GREEK RESIDENCE PERMIT
A residence permit in Greece (άδεια διαμονής) – is one of the main services offered by Vash Center.
A residence permit is a document that allows you to legally reside in another country and to freely enter and exit during its period of validity.
There are different categories of residence permits, each granting its holder a specific set of rights and obligations. Each category requires a separate package of documents.
A residence permit is a document that allows you to legally reside in another country and to freely enter and exit during its period of validity.
There are different categories of residence permits, each granting its holder a specific set of rights and obligations. Each category requires a separate package of documents.
GREEK RESIDENCE PERMIT
Available Residence Permit Categories
We assist in preparing the required documents for the initial application and renewal of residence permits in the following category:
WHO IS IT FOR / ELIGIBILITY:
For foreign nationals without Greek ancestry who have completed secondary education.
By moving to Greece as a student, you commit to obtaining an education first and foremost.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
DURATION OF RESIDENCE PERMIT:
The residence permit is issued for one year and must be renewed annually.
To renew, you must present a certificate from the university confirming your enrollment in the next academic year or registration for upcoming exams.
IMPORTANT NOTES:This residence permit category allows you to legally work part-time (up to 20 hours per week).
For foreign nationals without Greek ancestry who have completed secondary education.
By moving to Greece as a student, you commit to obtaining an education first and foremost.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
- The first step is to apply to a university. The application campaign takes place in July, and you can begin preparing your documents in your home country as early as April–May.
- After arriving in Greece, you begin language courses and prepare the necessary documents for your residence permit application (which must be submitted within the first 90 days of your stay).
- Birth certificate with apostille
- Certificate of attendance from Greek language courses
- Proof of university admission
- Health insurance
- Document confirming your place of residence
- Statement from your Greek bank account and a written declaration that you will deposit money monthly
DURATION OF RESIDENCE PERMIT:
The residence permit is issued for one year and must be renewed annually.
To renew, you must present a certificate from the university confirming your enrollment in the next academic year or registration for upcoming exams.
IMPORTANT NOTES:This residence permit category allows you to legally work part-time (up to 20 hours per week).
- You are entitled to student discounts in Greece and EU countries.
- The maximum validity for this type of permit is 7 years (duration of studies plus 2 additional years to complete remaining exams).
- According to current laws, after graduation you will need to change your residence permit category in order to remain in the country legally.
WHO IS IT FOR / ELIGIBILITY
A residence permit is granted to the legal spouses of Greek citizens.
APPLICATION PROCEDUREBefore applying for a residence permit, the marriage must be officially registered.
You do not need a national visa to get married in Greece; a tourist visa or a biometric passport is sufficient for entry.
Marriage is registered at the Dimarcheio (local municipal office) in the district of one of the spouses, in the presence of two witnesses.
You will need the following documents:
DURATION OF RESIDENCE PERMITThe initial residence permit is issued for 5 years.
When renewing:
A residence permit is granted to the legal spouses of Greek citizens.
APPLICATION PROCEDUREBefore applying for a residence permit, the marriage must be officially registered.
You do not need a national visa to get married in Greece; a tourist visa or a biometric passport is sufficient for entry.
Marriage is registered at the Dimarcheio (local municipal office) in the district of one of the spouses, in the presence of two witnesses.
You will need the following documents:
- Birth certificate with apostille
- If previously married or if your surname has changed, relevant certificates with apostille
- Certificate of no impediment to marriage, confirming you are not currently married. This can be obtained at your country’s consulate in Greece (except for citizens of Moldova, who must obtain it in their home country)
- REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR INITIAL APPLICATIONBirth certificate with apostille
- Marriage certificate
- Certificate of family status from the Dimarcheio
- Health insurance
- Document confirming place of residence
- Copy of the Greek spouse’s ID (taftotita)
- A declaration by the Greek spouse confirming that the marriage is valid and that you live together
DURATION OF RESIDENCE PERMITThe initial residence permit is issued for 5 years.
When renewing:
- If you have spent more than 6 months outside Greece, the permit is renewed for another 5 years
- If you have remained in Greece, the permit is renewed for 10 years
- IMPORTANT NOTESWith this residence permit, you have the right to work full-time in Greece.
- You may apply for Greek citizenship if you have lived in a legal marriage for more than 3 years and have a child together, or after 7 years of married life.
- Children and parents of the Greek spouse may apply for a residence permit during the marriage. For parents and adult children, proof of financial dependence is required.
- In the case of divorce, you may apply for an independent residence permit if:
- You were married for more than 3 years
- You have official employment, health insurance, a rental or owned property, and at least €4,800 in a Greek bank account
WHO IS IT FOR / ELIGIBILITY
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR INITIAL APPLICATION
DURATION OF RESIDENCE PERMIT
IMPORTANT NOTES
This residence permit category does not grant the right to work or engage in entrepreneurial activity in Greece. Under current legislation, this category does not lead to Greek citizenship eligibility.
- If you are applying for a residence permit under this category, you must demonstrate a monthly income of at least €3,500 or have a bank account balance of at least €126,000.
- This amount increases by 20% if your spouse is included in the application.
- It increases by 15% for each dependent child.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
- First, you must obtain a national type D visa in your home country.
- Once in Greece, you submit your residence permit application to the Migration Office of your place of residence.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR INITIAL APPLICATION
- Proof of monthly income or a bank statement showing the required amount
- Private health insurance covering full medical care and hospitalization for the entire duration of your stay in Greece
- Rental agreement for an apartment or a written declaration from the property owner confirming that you will reside at their address (you must also provide proof of property ownership)
- The administrative fee for issuing the residence permit is €1,000, plus €16 for the biometric card.
DURATION OF RESIDENCE PERMIT
- The initial residence permit as a financially independent individual is valid for 3 years.
- To renew, you must again demonstrate that you meet the financial requirements.
- The renewed permit is also issued for a period of 3 years.
IMPORTANT NOTES
This residence permit category does not grant the right to work or engage in entrepreneurial activity in Greece. Under current legislation, this category does not lead to Greek citizenship eligibility.
WHO IS IT FOR / ELIGIBILITY
The main requirement for obtaining a residence permit as a property owner is the purchase of real estate worth at least €250,000.
You may purchase only one property whose value meets or exceeds this threshold (depending on the property type and location). Compared to other EU countries, this is one of the lowest investment thresholds for a residence permit.
If you intend to buy property jointly with someone else, please note:
Unlike students or financially independent individuals, you do not need a national Type D visa to apply. You may enter Greece with a tourist visa or biometric passport, complete the property purchase, and then apply for a residence permit.
The key step is purchasing the property. Main steps include:
Property documents and proof of ownership
DURATION OF RESIDENCE PERMIT
Both the initial permit and renewals are valid for 5 years.
IMPORTANT NOTES
The main requirement for obtaining a residence permit as a property owner is the purchase of real estate worth at least €250,000.
You may purchase only one property whose value meets or exceeds this threshold (depending on the property type and location). Compared to other EU countries, this is one of the lowest investment thresholds for a residence permit.
If you intend to buy property jointly with someone else, please note:
- If the property costs €250,000, both owners will receive residence permits only if they are legally married and own the property as undivided joint owners.
- In all other cases of shared ownership, each co-owner must invest €250,000 to qualify for a residence permit.
Unlike students or financially independent individuals, you do not need a national Type D visa to apply. You may enter Greece with a tourist visa or biometric passport, complete the property purchase, and then apply for a residence permit.
The key step is purchasing the property. Main steps include:
- Obtain a Greek tax number (AFM)
- Sign a notarized property sale contract, specifying all details (including full payment amount and method)
- Receive a notary certificate stating the sale contract meets Greek legal requirements for residence permits
- Register the property at the Land Registry (Κτηματολόγιο), where you are recorded as the legal owner with full rights
- Submit your residence permit application – you may apply at any migration office in Greece, including those on the islands
Property documents and proof of ownership
- Private health insurance covering full medical care and hospitalization for your stay in Greece
- Administrative fee:
- €2,000 for the property owner
- €150 for each family member
- Plus €16 biometric card fee per applicant
DURATION OF RESIDENCE PERMIT
Both the initial permit and renewals are valid for 5 years.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- This residence permit does not grant the right to work or conduct business in Greece
- You may apply for Greek citizenship after 12 years of holding this type of permit
- All family members (spouse, children, parents) may obtain a residence permit based on your documents – no national visa is required for their entry
- The investment amount stays the same regardless of how many family members apply (unlike the financially independent category, which increases based on family size)
- You do not need to reside in Greece year-round – the 183-day rule does not apply to investors
WHO IS IT FOR / ELIGIBILITY
This category applies to spouses and children of individuals who legally reside in Greece with a residence permit based on dependent employment (εξαρτημένη εργασία) and are non-EU citizens.
To invite your spouse and/or child to Greece, you must meet the following conditions:
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
You must gather the required documents and submit them to the migration office in Greece. The migration office then forwards your application to the appropriate Greek Consulate in your home country.
The consulate will review the documents and conduct an interview.
Important: During the interview, the consul will verify the information provided in your application form.
If the application and interview are successful, your spouse or child receives a 90-day national visa. With this visa, they may enter Greece and submit their residence permit application locally.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR INITIAL APPLICATION
First permit for a spouse: 1 year
This category applies to spouses and children of individuals who legally reside in Greece with a residence permit based on dependent employment (εξαρτημένη εργασία) and are non-EU citizens.
To invite your spouse and/or child to Greece, you must meet the following conditions:
- Annual income over €11,708 (plus 15% per child)
- Rented or owned accommodation, preferably at least 56 sq.m.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
You must gather the required documents and submit them to the migration office in Greece. The migration office then forwards your application to the appropriate Greek Consulate in your home country.
The consulate will review the documents and conduct an interview.
Important: During the interview, the consul will verify the information provided in your application form.
If the application and interview are successful, your spouse or child receives a 90-day national visa. With this visa, they may enter Greece and submit their residence permit application locally.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR INITIAL APPLICATION
- Birth certificate with an apostille
- Marriage certificate with an apostille
- Family status certificate (with apostille) from your home country or from your country’s consulate in Greece
- Private health insurance
- Proof of residence (rental contract or property deed)
- Copy of the passport and residence permit of the sponsor (spouse or parent)
- Sworn statement from the spouse confirming the marriage is valid, and indicating the family members’ names and place of residence
- For a spouse: €166 (€150 permit fee + €16 biometric card)
- For a child: €16 (biometric card only)
First permit for a spouse: 1 year
- Second permit: 2 years
- Third permit: 3 years
WHO IS IT FOR / ELIGIBILITY
If you are working or planning to work in Greece under an official employment contract, and your employer is registered in the Greek social insurance system, you may apply for a residence permit based on dependent employment.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
First, you must obtain a Type D national work visa from the Greek consulate in your home country. This requires having a valid employment contract.
After arriving in Greece, the application for the residence permit is submitted electronically through the designated platform.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR INITIAL APPLICATION
RESIDENCE PERMIT DURATION
You must maintain an active employment relationship with your employer after receiving the residence permit
If you are working or planning to work in Greece under an official employment contract, and your employer is registered in the Greek social insurance system, you may apply for a residence permit based on dependent employment.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
First, you must obtain a Type D national work visa from the Greek consulate in your home country. This requires having a valid employment contract.
After arriving in Greece, the application for the residence permit is submitted electronically through the designated platform.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR INITIAL APPLICATION
- Employment contract with a Greek employer (signed and stamped)
- Valid passport with a Type D national work visa
- Private or public health insurance valid in Greece
- Proof of address in Greece (rental agreement or equivalent certificate)
- 4 color passport-size photos
- Additional medical certificates, if requested by the migration office
- €300 for the residence permit
- €16 for the biometric card
RESIDENCE PERMIT DURATION
- First permit is issued for 2 years
- First renewal is usually for 3 years
You must maintain an active employment relationship with your employer after receiving the residence permit
- Changing employers requires notifying the migration authorities
- A residence permit based on employment may lead to long-term residency or even Greek citizenship in the future
- You must regularly receive salary payments and ensure all related taxes and social contributions are properly paid
WHO IS IT FOR / ELIGIBILITY
This residence status is available to spouses, children, parents, or other close relatives of EU citizens who live or plan to live in Greece.
To qualify, the EU citizen relative must be legally residing in Greece and have a stable income.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
You must collect all necessary documents proving your family relationship with the EU citizen. The residence permit application is submitted electronically to the Greek immigration authorities.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR INITIAL APPLICATION
RESIDENCE PERMIT DURATION
The residence permit is typically issued for 5 years, with the possibility of renewal as long as the conditions of residence and family relationship are maintained.
IMPORTANT NOTES
This residence status is available to spouses, children, parents, or other close relatives of EU citizens who live or plan to live in Greece.
To qualify, the EU citizen relative must be legally residing in Greece and have a stable income.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
You must collect all necessary documents proving your family relationship with the EU citizen. The residence permit application is submitted electronically to the Greek immigration authorities.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR INITIAL APPLICATION
- Marriage or birth certificate (to prove the family relationship)
- Copy of the EU citizen’s passport
- Proof of the EU citizen’s legal residence in Greece
- Proof of the EU citizen’s financial means
- Private or public health insurance valid in Greece
- Proof of address in Greece (rental contract or certificate from the property owner)
- Passport-size photographs
- Application fee: €100 to €300, depending on the case
- €16 for the biometric residence card
RESIDENCE PERMIT DURATION
The residence permit is typically issued for 5 years, with the possibility of renewal as long as the conditions of residence and family relationship are maintained.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- This status allows you to work and live not only in Greece but also in other EU countries, as long as you comply with each country’s immigration laws
- You can renew your permit only if you continue to meet the family relationship and residency requirements
WHO IS IT FOR / ELIGIBILITY
This residence permit is available to:
You need to provide documentation proving:
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR INITIAL APPLICATION
The residence permit is issued for 5 years, with the option to renew if all eligibility conditions are maintained.
IMPORTANT NOTES
This residence permit is available to:
- Family members of Greek citizens
- Third-country nationals who already hold a residence permit for dependent employment
- Individuals with international protection status
- To be eligible, you must have legally resided in Greece for at least 5 consecutive years.
You need to provide documentation proving:
- Legal stay in Greece,
- Official employment
- Social integration.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR INITIAL APPLICATION
- Valid passport and current residence permit
- Proof of official employment (employment contract, employer's certificate)
- Proof of residence in Greece over the past 5 years (tax returns, bank statements)
- Private or public health insurance valid in Greece
- Proof of social and economic integration (e.g. participation in social programs, steady income)
- Passport-size photographs
- Rental agreement or certificate from the property owner
- €150 for application
- €16 for biometric residence card issuance
The residence permit is issued for 5 years, with the option to renew if all eligibility conditions are maintained.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- This type of permit allows you to live and work legally in Greece
- It may also grant you the right to work in other EU countries, subject to local immigration laws
- Renewal is possible only if you continue to maintain legal employment, residency, and social integration
WHO IS IT FOR / ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS
Residence permit status can be granted to the parents of a minor child who is a citizen of Greece.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
You need to gather all necessary documents proving your relationship to the child who is a Greek citizen. The application is submitted electronically through the migration authorities’ platform in Greece.
MAIN DOCUMENTS FOR INITIAL APPLICATION
RESIDENCE PERMIT VALIDITY
The residence permit is issued for 5 YEARS with the possibility of further renewal for 10 YEARS, provided that the conditions of residence and financial means are maintained.
IMPORTANT NOTES
Residence permit status can be granted to the parents of a minor child who is a citizen of Greece.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
You need to gather all necessary documents proving your relationship to the child who is a Greek citizen. The application is submitted electronically through the migration authorities’ platform in Greece.
MAIN DOCUMENTS FOR INITIAL APPLICATION
- Child’s birth certificate confirming Greek citizenship
- Family status certificate
- Parent’s passport
- Documents proving financial means (bank statements, income certificates)
- Proof of accommodation in Greece (rental contract or owner’s statement)
- Private or public health insurance valid in Greece
- Passport-sized photographs
- Receipt of payment of the STATE FEE
RESIDENCE PERMIT VALIDITY
The residence permit is issued for 5 YEARS with the possibility of further renewal for 10 YEARS, provided that the conditions of residence and financial means are maintained.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- The residence permit granted under this category allows parents to LIVE AND WORK LEGALLY in Greece.
- Before applying, parents must confirm their role in ensuring the WELL-BEING OF THE CHILD.
- The residence permit can only be renewed if the FAMILY TIES AND LIVING CONDITIONS are preserved.
FOR WHOM / ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS
This type of residence permit is granted to business owners who are registered and conduct lawful entrepreneurial activity within the territory of Greece.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
To obtain a residence permit, business owners must submit an application through the electronic platform of the Greek migration authorities. During the application process, it is necessary to provide evidence of the business's operation and compliance with all obligations.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR INITIAL APPLICATION
RESIDENCE PERMIT DURATION
The residence permit is issued for 3 years with the possibility of renewal, provided that business activity is ongoing and all tax and insurance obligations are met.
IMPORTANT NOTES
The residence permit is issued only on the condition that the business remains active throughout the permit’s validity period.
When renewing the residence permit, it is necessary to provide confirmation that the business continues to operate and all obligations are fulfilled.
This type of residence permit is granted to business owners who are registered and conduct lawful entrepreneurial activity within the territory of Greece.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
To obtain a residence permit, business owners must submit an application through the electronic platform of the Greek migration authorities. During the application process, it is necessary to provide evidence of the business's operation and compliance with all obligations.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR INITIAL APPLICATION
- Proof of business registration in Greece (e.g., certificate of business registration).
- Financial statements confirming business activity.
- Documents confirming compliance with tax and insurance obligations (statements, payment receipts).
- Passport of the business owner.
- Documents proving accommodation in Greece (rental contract, certificate from the property owner).
- Private or public health insurance valid in Greece.
- Passport-format photographs.
RESIDENCE PERMIT DURATION
The residence permit is issued for 3 years with the possibility of renewal, provided that business activity is ongoing and all tax and insurance obligations are met.
IMPORTANT NOTES
The residence permit is issued only on the condition that the business remains active throughout the permit’s validity period.
When renewing the residence permit, it is necessary to provide confirmation that the business continues to operate and all obligations are fulfilled.
- The permit can be extended only if all business and legal requirements are met.
FOR WHOM / ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS
A residence permit for humanitarian reasons is granted to individuals who cannot return to their home country due to threats to their life, freedom, or other serious safety-related concerns. This may include, but is not limited to:
The application for a residence permit on humanitarian grounds is submitted electronically to the Greek migration authorities. Supporting evidence of the threats faced in the applicant’s home country must be provided. It is highly recommended to consult a lawyer before submitting the application in order to gather all necessary documentation.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR INITIAL APPLICATION
RESIDENCE PERMIT DURATION
The humanitarian residence permit is usually issued for 1–2 years, with the possibility of renewal depending on the evolution of the applicant’s situation. Extension is possible if the threat to life and safety persists.
IMPORTANT NOTES
A residence permit for humanitarian reasons is granted to individuals who cannot return to their home country due to threats to their life, freedom, or other serious safety-related concerns. This may include, but is not limited to:
- Persecution based on political, religious, ethnic, or other grounds.
- Serious threats to life if returned to the home country.
- Victims of violence or abuse.
The application for a residence permit on humanitarian grounds is submitted electronically to the Greek migration authorities. Supporting evidence of the threats faced in the applicant’s home country must be provided. It is highly recommended to consult a lawyer before submitting the application in order to gather all necessary documentation.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR INITIAL APPLICATION
- Application for a residence permit on humanitarian grounds.
- Documents proving the threat to the applicant’s life or freedom in their home country (medical certificates, evidence of persecution, statements from human rights organizations).
- Passport or other identity documents.
- Documents showing the inability to return to the home country (visa rejections, deportation decisions, statements from international organizations).
- Private or public health insurance valid in Greece.
- Proof of residence in Greece (rental contract, certificate from the property owner).
- Passport-format photographs.
RESIDENCE PERMIT DURATION
The humanitarian residence permit is usually issued for 1–2 years, with the possibility of renewal depending on the evolution of the applicant’s situation. Extension is possible if the threat to life and safety persists.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- The humanitarian residence permit allows the holder to live and work in Greece.
- Applicants must provide convincing evidence that they are facing serious threats in their home country.
- It is important to regularly update the documentation proving threats to life and safety in order to renew the residence permit.
- After obtaining the humanitarian residence permit, the applicant may become eligible to apply for refugee status if their situation worsens.
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