Obtain Residency in Greece

If you are looking to obtain residency in Greece, even if you are an EU or non-EU citizen, then our team of Greek immigration specialists can help you through the entire process with the legal formalities.

What is the first step towards residency?

The procedure for obtaining the right to reside in Greece depends on the applicant’s nationality and the purpose of the stay. In general, third-country nationals must choose the appropriate type of residence permit, while citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland follow a separate registration procedure for stays exceeding three months.

This means that a difference is made between the residency in Greece awarded for employment and that for investment in property, compared to that in engaging in independent economic activity. Certain special categories of residence will understandably have different requirements, such as those for victims of human trafficking.

You can watch the short video below for information about residency in Greece:

What are the main residence categories in Greece?

Determining the category in which you can be included is the first step when applying for a residence permit in Greece in 2026. The main types are the following:

• Residence permit for employment;
• Residence permit for investment in property;
• Residence permit for independent activity;
• Temporary residence permit;
• Study residence permit;
• Family reunification residence permit.

The infographic below also offers some key data about the Greek residence permit application process:

How can EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals obtain residency in Greece?

EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals who wish to obtain residency in Greece for more than three months must register in person with the competent police authority and obtain a registration certificate, rather than follow the ordinary residence permit procedure generally applicable to third-country nationals.

The required documents differ depending on the applicant’s situation. These may include documents proving the existence of a job or independent activity related to the authorized educational institution, possession of sufficient financial means, the existence of comprehensive medical insurance, or family ties justifying the request.

What documents are required when applying for a residence permit in Greece?

When applying for any of the above-mentioned permits for residency in Greece, you need to note the importance of the enclosed documents. Some additional conditions include the following:

1. proof of accommodation: the one applying for family reunification needs to show that there is sufficient space for all of the family members to live, according to the provisions set forth by the Ministry of Health;
2. proof of income: the foreign national who submits the application also needs to show that he or she has sufficient income to provide for all of the family members;
3. health insurance: this is required, and it can be a work health insurance that also covers family members;
4. family relationship: a competent authority may perform personal interviews to establish the existence of the family relationship.

Which situations involving third-country nationals may raise public safety and security concerns?

The following situations concerning third-country nationals should be explained, in those cases in which there are reasons to believe that public safety and security are concerned:

• Refusals in case of third-country nationals who are family members of a Greek national;
• Cases involving third-country nationals who are family members or nationals of another EU Member State;
• International protection beneficiaries and their family members;
• Third-country nationals employed in companies that are established in another EU state and move to Greece to perform work under a relevant contractual obligation.

What requirements must third-country nationals meet to enter Greece?

Third-country nationals who enter Greece for one of the reasons described herein are asked to meet the following requirements:

• Hold a valid travel document that contains at least two blank pages, was issued in the past ten years, and has a validity period that extends at least three months after the last intended departure date;
• They hold a valid national visa;
• They are not a threat to public policy, national security, or international relations; moreover, they are not registered in the national database of undesirable aliens;
• They pose no threat to public health.

How can I obtain a residence permit in Greece for investment purposes?

The investment residence permit can be attractive for non-EU citizens, particularly because it allows the holder to obtain permanent residence (a five-year permit that is subject to renewal, a period during which the holder may even apply for Greek citizenship by investment, should he comply with the requirements – thus making the stay permanent).

An advantage of the investment route is that the entrepreneur who purchases property or makes another significant investment is able to submit the residence permit application through a proxy. In fact, a non-EU national is able to have never previously visited Greece when making this submission.

Which documents are required for the initial permanent residence permit for investors in Greece?

Some of the documents required for the initial permanent residence permit for investors include the following:

• The filled-in application form;
• Four recent photographs;
• Certified passport copy that also includes the valid Greek visa;
• The appropriate fees (these also include a fee of EUR16 for the printing of the residence permit);
• Proof of investment (such as a notary certificate attesting the property purchase or lease) and other documents that may be required on a case-by-case basis to prove the legitimacy of the investment (such as the certificate of non-encumbrance issued by the cadastre agency);
• Invoices, proof of investment transfer (where relevant, for the type of investment on which the residence permit is based).

Residency by investment programs are popular in many countries. Our lawyers can also help you apply for the Malaysia My Second Home Program (MM2H) if you need to obtain residency in Malaysia and you are a foreign investor.

How can I renew my residence permit in Greece?

If you are a foreign citizen who holds a Greek residence permit, you need to observe the requirements for its renewal. This must be done within two months before the expiry date of the permit, and you must provide the required documents. Individuals may lodge an overdue application within one month after expiry; however, a fine applies in this case.

No applications are received past the one-month period, unless the applicant can prove a reason for special circumstances (force majeure). The application is usually made by the residence permit holder; however, it can also be lodged by other parties: the spouse, authorized attorney, ascendants, and adult descendants.

What are the requirements and steps for renewing a residence permit in Greece?

Residence permit holders who are third-country nationals must submit the following when renewing their residence permit in Greece:

• Supporting documents;
• Proof of fee payment (some exceptions can apply);
• Contact details (such as email address and mobile phone number);
• Relevant power of attorney, when the application is submitted by a third party, such as one of your local specialists, who can help you with this process.

Once the application is made, the individual receives a certificate attesting that the application has been lodged. This replaces the residence permit until the new one is issued, and during this time, the holder has the same rights. However, should the application for renewal be rejected, the holder automatically loses the said rights.

How do I obtain Greek nationality?

Greek citizenship can be acquired by EU and non-EU citizens, and in some cases it is subject to fewer requirements (such as in the case of foreign nationals who are married to a Greek citizen).

Below, our immigration lawyer in Greece highlights the main conditions for obtaining citizenship by naturalization:

• Reside in Greece uninterruptedly for 7 years (3 for those married to a Greek citizen who have a child with him or her, and in other cases);
• Provide documents on the relations to Greece and the Greeks;
• Offer information on one’s personal tax audits;
• Fill in the application for naturalization.

What must EU citizens do if they plan to stay in Greece for more than three months?

EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals who wish to obtain residency in Greece follow a registration procedure rather than the standard residence permit process applicable to third-country nationals.

The documents required depend on their status and may include proof of employment or self-employment, enrolment in an educational institution, sufficient resources and health insurance, or a qualifying family relationship.

Can third-country nationals qualify for long-term resident status in Greece?

Third-country nationals who have resided legally and continuously in Greece for at least five years may apply for long-term resident status, provided they have a stable income, adequate insurance, and meet the requirements for integration into Greek society.

The residence permitin Greece is valid for five years and can be renewed. Its holders enjoy equal treatment with Greek citizens in areas such as employment, education, social security, and access to public goods and services.

Contact us if you are interested in moving to Greece and need to apply for a residence permit.