Why choose Greece?
In addition to its natural beauty and cultural heritage, Greece offers many advantages for those who wish to settle there permanently or semi-permanently:
- Relatively affordable cost of living compared to other European countries.
- Pleasant climate with mild winters and sunny summers, particularly attractive for retirees.
- Security: Greece is a safe country, with a relaxed and welcoming lifestyle.
- Easy access to the rest of Europe and modern infrastructure for expats.
Whether you plan to retire here or simply buy a second home to stay there for several months a year, Greece has a lot to offer.
How do I get residency in Greece?
The process to obtain residency in Greece depends on your nationality and the length of your stay. EU citizens benefit from simplified procedures, while non-EU nationals can explore several options, including investment schemes like the Golden Visa.
European Union (EU) Citizens
EU citizens can live, work or study in Greece without the need for a special visa. However, if you plan to stay in the country for more than three months, you will need to apply for a certificate of residence with the police.
Required Documents:
- Passport or ID card.
- Proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself (bank statements, proof of income, etc.).
- Proof of health insurance (either private insurance or registration with the Greek health system if you work in Greece).
- Proof of address (rental contract or deed of ownership).
Where to apply?
The request is made to the police station for foreigners (Aliens Bureau) or in some cases to the local town hall. You must go there with the documents mentioned above.
Once your application is approved, you will receive a certificate of residence, which is essential to prove your legal status in Greece!
Nationals of countries outside the European Union
For non-EU nationals, the procedures are more complex, but there are several options available to you to obtain residency in Greece:
A. Residence visa for non-EU: If you wish to live in Greece for more than 90 days, you must first apply for a long-stay visa (D-Visa) at the Greek consulate in your home country. This visa is the first step to obtaining a resident card once in Greece.
Required Documents:
- Valid passport.
- Application form for a long-stay visa.
- Proof of sufficient financial means (income, savings, etc.).
- Health insurance.
- Proof of residence in Greece.
Once in Greece, you will need to convert this visa into a residence permit (residence permit), depending on the reason for your stay (work, retirement, study, etc.).
B. The Golden Visa for Investors: Greece offers an attractive program for non-EU investors, known as the Golden Visa, which allows you to obtain a residence permit by investing in real estate.
Golden Visa Program Criteria:
- A real estate investment of at least €250,000 in a property located in Greece.
- The residence permit is valid for five years and can be renewed as long as you keep the investment.
- The Golden Visa allows you to travel freely within the Schengen area and bring family members under certain conditions.
This option is particularly interesting for people looking to invest in real estate while having the possibility of residing in Greece without minimum residence requirements.
Check out our article on the Golden Visa to learn more!
Additional steps after obtaining residency
Once you have obtained residency in Greece, several additional steps may be necessary, especially if you plan to live permanently:
- Opening a bank account in Greece: Essential for managing your finances, paying your bills and possibly receiving income.
- Registering with the Greek health system: Residents can choose to enroll in public health insurance or purchase private insurance.
- Declaring your income and assets: As a resident, you may be subject to certain tax obligations in Greece. It is recommended that you consult a tax expert to find out about your rights and obligations.
Conclusion
Obtaining residency in Greece is an accessible process, whether you are a citizen of the European Union or a citizen of a non-EU country. The process is generally simpler for Europeans, while programs like the Golden Visa offer a great opportunity for non-European investors.
