Ultimate Guide to Residency Permits in Greece (Updated for 2026)

A Greece residence permit lets non-EU citizens stay longer than 90 days. Most people apply under one of four routes: the FIP visa (at least €3,500 a month in passive income), the Digital Nomad Visa (at least €3,500 a month from work outside Greece), the Golden Visa (property from €250,000) or a spousal permit. You usually get a Type D visa from a Greek consulate first, then apply in Greece, and once your application is filed you receive a temporary residence permit in roughly 30 to 40 days. EU citizens don’t need a permit and register locally within 3 months instead.

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Getting your paperwork organized is an essential step in your decision to move to Greece. Applying for a residency permit is something you need to start organizing within a couple of months of your arrival if you wish to stay in the country for more than 90 consecutive days.

The first step in obtaining a residence permit in Greece is identifying the type of permit you need. The application process varies depending on your nationality, the purpose of your stay, and other factors.

Obtaining Residency in Greece

A residence permit comes in two stages: a temporary permit and the physical residence permit card.

• Temporary Residency Permit: Typically issued in roughly 30 to 40 days after your application is submitted.
• Residence Permit Card: The physical card usually arrives 6 to 12 months after you receive the temporary permit.
• Greek Citizenship: Possible after seven years of legal residence as a Greek tax resident, for example on a work permit sponsored by a Greek employer, or on a Golden Visa once you move your tax residency to Greece. Time on the FIP visa or the Digital Nomad Visa doesn’t count. Applicants must also pass the Greek language and culture exam.

For EU Citizens

EU citizens don’t need a residence permit but must register with the local authorities and obtain an EU Registration Card within 3 months of residing in Greece. These permit holders by default are declared as local tax residents.

To check whether you are eligible for tax residency in Greece, please read How Do I Become a Tax Resident of Greece?

Requirements:

1. Proof of address (e.g., utility bill or landlord’s details if renting)
2. Proof of income or employment:
   • Independent individuals: Minimum €5,000 in a bank account.
   • Employees: Offer letter or contract from a Greek employer.
3. Proof of private health insurance

For Non-EU Citizens

Non-EU citizens (e.g., Americans or Brits) who wish to reside in Greece long-term, typically must obtain a Type D Visa to enter Greece, followed by a residency permit application. The Type D Visa grants application holders up to 365 days of stay, and is mandatory for applicants under the Financially Independent Person's Visa or FIP.

Common Residency Categories for Non-EU Nationals:

1. Temporary Residency Permit (typically issued within 40 days following an application)
2. Golden Visa
3. Digital Nomad Visa
4. Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa
5. Spousal Permits

Residency Programs and Updates for 2026

Digital Nomad Visa

This residency program allows remote workers and business owners to stay in Greece for up to two years. Since February 2026, you must get the Digital Nomad Visa from a Greek consulate before you arrive.

Key Updates for 2026:

• Income Requirement: €3,500 (plus 20% for a spouse and 15% for each dependent).
• Digital Nomad Visa holders cannot stay for more than six months per year outside of Greece during their time of residency.
• Digital Nomad Visa holders also have Schengen access, meaning that visa holders can enter all 27 countries in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Recent Changes to the Digital Nomad Visa in 2026

In early February, the Greek Ministry of Migration has recently implemented a significant change regarding how remote workers apply for their status. Previously, many digital nomads enter Greece on a tourist visa and apply for their Digital Nomad residence permit directly at the Greek Ministry of Migration.

According to the new law 5275/2026, here’s what has changed:

• The option to apply for the 2-year Digital Nomad residence permit directly from within Greece as a tourist has officially been abolished.
• What does this mean for applicants moving forward? Under the new law, Digital Nomad Visa applicants will be required to apply for a National (Type D) Visa at a Greek Consulate or Embassy before entering Greece.
• Application fee (e-paravolo in Greek): €1,000 for the main applicant, and if you are applying with a spouse or child, there is an additional fee of €150 per member, with an etra €16 per person for the residency permit card issuance. This small fee is typically collected during the biometrics appointment.

Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa

An ideal option for retirees or individuals with stable passive income.

Updates for 2026:

1. Validity Period: Increased to three years.
2. Income Requirements: Minimum €3,500 monthly or €126,000 for three years (plus 20% for a spouse and 15% for each child).
3. Applicants can prove income through pensions or passive investments. Greek bank deposits are no longer mandatory.

Golden Visa (Investor Permit)

This visa is for individuals investing in Greek real estate. To see whether the Golden Visa is right choice for you, check Why the Greece Golden Visa is the Smart Choice for Global Investors.

Updates for 2026:

• Minimum Investment: €800,000 in high-demand areas including Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Corfu, Rhodes and a number of larger islands, €400,000 elsewhere, and €250,000 for certain conversion projects.
• Property Requirements: Minimum size of 120 square meters.
• Benefits: Free travel across Schengen countries, valid for five years, and includes family members.

Residency Application Process

Required Documents:

1. Passport copy.
2. Two passport-sized photos.
3. Proof of private health insurance.
4. Bank statements or proof of income.
5. Additional documents (e.g., work contracts, academic enrollment, etc.).

Where to Apply

Residency permit applications must be submitted to the Aliens Department of the Hellenic Police or the nearest immigration office. You will receive a blue receipt confirming your application, and permits are typically ready within weeks.

For translations and additional assistance, you can also visit the Citizen’s Service Office (KEP).

Once you’ve applied, check whether you can keep driving on your home license. Most non-EU licenses stop being valid once you become a resident, but US, Canadian, Australian and UK licenses can still be used for cars and motorcycles. Our guide to the international driving permit for Greece explains when you need one and when you need to convert to a Greek license.

Upgrading to Permanent Residency

After seven years of legal residence as a Greek tax resident, you can apply for Greek citizenship, which grants you the right to an EU passport. This applies, for example, to residents on a work permit sponsored by a Greek employer, or to Golden Visa holders who move their tax residency to Greece. Time on the FIP visa or the Digital Nomad Visa doesn’t count. Applicants must pass the Greek language and culture exam and submit the required documentation, including tax returns for those years.

The application process involves filing your documents with the local authorities responsible for citizenship matters, not the police. Requirements include proof of continuous residency, an updated residency permit, and other supporting documents.

Staying Updated

Immigration laws and policies can change, so regularly check the Citizen’s Service Office (KEP) website or consult with a qualified immigration lawyer for the most accurate information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a new law for residence permits in Greece?

Some of the Greek residency laws have been updated, especially in relation to the Golden Visas in 2024 and 2025, for financially independent individuals, and most recently, Greece’s Digital Nomad Visa. As mentioned, the new law 5275/2026 introduced on the 5th of February 2026, abolishes the possibility to apply for the 2-year Digital Nomad residence permit as a tourist in Greece.

For anyone planning on moving to Greece or applying for a Greek residency permit, one should always check for recent updates before submitting an application, particularly around income requirements, application location, and renewal rules. Working with a relocation consultant based in Greece like My Greek Expat Journey, can help to ensure that your application follows the most current regulations.

Is it expensive to live in Greece?

Whether Greece feels expensive really depends on your lifestyle and where you choose to live. Compared to the United States, or the UK, many expats find that the overall cost of living in Greece is generally more affordable, especially when it comes to rent, dining out, public transportation, and healthcare. However, popular areas such as downtown Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini can be significantly more expensive than smaller towns or mainland villages. The cost of utilities and groceries have also increased in recent years, as so globally, therefore budgeting is still important. If you want a full breakdown of housing, groceries, healthcare, transportation, and everyday expenses, take a look at our guide on understanding the cost of living in Greece.

What is the 5-year residence permit in Greece?

The 5-year residence permit in Greece is one of the most common permit durations and applies to several residency categories. It is most often associated with the Golden Visa program, and certain long-term residency permits, such as the full-market access permit, issued to non-EU nationals who meet specific financial or employment criteria.

This permit allows legal residence in Greece without the need to renew annually and can be renewed every five years as long as the original conditions are maintained. It is especially popular among foreigners buying property in Greece, retirees, seeking a long-term life in Greece without becoming full tax residents.

What is the 3-year residence permit in Greece?

A 3-year residence permit is typically granted under the Greek residency by financial means program, also known as the financially independent visa (FIP). This permit is designed for non-EU citizens who can support themselves through foreign sourced income without working in Greece.

The permit allows long-term living in Greece as an expat, and can be renewed every three years, provided that the applicant can still demonstrate the income requirements set by the Greek immigration law. Many people relocating to Greece from the USA choose the FIP due to its flexibility and convenience.

What is the 10-year residence permit in Greece?

The 10-year residence permit is usually granted for residents who were born and went to school in Greece. In addition, the 10-year permit is also available as an option for residents who renew their 5-year Greek spousal permits.

How can I check my Greece residence permit online?

Once you submit your residence permit application in Greece, you will receive an official application number along with a certificate or “white paper” in roughly 30 to 40 days (also known as a temporary permit), confirming your legal stay while your permit is being processed. With this application number, you can complete a Greece residence permit check online through the official platform of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.

This online system allows foreign nationals to check their Greek residence permit status online without visiting immigration offices in person. Applicants can see whether their residence permit is under review, approved, or ready for collection. While the system provides status updates, it does not usually include detailed explanations about processing delays or additional requirements.

Do EU citizens need a residence permit in Greece?

EU citizens do not need a residence permit in Greece in the same way non-EU nationals do. However, EU citizens staying in Greece longer than three months are required to register their residence and obtain an EU registration certificate from the local authorities. This is also called the “EU card”, which applicants can obtain at their nearest police station.

This process is simpler than applying for a Greek residence permit as a non-EU citizen, since it does not involve any income thresholds. That said, EU citizens who plan on changing tax residency to Greece or on opening a Greek bank account will need an AFM number.

What is a Greek residence permit for non-EU citizens?

A Greek residence permit for non-EU citizens is a legal document that allows foreigners to live in Greece beyond the standard tourist stay, which is typically 90 days. These permits are issued under various categories including work, investment, family reunification, digital nomad status, and residency by financial means.

Each permit has different eligibility requirements, validity periods, and renewal conditions. Choosing the right permit is one of the most important steps when moving to Greece, as applying under the wrong category can lead to delays or rejection.

What is a temporary residence permit in Greece?

A temporary residence permit in Greece is often issued as a pre-approval document while the official residence permit is being processed. It confirms that the applicant has submitted a valid application and is legally allowed to remain in Greece during processing.

Temporary permits are common for first time applicants and renewals and are frequently used by foreigners navigating how to get residency in Greece for the first time.

What changed about the Digital Nomad Visa in 2026?

‍Under the new law 5275/2026, introduced in February 2026, the option to apply for the 2-year Digital Nomad residence permit directly from within Greece as a tourist has been abolished. Going forward, Digital Nomad Visa applicants must apply for a National Type D Visa at a Greek Consulate or Embassy before entering Greece. The application fee is €1,000, plus €16 for the card.

What are the requirements for the Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa in 2026?

‍The FIP Visa validity period has been increased to three years. Applicants must demonstrate a minimum monthly income of €3,500, or €126,000 for the full three-year period, plus 20% for a spouse and 15% for each child. Income can be proven through pensions or passive investments, and Greek bank deposits are no longer mandatory.

What is the e-paravolo application fee for a Greek residency permit?

The e-paravolo, or application fee in Greece, is €1,000 for the main applicant. If you are applying with family members, such as a spouse or child, there is an additional €150 per dependent. On top of this, there is a small €16 fee per person for the issuance of the physical Greece residency permit card, which is usually paid during your biometrics appointment.

Why Choose My Greek Expat Journey?

We are an Athens-based relocation service. We handle Greek residency permits, tax registration and the paperwork around them, and you work with a vetted network of accountants and lawyers instead of finding your own. Fees are quoted up front as a package, and we tell you what each step actually involves before you commit. Consultations are remote, so you can start before you arrive.

Get a Straight Answer on Your Own Case

Every relocation turns on the details, and the wrong permit or tax status can cost you months. Before you file anything, book a free 15-minute discovery call and we will go through your situation and tell you plainly what you need, what it costs and how long it takes.

Written by Chloe Mason, founder of My Greek Expat Journey. Chloe has lived in seven countries and has personally guided 300+ people through Greek residency, tax, property and bureaucracy. More articles by Chloe.