If you decide to move to Greece from the USA, our immigration lawyers in Greece can provide more detailed information once you have decided on the reason for the relocation and are ready to start the application process with the nearest Greek Embassy or Consulate General.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Visa requirement to enter Greece | Visa-free stay for short stays. |
| Types of temporary residence permits for those who relocate from US to Greece | Study, work, business, investment, family reunification. |
| Documents for temporary residence permits | General documents (form, Ids, photos), proof of health insurance and accommodation, visa-specific documents (employment agreement, etc.). |
| Approximate time needed to obtain a temporary stay permit | Around one month |
| Residence permits for investors in Greece | The Golden Visa |
| Temporary residence permit duration | One year or more |
| Post-arrival registration with the authorities | Yes |
| US permit holder can bring dependents to Greece | Depending on permit type |
| Facilities for US nationals married to a Greek citizen | Family reunification, the spouse can apply for Greek citizenship faster. |
| Minimum lawful stay before applying for permanent residence | 5 years |
| Minimum time in the country before applying for citizenship | 7 years |
| Naturalization requirements for those who relocate from US to Greece | Minimum residence, sufficient knowledge of Greek language, culture and history, proof of financial means, etc. |
| Dual citizenship | Yes |
| US pension available in Greece | A US national can receive social security benefits outside the USA if he/she meets certain requirements. |
| US national taxation in Greece | Personal income tax rates apply on income derived from Greece. A double taxation treaty is in place between Greece and the USA. |
If moving to Greece from the USA is one of your aims, the following short guide will answer some of the most important questions you may have as an expat, as well as offer a bit of insight into the requirements for the residence permit in Greece.
Table of Contents
What types of residence permits for USA nationals are available in Greece?
USA citizens can stay in Greece without a visa for short stays, but for stays longer than 90 days in a 180-day period, they must apply for a national long-stay visa, type D, through the competent Greek Embassy/Consulate before departure. The D visa allows entry and stay in Greece for work for more than 90 days and up to 365 days.
Some of the reasons for a prolonged stay can be the following:
- Employment: for US nationals who have been offered a job position in Greece or those who are interested in undergoing a corporate transfer.
- Family reunification: for Americans who already have a family member living in Greece and wish to reunite with him or her, they can choose this method to immigrate to Greece from the USA;
- Study: US nationals interested in Hellenic culture, arts, or philosophy, as well as other subjects, who have been admitted to a higher education institute.
- Investment: moving to Greece from the USA can be advantageous under the Golden Visa program designed for non-EU nationals who are willing to make a minimum investment in real estate; our team can give you details about the conditions under which this residence permit in Greece is issued.
Non-EU citizens can apply for Greek citizenship by naturalization after 7 years of legal and permanent residence in Greece, if they also meet the other conditions set out by law. There are exceptions, for example, for people married to Greek citizens and who have a child with them, refugees, or stateless persons.
If you are nearing your retirement age and wish to know more about your options, you can schedule an appointment with our team of immigration experts. We can give you details about the types of residence permits, the minimum income requirements, and many other matters of interest regarding retiring in Greece.
How does the Greek Golden Visa lead to long-term residence opportunities?
Through eligible investments under the Golden Visa program in Greece, non-EU citizens have the opportunity to obtain a residence permit for a period of 5 years, with the possibility of renewal. In the real estate segment, the current ceilings differ depending on the area and the type of property.
Therefore, in some situations the threshold may be 250,000 EUR, but in most cases the thresholds are in the range of 400,000 EUR – 800,000 EUR (especially in well-rated and high-demand areas).
A useful infographic is presented below:
What should you consider when moving to Greece from the USA?
Obtaining the right type of residence permit is the first and foremost step. However, there are a number of other issues to take into consideration when making such an important life change.
Moving to Greece from the USA is a process that includes many practical matters that need attention, starting with arranging for accommodation and employment, and others, such as schooling for children or converting a valid USA driver’s license.
Each situation is different, and you may need to consider other aspects apart from those presented below. We encourage you to reach out to our agents if your particular situation, such as family reunification, for example, requires additional information.
Below, you can find the main aspects that you should consider when moving from Greece to the USA:
- Housing: Non-EU citizens have the opportunity to obtain a residence permit through the Golden Visa program. They must fall within the types of investments provided for in Article 100 of Law no. 5038/2023, amended by Article. 64 of Law no. 5100/2024. The most well-known being the acquisition of real estate.
- Banking: opening a bank account is one of the first steps to take care of after moving to Greece from the USA, and it is essential for employment purposes.
- Insurance: vehicle and property insurance, as well as health insurance, are to be considered; the local health care system can be seen as a mixed one, because it consists of both private health insurance and the National Health System.
- Taxation: getting to know the local tax and annual reporting requirements is important, especially if you start a business in Greece and need to register it with the Commercial Registry.
What should US citizens know about tax residency in Greece?
Individuals who spend more than 183 days in a year in Greece may become tax residents, depending on their personal and economic circumstances. Tax residents may be required to declare income earned both in Greece and abroad.
The United States and Greece have an income tax treaty, according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It includes rules regarding how certain types of income may be taxed in the two countries and may allow for tax exemptions or credits in certain situations.
We invite you to watch a short video about the relocation steps:
In recent years, Greece has seen an influx of immigrants, particularly those seeking asylum, from countries such as Afghanistan, Syria, and Iraq. Most asylum seekers remain in the Attica region. Many of these foreign nationals also choose to apply for citizenship. In fact, the goal for many of those who immigrate to Greece from the USA can also be to obtain citizenship.
Can US citizens work remotely from Greece?
Non-EU citizens who work online for employers or clients based outside of Greece can apply for a digital nomad visa. This is intended for individuals who use information technology to work remotely and who do not perform work for Greek employers.
To obtain this type of permit, applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient income to support themselves during their stay in Greece. This type of visa can also be extended to include family members. According to the Greek Immigration Code, applicants are required to prove that there is additional income for each dependent person.
Contact our immigration lawyers in Greece for more information on how we can assist you if you are interested in moving to Greece from the USA.
