience is used as the qualifying basis. The EU Blue Card requires a contract for highly qualified employment lasting at least one year and a salary at or above the applicable threshold. The threshold is calculated with reference to average annual earnings in Greece and is reviewed periodically. The standard validity period of the EU Blue Card in Greece is 2 years, after which it may be renewed for 3 years. Like a standard work residence permit, this status is linked to a specific employer.

Student Residence Permit

To obtain a student residence permit, you must be admitted to a Greek university and submit the relevant residence application. An admission certificate from the higher-education institution can be used as evidence of the basis for residence. In some cases, proof of payment for the study programme may also be required.

You must also demonstrate sufficient funds for your stay during your studies, at least EUR 650 for each month of the intended period of residence. The funds may be held as savings or credited to your account monthly. The government fee for the residence permit is EUR 150. The permit is issued for at least one year or for the duration of the study programme. Students may work in Greece for up to 20 hours per week.

After graduation, you may apply for a residence permit for the purpose of seeking employment or starting a business. This status is not renewable, but it gives you time to establish a new legal basis for residence. Once you find a job or register a business, you may switch to a standard work or business residence permit.

Residence Permit for Financially Independent Persons

A Greece residence permit for financially independent persons is available to applicants with income from abroad or savings equivalent to EUR 3,500 per month. This category does not provide access to the Greek labour market; separate immigration routes apply to remote work. No additional requirements apply. The government fee for the permit is EUR 1,000. It is issued for 3 years and may be renewed for the same period.

Residence Permit for Investors

You may obtain the Greek «Golden Visa» or another investment residence permit by making a qualifying investment of at least:

• EUR 400,000 in the lease or purchase of real estate, or from EUR 800,000 in Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini and islands with a population of more than 3,100;
• EUR 250,000 to purchase commercial property that will be converted to residential use;
• EUR 250,000 in a registered start-up, subject to additional conditions;
• EUR 250,000 for the restoration of protected Greek architectural properties;
• EUR 350,000 in mutual funds and alternative investment funds;
• EUR 800,000 in corporate or government bonds, securities or shares;
• EUR 500,000 in a long-term deposit with a Greek bank.

The government fee for the residence permit is EUR 2,000. The permit is issued for 5 years, but may be revoked if the property is sold or the investment is withdrawn before the end of the five-year period. The status can be renewed for additional five-year periods without a fixed limit, provided the qualifying conditions continue to be met.

Residence Permit for Entrepreneurs

To obtain a residence permit for independent economic activity, applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds, submit a business plan and show that the proposed activity will contribute to the Greek economy. For investment projects, the business plan is also reviewed by the competent authorities. Investment requirements depend on the specific permit category.

A residence permit for entrepreneurial activity is valid for 2 years and may be renewed for the same period if the business remains profitable in line with the business plan and taxes are paid on time. The permit is tied to the specific business. If the company is closed, you will need to change the legal basis for your stay in Greece.

Residence Permit Through Family Reunification

The following family members of Greek residents and citizens may qualify for a residence permit:

• spouses and officially registered partners, including registered civil partners;
• unmarried children under 18, including biological, stepchildren and adopted children;
• parents and parents-in-law.

The sponsor must demonstrate suitable accommodation and stable, sufficient income. The minimum amount is calculated on the basis of the statutory minimum wage and is increased by 20% for a spouse and 15% for each child. Applicants must also prove their relationship to the sponsor and the sponsor’s immigration status in Greece. The government fee is EUR 150 for applicants aged 18 or over, while minors are exempt.

The validity of the permit depends on the sponsor’s status. If the sponsor is a temporary resident, the family member’s residence permit is issued for the same period as the sponsor’s status. If the sponsor holds long-term resident status, the family member’s permit is issued for 2 years and may then be renewed for 3 years. Separate rules apply to family members of Greek citizens.

Application Procedure

1. Obtain a Type D Visa.
   To apply, you need to contact the Greek consulate or embassy in your country of permanent residence. The basis for the visa application must correspond to the purpose of entry and the subsequent residence permit application. Processing times depend on the category of national visa and the circumstances of the application. The visa is placed in your passport, which you either send to the competent authority by post or collect in person from the diplomatic mission, depending on the procedure.
2. Apply for a Residence Permit.
   The application file is submitted in person to the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum or online through the MITOS platform. Applications from abroad are permitted only for investors. In other cases, the residence permit application must be filed while the applicant is in Greece. Processing time depends on the permit category and the workload of the competent authority. Once the application package has been accepted, you will receive a temporary certificate, commonly referred to as the «Blue Certificate». This document allows you to remain legally in Greece and, where the relevant basis permits, to work until a decision is made on the residence permit application.
3. Receive the Residence Permit.
   Once the application has been processed, you will be invited to the migration authority to provide biometric data required for the physical residence card. Within two months, you must book an appointment with the competent authority and collect the card.

Documents for a Greece Residence Permit

The exact documents required for a Greece residence permit depend on the basis for relocation, but the standard application file includes:

• a residence permit application form completed in Greek;
• a valid passport with copies of the completed pages and a Type D visa;
• 2 biometric photographs, 35 x 45 mm;
• health insurance covering the entire intended period of stay;
• proof of sufficient financial means;
• receipt confirming payment of the government fee;
• proof of accommodation in Greece;
• a criminal record certificate from the country of citizenship;
• evidence of the purpose of entry and residence in Greece.

All documents must be translated into Greek and apostilled or notarised as required.

Common Pitfalls and Application Mistakes

Before submitting a Greece residence permit application, it is worth checking the entire file carefully to reduce the risk of errors and refusal. One common problem is underestimating the total cost of obtaining the permit. Meeting the financial-means requirement alone is not enough; applicants should also budget for:

• a Type D national visa: EUR 180, or EUR 90 for students;
• the residence permit government fee, which depends on the legal basis;
• translation and certification costs, which depend on the specialist and the volume of documents;
• health insurance costs, which depend on the selected insurance plan;
• production of the residence card: EUR 16.

Income requirements vary by residence permit category. It is also advisable to maintain a «financial cushion» covering at least six months. Living costs and rent may amount to approximately EUR 1,200 per month, depending on the city, rental price and personal spending, excluding administrative expenses.

Other common reasons for refusal are problems with the application file. An application may be rejected if the package is incomplete and missing documents are not provided, or if a required translation or apostille is absent. It is also important that the transliteration of personal details is consistent across all documents and that time-sensitive certificates remain valid. Documents and photographs must be current at the time of filing; the acceptable issue date should be checked for the relevant permit category.

Accommodation is another important factor in the residence permit decision. If you do not have official registration in Greece or submit an invalid tenancy agreement, the residence application may be refused. Property-related documents should be registered with the competent local authority where required. If you have purchased a property, it is advisable to retain payment receipts. The address of residence should match the address stated in the residence permit application. If you move, you will need to update your registration, and official correspondence will be sent to the registered address.

In some areas of Greece, particularly on islands and in rural locations, there may be no automatic notification system for appointments with the migration authority. If you live in such an area, you should monitor the status of your immigration case through your personal account on the Ministry of Migration and Asylum portal. Residence permits should be renewed on time and all required documents submitted promptly to reduce the risk of refusal or cancellation.

Language is another practical consideration. Knowledge of Greek is generally not tested when applying for a temporary residence permit, but applicants planning to obtain permanent or long-term resident status are expected to meet the relevant integration requirements later. Learning Greek will also make everyday life, communication with public authorities, employment and business activity considerably easier.

How to Renew Temporary Residence and Obtain Permanent Residence

To renew a temporary residence permit in Greece, you generally need to apply to the migration authorities 2 months before the current permit expires and confirm that the legal basis for your stay still exists. You submit an updated application file and, if approved, receive a new temporary residence card.

Permanent Residence Requirements

After 5 years of residence in Greece with a qualifying residence permit, you may apply for permanent or long-term resident status. During this period, absences should remain within the permitted limits: generally no more than 6 consecutive months or 10 months in total. At this stage, applicants must also meet the applicable Greek-language and integration requirements, demonstrate a stable source of income, and show compliance with tax obligations where relevant. Permanent or long-term resident status provides an indefinite right to live in Greece and broader access to business activity.

In addition to the required period of residence, the applicant must demonstrate regular and sufficient income. For long-term resident status, income must be stable and at least equal to the annual minimum wage benchmark, with the applicable increase for dependent family members. Full social insurance coverage is also required for the applicant and eligible family members.

Integration into Greek society is assessed separately. It may be demonstrated through knowledge of the Greek language, history and culture, or another basis recognised by law. Completing the five-year residence period does not result in automatic permanent residence; a separate application is required.

Documents for Permanent Residence

The standard application package for long-term resident status includes:

• an application for long-term resident status;
• a valid passport;
• current and previous residence cards confirming the required period of lawful residence;
• documents proving stable and regular income for the applicant and family;
• evidence of full social or health insurance coverage;
• documents confirming compliance with integration requirements;
• biometric photographs and proof of payment of the required fees;
• proof of accommodation, where required for the specific application.

The migration authority may request additional documents depending on the applicant’s current residence permit and individual circumstances, so the final list should be checked before filing.

How to Obtain Permanent Residence After a Residence Permit

1. Check the residence period. Before applying, make sure you have completed 5 years of lawful and continuous residence and remained within the permitted absence limits for Greece.
2. Submit the application. The application is filed with the competent migration authority responsible for your current or previous residence permit, together with evidence of income, insurance, residence history and integration.
3. Receive the decision and card. A decision is usually issued within 6 months; where additional checks are required, the process may be extended by up to 3 more months. Once approved, the applicant receives a long-term resident card valid for 5 years and renewable thereafter.

Benefits of Permanent Residence in Greece

Long-term resident status provides broader rights than a temporary residence permit. In areas covered by law, holders are entitled to equal treatment with Greek citizens, including in employment, education and vocational training, social security, tax benefits and access to certain public services.

Permanent residence is not the same as citizenship and does not automatically provide a Greek passport. Naturalisation is a separate procedure in which the authorities assess the length and legality of residence, integration and other statutory requirements.

Long-term resident status must also be maintained. In particular, a prolonged continuous absence from the EU may result in loss of the status, so before an extended trip it is advisable to check the permitted absence period applicable to your category.

Similar, and in some cases broader, rights than Greek permanent residence can be obtained by moving to Greece as an EU citizen. Some EU member states offer simplified citizenship programmes. Subject to eligibility, you may obtain EU citizenship from around one year without a mandatory residence period, proof of financial means, or the need to obtain and renew a residence permit. Book a consultation to assess your eligibility for the programme.