Permanent residence in Greece is a permanent resident status, which is granted for an unlimited period of time and allows you to live in the country without additional conditions. To obtain it, you need to stay in the Republic for at least 5 years with an immigration type residence permit. It is also necessary to learn the national language up to A2 level, to have housing in the state, a stable source of livelihood and health insurance for all family members. Since Greece is a member of the European Union, you get a permanent residence permit of the EU country with a wide list of rights and privileges.

Moving to Greece gives you the opportunity to organize your life in a warm, safe, developed country of the European Union, located on the Balkan Peninsula, surrounded by four seas. After immigration you will be able to enter new markets for business development, gain career prospects, get a prestigious education and provide it to your children.  The Republic has a high climatic index, is characterized by cheap living and low crime rate.

Find the best immigration program in Greece with the help of Immigrantinlaw's international law specialists. Sign up for a free legal consultation to learn more.

Pros and cons of moving to Greece

An important advantage of Greece is its favorable geographical position - it is located in Southern Europe on the border with Asia Minor, where international trade routes cross. The country is located on the Mediterranean coast, occupies part of the Balkan Peninsula and numerous islands, it actively attracts tourists and immigrants with its excellent ecology and mild climate. In addition, Greece attracts immigrants with a number of other advantages, among which are:

• Affordable cost of living.
  According to Numbeo, a single person needs about 800 EUR per month to live in Greece, excluding rent. A one-room apartment can be rented for 400-500 EUR on average - cheaper than, for example, in Spain or Italy.
• Prospects for business development.
  Greece has a very strong tourism sector, which accounts for up to 15% of GDP. It is also an industrial-agrarian country, where everything related to agriculture and light industry is actively developing. It is possible to open a promising business anywhere in the country, and there is an opportunity to take advantage of grants from private and public investors from the EU.
• Developed infrastructure.
  In the Legatum World Prosperity Index, Greece is ranked 26th out of 167 on the quality of infrastructure, including the accessibility and scope of markets for goods and services. It is a comfortable place to live both in large cities like Thessaloniki or Athens and in small coastal communities.
• Accessible health care system.
  Greece has many public and private hospitals, national and commercial health insurance systems. Clinics are equipped and provide treatment to high EU standards.
• Personal and public safety.
  Greece ranks 34th in Legatum's “Safety and Security” index, ahead of, for example, neighboring Croatia, Montenegro, Albania and Serbia. High-profile crimes are rare here, and the law enforcement and judicial system works well. Democracy reigns in the society and discrimination of residents on any of the grounds, including nationality, is prohibited.

The disadvantages of moving to Greece include the average level of salaries (if you compare, for example, with the countries of Western Europe), high taxes (up to 44% of income tax for entrepreneurs), a limited number of vacancies in the labor market. Also, expats complain about queues in hospitals, complicated bureaucratic system and language barrier.

Ways for foreigners to immigrate to Greece

To move to Greece for permanent residence, you must first obtain a temporary resident card and live with it in the country for 5 years. Leave the republic during this period can be a maximum of 10 months in total. Contractually absent cannot be more than half a year, otherwise the residence permit will be canceled.

Not all types of Greek residence permit allow you to request a residence permit. In particular, this cannot be done with a residence permit issued for study or professional training, temporary stay in the country (e.g., for seasonal work, medical treatment or internship), for diplomatic purposes or protection.

It is allowed to combine the use of a residence permit with the subsequent acquisition of permanent resident status in Greece. For example, you open residency as a student, graduate and find a job in the country, after which you change the type of residence permit and in the long term you can apply for a permanent residence permit. A residency card issued for educational purposes counts for 50% of the residency period.

You can apply for a permanent residence in Greece with a valid residence permit, opened on one of the grounds regulated by law.

Employment

The Greek authorities allow the employment of foreigners within the annual quotas (except for scarce professions) and only if the Employment Service cannot find a suitable employee for the employer from among the residents of the country. In this case, you can apply for a residence permit, for which you must sign an employment contract that guarantees a salary not lower than the minimum wage in the country.

Highly skilled jobs

It is possible to go to live in Greece if you have a demanded profession, which implies higher education. You must be officially employed by a local firm and earn 1.6 times the average salary in the country before taxes. Sometimes a diploma confirmation (nostrification) is also required.

Investing in the economy

In order to stabilize the economic situation Greece grants the right of residence to those who are ready to invest in the country from 350 000 EUR. Allowable areas of investment - the purchase of shares in companies, government bonds, credit (debt) obligations. In this case, residence permit is issued immediately for 5 years instead of the usual three, which simplifies the subsequent naturalization.

Purchase of real estate

The investment residence permit in Greece is also granted to those who purchase residential or commercial properties in Greece. You can invest in a house or apartment, office premises, hotels and even architectural monuments. The purchase amount starts from 250 000 EUR and depends on the region where the property is located.

Starting a business or self-employment

Moving to Greece for permanent residence in the long term is possible for those who plan to carry out here independent economic activity. Also, immigrate can managers and top management of local companies with a minimum authorized capital of 500 000 EUR or annual turnover of 4 000 000 EUR.

Family reasons

You can reunite in Greece with your spouse or children who are residents or citizens of the country. If your family member lives in a country with a residence permit, he/she must have been there for at least 2 years to be eligible to invite you. A family residence permit is granted if the host country is able to provide accommodation for the family member and cover their living expenses.

Financial independence

Emigration from other countries to Greece with the prospect of formalizing a permanent residence permit is possible for those who plan to live here at the expense of their own funds. You do not have the right to work or run a business in the republic. Receive income can be remote or passive, for example, from remote work or as dividends. The minimum amount of self-sufficiency is 2000 EUR per month.

Humanitarian circumstances

There is a chance of immigration for those who seek asylum in Greece due to fears for their life or health in their home country. The Republic grants refugee status and additional protection, for example, if there is a war in your country or if you are being treated inhumanely. Each case is different and not all applications are approved.

Greek origin

A residence permit for 5 years at once is granted to ethnic Greeks who move to the country from Albania, Turkey and the former Soviet Union. Such persons can also count on an accelerated repatriation program with subsequent registration of Greek citizenship.

Also, you can stay in Greece for permanent residence with a passport of any European Union country, and you do not have to look for a reason to move and demonstrate the level of income. Analyze your chances for simplified citizenship in the EU in just 4-14 months with the support of Immigrantinlaw's migration specialists.

Requirements for the applicant for permanent residence and conditions of relocation

The prerequisite for long-term residency in Greece is a five-year prior legal residence in the country. It is also necessary to fulfill the following requirements:

• have a regular and legal income to support yourself and family members (the required amount is at least the minimum annual income in the country + 10% of it for each dependent);
• issue a family health insurance to cover all possible expenses;
• demonstrate a stable integration link with the local society;
• have a registered place of residence in the country, such as a purchased or rented apartment;
• not pose a threat to public health or national order.

The standard way of proving integration into the society is to successfully pass an examination on the knowledge of the Greek language (level A2), the basics of culture and history of the Republic. The requirement is not imposed if you receive a residence permit as a family member of a citizen of the country or legally spent at least 12 years in the state.

The process of obtaining a residence permit in Greece

The general procedure for obtaining a permanent resident card in Greece is as follows:

1. Opening a national D visa.
   At the first stage, you obtain a permit to enter Greece, the basis for which must coincide with the future residence permit. You need to request a visa at the consulate or embassy in your home country, submit a package of documents, pay administrative fees.
2. Moving and obtaining a residence permit.
   With a long-term visa, you get to Greece, where you apply for a temporary resident card through the Immigration Portal. The application is submitted electronically along with the dossier. Later you will be called to collect biometric data, you may also be offered an interview at the discretion of the authorities. You will pick up the finished residence permit card in person at the Ministry of Immigration and Asylum.
3. Residence in the country for 5 years.
   As a standard procedure, you will need to stay legally in Greece for a minimum of five years. During this period, you may need to renew your residence permit if it is issued for a shorter period (most cards are issued for a maximum of 3 years). The renewal procedure is similar to the initial opening - it is also done online.
4. Submitting a request for permanent residency status.
   The Ministry of Immigration and Asylum is in charge of granting Greek permanent residency. Through the electronic portal, you submit the request along with scanned copies of documents and a check for payment of the administrative fee. You must apply for a residence permit before your current residence permit expires. After the application is approved, you receive your permanent resident card in person.

Submission of documents

The application for a permanent residence is submitted through the electronic portal of the Greek Ministry of Immigration and Asylum. To the application should be attached:

• a valid residence permit;
• color copies of the passport;
• a receipt for the payment of stamp duty;
• a policy of a state insurance institution;
• proof of financial security;
• a copy of a contract for the sale or lease of a home;
• four recent 4 x 6 cm photos;
• birth certificate from the country of origin;
• if applicable, an integration certificate.

The competent authority shall take a decision on the request within six months. If there are justified conditions (e.g., lack of documents), this period may be extended for another 3 months.

Period of validity and renewal of the permanent residence permit

The status of permanent resident of Greece is granted indefinitely. However, the EU long-term resident card itself is issued for 5 years. To renew it, you need to apply online again, submit your passport, previous residence permit, photos, birth certificate and pay for the production of a new document.

You will lose your permanent residence permit if you leave the European Union for more than a year without a valid reason, or from Greece for 6 years. Permanent residency status will be revoked if it is proven that it was obtained fraudulently. Also, the right of residence can be revoked for reasons of national security.

What gives the status of permanent residence in Greece?

As a permanent resident of Greece, you are effectively equal in rights with citizens of the Republics, including access to:

• paid or self-employed activities (excluding public sector employment);
• education, including EU grant and scholarship programs;
• social security (allowances, subsidies) and tax benefits according to status;
• purchase of goods and services in the country, including purchase of residential and commercial real estate;
• representation of business interests at the international level, including within the framework of the Single Market of Europe;
• reunification with close relatives in the country and issuance of local documents for them;
• service in reliable European banks, opening of deposits and international financial transfers.

With a Greek permanent residence permit you have the right to travel to Schengen countries without opening a visa. Permanent residents can later naturalize and obtain citizenship. Each resident of the republic is obliged to fulfill the requirements of national legislation and the Constitution.

Obtaining Greek citizenship

After seven years of permanent residence in Greece, i.e., approximately 2 years after the issuance of a residence permit, you can apply for a local passport. To do so, you need to be of legal age, law-abiding and demonstrate economic and social integration in the Republic.

The application for naturalization together with supporting documents is submitted to the Citizenship Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in the place of registration. It is required to pass a language test and to be interviewed by the authorities beforehand. Once the request is approved and the oath is sworn, you can obtain a Greek passport, both internal and for traveling abroad.

It is much faster, easier and cheaper to obtain an EU passport in other countries, such as Romania, Bulgaria or Slovenia. You will not have to live in the country before or after obtaining citizenship, provide proof of income and pass an integration exam. Find out more by contacting the international law specialists at Immigrantinlaw.

Immigration peculiarities

Greece is a monolingual country where more than 99% of the population speaks the national language. It is better to move here having mastered Greek at least at A2 level. Locals are not always fluent in English, not to mention other foreign languages. For easier adaptation to society, you can attend integration courses upon arrival.

There are social security systems in the republic, mainly for vulnerable categories of population - poor and large families, pensioners, women on maternity leave, people with disabilities. The insured owners of permanent residence can apply for assistance according to their status, for example, for sickness, maternity, temporary disability benefits.

The minimum salary in Greece is 830 EUR, the average salary is about 1500 EUR per month (before taxes). Taking into account the fees, “on hand” is given about 30-35% less than the specified amounts. The Republic is on the third place from the end in the list of EU countries by the level of income of the population. This is explained by the economic crisis that hit the country several years ago.

In the Legatum Prosperity Index, Greece ranks 34th out of 167 possible places for “Education”. There are enough public kindergartens and schools with free education, including for residents of the country. There are many universities in the country, the most famous of them are the Polytechnic University of Athens and the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

Affluent pensioners often move to Greece. They choose the republic because of its clean air, picturesque sea coasts, cheap living (if compared to other EU countries). The locals here are good-natured and loyal to foreigners. The way of life of the population is measured and quiet, especially in small towns.

One of the greatest strengths of Greece is its mild Mediterranean climate. Winters in the country are short and dry, summers are long and humid, and minus temperatures are practically non-existent even in the northern regions. The absence of a large number of industrial enterprises has an excellent effect on the ecological situation.

Cost of registration and relocation

To calculate how much it costs to move to Greece for permanent residence, you need to take into account the costs of administrative fees, transportation and logistics companies, and legal assistance. In addition, translation and notarization of documents are additionally paid. You will also need money to rent or buy real estate and initial costs associated with immigration. The table below shows the current state fees in 2025.

Feedback from those who have moved to Greece for a permanent residence

To the pros of immigration to Greece, many foreigners include the availability of programs for financially independent individuals, investors and real estate buyers. This is a great opportunity for wealthy people to buy near the sea residential or commercial object with a high return on investment. On the other hand, without large investments chances to move are not very high and they are mainly for people with a demanded profession, as well as those who have relatives in the country.

Judging by the reviews of immigrants who have moved to Greece, bureaucratic procedures in the country are quite complicated and lengthy. Requests for residency are considered for months, and it takes seven years to wait for citizenship.  For naturalization it is necessary to learn the Greek language, which is very peculiar in structure and difficult to master. Living in the country has its advantages and disadvantages, but most people like it because of the low prices, warm climate and calm environment.

Assistance in obtaining Greek residency status

In order to immigrate to Greece with ease and simplicity, you should enlist the help of Immigrantinlaw's specialized lawyers. You will be able to delegate almost all bureaucratic tasks to the specialists, which guarantees the success of the procedure with minimal worry and effort on your part. The lawyers are based on the norms of international law and recommend only proven programs that will suit your needs, taking into account your request, dossier nuances and budget. Schedule a free consultation to get the citizenship or EU residency you desire in a matter of months.

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About the author

Diana Weber

Lawyer of international law

Diane Weber is an international law specialist with 10 years of legal practice experience. Her portfolio includes successful stories of citizenship in different European Union countries under simplified procedures. Diana provides detailed advice and helps many people to achieve their immigration goals in a short period of time, including resolving visa issues, assisting in obtaining residence permits and citizenship in the EU countries. In her blog, Diana Weber enjoys providing readers with detailed information about the features of most popular programs for obtaining a second passport.