Foreigners in Greece
According to the latest census, which was carried out in 2011, 10.8 million people permanently reside in Greece, of which 8.4% have citizenship of another country. Most of them (about 500 thousand) are from European countries that are not members of the European Union.
Until the 1990s, most foreigners who came to Hellas were ethnic Greeks - from Turkey, Georgia, Russia, the Czech Republic and other countries. Since the 2000s, the number of labor immigrants began to grow, mainly from Southern Europe - Albania, Romania, Bulgaria. The migration crisis, which began in Europe in the mid-2010s, also affected Greece: the number of refugees from the Middle East has increased (however, there are fewer of them here than in Germany or France).
At the same time, Greece developed as a resort country, and the demand for local real estate grew. People from Northern Europe, the CIS, and China began to move here for permanent residence. To simplify relocation for wealthy foreigners and support the construction sector, the Greek authorities launched the “Residence Permit for Investment” program. Since its launch in 2015, more than 13 thousand people have already received a “golden visa”. The Russians, by the way, are the No. 2 investors after the Chinese.
More information about demography, economics and labor market is on the official website of the Greek Statistical Committee (English).
Business immigration to Greece
The Greek migration program also provides for a third way to obtain a residence permit for investment. To do this, it is necessary to invest at least 300 thousand euros in an enterprise that conducts economic activities in the country.
In this case, the residence permit is issued for a period of 3 years and is renewed every 3 years. Only a spouse and minor children (under 18 years old) can be included in the program.
The investor submits an application to the nearest Greek consulate. After which it is considered by the Greek Ministry of Economy and Finance, taking into account the feasibility of investing in a particular enterprise.
Visa regime in Greece
Entry visa
Greece is a member of the European Union and the Schengen area. This means that Russians, Belarusians, Ukrainians and other tourists from third countries need a Schengen visa to travel here.
To make life easier for applicants, the Consulate General of Greece in Moscow has transferred the collection of visa applications and biometric data to a special operator, Global Visa Center World (GVCW). They have all the up-to-date information on their website, and you can also apply online.
note
Some Greek islands (Rhodes, Lesbos, Samos, Chios, Kos, Symi and Kastellorizon) have a simplified visa regime in summer. Tourists arriving by ferry from Turkey can obtain a visa on arrival (visa at gates). According to it, you are allowed to stay on the island for up to six days.
Useful links: Greek embassies and consulates
- Embassy of Greece in Russia.
- Embassy of Greece in Ukraine.
- Embassy of Greece in Kazakhstan.
- There is no Greek embassy or consulate in Belarus; documents are processed in Moscow.
Visa to Greece for property owners
Owners of houses and apartments in Greece receive multiple (multi-) tourist Schengen visas in a simplified manner, which allow them to stay in the country for up to 90 days every six months. As a rule, when you first apply, you are given a six-year visa, then a two-year visa.
The application procedure for a Schengen visa for property owners is the same as for other tourists. The only difference is that instead of a hotel reservation, documents for the property are submitted - a notarized purchase and sale agreement (if the transaction is in progress, then a preliminary agreement with payment receipts).
Guests (not relatives) of owners of houses and apartments can also count on a Schengen visa. They must attach to their application a document confirming ownership of the property, an invitation addressed to the guest and a copy of the owner’s passport.
Procedure for obtaining a residence permit
The procedure for obtaining a residence permit in Greece through the purchase of real estate occurs in several stages.
Obtaining a residence permit is expectedly preceded by the selection of a property for subsequent registration of ownership. At this stage, your presence is required - first of all, to issue a power of attorney to the lawyer. At the same time, an inspection of the property takes place, negotiations regarding the cost, agreement on the timing of the conclusion of the contract and the payment of a deposit. In addition, you need to open an account in a Greek bank and receive an AFM - the Greek equivalent of a TIN. Greece Invest specialists will help you do this.
The next step is signing the purchase and sale agreement and the accompanying procedures: checking the legal purity of the property, paying the state. duties, collection and submission of necessary documents, registration of agreement, etc. You can do all this through a trusted person.
After registering the agreement, the stage of preparing a package of documents for a residence permit follows. The collection of necessary documents can be done in person or through a representative.
The last step before issuing a residence permit will be the submission of documents to the Department of Migration Affairs. Here again, your personal presence will be required for the fingerprinting procedure. After submitting your application, you will be issued a blue certificate (μπλε βεβαίωση), which will allow you to stay in the country until the residence permit is issued.
Greece Invest legal department specialists are ready to advise you in detail on the acquisition of real estate and filing documents, as well as to represent your interests at all stages of the transaction and obtaining a residence permit for property owners.
Residence permit through the purchase of real estate (“golden visa”)
Owning real estate in Greece that costs more than €250 thousand excluding taxes gives the right to a five-year residence permit. With this amount you can purchase several objects, but you cannot use loans. Shared ownership is permissible between spouses; in the case of third parties, each person’s contribution must be €250 thousand or more. The basis for granting a residence permit may also be a ten-year lease agreement for such an object.
In accordance with the amendments of 2015, a spouse, children under 21 years of age, as well as parents of property owners can submit an application for a residence permit together with the owner. In case of permanent residence in Greece, the validity period of the “golden visa” is taken into account when obtaining citizenship (although this type of residence permit does not oblige the foreigner to stay in Greece).
An important limitation: the “golden visa” does not give the right to work in Greece, but does not prevent its holder from starting his own business.
Who can count on obtaining a residence permit in Greece
Any wealthy foreigner who is financially independent and has a regular income can register for a Greek residence permit. First, you need to enter the country as a tourist in order to familiarize yourself with the conditions for registering your status, the grounds for obtaining it and the requirements for foreign migrants. You are allowed to stay in the country on a tourist visa for no more than 90 days .
After this period, you must leave the country or extend your visa. As a rule, the established period is sufficient to study the procedure for obtaining a residence permit. If you don’t have 90 days to study the issue, you can alternatively use a long-term Schengen multiple entry visa, which is currently not difficult to obtain. The holder of such a permit has the right to enter Greece several times, making it much easier to get to know the country, as well as the pros and cons of staying in it.
All information about obtaining a residence permit is provided at the country’s embassy, where you should apply with the corresponding application.
Residence permit for economically independent persons
Foreigners whose passive income or savings allow them to live comfortably in Greece can apply for a residence permit on the basis of financial independence. The first card is issued for two years, then renewed every three years while maintaining the same grounds.
Basis: proven stable monthly income of €2 thousand or a Greek bank account worth €24 thousand or more. If family members apply for a residence permit together with the main applicant, the amount increases: plus 20% for the spouse and 15% for each child.
To obtain a residence permit as an economically independent person, it is not necessary to buy real estate. Proof that you have a place to live in Greece can be a long-term rental agreement. However, real estate ownership will certainly be considered as an advantage and will increase the chances of a positive decision. In this case, the price of the object does not matter.
Unlike the Golden Visa, holders of this type of residence permit must spend more than 183 days a year in Greece. They are also prohibited from getting hired work.
Examples of real estate in Greece
Residence permit upon purchase
Apartment in Athens, Greece 300,000 € Area 104 m2, 4 rooms GREKODOM DEVELOPMENT A….
Apartment in Athens, Greece 180,000 € Area 87 m2, 3 rooms GREKODOM DEVELOPMENT A….
Residence permit upon purchase
Villa in Chania, Greece 725,000 € Area 278 m2 GREKODOM DEVELOPMENT A….
House in Corfu, Greece €130,000 Area 220 m2 GREKODOM DEVELOPMENT A….
Land in Chania, Greece 98,000 € Area 500 m2 GREKODOM DEVELOPMENT A….
Commercial property in Thessaloniki, Greece 300,000 € Area 360 m2 GREKODOM DEVELOPMENT A….
Apartment in Lasithi, Greece 80,000 € Area 45 m2, 2 rooms GREKODOM DEVELOPMENT A….
Residence permit upon purchase
Apartment in Athens, Greece 520,000 € Area 168 m2, 4 rooms HOUSAGE
Apartment in Thessaloniki, Greece 185,000 € Area 112 m2, 3 rooms HOUSAGE
Commercial property in Thessaloniki, Greece 1,200,000 € Area 455 m2 HOUSAGE
Commercial property in the Ionian Islands, Greece €1,200,000 Area 600 m2 Mercury Group
Residence permit upon purchase
House on the Ionian Islands, Greece €550,000 Area 350 m2 Mercury Group
Residence permit upon purchase
Townhouse in Athens, Greece €600,000 Area 338 m2, 9 rooms Mercury Group
Commercial property in the North Aegean Islands €1,300,000 Area 300 m2 Mercury Group
Residence permit upon purchase
Villa in Corfu, Greece 680,000 € Area 214 m2 ROULA ROUVA REAL ESTATE…
Land in Pieria, Greece 1,000,000 € Area 3904 m2 GREKODOM DEVELOPMENT A….
Apartment in Kassandra, Greece 170,000 € Area 55 m2 GREECE INVEST
Residence permit upon purchase
House In Corfu, Greece €299,000 Area 184 m2 GREECE INVEST
Apartment in Greece 170,000 € Area 120 m2 GREECE INVEST
Land in Kassandra, Greece 1,500,000 € Area 9800 m2 GREECE INVEST
View 17732 more similar properties
Reasons for receiving
The Internet often describes not only legal, but also fictitious methods of moving. One of the main misconceptions is the automatic granting of the right to permanent residence in the country upon the acquisition of a property of any value.
Family reunification
To count on being granted a residence permit as part of family reunification, you must document your relationship with citizens of the country or with people living on its territory as residents. This program also applies to people who intend to marry a person who has the right to permanent residence in Greece.
If we are talking about reunification not with a Greek citizen, but with a person living in the country with a temporary permit, the following conditions must be met:
- stay in Greece for more than 2 years;
- the ability to provide for relatives entering the country.
You can obtain a residence permit in Greece in order to live with your relatives for 5 years.
Labor migration program
It applies only to those workers whose employers are willing to send a request to the relevant department for permission to hire a citizen of another country for a vacancy. A primary residence permit for a specialist hired for a permanent job will be issued for 1 year. It may be extended in the future for a maximum of 2 years.
If a person is expected to work seasonally, he will be granted a residence permit for no more than six months.
Getting education in the country
To enroll in an educational institution, you must enter the country on a student visa. Those who pass the exams with a passing grade and enter into a study agreement with the university will be granted a residence permit. The period during which he will have an active status is equal to the duration of his studies.
Investing in the economy and starting a business
To obtain for yourself and your family the right to stay in Greece on the basis of doing business in the country, a person must provide the migration commission with:
- business plan;
- confirmation of the availability of funds for its implementation (60 thousand euros).
If a person applies for investor status, the total investment must exceed 300 thousand euros. Business development must provide for the creation of 10 or more jobs, with a third assigned to local residents.
The main disadvantage of a residence permit provided to entrepreneurs is the brevity of its validity. It is issued for 2 years. Extension is allowed only on the basis of documents confirming the functioning of the business and payment of taxes. The investor has the right to expect a permit valid for 5 years.
Buying a property
To obtain a residence permit in Greece when purchasing real estate, you will have to choose an object whose cost exceeds 250 thousand euros. To extend a residence permit obtained in this way, it will be necessary to prove that this object or a similar one in value is still owned by the applicant.
A residence permit when purchasing real estate requires permanent residence not only for the immediate owner of the property, but also for his close relatives. The main limitation is the lack of the right to get a job.
You can also count on issuing a residence permit under this program on the basis of renting real estate. In this case, 2 conditions are required:
- the term of the lease agreement is at least 10 years;
- the cost of rented housing is more than 250 thousand euros.
Residence permit for wealthy pensioners
Proving your worth is the easiest way to obtain a residence permit in Greece. To qualify for participation in a program that involves issuing a Greek residence permit to wealthy people, you need to be prepared to prove a monthly income exceeding 2 thousand euros.
If a person wants to transport his family, he will need to confirm the availability of additional funds:
- when 2 spouses move, the family income cannot be less than 2.4 thousand euros per month;
- for couples with children, an additional 300 euros of monthly income per child is required.
These criteria for solvency are provided not only for pensioners. The source of money does not have to be passive and be an old-age payment. However, he must be outside the country; a residence permit in Greece does not imply a work permit for financially independent persons. In addition, only income that is documented will be taken into account.
Other grounds for obtaining a residence permit in Greece
Greeks are loyal to immigrants. In addition to the methods described above, there are other grounds that allow you to legally settle in Greece. Among them:
- family reunification;
- studying at a college or university;
- employment (conditions differ for ordinary employees and board members/general directors);
- Doing Business;
- investments (from €300 thousand in projects that benefit the Greek economy);
- cultural or scientific activities;
- humanitarian reasons (refugees).
Terms and cost of obtaining permanent residence in Greece
Permanent residence in Greece is issued in different ways and under different conditions. For example, for holders of investment investments, after receiving a five-year temporary residence permit, it will be possible to apply for a permanent one.
In each case, specific Greek legislation must be consulted.
In general, permanent residence can be granted after a minimum of 5 years of legal residence in Greece. This is almost obtaining citizenship, with the difference that the holder of a Greek passport must pass an exam on knowledge of the Greek language and general knowledge of the peculiarities of the history and culture of Greece.
Documents for residence permit in Greece
The package of documents varies depending on the basis on which the foreigner is applying. As an example, we give a standard set for the two most popular types of residence permits. Keep in mind that migration services may require additional paperwork.
| Residence permit for the purchase of real estate | Residence permit for the financially independent |
| A copy of a passport with a valid visa type C (tourist Schengen issued by any EU country) | Copy of passport with a valid D visa (national long-term visa of Greece) |
| Completed application for a residence permit, 3 photos | Completed application for a residence permit, 3 photos |
| Real estate purchase and sale agreement from €250 thousand or lease agreement for 10 years | An account statement from a Greek bank proving financial solvency (from €24 thousand – per applicant) |
| Extract from the Register on registration of agreement and property rights | Real estate purchase and sale agreement or long-term lease agreement |
| Notarial deed confirming payment of the full amount for the property (non-cash transfer only) | Certificate of absence of infectious diseases (from a Greek public clinic) |
| Certificate of good conduct (apostille) | Certificate from the insurance company stating that an application for health insurance in Greece has been submitted |
| Certificate of absence of infectious diseases (from a Greek public clinic) | Family documents: certificate of family composition, marriage certificate, birth certificate of children (all with apostille) |
| Certificate from the insurance company stating that an application for health insurance in Greece has been submitted | Receipt of payment of the state fee for issuing a residence permit (€500) |
| Family documents: certificate of family composition, marriage certificate, birth certificate of children (all with apostille) | |
| Greek Tax Identification Number (A.F.M. tax number) | |
| Receipt of payment of the state fee for issuing a residence permit (€500) |
Procedure for obtaining a residence permit
The first stage for most types of residence permit: applying to the Consulate General of Greece in the country of residence and obtaining a national visa type D. The list of documents depends on the basis on which a long-term visa is issued. We recommend checking the latest information at the consulates.
An exception is a residence permit for buyers of real estate worth €250,000 or more. Applicants can apply with a Schengen tourist visa in their passport, that is, they immediately proceed to the second stage.
The second stage is contacting the migration service of the municipality at your place of residence in Greece. The inspector will issue the foreigner a certificate stating that his application for a residence permit has been accepted. During the waiting period, it will be possible to legally stay in Greece, even if the decision has been delayed for a year or more.
The average decision time is three to four months; golden visas are usually approved faster. After permission to issue a residence permit is given, you will need to submit your fingerprints and after a few weeks receive a ready-made ID card with the owner’s biometric data.
Notification about residence permit
Citizens of Russia who receive (or have previously received) a residence permit or passport of another country must report this to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation. Notification must be made within 60 days of receiving the status. This can be done in person by coming to the migration department at your place of residence, by Russian Post, or with the help of a representative on the basis of a notarized power of attorney.
Who can apply for a residence permit
Foreigners have the right to move to Greece for the following purposes:
- training at the institute;
- buying a home;
- opening your own business;
- employment;
- investing in the development of any sector of the economy.
What does a residence permit in Greece provide? Depending on the basis, several positive aspects can be identified. It allows you to get a permanent job and an official monthly income. Gives potential investors the right to demonstrate their financial independence. It is provided to foreign citizens - students, specialists improving their qualifications, and persons who have the opportunity to purchase real estate on the islands.
And the status is also provided for persons who have suffered from repression and other actions contrary to the law. The easiest way to obtain a residence permit in Greece is to purchase real estate for personal or commercial use. The cost of the object must be from 250 thousand euros or more. The amount is not small, but since the country is rich in tourists, the investment pays off very quickly.
Family reunification
You can move to Greece in 2021 in order to restore ties with your family. This option is available to those whose significant other, child or other close relative has citizenship status in a foreign country. Family immigration involves another option - marrying a Greek man or a Greek woman. After 3 years of official marriage, a foreigner can apply to the country’s Ministry of Internal Affairs to obtain citizenship.
According to the labor migration program
Greece needs highly qualified specialists who are ready to do everything possible to eliminate the crisis situation and improve the economic situation. A residence permit for Russians can be easily obtained with an official invitation signed by the head of a Greek company. The duration of a work visa is 12 months. After this time, you can extend the document for another 2 years.
We also read: A visa is required for Russians to Greece Citizenship of Greece
Work in Crete for Russians is most in demand in the tourism business, agriculture and construction. Before hiring a foreigner, the manager must look for a suitable specialist among the local population. You can also obtain a residence permit on the island after 5 years of work; you will need to pay 150 euros for the permit.
Getting education in the country
Studying in Greece is available to almost everyone from other countries. Many universities accept students even without exams. In this case, a residence permit is issued on the basis of documents confirming enrollment as a student. In addition, the foreigner must provide a bank statement indicating the presence of funds in the account (minimum amount - 600 euros).
Investing in the economy and starting a business
Despite the financial difficulties, this did not become an obstacle to business immigration to Greece. Purchasing or opening your own business for financially independent individuals has been and remains relevant for both European and Russian citizens. What is especially attractive is that local authorities do not restrict entrepreneurs who are ready to invest in the country’s economy.
When purchasing real estate
A residence permit in Greece when purchasing your own real estate can be obtained immediately if the cost of the purchased property exceeds €250,000. The privilege applies to the applicant, his legal significant other, children under 21 years of age, as well as parents. After 7 years, you can submit a package of documents to obtain citizenship.
Residence permit for wealthy pensioners
A residence permit in Greece for wealthy pensioners is a program that can be used by older people who have a permanent, stable source of funds. The document is issued only after a thorough verification of the information provided. The minimum annual income is 24 thousand euros. When indicating this type of residence permit in the application, the foreigner must be prepared for the fact that he will not be able to find a job.
How to renew a residence permit: permanent residence and Greek citizenship
An application for a permanent residence permit can be submitted five years from the date of receipt of the residence permit. Permanent residence provides a foreigner with all the rights and freedoms that Greek citizens have, with the exception of the right to vote. Permanent residence does not require permanent renewal. Its validity period is not limited, but a foreigner may be deprived of this status in case of violation of the law.
You can obtain a Greek passport by descent or through naturalization. Everyone who does not have Greek roots follows the second path. To do this, you must live legally in Greece for 7-12 years (depending on the type of residence permit), not have problems with the law, and pass an exam on the language and culture of Greece.
The validity period of the “golden visa” is also taken into account if the foreigner actually lives in Greece. Holders of a residence permit for real estate wait seven years for the right to apply for citizenship.
Citizenship by Investment
Greek authorities are preparing a bill that will allow foreigners who have invested in real estate to apply for citizenship. According to preliminary data, applicants for Greek citizenship by investment must:
invest in Greek real estate from €2 million (as an individual or legal entity);
become a permanent resident before obtaining Greek citizenship;
own residential real estate worth €500 thousand or more, which will be considered a permanent place of residence, while paying at least €50 thousand annually for the maintenance of the property;
open an account in a Greek bank or other credit institution controlled by the Bank of Greece in order to carry out the transaction and undergo due diligence checks.
It is expected that the new program will have a quota of 200 applications per year. At the same time, not only investors, but also their relatives will be able to receive passports. Spouse - at the same time as the main applicant, children and parents - after approval of the application of the main applicant. Read more about the new project here.
It is important that Greece recognizes dual citizenship, which means that when receiving a local passport you will not have to give up your previous one (unless the laws of your home country require it). In addition, this is a country of the European Union, which means that Greek citizens can not only travel, but also live and work in any country in the united Europe.
How much do services for obtaining a residence permit cost?
Legal assistance in preparing documents for a residence permit in Greece on the grounds of “Ownership of real estate” and “Financial independence” costs €3-7 thousand for the main applicant, plus about €1 thousand for each family member.
The decision to issue a residence permit is made exclusively by the Greek authorities. Law firms cannot guarantee a positive result. Their task is to help collect a complete package of documents, arrange everything correctly, and accompany foreigners during the process.
Why can they refuse to provide a residence permit?
The most common reasons for refusal are insufficient grounds for obtaining a residence permit, provision of knowingly false information, the presence of outstanding criminal records, a potential threat to the safety, health of other residents and law and order in Greece. The application may also not be accepted if an incomplete package of documents has been collected or government fees have not been paid.
Registration procedure
Whatever the reason for visiting the Mediterranean state, a foreigner should first of all think about a residence permit, how to obtain it in 2021. Since until this moment, being in Greece is considered illegal (with the exception of a tourist visit).
What documents will be required
The list of additional documents for a residence permit can be named only after the category has been determined, but the main package remains unchanged and includes:
- a handwritten statement with the corresponding request;
- a medical certificate certifying that the citizen does not suffer from serious illnesses;
- insurance policy;
- international passport (original and copy);
- photo;
- a bank statement indicating the presence of 24 thousand euros or more in the account;
- check confirming payment of state duty – 150 €.
Entry, as well as stay on the territory of the state, requires a foreigner to have a valid passport (another document recognized by international convention) and a visa.
Cost and terms of consideration of the application
The initial residence permit in Greece is valid for 1 year. The subsequent extension period is 2 similar periods. The government agency is obliged to consider the application within 3–4 months. (some cases require 12 months or more). In this case, the presence of a foreigner on the territory of the state is considered legal. He may even sometimes visit his homeland and then return back. The financial side of the issue depends on the option of obtaining state status (24 thousand € - a wealthy pensioner, 600 € - a student, 250 thousand € - a home buyer, 150 € - a fee).
When is the refusal received?
A foreigner is likely to receive a negative answer if he:
- did not fulfill the required conditions;
- violated the law, public order;
- threatened the security of Greece;
- provided false information about himself or falsified documents;
- did not appear when called by the authorized body to provide additional information.
The Greek Office of Foreigners and Migration can refuse to issue or cancel a residence permit.
What does a residence permit in Greece give?
- Live in Greece all year round. At the same time, for many types of residence permits there is a minimum period of stay in the country (usually six months), but, in particular, for the “golden visa” - no.
- Bring relatives to Greece - they will receive a residence permit on the basis of “Family Reunion”.
- Travel to the countries of the Schengen zone without obtaining a visa. You are allowed to stay there for up to 90 days within six months, but in practice it is extremely difficult to check how much time a foreigner with a residence permit spent there.
- Open an account in a Greek bank. However, this will not help you get a loan for real estate. The problem is that after the crisis, the mortgage sector in Greece is in decline: formally mortgages exist, but in practice loans are not issued.
- Gain access to social services: public healthcare and education. Many - but not all - types of residence permits give the right to work for hire.
- Purchase and register a car in your name, obtain a European driving license.
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Greek residence permit for financially independent persons
If you want to obtain a European residence permit, but do not want to invest large sums in purchasing real estate, you can go this route. In particular, this is an excellent opportunity to obtain a Greek residence permit for retirees who want to relax on the Mediterranean Sea, travel around Europe and use quality medicine.
What does that require?
- Contact the nearest Greek consulate to obtain a D visa
- Travel to Greece to submit documents for a residence permit at your place of residence
- Open an account in a Greek bank, which should contain 24 thousand euros per applicant plus 20% of this amount for the spouse, plus 15% for each child under 18 years of age
- Show your income of at least 2 thousand euros per month, thereby proving financial independence
- Buy real estate in Greece for any amount
As a result, after 3-4 months you will receive a residence permit for 2 years and can extend it for another 5 years.
Important! During this time, you must reside in the country for at least 183 days a year. This path does not provide for the inclusion of parents and grandchildren in the program. It is also necessary to get into the quota for financially independent persons, since in this case the government does not guarantee that you will be issued a residence permit.
