How to get Greece residence in 2025 — permits & renewals

Applying for Greece residence in 2025 means choosing between several permits: Golden Visa, work, student, family reunification, or digital nomad. Each has its own requirements, validity, and renewal steps. This guide explains the main routes, documents, AFM/AMKA setup, renewals, common mistakes, and FAQ.

Key terms (Greece-specific)

• Άδεια Διαμονής (Residence Permit): the official card issued by Greek authorities confirming your right to stay.
• Golden Visa: residence permit via property or other qualifying investment, usually with €250k or €500k thresholds depending on location.
• AFM: Greek tax number, required for contracts, utilities, and property registration.
• AMKA: social security number, needed for healthcare, employment, and insurance.
• Biometric appointment: mandatory step with fingerprints, photo, and signature for all permits.
• Renewal: process of extending your permit before expiry, usually every 2–5 years depending on route.

Residence routes at a glance (2025)

Step-by-step process (2025)

1. Pick your route — Golden Visa, work, student, family, or digital nomad.
2. Secure AFM & bank account — required for contracts and payments.
3. Prepare documents — passport, insurance, income proofs, contracts, civil records.
4. Submit application — online or through the competent authority, depending on category.
5. Attend biometric appointment — fingerprints, photo, signature at migration office.
6. Collect residence card — check validity dates and renewal deadlines.

Documents checklist

• Valid passport + copies
• Proof of income/funds (contracts, bank statements, payslips)
• Accommodation (lease, deed, property purchase contract)
• Health insurance covering Greece
• AFM (tax ID) and AMKA (social security)
• Route-specific papers:
  • Golden Visa: property deed, tax payment, registry extract
  • Work: employment contract, employer’s registrations
  • Student: enrollment certificate, tuition payment
  • Family: marriage/birth certificates, sponsor’s permit
  • Digital nomad: remote work contracts, income proofs

Costs & renewals

Government fees: vary by permit; Golden Visa higher due to property thresholds. Translations/legalisation: expect to pay for apostille and certified Greek translations. Renewals: usually require updated insurance, proof of funds/property, and biometrics every cycle.

What changed in 2025

• Golden Visa thresholds: €500k in Athens/Thessaloniki/hotspots, €250k elsewhere.
• Digital nomad demand: stricter checks on remote income (≥ €3,500/month).
• Online systems expanding, but biometric appointments still mandatory.

Common mistakes

• Missing AFM/AMKA numbers when signing contracts.
• Late renewal leading to overstay penalties.
• Property contracts without clean registry extract (Golden Visa).
• No proof of genuine accommodation (lease not registered).
• Underestimating translation/legalisation requirements.

Expert opinion

“The most successful Greece residence files in 2025 show early AFM/AMKA registration, full insurance, and complete translations. Delays mostly come from property registry issues or missed biometric appointments.” — VelesClub Int. Immigration Team

FAQ

What is the minimum property investment for Golden Visa?
€250k in most areas, €500k in Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini.

Can I work on a digital nomad visa?
Yes, but only for non-Greek employers/clients. Local work is not allowed.

How long does it take to get a residence card?
Typically 2–4 months from submission to card issuance, longer in busy offices.

Can family members join a Golden Visa holder?
Yes, spouses, children under 21, and dependent parents can apply as dependents.

Is healthcare included with residence?
Not automatically; private insurance is required until AMKA activation.

Next steps

Ready to apply for your Greece residence in 2025? Use our workspace to prepare documents and explore the Residency & Citizenship hub for checklists and tailored routes.