A Residence Permit is your official status that grants you the right to live legally in Greece and travel freely throughout the Schengen Area. Greek legislation provides for dozens of different categories of residence permits. Each offers a different set of rights (e.g., the right to work or conduct business) and requires a specific package of documents. We help you avoid mistakes when choosing the grounds for your application, handle the collection of all necessary certificates, and support you until you successfully receive your residence card.
Residence Permit Categories
We assist in preparing the required documents for the initial application and renewal of residence permits in the following category:
Education (σπουδές)
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:
- 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).
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR INITIAL APPLICATION:
- 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
The administrative fee for issuing a residence permit is €166 (€150 government fee + €16 for the biometric card).
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.
Spouse of a Greek Citizen (σύζυγος Έλληνα πολίτη)
ELIGIBILITY / REQUIREMENTS
Residence permit is granted to the official spouses of Greek citizens.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Marriage must be registered before applying for the RP. A national visa is not required; a Greek tourist visa or a biometric passport is sufficient for entry. The marriage is performed at the local municipality of one of the spouses’ residence in the presence of two witnesses.
Required documents:
Birth certificate with Apostille.
In case of prior marriages or name changes — relevant certificates with Apostille.
Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (obtained from your country’s consulate in Greece; Moldovan citizens must obtain this in Moldova).
After registration, obtain a Certificate of Family Status from the Dimarcheio.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR INITIAL FILING
Birth certificate with Apostille;
Marriage certificate;
Certificate of Family Status from the Dimarcheio;
Insurance policy;
Proof of residential address;
Copy of the spouse’s ID (Taftotita);
Solemn declaration from the spouse stating the marriage is active and you reside together;
Administrative fee (Paravolo) — 16€.
VALIDITY PERIOD I
nitially issued for 5 years. Upon renewal, residence duration is checked: if absent for over 6 months, it’s renewed for 5 years; otherwise, for 10 years.
IMPORTANT NOTES
Full-time legal employment is permitted.
Eligibility for citizenship: after 3 years of marriage (with a common child) or after 7 years of cohabitation.
Children and parents of the spouse may apply for RP (economic dependency proof required for parents and adult children).
In case of divorce, a personal RP may be requested (after 3 years of marriage, requiring employment, insurance, housing, and over 4,800€ in a bank account).
Residence permit for Ukrainians with Temporary Protection (για Ουκρανούς με Καθεστώς Προσωρινής Προστασίας)
Temporary Protection status provides a unique advantage: it fully replaces the national entry visa (Type D).
This means you can apply for any other category of residence permit (student, marriage-based, work, financially independent persons, etc.) directly within Greece. You do not need to leave the country or undergo the complicated process of obtaining a visa — we will help you gather the necessary documents and immediately apply for a new status, using your Temporary Protection as a legal basis for the application.
Financially Independent Individuals (οικονομικά ανεξάρτητα άτομα)
ELIGIBILITY / REQUIREMENTS
To apply for a residence permit under this category, you must demonstrate a monthly income of at least 3,500€ or a bank balance starting from 126,000€. This amount increases by 20% if a spouse is included in the application and by 15% for each child.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
First, you obtain a national Type D visa in your home country. Subsequently, upon arrival in Greece, you submit the documents for the residence permit to the immigration service at your place of residence.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR INITIAL FILING
Documents verifying monthly income or a bank statement showing the required funds.
Private health insurance providing full coverage for medical care and hospitalization for the entire duration of your stay in Greece.
A lease agreement or a solemn declaration from a property owner where you will reside temporarily and permanently (proof of property ownership is also required).
The administrative fee (Paravolo) for the residence permit is 1,000€, plus 16€ for the issuance of the biometric card.
VALIDITY PERIOD
The residence permit is issued for a period of 3 years with the possibility of renewal.
IMPORTANT NOTES
This category of residence permit does not grant the right to legal employment or entrepreneurial activities within Greece.
Under current legislation, holders of this residence permit category are not eligible to apply for citizenship.
Property Owner with Investment of at Least €250,000 (επενδυτές)
ELIGIBILITY / REQUIREMENTS
The primary condition for obtaining a residence permit as a property owner is the purchase of real estate worth 250,000€ or more (depending on the category and location). Compared to other EU countries, this is one of the lowest financial thresholds for investment. For joint ownership, both owners receive a residence permit for a 250,000€ investment only if they are spouses. In all other cases, each co-owner must invest at least 250,000€.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
A national Type D visa is not required. You can enter Greece with a tourist visa or a biometric passport, complete the transaction, and apply for the permit.
Main stages:
Obtaining an AFM (Tax ID);
Signing the purchase agreement before a notary;
Obtaining a notary certificate confirming the agreement meets legal requirements for the Golden Visa;
Registering the title in the Land Registry (Ktimatologio);
Submitting the residence permit application.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR INITIAL FILING
Property documents and proof of ownership.
Private health insurance.
Administrative fees: 2,000€ for the owner, 150€ for each family member + 16€ for the biometric card.
VALIDITY PERIOD Initially issued and subsequently renewed for 5 years.
IMPORTANT NOTES
No right to legal employment or business activities in Greece.
Eligibility for citizenship after 12 years.
Family members (spouse, children, parents) are eligible for residency.
No minimum stay requirement (the 183-day rule does not apply).
Family Reunification
ELIGIBILITY / REQUIREMENTS
For spouses and children of individuals officially residing in Greece under the “dependent work” (εξαρτημένη εργασία) residence permit category who are not citizens of the European Union. To invite a spouse and/or child to Greece, you must have an annual income exceeding 11,708€ (+15% per child) and a rented or owned apartment (preferably over 56 sq. m).
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
You gather the required documents and submit them to the immigration service in Greece, which then forwards them to the relevant Greek Consulate in your country.
the Consulate reviews the documents and conducts an interview to verify the information provided in the application.
Upon successful verification, the family members receive a 90-day national visa to enter Greece and apply for their residence permit.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR INITIAL FILING
Birth certificate with Apostille.
Marriage certificate with Apostille.
Certificate of family status from your home country (with Apostille) or from your country’s Consulate in Greece.
Insurance policy.
Proof of residential address.
Copy of the inviting person’s passport and residence permit.
Solemn declaration from the inviting person stating the marriage is valid and confirming the family’s composition and residence.
FEES
The administrative fee for a spouse’s residence permit is 166€ (150€ fee + 16€ for the biometric card); for a child, it is 16€.
Dependent Employment (Renewal) (εξαρτημένη εργασία)
ELIGIBILITY / REQUIREMENTS
If you are working or intend to work in Greece under an official employment contract and your employer is registered with the social security system, you can apply for a residence permit based on employment relations.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
First, you must obtain a national work visa (Type D) at the Greek consulate in your home country. A valid employment contract is required for this. After arriving in Greece, documents for the residence permit are submitted electronically via the relevant platform.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR INITIAL FILING
Employment contract with a Greek employer (signed and stamped).
Passport with a valid national Type D visa.
Private or public health insurance valid in Greece.
Proof of residential address in Greece (lease agreement or relevant certificate).
4 color passport-sized photographs.
If necessary — additional medical certificates (upon request by the immigration service).
Administrative fee (Paravolo) — 150€, plus 16€ for the biometric card.
VALIDITY PERIOD
Initially, the residence permit is issued for 3 years.
IMPORTANT NOTES
After obtaining the permit, you must maintain the employment relationship with the employer.
Notifying immigration authorities is required if you change employers.
A work-based residence permit can later serve as a basis for long-term residency or citizenship.
It is mandatory to prove regular salary payments and the payment of all relevant taxes and social contributions.
Family Member of an EU Citizen (μέλος οικογένειας πολίτη της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης)
ELIGIBILITY / REQUIREMENTS
Family member status of an EU citizen can be granted to spouses, children, parents, or other close relatives of European Union citizens residing or planning to reside in Greece. To obtain this status, it is essential that your EU citizen relative legally resides in Greece and possesses a stable income.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
You must gather all necessary documents confirming your status as a family member of an EU citizen. The application for a residence permit is submitted electronically to the Greek immigration authorities.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR INITIAL FILING
Marriage or birth certificate (to prove relationship).
Copy of the EU citizen’s passport.
Proof of legal residence of the EU citizen in Greece.
Proof of financial stability of the EU citizen.
Private or public health insurance valid in Greece.
Residential address in Greece (lease agreement, owner’s declaration).
Passport-sized photographs.
Administrative fee — 16€ for the issuance of the biometric card.
VALIDITY PERIOD
Upon receiving a residence permit as an EU citizen’s family member, the validity is typically 5 years, with the possibility of renewal as long as the residence and financial stability conditions are maintained.
IMPORTANT NOTES
EU citizen family member status allows you to work and live in other EU countries, provided you comply with local migration laws.
The residence permit can only be renewed if family ties and residence conditions continue to be met.
Long-Term Resident Permit in Greece (επί μακρόν διαμένων) with the right to work in other EU countries
ELIGIBILITY / REQUIREMENTS
Family members of Greek citizens, third-country nationals holding a residence permit for dependent work, and individuals with international protection status are eligible for this type of residence permit. Applicants must have legally resided in Greece for at least 5 years.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
You must gather supporting documents regarding legal stay, official employment, and social integration. The application is submitted via an electronic platform to the Greek immigration authorities.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR INITIAL FILING
Passport and current residence permit.
Proof of official employment (employment contract, employer certificates).
Document confirming residence in Greece for the last 5 years (previous RPs).
Public health insurance valid in Greece.
Proof of social and economic integration (participation in social programs, stable income).
Passport-sized photographs.
Lease agreement or owner’s declaration.
The administrative fee for the application is 150€ for the residence permit renewal, plus 16€ for the issuance of a new biometric card.
VALIDITY PERIOD
Once obtained, the residence permit is valid for 5 years, with the possibility of subsequent renewal provided all necessary conditions are maintained.
IMPORTANT NOTES
This type of residence permit grants the right to legally live and work in Greece. Renewal of the permit is only possible under the condition of continued official employment, legal residence, and maintained social integration.
Residence Permit for Parents of a Greek Citizen Child (γονείς ημεδαπών)
ELIGIBILITY / REQUIREMENTS
Residence permit status can be granted to the parents of a minor child who is a Greek citizen.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
You must gather all necessary documents proving the relationship with the Greek citizen child. The application is submitted via an electronic platform to the Greek immigration authorities.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR INITIAL FILING
Child’s birth certificate confirming Greek citizenship.
Certificate of family status.
Parent’s passport.
Proof of financial stability (bank statements, income certificates).
Proof of accommodation in Greece (lease agreement, owner’s declaration).
Private or public health insurance valid in Greece.
Passport-sized photographs.
Receipt of payment of the state fee.
Administrative fee of 16€ for the issuance of the biometric card.
VALIDITY PERIOD
The residence permit is issued for 5 years, with the possibility of a subsequent renewal for 10 years, provided the residence conditions are maintained.
IMPORTANT NOTES
A residence permit issued under this category allows parents to live and work in Greece.
The permit can only be renewed if the family ties and residence conditions continue to be met.
Entrepreneurial activity (για ανεξάρτητη επιχειρηματική δραστηριότητα)
ELIGIBILITY / REQUIREMENTS
This residence permit is granted to business owners who are registered and conduct legal entrepreneurial activities 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 immigration authorities. During the application process, evidence of business operations and fulfillment of all obligations will be required.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR INITIAL FILING
Proof of business registration in Greece (e.g., business registration certificate).
Financial statements of the business confirming its operation.
Documents confirming the fulfillment of tax and insurance obligations (statements, receipts for payment of taxes and contributions).
Passport of the business owner.
Proof of accommodation in Greece (lease agreement, owner’s declaration).
Private or public health insurance valid in Greece.
Passport-sized photographs.
The administrative fee for the residence permit application is 150€, plus 16€ for the issuance of the biometric card.
VALIDITY PERIOD
The residence permit is issued for 3 years and can be renewed, provided that the business continues to operate 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 validity period of the permit.
Upon renewal, confirmation must be provided that the business is functioning and all tax and insurance obligations have been fulfilled.
The residence permit can be extended provided all business conduct conditions and legal requirements are met.
Humanitarian reasons (για ανθρωπιστικούς λόγους)
ELIGIBILITY / REQUIREMENTS
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 concerns. This includes, but is not limited to:
Persecution based on political, religious, ethnic, or other grounds.
Serious threats to life upon returning home.
Victims of violence or ill-treatment.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
The application is submitted electronically to the Greek immigration authorities. It must be accompanied by evidence of the threats the applicant faces in their home country. It is essential to consult with a lawyer to ensure all necessary documentation is gathered before filing.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR INITIAL FILING
Application for a residence permit on humanitarian grounds.
Documents proving threats to life or freedom (medical reports, evidence of persecution, statements from human rights organizations).
Passport or other identification documents.
Proof of inability to return home (deportation orders, statements from international organizations, etc.).
Private or public health insurance valid in Greece.
Residential address in Greece (lease agreement or owner’s declaration).
Passport-sized photographs.
Administrative fee — 16€ for the biometric card issuance.
VALIDITY PERIOD
Typically issued for 1–2 years, with the possibility of renewal if the threat to life and safety persists.
IMPORTANT NOTES
Allows legal residence in Greece; most categories also grant the right to work.
Applicants must provide compelling evidence of the threats they face.
Regular updates of documentation proving ongoing danger are required for permit renewal.
