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Requires real estate investment of at least EUR 250,000 (rising to EUR 800,000 in high-demand areas); open to all non-EU nationalities. Grants residency for investor and family; employment for others is not included.
For non-EU nationals working remotely for foreign employers or as freelancers; requires proven monthly income of at least EUR 3,500. No Greek clients allowed; renewable once for a second year.
For non-EU nationals relocating to Greece without employment; covers retirees and passive-income residents. Requires proof of at least EUR 2,000/month income and private health insurance.
For non-EU/EEA highly qualified workers with a Greek employer offering an annual salary of at least 1.5x the average gross salary. Requires a recognized university degree; fast-tracks to long-term EU residence.
EU/EEA and Swiss citizens have the right to live and work freely. Register with local authorities within 3 months of arrival.
Greece is an EU member, granting EU/EEA citizens full freedom of movement and residency rights without a visa. Non-EU nationals seeking long-term stays need a national (Type D) visa, and Greece has been actively expanding its residency pathways to attract non-EU residents. The well-known Golden Visa program and the Digital Nomad Visa have made Greece particularly popular among international expats.
Non-EU citizens working in Greece must obtain a work permit, typically sponsored by a Greek employer who must demonstrate inability to fill the role locally. The European Blue Card is available for highly qualified non-EU workers. Greece has been working to streamline its immigration processes, though bureaucracy can still be a challenge.
Dependent spouses and minor children of residence permit holders can apply for family reunification in Greece. The sponsor must demonstrate stable income (generally at least the annual Greek minimum wage) and adequate housing.
Greece taxes residents on worldwide income, with rates ranging from 9% to 44%. A flat 7% income tax rate for 15 years is available to foreign retirees who transfer their tax residency to Greece. An alternative non-dom regime allows certain foreign nationals to pay a lump-sum EUR 100,000 annual tax regardless of worldwide income.
Greece has a public healthcare system (ESY) that covers residents who contribute to social security; quality varies by region and urban centers offer better facilities. Private health insurance is highly recommended for expats, particularly for faster access and English-speaking providers.
Opening a bank account in Greece requires an AFM (Greek tax identification number), passport, and proof of address. Major banks include National Bank of Greece, Alpha Bank, Eurobank, and Piraeus Bank; non-EU residents may face additional documentation requirements.
Greece's Golden Visa program is one of Europe's most accessible, with a minimum real estate investment of EUR 250,000-800,000 depending on the region (higher thresholds apply in prime Athens areas from 2024). The visa grants a 5-year renewable residence permit covering the whole family. It is purely a residency permit and does not automatically lead to citizenship, but holders may apply for naturalization after 7 years.
| Program | Min. Investment | Residency | Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Visa | — | No | No |