Immigration Services in Greece

If you are planning to immigrate to Greece, then you should know that our team of specialists can assist you during the entire legal process.

What types of visas can I apply for in Greece?

If you are interested in a long-term stay in Greece, the types of visas that are awarded include the following:

1. Work: foreign nationals who wish to work in Greece can obtain a visa for this purpose; the visa can be granted for employment (regular and special purpose) as well as for an independent economic activity. After a number of years of lawfully living in the country, one can also apply for Greek citizenship;
2. Investment: for those who are willing to invest in the country and can prove that their business or activity will have a positive influence on the country’s economy (with the project being subject to expert evaluation);
3. Financially independent persons: individuals with sufficient resources to cover their costs for living in the country can relocate to Greece; it can be an option for those who wish to retire in Greece and have pensions or other forms of income;
4. Study: for foreign nationals who have been admitted to a higher education institution in the country and will attend full-time courses as their primary activity;
5. Family reunification: allows the right to enter the country for family members of a foreign national who already has a residence permit in Greece.

For a quick overview of the immigration process in Greece, explore the infographic below, where you will find the key steps and essential information at a glance:

What documents do I need to apply for a visa in Greece?

The documents required for a Greek visa application depend on the type of visa and the purpose of your stay. While some documents are required for all applicants, others are specific to the visa category you are applying for.

Commonly required documents include:

• A valid passport;
• A completed visa application form;
• Any other standard documents requested by the Greek authorities.

Additional documents may include:

• An employment contract (for work visas);
• Proof of investment (for investor visas);
• A letter of acceptance from a Greek educational institution or university (for student visas);
• Proof of family relationship (for family reunification visas).

The exact documentation may vary depending on the type, duration, and purpose of your stay in Greece.

If you wish to move to Greece, the video below summarizes the process:

What post-arrival assistance can I receive after moving to Greece?

Obtaining the right type of visa that will allow you to live in Greece is just the first step after deciding to move here. Our team of immigration lawyers in Greece knows that there are many practical issues to be solved post-arrival and can provide assistance with the following:

• Renting or buying property: we can assist individuals who wish to rent or purchase real estate by guiding them throughout the mandatory phases and providing information about the legal form for the rent or purchase agreement;
• Opening a bank account: this is a mandatory step after you move to Greece, and we can guide those who are in need of further information or advice;
• Resolve tax matters: paying taxes and registering for taxation purposes may require assistance at first; our team of Greece immigration agents is here to help;
• Signing contracts: we can assist those who are interested in signing utility contracts and are unsure of the process or do not speak the language that well just yet;
• Others: when you move to Greece you will need to think about several additional issues; we can help you with information about how to enroll your children in a chosen school or kindergarten as well as offer advice on civic integration.

What tailored services can I receive as an investor in Greece?

If you are a non-EU investor, you may qualify for a Greek Golden Visa by meeting the minimum investment requirements established under the applicable legislation. The program grants eligible investors the right to obtain a residence permit in Greece in exchange for a qualifying investment.

The main investment options include:

• Purchasing eligible real estate with a minimum qualifying investment value under the applicable Golden Visa rules;
• Making qualifying capital contributions or investments in accordance with the relevant legislation;
• Purchasing shares or other eligible financial assets, where applicable.

For real estate investments:

• A qualifying property investment may allow the investor to obtain a Greek residence permit;
• Where the property is jointly owned, each co-owner must meet the applicable minimum investment threshold to qualify independently for residence;
• If the investment requirements are not met individually, residence rights may only be granted in accordance with the ownership structure and the applicable legal provisions.

Alternative investment option – Non-EU nationals may also qualify by concluding:

• A hotel accommodation lease for a minimum period of 10 years;
• A timeshare agreement for tourist accommodation, provided that the investment meets the minimum value required under the Greek Golden Visa legislation.

What investment options qualify me for a Greek residence permit?

If you are an entrepreneur who prefers to make a capital investment or purchase shares or securities also have other options if you wish to immigrate to Greece, including:

• Capital contribution of at least 400,000 Euros to a company that is established in Greece, except for holding companies and real estate investment companies;
• Purchasing Greek Treasury Bonds, with a minimum acquisition value of 400,000 Euros and a residual duration at the time of purchase of at least 3 years (the purchase is made through a Greek credit institution that will also act as the custodian);
• A term deposit in a domestic credit institution of at least 400,000 Euros;
• Purchasing shares of at least 400,000 Euros in a mutual fund established in Greece or in another jurisdiction that is solely concerned with investing in shares, corporate bonds, or Greek Treasury bonds listed for trading or traded in Greece;
• Purchasing shares or stocks with an acquisition value of at least 400,000 Euros in an Alternative Investment Fund established in Greece or another Member State, which has the sole objective to invest in property located in Greece.

Who is eligible for Greek citizenship?

If you are a foreign citizen, you can apply for Greek citizenship by naturalization after legally residing in Greece for at least 7 years and obtaining permanent residence, provided you meet the applicable legal requirements.

The main eligibility requirements include:

• Proof of Greek language proficiency;
• Knowledge of Greek history, culture, and political system;
• A clean criminal record;
• Successful completion of the required examination or interview, where applicable.

Contact us for more details about the services we provide to clients worldwide.