Immigration to Greece

Greece isn’t just a vacation paradise, it’s a gateway to new beginnings in the heart of Europe. Whether you’re a skilled professional seeking career growth, an investor eyeing golden opportunities, or a retiree craving endless blue skies, immigrating to Greece offers seamless EU access, affordable living, and a passport to global adventures. In this guide, discover the pathways, requirements, and insider tips to make your move a reality.

Why Choose Greece?

Idyllic Lifestyle and Affordability  

Greece boasts a sunny Mediterranean climate, ancient cultural treasures, and lower living costs than many EU nations, making it perfect for a relaxed, enriching daily life.

Seamless EU Integration  

As an EU member, enjoy visa-free Schengen travel across 27 countries and access to the single market for unlimited work and business prospects.

Powerful Global Passport  

The Greek passport unlocks visa-free entry to over 180 countries, offering exceptional worldwide mobility and freedom for travel and opportunities. 

Investor and Professional Perks  

Golden Visa provides a scenic second home with tax benefits for investors, while the EU Blue Card ensures skilled workers gain enhanced career mobility and resident advantages like healthcare and education.

Moving to Greece for Work

Greece offers work-related immigration options for non-EU citizens through national visas and residence permits, focusing on labor market needs. These include the Employed Worker Visa for general employment, the EU Blue Card for highly skilled professionals, and the Seasonal Worker Visa for temporary roles in sectors like agriculture and tourism. All require a valid job offer, health insurance, and no threat to public security.

Employed Worker Visa

This pathway is for third-country nationals with a job offer in Greece, subject to annual quotas set by region and sector.

• Requirements: Valid employment contract with a minimum salary (around €780/month for unskilled work); Employer must secure approval from the Decentralized Administration; Passport, criminal record certificate, medical certificate; Proof of accommodation and sufficient funds.
• Costs: Visa fee ~€80; Residence permit €300 initial.
• Duration: Visa up to 1 year; Residence permit 2 years initial, renewable for 3 years.
• Procedure: Employer applies for quota approval; Applicant submits visa at Greek consulate; Apply for permit upon arrival. Work rights are tied to the employer initially, with changes possible after 1 year.

EU Blue Card

Designed for highly qualified non-EU workers, offering enhanced mobility within the EU.

• Requirements: Employment contract of at least 1 year with salary ≥1.6 times the average gross annual salary (~€31,918 in 2024, subject to 2025 updates); University degree or 5+ years professional experience; Health insurance.
• Costs: €150 for initial issuance and renewal.
• Duration: 2 years (or contract duration +3 months); Renewable for 3 years.
• Procedure: Online application via Ministry portal; Processing up to 90 days. Allows equal treatment in work conditions and easier job changes after 2 years.

Seasonal Worker Visa

This visa targets short-term employment in agriculture, tourism, or fisheries, with a maximum stay of 6-9 months per year under Law 5038/2023.

• Requirements: Employment contract for seasonal work signed by a Greek employer; Proof of accommodation, health insurance, and return travel; Employer must confirm vacancy in approved sectors; No family inclusion.
• Costs: Administrative fees unspecified, but similar to other permits (~€150-300); Employer handles invitation costs.
• Duration: Up to 9 months for agriculture/tourism, non-renewable in the same year.
• Procedure: Employer submits invitation online via Ministry portal; Applicant applies for national Type D visa at consulate; Residence permit (e.g., E-6 for agriculture) issued upon arrival at local authorities.

Moving to Greece as a Digital Nomad

Greece’s Digital Nomad Visa, introduced in 2021 and updated for 2025, allows remote workers employed by non-Greek companies to live in the country while working digitally. It starts with a national Type D visa and can transition to a 2-year residence permit.

• Requirements: Proof of remote employment or freelancing with a foreign employer/client (no Greek payroll); Minimum monthly income of €3,500 after taxes (€42,000 annually); Health insurance covering Greece; Clean criminal record; Proof of accommodation; Family members (spouse/children) require additional income (+20% for spouse, +15% per child).
• Costs: Visa fee ~€75-90; Residence permit €300; Administrative and translation fees ~€200-500.
• Duration: Initial visa 1 year; Residence permit 2 years, renewable if conditions met.
• Procedure: Apply at Greek consulate with documents; Upon approval, enter Greece and apply for permit online or at local authorities. No local taxes on foreign income for the first 7 years under certain conditions.

Investing in Greece (Golden Visa)

The Golden Visa program provides residence through investment, popular for its flexibility and no minimum stay requirement. Updated in 2024-2025 with higher thresholds in high-demand areas.

• Requirements: Minimum investment in real estate (€250,000 in remote/low-density areas or for conversions/restorations, €400,000 in rural regions with 120 sqm minimum, €800,000 in urban centers like Athens); Alternative investments like €400,000 in bonds or €800,000 in businesses; Valid passport, health insurance; Family inclusion (spouse, children under 21, parents).
• Costs: Application €2,000 per adult, €150 per child; Property transfer tax 3-24%; Legal/notary fees 1-2%; Permit printing €16.
• Duration: 5 years, renewable indefinitely if investment maintained.
• Procedure: Apply at consulate or in Greece (if visa-exempt); Submit biometrics and documents; Processing 6-9 months via digital portal. Properties cannot be used for short-term rentals.

Retirement Visa

Greece’s Financially Independent Persons (FIP) Visa, often called the Retirement Visa, is for non-EU retirees or those with passive income who do not plan to work locally. Updated income thresholds apply in 2025.

• Requirements: Stable monthly income of at least €2,000-€3,500 (sources vary, with €24,000-€42,000 annually for singles; +20% for spouse, +15% per child); Proof of funds (pensions, rentals, investments from outside Greece); Health insurance; No criminal record; Proof of accommodation.
• Costs: Visa ~€80; Residence permit €300; Additional fees for translations and biometrics ~€200.
• Duration: 2 years initial, renewable for 3 years.
• Procedure: Apply for Type D visa at consulate with financial proofs; Enter Greece and apply for permit at Decentralized Administration. Minimum 183-day stay per year for renewal.

Moving to Greece to Study

Non-EU students can pursue higher education in Greece with a national student visa, allowing part-time work and potential post-study transitions.

• Requirements: Acceptance letter from a Greek university or recognized institution; Proof of financial means (~€400-600/month for duration + return ticket); Health insurance; Clean criminal record; Accommodation proof.
• Costs: Visa fee ~€90; Residence permit €150; Administrative costs ~€100-200.
• Duration: Visa up to 1 year; Residence permit matches study program +6 months for job search.
• Procedure: Apply for Type D visa at consulate with enrollment documents; Upon arrival, apply for permit at local authorities. Part-time work up to 20 hours/week allowed.

Immigration to Greece Requirements

All non-EU applicants for long-term visas (Type D) or residence permits must meet baseline criteria under the Greek Migration Code (Law 5038/2023). These include:

• A valid passport or recognized travel document, with at least three months’ validity beyond the intended stay and two blank pages.
• No criminal record that poses a threat to public order or security; a clean criminal background certificate from the last five years (apostilled and translated if needed).
• Health certificate confirming no public health risks; private health insurance covering the full stay in Greece (minimum €30,000 coverage for emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation).
• Proof of sufficient financial means to avoid becoming a public burden (varies by visa type but generally €400-€3,500/month depending on category).
• Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) submitted during application; no prior bans from Schengen Area.
• Application fee (typically €75-€300), plus administrative costs for translations/apostilles.
• Proof of accommodation in Greece (rental agreement or property ownership). EU citizens need only an ID/passport for stays up to three months; longer requires registration with local authorities.

Your First Step to a Successful Immigration Journey With SugimotoVisa

At Sugimoto Visa, we offer more than 8 years of specialized experience in immigration assistance, with locations in Vancouver, Toronto, and Tehran. Our reliable advisors help professionals, families, and business owners from around the globe manage their immigration journeys with ease.

If your goal is to pursue education, employment, or entrepreneurship in Greece, we deliver tailored advice to help you achieve your objectives.

Begin your adventure now by completing our complimentary evaluation form, the initial move toward a secure and triumphant immigration path.

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