Greece Visas Overview: Complete Guide for 2025

Greece offers one of Europe's most diverse visa systems, from short-term Schengen access to investor-based residency through the Golden Visa program. With recent changes to investment thresholds and new restrictions on rental properties, understanding your options has never been more important.

This guide breaks down every visa pathway to Greece, including current fees, processing times, and the specific requirements that trip up most applicants.

Greece Visa Types at a Glance

Before diving into specifics, here's how each visa option compares:

Schengen Visa (Type C): Short-Term Tourism and Business

The Schengen visa grants access to Greece and 29 other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is the standard tourist visa for non-EU nationals.

Eligibility Requirements

• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your planned stay
• Completed visa application form
• Two recent passport photos (35mm x 45mm)
• Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, invitation letter)
• Travel itinerary and return flight tickets
• Travel health insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage
• Proof of sufficient funds (approximately €50-100 per day)
• Evidence of ties to home country (employment, property, family)

Application Process

1. Determine the correct consulate. Apply at the Greek consulate if Greece is your main destination or first point of entry into the Schengen zone.
2. Book an appointment. Most consulates require appointments 2-4 weeks in advance during peak season.
3. Submit your application. Appear in person with all required documents.
4. Biometric data collection. First-time applicants provide fingerprints (valid for 59 months).
5. Wait for processing. Standard processing takes 15 calendar days; complex cases may take up to 45 days.

Fees and Costs

• Standard visa fee: €90
• Children aged 6-11: €45
• Children under 6: Free
• Certain nationalities may have reduced fees under bilateral agreements

Schengen Visa Limitations

The 90/180 rule is strictly enforced. Overstaying—even by one day—can result in fines, deportation, and future visa bans across all Schengen countries.

If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, work in Greece, or establish residency, you need a different visa category.

National Visa (Type D): Long-Term Residence

The National Visa (Type D) is your gateway to Greek residency for purposes beyond tourism. This category covers employment, study, family reunification, and other long-term stays.

Type D Visa Categories

• Requires a job offer from a Greek employer
• Employer must obtain a work permit from the Public Employment Service (DYPA)
• Initial permit valid for 1-2 years
• Can convert to permanent residence after 5 years

• Acceptance letter from a Greek educational institution
• Proof of tuition payment or scholarship
• Health insurance coverage
• Proof of accommodation
• Financial means of at least €400-500/month

• For spouses, children, and dependent parents of Greek residents
• Sponsor must demonstrate adequate housing and income
• Health insurance for dependents required

• For retirees and those with passive income
• No employment in Greece permitted
• Must demonstrate stable income (pension, investments, rental income)
• No minimum threshold specified, but €2,000-2,500/month typically expected

Application Requirements

All Type D applications require:

• Valid passport (at least 12 months beyond visa validity)
• Completed national visa application
• Two passport photos
• Proof of purpose (employment contract, acceptance letter, family documents)
• Health insurance with full coverage in Greece
• Proof of accommodation
• Criminal background check (apostilled)
• Proof of financial means

Fees and Processing

• Visa fee: €180
• Processing time: 30-90 days (varies significantly by consulate and category)
• Residence permit fee upon arrival: €150

Converting to Permanent Residence

After 5 years of continuous legal residence in Greece, Type D visa holders can apply for a Long-Term Resident permit. This EU-wide status grants:

• Indefinite residence rights
• Access to employment without work permits
• Enhanced mobility within the EU
• Pathway to Greek citizenship after 7 total years

Digital Nomad Visa: Remote Work in Greece

Launched in 2021 and refined in subsequent years, Greece's Digital Nomad Visa targets remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who work for employers or clients outside Greece.

Eligibility Criteria

• Employment: Must work remotely for an employer or clients based outside Greece
• Income: Minimum €3,500/month gross income
• Family: Income threshold increases by +20% for spouse (€4,200 total) and +15% per dependent child
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage valid in Greece for the visa duration
• Clean Record: No criminal convictions

Income Documentation

You must provide evidence of consistent income through:

• Employment contract with remote work provisions
• Bank statements showing 3-6 months of salary deposits
• Tax returns from your country of residence
• Client contracts for freelancers (showing ongoing relationships)

Application Process

1. Gather documents. Employment verification, income proof, insurance, accommodation
2. Apply at Greek consulate. Submit Type D visa application with Digital Nomad supporting documents
3. Receive entry visa. Processing takes approximately 10 working days
4. Enter Greece. Within 90 days of visa issuance
5. Apply for residence permit. At the local Aliens Bureau (Αλλοδαπών) within 30 days of arrival
6. Biometrics and permit. Residence permit card issued within 30-60 days

Fees

• Initial visa fee: €75
• Residence permit fee: €1,000
• Renewal fee: €1,000 annually

Tax Implications

Digital Nomad Visa holders who spend more than 183 days in Greece become tax residents. Greece offers a 50% income tax exemption for 7 years for qualifying new tax residents—a significant incentive for high earners relocating from higher-tax jurisdictions.

To qualify for the tax exemption:

• You must not have been a Greek tax resident in the previous 5 of 6 years
• You must relocate from an EU/EEA country or a country with a tax information exchange agreement
• You must commit to staying in Greece for at least 2 years

Renewal and Permanent Residence

The Digital Nomad permit renews annually as long as you continue meeting income requirements. After 7 years of continuous residence (and meeting Greek language requirements), you can apply for citizenship.

FIP and Retirement Visa: Financially Independent Persons

Greece welcomes retirees and financially independent individuals who can support themselves without employment in Greece. This pathway is ideal for those with pensions, investment income, or other passive revenue streams.

Requirements

• Proof of Income: Regular passive income sufficient for comfortable living (no fixed minimum, but €2,000-2,500/month commonly accepted)
• Health Insurance: Private insurance with comprehensive Greek coverage
• Clean Criminal Record: From country of residence
• Accommodation: Proof of housing (rental agreement or property ownership)

Acceptable Income Sources

• Government or private pensions
• Social security payments
• Investment dividends and interest
• Rental income from foreign properties
• Annuities and retirement account distributions

Application Process

1. Apply for Type D visa at Greek consulate with FIP supporting documents
2. Include bank statements showing 12 months of income history
3. Provide pension statements or investment account documentation
4. Enter Greece and register for residence permit within 30 days

Fees

• Visa fee: €180
• Residence permit: €150 initially, then annual renewal
• Processing time: 60-90 days

Benefits

• No requirement to work
• Can bring spouse and dependent children
• Access to Greek healthcare system (with contributions)
• Pathway to citizenship after 7 years

Golden Visa: Investment-Based Residence

Greece's Golden Visa program remains one of Europe's most popular investor residency schemes, though significant changes in 2024-2025 have raised thresholds and introduced new restrictions.

Investment Thresholds (2025)

Critical Restrictions (2025 Rules)

You must invest the full threshold amount in a single property. The previous strategy of combining multiple smaller properties no longer qualifies.

Properties must be at least 120 square meters. This effectively excludes most studio and one-bedroom apartments in urban areas.

Golden Visa properties cannot be listed on Airbnb or similar platforms. Violators face substantial fines (reportedly up to €50,000) and potential permit revocation. This restriction aims to address housing affordability concerns in major Greek cities.

The €800,000 zones include:

• Attica region (Greater Athens)
• Thessaloniki municipality
• Islands with more than 3,100 residents (including Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, and other popular destinations)
• Designated tourist areas

The €400,000 threshold applies to:

• Mainland Greece outside Attica/Thessaloniki
• Less-developed islands
• Rural and semi-urban areas

Application Process

1. Select Property: Work with a Greek lawyer to identify qualifying properties
2. Obtain Tax Number (AFM): Required for any financial transaction in Greece
3. Open Greek Bank Account: For property purchase and ongoing expenses
4. Complete Purchase: Notarized deed (συμβόλαιο) registered with land registry. Note: Proof of Land Registry submission is now sufficient for initial application; full registration is required only for renewal.
5. Submit Golden Visa Application: At Ministry of Migration with all supporting documents, including the investor's real estate declaration (E9 Form), which became mandatory in November 2025
6. Biometrics: Fingerprints and photo at designated center
7. Receive Permit: Currently experiencing 12+ month backlogs

Required Documents

• Valid passport
• Greek tax number (AFM)
• Property deed showing investment amount
• Proof of legal property acquisition
• Health insurance valid in Greece
• Criminal record certificate (apostilled)
• Proof of legal entry to Greece
• Biometric data (collected in Greece)

Fees

• Residence permit fee: €2,000 per applicant
• Legal fees: €3,000-5,000 typically
• Notary fees: 1-2% of property value
• Property transfer tax: 3.09% of declared value
• Land registry fees: 0.475% of property value

Processing Time Reality

While the government targets 2-month processing, actual wait times have extended to 12 months or longer due to high demand. Premium processing services have been eliminated.

Golden Visa Benefits

• 5-year residence permit (renewable indefinitely)
• Visa-free Schengen travel (90/180 days in other countries)
• Family inclusion: Spouse, children under 21, parents of both spouses
• No minimum stay requirement: Unlike most residency permits, Golden Visa holders have no obligation to live in Greece
• Path to citizenship: After 7 years of actual residence (not just permit holding)

Important Considerations

• 7 years of actual residence in Greece
• Greek language proficiency (B1 level minimum)
• Integration into Greek society
• Clean criminal record

Many Golden Visa holders maintain permits indefinitely without pursuing citizenship, using Greece as a Schengen access point while residing elsewhere.

Path to Greek Citizenship

All residence permits in Greece can eventually lead to citizenship, but the requirements are substantial.

Basic Requirements

• 7 years of legal residence in Greece (reduced to 3 years for spouses of Greek citizens, or those with Greek children)
• Greek language proficiency: B1 level certification
• Integration test: Knowledge of Greek history, culture, and institutions
• Clean criminal record: No serious convictions
• Tax compliance: All Greek tax obligations fulfilled
• Continuous residence: Absences limited to 6 months per year, 10 months total

Application Process

1. Submit application to the Decentralized Administration (Αποκεντρωμένη Διοίκηση)
2. Provide all residence permits, tax records, and integration evidence
3. Interview with Naturalization Committee
4. Language and knowledge examination
5. Decision by General Secretary (typically 12-24 months)
6. Oath ceremony and issuance of citizenship documents

Greek Passport Benefits

Greek citizenship provides:

• EU citizenship rights (live and work anywhere in EU/EEA)
• Visa-free access to 180+ countries
• Access to Greek healthcare and education
• Voting rights in Greek and EU elections
• Protection under Greek and EU law worldwide

Visa Processing Tips

General Advice

• Apply early. Start 3-6 months before intended travel for long-term visas
• Use certified translations. All non-Greek documents require official translation
• Apostille everything. Documents from Hague Convention countries need apostilles; others need embassy legalization
• Work with professionals. Greek immigration lawyers can significantly smooth the process
• Keep copies. Maintain digital and physical copies of all submitted documents

Common Rejection Reasons

• Insufficient proof of income or funds
• Incomplete health insurance coverage
• Missing or expired documents
• Inconsistencies in application information
• Poor interview performance (for categories requiring interviews)

Contact Information

Website: migration.gov.gr

Email: info@migration.gov.gr

Find your nearest consulate at: mfa.gr/en/appendix/greece-bilateral-relations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest visa to get for Greece?

The Schengen tourist visa is the simplest option for short stays, requiring standard travel documentation. For long-term residence, the Digital Nomad Visa has the fastest processing time (approximately 10 days) and straightforward requirements for remote workers earning at least €3,500/month.

How much does a Greece Golden Visa cost in 2025?

The minimum investment is €250,000 for commercial property conversions, €400,000 for properties outside major areas, or €800,000 for properties in Athens, Thessaloniki, and islands with more than 3,100 residents. Additional costs include the €2,000 permit fee, 3.09% transfer tax, and legal fees typically ranging from €3,000-5,000.

Can I rent out my Golden Visa property on Airbnb?

No. As of 2024, Golden Visa properties cannot be used for short-term rentals. Violations result in substantial fines and potential permit revocation. You may rent to long-term tenants (12+ month leases) without restriction.

How long does it take to get Greek citizenship?

Greek citizenship requires 7 years of continuous legal residence, Greek language proficiency at B1 level, and passing an integration examination. The naturalization process itself takes 12-24 months after application.

Do I need to live in Greece to keep my Golden Visa?

No. The Golden Visa has no minimum stay requirement for permit renewal. However, if you want to pursue citizenship, you must demonstrate actual residence in Greece for 7 years.

What income do I need for the Digital Nomad Visa?

You need minimum gross income of €3,500 per month, increasing by 20% for a spouse (€4,200 total) and 15% for each dependent child. Income must come from employment or clients outside Greece.

Is Greece a good place to retire?

Greece offers excellent quality of life for retirees with affordable living costs compared to Western Europe, a Mediterranean climate, rich culture, and accessible healthcare. The FIP visa provides a straightforward residence pathway for those with pension or passive income.

How long can I stay in Greece with a Schengen visa?

The Schengen visa allows 90 days within any 180-day rolling period. This applies to your total time in all Schengen countries combined, not just Greece.

---

---

Sources

• Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum
• Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Last verified: February 2026