A Guide to Obtaining an EU Card: Permits for EU Residents

Q: Where and how do I apply for the EU Card in Greece?

You must visit the Aliens' Bureau of the Police Station nearest to your address in Greece. No prior appointment process is described, but it is advisable to call the station in advance to confirm the time to attend. The EU Card is issued on the same day as submitting the application.

Q: What documents do employed EU citizens need to apply for the EU Card in Greece?

Employed EU citizens must provide an employer certificate confirming their employment status (including company details, job title, employment dates, and salary), as well as a formal job offer letter or employment contract from the employer's HR department. All applicants must also submit proof of address in Greece, 3 passport-sized photos, and a photocopy plus the original of their passport or ID.

Q: What documents do independent (non-employed) EU citizens need for the EU Card in Greece?

Independent individuals must demonstrate that they have more than €5,000 in a Greek or European bank account and hold private health insurance or an EU social security card. All applicants must also provide proof of address in Greece (such as a Taxisnet lease contract or a host declaration form from KEP), 3 passport-sized photos, and a photocopy plus original of their passport or ID.

Q: Can I use an Airbnb address as proof of address for the EU Card application in Greece?

Yes, an Airbnb address can be used as proof of address when applying for the EU Card, provided the required supporting details are submitted. However, an Airbnb address cannot be used to open a Greek bank account or to officially declare tax residency in Greece.

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April 12, 2026

The EU Card offers EU residents the opportunity to live, work, or study in Greece for more than 3 months. This guide provides a clear and concise overview of the steps required to obtain your EU residence permit, ensuring you have tax residency, as well as the freedom and legal security to pursue your ambitions within Greece.

Why Do I Need an EU Card?

For citizens from EU member countries who are planning to stay in Greece for more than 90 days, must apply for the EU Citizen Registration Card as a proof of residence and serves the purpose of becoming a local tax resident. It is valid for an unlimited period of time.

How Do I Obtain it?

In order to obtain an EU card, you must visit the Aliens' Bureau of the Police Station in your neighborhood. This means that based on your address in Greece, you need to search for the nearest police station. The card is issued on the same day as submitting the application. Prior to going to the police station, you should call them to find out at what time you should go.

Eligibility

The documentation differs on whether or not you are applying as a professional or as an independent individual.

For professionals: those who are currently employed by the Greek job market, you must show supporting documents that prove you are hired by a company in Greece. An applicant applying for the EU card must show:
- Employer certificate: An official document provided by an employer or the relevant HR department that confirms an individual's employment status. It typically includes details such as the company's information, employee's job title, employment dates, salary, and sometimes the nature of the work.
- Job announcement: The employer's HR department should be able to provide a formal job offer letter or employment contract, which serves as a more official document than a job announcement. The job offer letter typically includes the job title, responsibilities, salary, and other terms of employment, and it is written specifically for the employee.
For independent individuals: the applicant should prove that they must have sufficient money in a bank (Greek or European) and a private health insurance (or an EU social security card). The amount that has to be in the bank should be more than €5,000.

Required Documents

All applicants must also show of proof of address in Greece, either through a Taxisnet contract from myaade.gr, or a host declaration form from the KEP (Citizen's Center) and the host's contract from Taxisnet. This host declaration is also called 'ΥΠΕΥΘΥΝΗ ΔΗΛΛΩΣΗ' in Greek. If the host is unable to provide their contract through Taxisnet, then they can provide their passport details and a utility bill. (Note: in order to sign a lease agreement, you would need an AFM. See here on how to obtain a Greek TIN.)
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3 passport photos
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1 photocopy of passport or ID, and original

Note: the applicant can use an Airbnb address as their proof of address, given that they provide the above details, but they cannot use the same address to open a bank account or for declaring one's tax residency.

Need help? We assist in gathering the necessary documentation to prepare for your appointment. To find out more, book a 15-minute discovery call to learn more about our services.

FAQs

What is the EU Card in Greece and who needs it?

‍The EU Card (EU Citizen Registration Card) is a proof of residence for EU citizens planning to stay in Greece for more than 90 days. It serves as confirmation of local tax residency and is valid for an unlimited period of time.

Where and how do I apply for the EU Card in Greece?

‍You must visit the Aliens' Bureau of the Police Station in your neighborhood — based on your address in Greece, you need to find the nearest police station. It is advisable to call ahead to confirm the time to attend. The card is issued on the same day as submitting the application.

What documents do employed EU citizens need to apply for the EU Card?

‍Employed applicants must provide an employer certificate confirming their employment status — including company details, job title, employment dates, and salary — as well as a formal job offer letter or employment contract from the employer's HR department.

What documents do independent (non-employed) EU citizens need for the EU Card?

‍Independent individuals must prove they have more than €5,000 in a Greek or European bank account and hold private health insurance or an EU social security card. All applicants must also provide proof of address in Greece, 3 passport-sized photos, and a photocopy plus original of their passport or ID.

Can I use an Airbnb address as proof of address for the EU Card?

‍Yes, an Airbnb address can be used as proof of address for the EU Card application, provided the required supporting details are submitted. However, an Airbnb address cannot be used to open a bank account or to declare tax residency in Greece.

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