Types of Residence Permits in Greece: Visas, Requirements, and Comparisons

Have you been wondering about the types of residence permits in Greece? Greece is a popular destination for people around the world who want to visit, work, study, or invest in Europe. According to the Hellenic Ministry of Migration and Asylum, over 280,000 valid residence permits were active in 2023 for non-EU nationals in Greece.

Whether you’re aiming for a short stay in the Schengen Area or planning to settle permanently, Greece has an array of permit types to fit each situation. We break down the main options, outlines the key requirements, and offers side-by-side comparisons so you can figure out which path suits you best.

Quick Stats and Facts

• 280,000+ valid residence permits for non-EU nationals in Greece in 2023
• 35% of new permits in 2022 were for family reunification
• Golden Visa holders grew by 15% from 2021 to 2022, largely due to real estate investments
• Digital Nomad Permits increased significantly since 2021, with thousands of remote workers now residing in the country

These figures highlight the diversity of foreign residents in Greece and show that there’s a spot for everyone, from retirees to entrepreneurs.

Main Visa and Residence Permit Categories

Below is a summary table that shows the major permit types, eligibility, validity, and work permissions.

Short Visits (Tourism or Business)

Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C):

• Enables travelers from non-EU visa-required countries to stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
• Perfect for tourism, business conferences, and visiting family or friends.
• Does not allow work in Greece, nor does it lead to permanent residence.

Visa Exemptions:

• Some nationalities (e.g., US, Canada, Australia) can enter Greece and the Schengen Area without a short-stay visa under the 90-day rule. This still doesn’t grant work permission.

Extended Stays for Work

1. General Work Permit: Good for regular employees with a Greek employer. Usually issued for 1–2 years and can be renewed.
2. EU Blue Card: Tailored to highly skilled professionals who earn at least 1.5 times the Greek average salary. Valid for 2 years, allows movement to other EU countries after 18 months, and streamlines family reunification.
3. Seasonal Work Visa: Common in agriculture and tourism. Valid for up to 6 or 9 months in a year, with no path to permanent residency.
4. Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT): Designed for multinational executives, specialists, or trainees. Covers the period of the transfer, up to 3 years for senior roles and 1 year for trainees.

Study and Research

Student Permit:

• Granted to full-time students enrolled in recognized Greek universities.
• Usually valid for 1 year, with renewals tied to academic progress.
• Allows part-time work (up to 20 hours a week).

Research/Academic Permit:

• Aimed at foreign academics or researchers with a formal hosting agreement.
• Can last for 1–2 years.
• Easier for family members to join.

Investment and Finance Options

Golden Visa:

• • Best-known path for non-EU investors buying property worth at least USD 285,000 (in most regions) or higher in prime locations (thresholds rising to USD 570,000 or USD 910,000 in certain areas).
  • Issued for 5 years, renewable, with no minimum stay requirements.
  • Includes spouse, children, and parents of the main applicant.
  • No automatic right to local employment, but you can manage your investment.

Financially Independent Person (FIP):

• • Designed for those with stable monthly income from outside Greece (e.g., retirees).
  • No local work allowed.
  • Granted for 2 years and renewable upon proof of continued funds.

Digital Nomad Permit:

• • For remote workers serving overseas clients or employers.
  • Offers a 1-year entry visa plus a 2-year renewable permit.
  • No Greek work is allowed, but you can live freely in the country while working online.

Family-Based Permits

Family Reunification (Non-EU Sponsor):

• • Non-EU residents in Greece can bring spouse and children after 2 years of legal stay.
  • Initial permit usually matches the sponsor’s permit length.
  • Spouses can work after the first renewal.

EU/Greek Citizen Family:

• • Non-EU relatives (spouse, children, in some cases parents) of EU/EEA citizens or Greek nationals get a 5-year card with full work rights.
  • Can apply for a permanent card after 5 years.

Humanitarian Permits

Refugee or Subsidiary Protection:

• Granted to those seeking asylum due to fear of persecution or serious harm.
• Refugee status is usually a 3-year permit, while subsidiary protection starts with a 1-year permit.
• Both allow access to work, healthcare, and education.

Exceptional Grounds:

• Covers a range of cases, including serious health issues, trafficking victims, or stateless persons.
• These are usually short-term (1–2 years), but renewal is possible.

Long-Term and Permanent Options

Long-Term EU Resident Permit:

• • Available after 5 years of continuous legal residence.
  • Grants secure status and near-equal treatment to Greek citizens (except voting).
  • Makes it easier to move to other EU countries.

10-Year National Permit:

• • Often tied to family members of Greek citizens or individuals who have renewed prior permits for many years.
  • Similar to permanent status, renewed only every 10 years.

Pathway to Greek Citizenship:

• • Typically requires 7 years of continuous legal residence, a language test, and an integration exam.
  • Refugees have a shorter 3-year requirement.
  • Spouses of Greek citizens can also apply sooner if they meet certain conditions.

Comparing Your Options

Cost and Investment:

• • Golden Visa has a larger upfront cost (property or investment), but it demands no actual residency.
  • Financially Independent Person permits require proof of steady income.

Work Authorization:

• • General Work Permits and EU Blue Cards allow you to work in Greece.
  • Golden Visa and FIP permits do not give you direct access to local jobs.

Family Benefits:

• • EU Blue Card holders and Golden Visa investors benefit from straightforward family reunification.
  • Family members of EU/Greek citizens have the fewest barriers to immediate work rights.

Path to Permanence:

• • Most permits can lead to a long-term resident permit if you stay in Greece.
  • Golden Visa holders must live in Greece to count time toward citizenship, even though the visa doesn’t require it.

Choose The Right Visa For You

Greece’s visa and permit system offers something for every type of traveler and migrant. Some people come for sunny vacations and extend their stay as remote workers, while others seek out the famed Golden Visa to secure a base in Europe. Understanding what each permit requires—and what it does and doesn’t allow—will help you make a smart move that fits your goals.

If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, be sure to apply for the correct visa at a Greek consulate in your home country. Once in Greece, you usually have to book an appointment at the local migration office for a residence permit. Requirements change from time to time, so visit the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum or a Greek consulate website for the latest information.

Greece continues to welcome workers, students, retirees, and families. Whether you’re dreaming of a bustling life in Athens or a peaceful retirement on a Greek island, these permits open the door to your journey.