Immigrant InvestImmigrant Invest

Updated on July 16, 2026

Greece Residence

Relocate to Greece without investment by proving financial independence through passive income or savings

€3,500+

Monthly passive income

4+ months

Obtaining period

3 years

RP validity

Greece residence for financially independent persons allows non-EU nationals to relocate to Greece without making an investment. 

Applicants must prove sufficient financial resources from abroad, with a minimum passive income of €3,500 per month or savings of €126,000 covering 3 years of earnings. Residents cannot work or run a business in Greece.

The spouse and dependent children can also get residence permits. The required income or savings increase depending on the family composition.

Financially independent persons get Greece residence permits for 3 years, subject to renewal. Residence permit holders must live in Greece for at least 183 days per year to maintain their status.

5 benefits you can secure with Greece residence

  • 1

    Fast relocation to Greece without investment

    Financially independent persons are offered a simple 4-month route to Greek residence. Applicants only need to prove sufficient income or savings — no property purchase or investment is required.

  • 2

    Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area

    Greek residents travel throughout the Schengen Area without obtaining additional visas. They may spend up to 90 days within any 180-day period in other Schengen countries while residing in Greece.

  • 3

    Potential tax optimisation

    Since financially independent persons are required to spend more than 183 days per year in Greece, they become Greek tax residents.

    New Greek tax residents may qualify for a preferential tax regime. For example, eligible retirees can reduce the tax rate on foreign-source income to 7%.

  • 4

    Access to European healthcare and education

    Residents of Greece benefit from access to public healthcare services, private clinics and specialised medical facilities. Families can choose between state and private schools, while Greek universities offer internationally recognised degrees.

  • 5

    High quality of life

    Greece combines a Mediterranean climate, relatively affordable living costs, excellent cuisine and a rich cultural heritage. Residents enjoy over 250 sunny days per year and access to thousands of islands and beaches.

Your complete guide to Greece residence for FIPs

Your complete guide to Greece residence for FIPs

  • Step-by-step procedure
  • Requirements for applicants
  • Required documents
  • Answers to frequently asked questions
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Residence for the whole family

The spouse and children can get the Greek residence with the main applicant

  • Main applicant

    • Over 18

    • Non-EU and non-EEA citizen

    • No criminal record 

    • With legal passive income of €3,500+ per month from sources outside Greece or savings of €126,000+

    • Bought or rented housing in Greece

    • With health insurance

  • Spouse or partner

    - In a legally registered marriage or with civil partnership agreement

  • Children

    • Under 18 
    • Financially dependent on the main applicant

Financial requirements and applicant’s expenses

To qualify for Greece residence as a financially independent person, non-EU nationals must demonstrate sufficient funds from outside Greece to support themselves and their family. Financial eligibility can be confirmed either through stable passive income or savings.

Passive income — €3,500+

Applicants must demonstrate stable passive income from foreign sources, for example, pensions, dividends, rental yields, investment returns. The required amount increases with family composition. 

Besides, the applicant rents or purchases residential property in Greece and pays the associated fees.

Passive income

€3,500+ per month, or €42,000 per year
+20% for the spouse
+15% per child

Residential property in Greece

No minimum rent or property value requirement

Average prices:

  • €385+ per month to rent a one-bedroom flat[1];

  • €2,115+ per m² to buy residential property[1]

Consular fee for the D visa

€180 per applicant

Residence application fee

€1,000 for the main applicant
+€150 per family member

Issue of the electronic residence card

€16 per applicant

Private health insurance

€700 per year per applicant

Medical certificate

€50 per applicant

Administrative fee

€150 per applicant

Document processing

€1,000+

Savings — €126,000+

Applicants may use savings instead of passive income. The amount corresponds to 3 years of the minimum income requirement and increases with each additional family member. 

Besides meeting the savings requirement, applicants also cover standard relocation and application-related expenses.

Savings

€126,000+
+20% for the spouse
+15% per child

Residential property in Greece

No minimum rent or property value requirement

Average prices:

  • €385+ per month to rent a one-bedroom flat[1];

  • €2,115+ per m² to buy residential property[1]

Consular fee for the D visa

€180 per applicant

Residence application fee

€1,000 for the main applicant + €150 per family member

Issue of the electronic residence card

€16 per applicant

Private health insurance

€700+ per year per applicant

Medical certificate

€50+ per applicant

Administrative fee

€150 per applicant

Document processing

€1,000+

Find out what Greece residence will cost you

Find out what Greece residence will cost you

Get an individual calculation for your family with all associated costs and government fees

license iconTrusted by 10,000+ investors

Could Greece residence help you reach your goals?

Compare the key terms and benefits of Greece residence for FIPs with other similar EU options in Portugal and Spain.

Comparison of EU residence for financially independent persons

Terms and features

Annual income

gr-flag Greece

€42,000+

pt-flag Portugal

€11,040+

es-flag Spain

€28,800+

Terms and features

Savings instead of income

gr-flag Greece

Yes

pt-flag Portugal

No

es-flag Spain

No

Terms and features

Residence permit validity

gr-flag Greece

3 years, renewable

pt-flag Portugal

2 years, renewable

es-flag Spain

1 year, renewable

Terms and features

Obtaining period

gr-flag Greece

4+ months

pt-flag Portugal

6+ months

es-flag Spain

4+ months

Terms and features

Minimum stay requirement

gr-flag Greece

183+ days a year

pt-flag Portugal

8+ months a year

es-flag Spain

183+ days a year

Terms and features

Right to work

gr-flag Greece

No

pt-flag Portugal

Yes

es-flag Spain

No

Terms and features

Family eligibility

gr-flag Greece

Spouse and children under 18

pt-flag Portugal

Spouse or partner, children under 21, parents

es-flag Spain

Spouse or partner, children, parents

Terms and features

gr-flag Greece

pt-flag Portugal

es-flag Spain

Annual income

€42,000+

€11,040+

€28,800+

Savings instead of income

Yes

No

No

Residence permit validity

3 years, renewable

2 years, renewable

1 year, renewable

Obtaining period

4+ months

6+ months

4+ months

Minimum stay requirement

183+ days a year

8+ months a year

183+ days a year

Right to work

No

Yes

No

Family eligibility

Spouse and children under 18

Spouse or partner, children under 21, parents

Spouse or partner, children, parents

Step-by-step procedure for obtaining Greece residence

The process of obtaining Greece residence for financially independent persons typically takes 4+ months, based on Immigrant Invest’s legal practice. Below is a step-by-step guide to how the process usually unfolds.

1

1 day

Preliminary Due Diligence

Before signing the service agreement, Immigrant Invest conducts a confidential Preliminary Due Diligence.

Our compliance team checks the applicant against international legal and business databases to identify potential risks before the application begins. This allows lawyers to resolve possible issues in advance and reduces the risk of refusal.

Pass a quick test and learn the nuances that can prevent you from obtaining residence.

Evaluate chances
2

2+ weeks

Preparation of documents and obtaining a Greek tax number

Immigrant Invest lawyers prepare the government application forms and provide a personalised list of supporting documents based on the applicant's circumstances.

During this stage, the legal team also assists with obtaining a Greek Tax Identification Number, which is required to rent or purchase residential property and complete the residence permit procedure.

3

1.5 weeks

Applying for a national D Visa

The applicant submits the completed document package to the Greek consulate in their country of citizenship or lawful residence.

The application typically includes:

  • proof of passive income or sufficient savings;
  • private health insurance;
  • police clearance certificate;
  • proof of accommodation in Greece or arrangements to obtain it;
  • supporting financial documents.

Once approved, the applicant receives a national D Visa, valid for up to 12 months, allowing entry into Greece to complete the residence permit procedure.

4

2+ weeks

Renting or purchasing accommodation in Greece

Applicants must have residential accommodation in Greece before applying for the residence permit.

Unlike the Greece Golden Visa, this residence type does not require purchasing property. Both renting and buying residential real estate are acceptable, and no minimum property value applies.

Immigrant Invest assists clients with:

  • selecting suitable accommodation;
  • reviewing lease or purchase agreements;
  • conducting legal Due Diligence on the property;
  • coordinating the transaction remotely whenever possible.
5

1 day

Applying for the residence permit and submitting biometrics

After securing accommodation in Greece, the applicant submits the residence permit application to the competent Migration Authority before the D Visa expires. The same visit includes the collection of biometric data: fingerprints, a digital photograph and a signature.

Immigrant Invest lawyers coordinate the submission and accompany the applicant throughout.

6

About 3 months

Receiving the residence permit

Once the application and biometrics are submitted, the authorities begin processing the residence permit.

After the application is approved, the applicant receives a residence card valid for 3 years. The permit can be renewed for additional 3-year periods, provided the applicant continues to meet the set requirements, including maintaining sufficient passive income and residing in Greece for at least 183 days per year.

Your peace of mind starts with our credibility

For 20 years, Immigrant Invest has been helping clients obtain residence and citizenship, including residence permits in Greece. We support clients at every stage of the application process, from assessing eligibility to receiving the status.

We are well-versed in the requirements of Greece residence for FIPs and strictly follow the Greek Immigration Code, including Law No. 5038/2023.

As a member of the Investment Migration Council, we adhere to the highest standards of legal expertise, transparency, and client service.

Trust your future to a reliable agent

Experienced

Being in the industry since 2006, we can handle it all — from Due Diligence to investment — and resolve issues fast.

Diligent

Our in-house compliance team runs thorough checks upfront to ensure eligibility and protect you from rejection risks.

Dedicated

From the first consultation to obtaining residence, we will support you at every step and answer all, even the trickiest, questions.

Confidential

We protect your trust with strict confidentiality, securing your data and investment details under an NDA agreement.

Elena Ruda

Elena Ruda,

Co-Founder & Managing Partner

With almost 20 years of experience and direct partnerships, we ensure a smooth, secure, and transparent journey to EU residence.

Our team of legal and real estate experts will assist you at every step, from the first free consultation to selecting a property and securing your residence.

Your expert team

Our Greece-based legal and migration experts know the law inside out and ensure a smooth residence process.

Vladlena Baranova

Vladlena Baranova

Head of Legal & AML Compliance Department, CAMS, IMCM

Anna Semenyuk

Anna Semenyuk

Acting Client Manager Director

Robert Outerbridge

Robert Outerbridge

Investment Migration Expert

Priscila Carvalho

Priscila Carvalho

Investment Migration Expert

Get more than just residence

Moving to Greece involves more than obtaining a residence card. Our team continues supporting clients after approval with practical and legal matters related to relocation and life in Greece.

The scope is flexible and can be tailored to additional requests.

  • 1

    Residence permit renewal

    You will have your residence card renewed on time, without the need to manage the process on your own.

  • 2

    Residence permit replacement

    You will get a new residence card quickly and always have a valid document in hand.

  • 3

    Addition of family members

    Your loved ones will obtain residence cards promptly, enabling the whole family to live together.

  • 4

    Help with purchasing real estate

    We can provide you with full-scope assistance: from selecting the right property to concluding an agreement and registering ownership rights.

  • 5

    Opening a bank account

    You will get a fully activated bank account without dealing with documents preparation and local bureaucracy.

Our clients’ reviews

Clients’ names and photos have been changed to comply with a non-disclosure agreement.

Schedule a meeting

Let's discuss the details

Schedule a meeting at one of the offices or online. A lawyer will analyze the situation, calculate the cost and help you find a solution based on your goals.

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Latest news and terms updates

  • July 6, 2026

    Greece has launched the MIDA digital platform for registering real estate transactions. • Source

  • July 5, 2026

    Foreign investment in Greek real estate rose by 43.4% in the first quarter of 2026. Properties were most often purchased by citizens of the US, China, and Middle Eastern countries. • Source

  • June 12, 2026

    Property prices in Greece have risen by 85% since 2017, according to the International Monetary Fund. Over the same period, citizens' incomes increased by 47%. • Source

  • June 1, 2026

    In Greece, the number of residence permits issued by investment increased by 27.6% year-on-year due to the processing of accumulated applications. • Source

  • February 4, 2026

    According to a report by the Greek Finance Forum, Greece's residency by investment has delivered record results. The total number of investors has approached 40,000, excluding their family members. Investment in Greek real estate has exceeded €10 billion. • Source

  • January 26, 2026

    Greece has nearly doubled the number of approved residency by investment applications. From January to November 2025, 7,875 applications were approved. This is 95% more than in the previous year. • Source

  • November 30, 2025

    Greece has accelerated the processing of Golden Visa applications. By November 2025, 42,390 applications were pending. From October to November 2025, the number of unprocessed applications decreased by more than 4%. Source: Greece's Ministry of Migration and Asylum. • Source

Frequently asked questions

  • What is Greece residence for financially independent persons?

    Greece residence for financially independent persons is a residence permit that allows non-EU nationals to live in Greece if they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their family members.

    To qualify, applicants must show stable income from abroad or savings. The permit does not require investment in property, business, or other assets.

    FIP residence permit holders cannot work or run a business in Greece. The permit is intended for individuals who can cover their living expenses through their own funds or passive income earned abroad.

  • How much income or savings are required for Greece FIP residence?

    The minimum passive income requirement is €3,500 per month for a single applicant, or €42,000 per year.

    Applicants who do not receive regular passive income may qualify by demonstrating sufficient savings. The minimum savings requirement is €126,000 for a single applicant, which equals 3 years of the required income.

    The required amount increases with family composition: +20% for a spouse and +15% for each dependent child.

  • Can I apply for Greece FIP residence with savings instead of income?

    Yes. Applicants who do not receive regular passive income may demonstrate sufficient savings as an alternative.

    The minimum savings requirement is €126,000 for a single applicant. The amount increases for families: €151,200 for a married couple and €189,000 for a family of four.

    Savings must be confirmed through bank statements and documents proving the lawful origin of funds.

  • Can I work in Greece with residence for financially independent persons?

    No. Holders of Greece FIP residence cannot work or run a business in Greece.

    The residence permit is intended for financially independent individuals who support themselves through foreign passive income or savings. Income from pensions, dividends, rental yields, investments may be accepted.

  • Do I need to buy property to get Greece FIP residence?

    No. Buying real estate is not a requirement for Greece residence for financially independent persons.

    However, applicants must provide proof of accommodation in Greece. They can either rent or purchase residential property, with no minimum property value or rent amount required.

  • Can I rent property in Greece for the FIP residence application?

    Yes. Rental accommodation is accepted for the Greece FIP residence application.

    Applicants can choose any suitable residential property in Greece. There is no minimum rental price requirement, but the applicant must provide documents confirming their place of residence.

  • How long does it take to obtain Greece residence for financially independent persons?

    Greece residence for FIPs can usually be obtained in around 4 months.

    The process includes preparing documents, obtaining a national D visa, submitting the residence permit application and providing biometric data in Greece.

  • How long is Greece FIP residence valid?

    The initial Greece FIP residence permit is valid for 3 years.

    It can be renewed if the holder continues to meet the requirements, including maintaining sufficient financial resources, valid health insurance and accommodation in Greece.

  • Do I need to live in Greece to maintain FIP residence?

    Yes. Holders of Greece residence for financially independent persons must genuinely reside in Greece.

    To maintain residence status, applicants should spend at least 183 days per year in the country. Spending less time may affect their tax residency status and long-term residence plans.

  • Can my family members get FIP residence permits with me?

    Yes. The Greece residence for financially independent persons allows the main applicant’s family members to obtain residence permits.

    Eligible family members include a spouse and dependent children. The required financial resources increase depending on family composition.

  • Can US citizens apply for Greece residence for financially independent persons?

    Yes. US citizens and other non-EU nationals can apply for Greece residence for financially independent persons if they meet the requirements.

    Applicants must prove sufficient financial resources, provide the required documents and have no issues that could prevent approval.

  • Can UK citizens apply for Greece FIP residence after Brexit?

    Yes. Since the UK is no longer an EU member state, British nationals are eligible to apply for Greece residence for financially independent persons under the same conditions as other non-EU nationals.

  • What documents are required for the Greece FIP application?

    To apply for Greece residence for financially independent persons, applicants generally provide:

    • completed application forms;
    • valid passport;
    • passport photographs;
    • proof of passive income or savings;
    • bank statements;
    • documents confirming the lawful origin of funds;
    • private health insurance;
    • police clearance certificate;
    • proof of accommodation in Greece;
    • proof of payment of government fees.

    Greek authorities may request additional documents depending on the applicant’s personal and financial circumstances.

  • Does Greece FIP residence make me a tax resident in Greece?

    Yes, because the 183-day minimum stay requirement means you will spend the majority of the year in Greece.

    New Greek tax residents can access the Non-Dom flat-tax regime for retirees, which reduces income tax on foreign-sourced income to a flat 7%.

  • Can I travel in Europe with a Greece FIP residence permit?

    Yes. A valid Greek residence permit allows holders to travel within the Schengen Area without applying for additional visas. The permitted stay in other Schengen countries is generally limited to 90 days within any 180-day period.

  • Is Greece FIP residence better than the Greece Golden Visa?

    Greece FIP residence and the Golden Visa are designed for different applicants.

    The Golden Visa is suitable for investors who want residence without relocation and through buying real estate.

    Greece residence for financially independent persons is for those who prefer to relocate without purchasing property or making an investment.

    The choice depends on the applicant’s goals, financial profile and plans for living in Greece.

  • Can I buy property after obtaining Greece residence?

    Yes. Residents can purchase property in Greece after obtaining their residence permit.

    Buying property is optional and does not affect the validity of the residence permit as long as all other requirements continue to be met.

  • Do I need to visit Greece during the application process?

    Yes. Applicants need to visit Greece to complete certain steps, including providing biometric data for the residence permit card.

    Most preparation and document submission procedures can be handled with professional assistance through a power of attorney.

  • Can I include my parents in the Greece residence application?

    No. Greece residence for financially independent persons covers only the spouse and minor dependent children of the main applicant.

  • What are the government fees for Greece residence for FIPs?

    The Greece residence application involves government fees, residence card issuance fees and other administrative expenses.

    The main applicant pays a residence permit application fee of €1,000. Additional family members pay €150 each, and all applicants pay €16 for the electronic residence card.

Other EU residence for financially independent

Country and statusInvestmentsTime requiredBenefits

€11,040+, yearly income|6+ months

€11,040+, yearly income6+ months

6+ months

  • Moving to Portugal at the lowest cost
  • Visa-free travel across the Schengen Area
  • Living in a country with a high level of safety, healthcare, and education
€28,880+, yearly income|4+ months

€28,880+, yearly income4+ months

4+ months

  • Moving to Spain at the lowest cost

  • Visa-free travel across the Schengen Area

  • Prospect of permanent residency in 5 years

€100,000+ |3+ months

€100,000+ 3+ months

3+ months

  • Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries

  • Living in a country with a high level of safety, healthcare, and education

  • Permanent residence in Austria after 5 years of holding a residence permit

₣450,000+, yearly tax|3+ months

₣450,000+, yearly tax3+ months

3+ months

  • Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries

  • Living in a country with a high level of safety, healthcare, and education

  • Prospect of citizenship in 10 years

Schedule a meeting

Let's discuss the details

We will develop an individual solution, select a country and status that will solve your problems, and accompany the entire process.

Zlata Erlach
Zlata Erlach

Head of the Austrian office

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Sources

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