Greece (GR)

Greece is a southeastern European republic and EU member state, birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and the Olympic Games, celebrated for its 6,000 sun-drenched islands, ancient ruins from the Acropolis to Delphi, vibrant Mediterranean cuisine, and a warm culture that draws expats, retirees, digital nomads, and Golden Visa investors from across the world.

Capital: Athens

Region: Europe

Language: Greek

Currency: EUR (€)

Cost of living: Affordable (index 52)

Emergency: 112

Visa & Immigration

Entry and residence options for Greece.

Visa-Free Access

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens do not need a visa to live and work in Greece under freedom of movement. Citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, UK, and many other countries can enter Greece visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period under the Schengen Agreement. Non-EU nationals from these countries must then leave or apply for a residence permit before the 90-day period expires.

All residence permits for non-EU citizens are processed by the Migration Department (Υπηρεσία Αλλοδαπών και Μετανάστευσης) of the Decentralised Administration. Appointments are booked online via migration.gov.gr. Processing times can be long (3–12 months for some categories) — the application receipt serves as temporary proof of legal residence during processing. For EU/EEA citizens: register your EU residence at the local KEP within 3 months of arrival to obtain the registration certificate. Greece does not require deregistration on departure for EU citizens.

National Visa (Type D — Long Stay)

Εθνική Βίζα τύπου D

€75

Duration: Up to 1 year; must be converted to a residence permit after arrival

Eligibility

Non-EU/EEA citizens intending to stay in Greece for more than 90 days for employment, study, family reunion, or other approved purposes.

Processing time

4–12 weeks at Greek embassy/consulate in home country

Requirements

✓Valid passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond intended stay)
✓Completed and signed application form
✓2 recent biometric passport photographs
✓Proof of purpose (employment contract, university admission letter, etc.)
✓Proof of sufficient financial means (bank statements)
✓Health insurance covering Greece
✓Proof of accommodation in Greece
✓Criminal record certificate from home country (apostilled and translated)

💡 Apply at the Greek embassy in your country of residence before travelling to Greece. You cannot switch from a tourist/Schengen visit to a Type D visa while in Greece.

Employment Visa

Βίζα για Εξαρτημένη Εργασία

€75 (visa) + €300 (residence permit upon arrival)

Duration: Initial 1 year; renewable as employment residence permit

Eligibility

Non-EU nationals with a job offer from a Greek employer.

Processing time

4–12 weeks

Requirements

✓Signed employment contract or official job offer
✓Employer's ERGANI registration confirmation
✓Proof that Greek/EU candidates were not available (employer must certify labour market test)
✓Standard Type D visa documents (see above)

💡 Employer must obtain approval from the Ministry of Migration and Asylum in advance (quota-based for most non-EU workers). Blue Card route is generally easier for skilled workers.

Student Visa

Βίζα Σπουδαστή

€75

Duration: 1 year; renewable annually for duration of studies

Eligibility

Non-EU/EEA students accepted to a Greek university or educational institution.

Processing time

4–8 weeks

Requirements

✓Formal university or college acceptance letter
✓Proof of tuition fee payment or scholarship
✓Proof of accommodation in Greece
✓Proof of financial means (€5,000+ for first year)
✓Health insurance

💡 Students may work up to 20 hours/week during term time. After completing studies, an additional 6-month extension may be granted to seek employment.

Golden Visa (Investment Residence Permit)

Βίζα Χρυσής Επένδυσης

€2,000 initial application fee + professional fees

Duration: 5 years; renewable indefinitely as long as investment maintained

Eligibility

Non-EU/EEA nationals investing in Greece. Various investment categories.

Processing time

2–6 months at the Migration Department

Requirements

✓Real estate investment: minimum €800,000 in Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and municipalities >3,100 inhabitants; €400,000 elsewhere
✓Or: €500,000 in capital investment (bank deposit, bonds, Greek company shares)
✓Or: €250,000 in conversion of commercial/industrial property to residential use
✓Clean criminal record
✓Health insurance
✓Proof of investment funds from legitimate sources

💡 The Golden Visa thresholds were significantly raised in 2023–2024 to address housing affordability concerns. The old €250,000 threshold is no longer available for most areas. Includes family members (spouse and children under 21). Does NOT automatically give right to work (employment residence permit required separately). Leads to permanent residence after 5 years and potentially citizenship after 7 years of physical residence.

Digital Nomad Visa

Digital Nomad

Βίζα Ψηφιακού Νομάδα

€75 (visa) + €75 (residence permit fee)

Duration: 1 year; extendable for 1 further year (total 2 years). After 2 years, can apply for a standard residence permit.

Eligibility

Non-EU/EEA citizens who work remotely for employers or clients based outside Greece.

Processing time

4–8 weeks at Greek embassy/consulate

Requirements

✓Proof of remote employment contract or self-employment with non-Greek clients
✓Minimum monthly income of €3,500 from non-Greek sources
✓Health insurance covering Greece
✓Proof of accommodation in Greece
✓Passport valid for at least 1 year beyond visa validity
✓Criminal record certificate (apostilled)

💡 Apply from your home country before arriving in Greece — as of 5 February 2026, Law 5275/2026 abolished in-country/conversion applications for the Digital Nomad Visa, so entering on a tourist stamp and switching status while in Greece is no longer possible. Digital Nomad Visa holders may not work for Greek employers or clients (all income must be from non-Greek sources). Family members can accompany but cannot work without a separate permit. Income from this visa is subject to Greek income tax after establishing Greek tax residence. Check annual income requirement updates — Greece has been adjusting these.

EU Blue Card

Blue Card

Μπλε Κάρτα ΕΕ

€300 (residence permit fee)

Duration: 2 years; renewable for 2-year periods

Eligibility

Non-EU/EEA nationals with a higher education qualification and a job offer from a Greek employer paying above the minimum salary threshold.

Processing time

4–8 weeks at Migration Department after arriving with a Type D visa

Requirements

✓University degree or equivalent qualification (at least 3 years, recognised under Greek/EU criteria)
✓Employment contract or binding job offer in Greece
✓Gross annual salary meeting national threshold (at least 1.5x the average gross annual salary in Greece — approximately €27,000+ gross per year in 2026)
✓Health insurance
✓Clean criminal record

💡 After 18 months of legally residing in Greece on the Blue Card, holders can move to another EU member state for highly qualified work. After 5 years of legal residence in Greece, can apply for long-term EU residence permit. Spouse receives automatic right to work in Greece. One of the more straightforward routes for skilled non-EU workers.

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