Greece – Visas

Do I need a visa to move to Greece?

Citizens of EU and EEA member states, as well as Switzerland, together with their family members, are entitled to live in Greece without any special visa, investment, or residence permit requirement. EU and EEA nationals who intend to stay beyond three months are expected to register with the local authorities, but there is no requirement to obtain a visa beforehand.

Nationals of countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia are generally permitted to enter Greece without a visa for shorter visits. Entry via the Schengen C visa — or through visa-free arrangements where these apply — allows stays of up to 90 days within any given 180-day window. Such stays cover tourism, brief business engagements, and family visits, but they do not entitle the holder to work or take up long-term residency.

Any non-EU citizen wishing to remain in Greece beyond three months must hold a valid temporary residence permit, residence card, or other appropriate immigration document. Those planning to work or study during a stay exceeding 90 days must arrive with a long-term visa or entry permit issued by the competent Greek authorities.

Non-EU nationals who wish to establish long-term residency in Greece are generally required to obtain a Type D visa for entry, after which they must pursue a residence permit. It is important to understand that an entry visa alone does not automatically confer additional rights such as the ability to work — these rights are provided through the residence permit, which is the legal instrument confirming that a third-country national is authorised to remain in Greece and exercise the entitlements set out under national immigration legislation.

Visa requirements differ considerably depending on your nationality. It is essential to verify your individual circumstances with the Hellenic Republic Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the nearest Greek embassy or consulate before finalising any travel or relocation arrangements.

Looking ahead, visiting Greece will involve an additional step from late 2026, when the ETIAS system — a mandatory electronic travel authorisation for nationals of visa-exempt countries — is due to come into effect. Linked to the new Entry-Exit System (EES), ETIAS is designed to facilitate smoother border crossings and strengthen security. Unlike a conventional Schengen visa, ETIAS is an electronic authorisation tied to your passport, permitting short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period in Greece and other participating European countries.

What types of visa are available for people moving to Greece?

Greece operates two broad visa categories: the Schengen C visa, which covers short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period, and the National D visa, which applies to anyone intending to remain longer than 90 days — whether as a remote worker, retiree, investor, student, or family member joining a resident. The sections below describe the principal National D visa categories relevant to prospective expats.

Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa

The FIP visa is designed for retirees and financially self-sufficient individuals who wish to reside in Greece without entering the local workforce. Eligibility hinges on demonstrating adequate financial resources — such as savings or a reliable passive income stream — to sustain oneself in the country. Applicants are generally expected to show approximately €2,000 per month in stable income, with higher thresholds applying when family members are included in the application. Holders are not permitted to work in Greece, but may live there for as long as they satisfy the financial conditions. The permit is typically granted for two years and can be renewed. This is one of the most popular routes for retirees and those living off investment returns, and is broadly comparable in concept to Portugal’s D7 passive income visa.

Digital Nomad Visa

Launched in 2021, the Digital Nomad visa caters to remote workers and freelancers whose income originates entirely from outside Greece. Applicants must demonstrate a monthly income of at least €3,500, with additional income requirements applying where dependants are included. The visa is issued for one year and is renewable. Holders may not work for Greek-based employers but are free to live in Greece while carrying out their work remotely. It should be noted that legislation enacted in February 2026 (Law 5275/2026) has removed the option of applying for the two-year Digital Nomad residence permit while already present in Greece as a tourist — applicants must now go through the consulate and apply before arriving in the country.

Employment Visa

The employment visa is intended for non-EU nationals who have received a formal job offer from a Greek employer. The process typically starts with the employer, who must demonstrate that the position could not readily be filled by a local or EU candidate. Once in Greece, the employee applies for a residence permit tied to their employment contract. An initial permit for employed workers is issued for two years, after which it may be renewed for successive three-year periods.

EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card provides an employment-based residence pathway for highly qualified non-EU nationals. In Greece, the minimum gross annual salary required is €31,919, equivalent to 1.6 times the national average. Applicants must hold a recognised higher education qualification relevant to the role specified in their employment contract. The EU Blue Card functions similarly to skilled worker visa schemes in other countries, but carries the added advantages of EU-wide recognition and an eventual route to EU long-term resident status.

Student Visa

Non-EU students accepted into Greek universities, language schools, or other recognised educational programmes may apply for a student visa permitting a legal stay for the duration of their studies. Proof of enrolment, evidence of sufficient funds, and valid health insurance are all required. Student visa holders are permitted to work part-time — up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official holiday periods.

Golden Visa (Investor Residence Permit)

Established in 2013, the Greece Golden Visa Programme was created to stimulate economic activity through foreign investment. Originally requiring a minimum real estate investment of €250,000, the programme offers investors a five-year renewable residence permit. The most notable recent development is the significant upward revision of investment thresholds from September 2024: the minimum is now €400,000 in most parts of the country and €800,000 in high-demand locations. Certain exemptions allowing access at the €250,000 threshold still exist, though qualifying opportunities have become increasingly scarce. A further notable change is that new Golden Visa properties may no longer be let on a short-term rental basis.

Family Reunification Visa

Greek citizens, and foreign nationals who have been lawfully resident in Greece for a minimum of two years, may apply to bring close family members to join them. This involves a separate application process in which the sponsoring resident must show sufficient financial means to support the incoming family members. Family reunification is explored in greater detail in the section below on bringing family members to Greece.

How do I apply for a visa for Greece?

Applications for a National Type D visa must be submitted at the competent Greek embassy or consulate. Anyone seeking entry to Greece for a long-term stay must begin by lodging an application with the consular authority responsible for their country of residence — submitting to the wrong authority will in most cases lead to an automatic refusal. The following outlines the general process step by step.

1. Determine your visa category. Establish which visa type fits your situation — FIP, Digital Nomad, employment, student, Golden Visa, or family reunification. Each category carries its own eligibility criteria and document requirements.
2. Gather your documents. Compile all required supporting documentation (see the following section for details). Any documents not originally issued in Greek must be accompanied by a certified official translation.
3. Book an appointment. Applicants must appear in person to lodge their application. Appointments must be arranged in advance with the relevant consular office. For those based in the United States, the Embassy of Greece in Washington DC covers certain states, while other Greek consulates across the US serve different geographic jurisdictions. Confirm your state’s jurisdiction on the relevant consulate’s website before scheduling.
4. Submit your application in person. Attend your appointment with complete sets of originals and copies of all required documents. Some consulates may accept applications by email or registered post depending on their current operating procedures — check in advance.
5. Pay the visa fee. The applicable consular fee is payable at the time of submission. Fees vary according to visa category (see the costs section below for details).
6. Await a decision. The appointment for submission is scheduled according to priority, within two working days, and where the application is found to be admissible, a decision is issued within 15 calendar days in accordance with Regulation (EC) 810/2009. Processing times for National D visas may differ — consult the processing times section for more information.
7. Collect your visa and travel to Greece. Once your visa has been issued, review it carefully at the consulate to ensure all details are accurate before departing. After arriving in Greece, you must promptly begin your residence permit application.
8. Apply for a residence permit on arrival. On entering Greece with a national entry visa, you are required to file an application and all supporting documents without delay with the Aliens and Immigration Department of the Decentralised Administration in the area where you intend to live, in order to obtain the corresponding residence permit.

Applicants resident in the United Kingdom should contact the Embassy of Greece in London, which handles visa applications and can provide current guidance on appointment procedures and jurisdictional matters. Those located elsewhere should get in touch with the nearest Greek embassy or consulate. The Hellenic Republic Ministry of Foreign Affairs website provides a comprehensive listing of all Greek diplomatic missions abroad and is the definitive source for up-to-date procedural information.

What documents do I need to apply for a visa for Greece?

The precise documents required depend on the visa category you are applying under. The items listed below are generally required across most long-stay National D visa applications. Always consult the official consulate website or the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum for a comprehensive and current checklist tailored to your specific visa type.

• Valid passport — must retain at least three months’ validity beyond your intended departure date from Greece.
• Passport-sized photographs — recent images meeting the specifications stipulated by the relevant consulate.
• Completed visa application form — obtainable from the Greek consulate or embassy responsible for your application.
• Proof of funds — may include bank statements, pension documentation, social security records, or investment account statements, depending on the visa category. The FIP and Digital Nomad visas each carry specific income thresholds that must be met.
• Proof of accommodation in Greece — evidence of where you will be staying for the full duration of your time in Greece, such as a tenancy agreement or property ownership documentation.
• Private health insurance — travel or health insurance with a validity period at least equal to that of the visa applied for, covering the costs that could arise in the event of medical repatriation, emergency medical treatment, and/or emergency hospitalisation.
• Criminal record certificate — a certificate of clean criminal record issued by the relevant national or police authority in your country of residence or nationality.
• Medical certificate — confirming that you do not represent a public health risk; specific requirements differ by visa category.
• Evidence of purpose — documentation relevant to your visa type: for employment applicants, a signed employment contract; for students, confirmation of enrolment; for FIP applicants, pension or investment income records; for Golden Visa applicants, proof of a qualifying property purchase.

For the family reunification visa, a recent family status certificate or equivalent document — officially translated into Greek and authenticated by a competent Greek authority — is required to establish family relationships and the ages of the individuals seeking reunification. A certified copy of the travel documents of the family member relocating to Greece is also necessary.

Documents that were not originally issued in Greek must in general be accompanied by a certified translation into Greek. Such translations are typically required to be produced by a sworn or accredited translator. Certain documents may additionally require an Apostille under the Hague Convention, depending on the country of issue. Confirm the required standard for translations and document legalisation directly with the consulate handling your application, as these requirements can vary by location.

How long does a visa application for Greece take to process?

Processing times vary considerably according to visa type and are subject to change at any point, depending on consulate capacity and government policy. The figures provided below are indicative as of 2025 — always consult the relevant consulate’s website for current estimates and submit your application well ahead of your planned move date.

In 2024, the Golden Visa programme received 9,289 applications representing real estate investments valued at a minimum of €2.32 billion, up from 8,477 applications in 2023. The rate of approvals has not matched this surge in demand: only 4,536 permits were granted during 2024. The resulting backlog suggests the system is being stretched to its administrative limits by investor interest. Prospective Golden Visa applicants should therefore anticipate a potentially protracted wait and factor this into their property purchase and relocation planning.

Once you arrive in Greece on a National D visa and submit your residence permit application, you will be issued an official application reference number and a certificate — commonly referred to as a “white paper” — within 40 days. This document confirms that your application is being processed and permits you to remain lawfully in Greece while you await the outcome.

How much does it cost to apply for a visa for Greece?

Visa and residence permit fees are established by the Greek government and may be revised at any time. The figures below are indicative as of 2024–2025. Always confirm the current fees with the relevant Greek consulate or the Ministry of Migration and Asylum before submitting your application.

Over and above the official government fees, applicants should budget for a variety of ancillary costs. These commonly include: certified translation of documents into Greek; Apostille legalisation fees where applicable; fees charged by legal or immigration specialists (particularly relevant for Golden Visa and employment applications); private health insurance premiums; and any required medical examination costs. For Golden Visa applicants specifically, additional expenses include a 3.09% property transfer tax and legal fees that typically fall in the range of €3,000–€5,000.

Fee levels are set and periodically reviewed by the Greek government. Always confirm the current figures directly with the consulate or official government sources before lodging your application.

Can my family members join me in Greece on a visa?

The majority of long-stay visa routes in Greece make provision for bringing close family members, though the applicable rules differ from one category to the next. There is no dedicated visa category exclusively for accompanying dependants — instead, family members are generally required to apply for their own entry visa before subsequently applying for a family reunification residence permit once they are in Greece.

Either a Greek citizen or a foreign national who has been legally resident in Greece for at least two years may apply to bring family members into the country. The sponsoring resident must be able to show an income that is at least 20% above the national minimum wage for each adult dependant and at least 15% above for each child. As of 2025, Greece’s minimum wage stands at €880 per month for white-collar workers, and sponsors should use this figure as a basis for calculating the income threshold that applies to their specific situation.

Where the family member is joining a Greek citizen, a five-year residence permit is granted, which can be renewed for a further five years. To preserve their status, permit holders must not be absent from Greece for more than two years within any given five-year period.

Under the Golden Visa programme, the permit extends to cover the primary investor, their spouse, children up to the age of 21, and both sets of parents. The programme additionally accommodates family members joining the primary visa holder through the family reunification mechanism. The breadth of family coverage is widely regarded as one of the Golden Visa’s most compelling features for families seeking an EU foothold.

For the Digital Nomad visa, the income requirement rises by 20% to account for a spouse and by 15% for each additional dependant. Family members included in a Digital Nomad application are generally covered by the same residence permit as the primary applicant.

Once a residence permit under family reunification has been granted, dependant family members typically acquire the right to access education and healthcare in Greece. Whether dependants are entitled to work in Greece may depend on the primary applicant’s visa category — always seek clarification on this point from the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum or a qualified immigration adviser.

Can I extend my visa or apply for permanent residence in Greece?

Greece provides a well-defined progression from the initial National D visa through to a long-term residence permit, and eventually to permanent residency and citizenship. The specific route depends on your visa category, but the overarching framework is clearly established.

Once you enter Greece on a D visa, you may apply for a residence permit enabling you to remain lawfully in the country. The Type D visa is valid for up to 12 months; beyond that, a residence permit — whose duration depends on the visa category — must be obtained and renewed as required. Each category has its own renewal conditions: FIP holders, for instance, must continue to satisfy the passive income threshold, while employment permit holders must remain in active employment.

Long-term residency becomes available after five continuous years of lawful residence in Greece. Brief absences are tolerated during this period, provided no single absence exceeds six months and total absences do not surpass ten months across the full five-year period.

Applicants for long-term resident status must demonstrate Greek language proficiency at A2 level, together with a basic familiarity with Greek history and culture. They must also show an annual income no lower than the minimum wage, which as of 2025 amounts to €10,560.

Long-term residence status does not expire, though the residence card itself must be renewed every five years.

Under Greek law, non-EU nationals who have held lawful residence in Greece for a minimum of seven consecutive years may apply for naturalisation as Greek citizens. The citizenship application requires seven years of continuous legal residence, Greek language proficiency at B1 level, and successful completion of an integration examination. The naturalisation process typically takes between 12 and 24 months to conclude following submission of the application.

The Golden Visa route differs from other categories in one significant respect: renewal of the Golden Visa does not require the investor to have been physically present in Greece for at least six months each year, affording considerable flexibility for those who travel frequently. However, investors wishing to pursue Greek citizenship via this route must demonstrate genuine residence in Greece over the requisite seven-year period.

What are the most common reasons visa applications for Greece are refused?

Familiarising yourself with the most frequent grounds for refusal can significantly improve the strength of your application. Decisions rejecting entry visa applications made by diplomatic and consular authorities must be accompanied by reasons — so if your application is turned down, you are entitled to an explanation. The most commonly cited issues are as follows:

• Insufficient financial means. Failing to meet the minimum income or savings requirements for your chosen visa category is among the most frequent causes of refusal. Bank statements should be recent, clearly legible, and cover the period specified by the consulate. For FIP and Digital Nomad visa applicants, income must demonstrably derive from approved sources.
• Incomplete or incorrect documentation. Missing documents, documents that have expired, or documents that have not been formally translated into Greek are a recurring source of refusals. Greek law specifies certain exceptions, but as a general rule an applicant cannot be granted a residence permit without first having been assessed and approved by the Greek consulate. Check every item against the official document checklist with care before submitting.
• Failure to demonstrate genuine intent to reside. For categories such as the FIP or Digital Nomad visa, authorities may question whether the applicant genuinely plans to establish residence in Greece as required. Supplementary evidence — such as a signed lease, a school enrolment confirmation for children, or correspondence regarding utility set-up — can help substantiate your intentions.
• Criminal record issues. A criminal record may lead to refusal, particularly where the offences concerned are regarded as serious under Greek or EU law. A clean criminal record certificate is a standard requirement across most visa categories.
• Applying at the wrong consulate. Any person seeking entry to Greece must submit their application to the consular authority with jurisdiction over their country of residence. Lodging an application with the wrong authority will in most cases result in an automatic refusal.
• Inadequate health insurance coverage. Health insurance that does not cover the full intended period of stay, or that falls short of the minimum coverage thresholds, is a frequent stumbling block. Ensure your policy explicitly meets the requirements specified by the consulate for your visa category.

In the event that your visa application is refused, you are entitled to a written statement of the grounds for that decision. Depending on the reason given, you may be able to submit a fresh application with corrected or supplementary documentation, or in certain circumstances pursue a formal appeal through the relevant consular authority. If you are facing a refusal or a particularly complex situation, seeking advice from a qualified immigration lawyer with expertise in Greek law is strongly recommended. Anyone planning to move to Greece or obtain a Greek residence permit should always check for recent regulatory changes before applying, particularly with regard to income thresholds, the required location for submission, and conditions for renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do EU citizens need a visa to live in Greece?

EU and EEA nationals are free to live and work in Greece without a visa; only local registration obligations apply for extended stays. If you plan to remain for more than three months, you should register with the municipal authorities in your area of residence.

How long can I stay in Greece without a visa if I am a non-EU national?

The Schengen C visa — or visa-free entry for eligible nationalities — permits stays in Greece and other Schengen countries of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. If you wish to remain beyond this limit, you must apply for a National Type D visa and a subsequent residence permit before your 90-day allowance runs out.

Can I work in Greece on a FIP or Digital Nomad visa?

Working in Greece is not permitted under the FIP visa, though you may live there for as long as you continue to satisfy the financial requirements. Digital Nomad visa holders are not authorised to work for Greek-based employers, but may reside in Greece while performing remote work for clients or employers located outside the country.

What is the minimum investment for the Greece Golden Visa?

The minimum investment is €250,000 for qualifying commercial property conversions, €400,000 for properties in most parts of the country, or €800,000 for properties in Athens, Thessaloniki, and islands with a population exceeding 3,100 residents (as of 2024). Requirements are subject to revision — always verify the current thresholds with the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.

Does the Greece Golden Visa require me to live in Greece?

The Golden Visa does not impose a minimum residency requirement of at least six months per year as a condition of renewal, giving investors the freedom to travel without jeopardising their permit. That said, anyone seeking to obtain Greek citizenship through this route must be able to demonstrate seven years of actual residence in Greece.

How long do I need to live in Greece before I can apply for permanent residence?

Long-term residence status in Greece becomes available following five years of continuous lawful residence. Short absences are permissible during this period, provided no single absence exceeds six months and the total duration of absences over the five-year period does not surpass ten months. You will also be required to demonstrate Greek language proficiency at A2 level and a basic knowledge of Greek history and culture.

Can I bring my spouse and children to Greece on my visa?

Most long-stay visa categories allow the inclusion of, or subsequent sponsorship of, close family members. A foreign national who has been legally resident in Greece for at least two years may apply to bring family members, provided they can demonstrate an income that is at least 20% above the national minimum wage for each adult dependant and at least 15% above for each child. For Golden Visa holders, family coverage is more extensive and is generally incorporated from the outset.

What happens if my visa application is refused?

Decisions rejecting visa applications by diplomatic and consular authorities must be accompanied by a statement of reasons. If your application is refused, you should receive a written explanation of the grounds for the decision. Depending on the reason given, it may be possible to reapply with revised or additional documentation, or to lodge a formal appeal. Seeking advice from a qualified immigration lawyer is strongly recommended if you receive a refusal, particularly in complex cases. Contact the Hellenic Republic Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the relevant Greek consulate in your country for guidance on the appeals process.