Residency in Greece via Golden Visa ProgramFast-track residency, EU freedomMediterranean lifestyle advantages

Residence and Citizenship in Greece

Why people seek residence and citizenship in Greece

Greece’s unparalleled blend of historical heritage, stunning coastlines, and strategic EU membership has made it an increasingly popular destination for those pursuing a residence permit in Greece. From the sun-drenched islands of the Aegean—Santorini, Mykonos, Crete—to the vibrant cultural hubs of Athens and Thessaloniki, the country offers diverse lifestyles that appeal to retirees, digital nomads, investors, and families alike. Greece’s Golden Visa program, launched in 2013, enables investors to obtain a residence permit by purchasing real estate from €250,000, with minimal physical presence requirements—just one day per year—while granting access to Schengen-area visa-free travel across 26 countries. Alternatively, the D-type long-term visas—D7 for passive income earners and D4 for students—cater to retirees, remote workers, and international scholars, requiring proof of stable income or university enrollment and valid health insurance. EU residency rights confer robust legal protections under EU law, eligibility for national healthcare (EOPYY), local schooling, and a clear pathway to permanent residence after five years and citizenship after seven years. These combined factors—tax incentives, lifestyle quality, legal stability, and global mobility—underscore why Greece remains a top relocation choice for global citizens.

Types of residence permits and citizenship programs

Greece’s immigration framework provides multiple pathways to residency and citizenship. The Golden Visa program grants a five-year residence permit to investors who purchase real estate worth at least €250,000, invest €400,000 in Greek government bonds or shares of Greek companies (under the equity investment option), or deposit €400,000 in Greek banks. Permits are renewable indefinitely every five years as long as the investment is maintained. D7 passive income visas are available to retirees and those with stable passive income—such as pensions, dividends, or rental earnings—requiring a monthly minimum income equivalent to €2,000 for the principal applicant and additional funds for dependents. D4 student visas serve non-EU students enrolled in Greek universities and recognized educational institutions, valid for the program duration and renewable annually.

Family reunification permits allow spouses, minor children, and dependent parents of primary permit holders to join under favorable conditions, granting them the same residency rights. After five years of continuous legal residence—under any permit category—holders may apply for permanent residence in Greece, which provides indefinite stay rights and greater integration benefits, such as unrestricted employment, social security access, and local voting in municipal elections. Citizenship by naturalization in Greece generally requires seven years of legal residence, demonstration of Greek language proficiency (A2 level under the Common European Framework of Reference), clean criminal record, knowledge of Greek culture and history, and a formal citizenship interview. Successful applicants receive Greek citizenship certificates and can apply for Greek passports, thereby gaining full EU citizenship rights, including the right to vote in national and European elections and consular protection by any EU member state abroad.

Requirements and application process

Applicants for a Greece residence permit must prepare the following documentation: a valid passport with at least six months’ validity, recent passport-size photographs, proof of health insurance covering Greece and Schengen countries, evidence of financial means (bank statements, pension slips, or income certificates), and proof of accommodation (rental contract or property deed). Golden Visa investors additionally provide purchase contracts, title deeds, or bank deposit confirmations, and, for the equity option, investment statements. D7 applicants submit proof of passive income, a declaration of local address, and criminal record certificates apostilled by their home country. D4 students present enrollment letters from accredited Greek institutions and financial support proofs.

Applications are submitted in person at local Aliens and Immigration Departments (Αρχές Αλλοδαπών) of police directorates in the applicant’s region of residence—major centers include Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion, and Patras. Golden Visa submissions require coordination with certified legal and real estate professionals to ensure compliance with investment and tax regulations. Processing times range from one to three months, depending on the permit type and completeness of documentation. Upon provisional approval, applicants receive national visas from Greek consulates abroad to enter Greece and finalize residence cards (blue residence booklets) at regional immigration offices. Renewal applications must be lodged at least one month before expiration, providing updated proof of maintained investment or continued income. Permanent residence applications follow five years of uninterrupted permit renewals, requiring additional proof of integration—such as tax filings, business activity, or family ties—and are processed within six months. Citizenship applications submitted after seven years undergo interviews at regional public administration offices and typically conclude within 12 to 18 months.

Legal framework and government policies

Greece’s residence and citizenship regimes are governed by Law 4251/2014 (implementing EU Directive 2011/98/EC on single permit procedures and long-term residents), Presidential Decree 106/2007 (regulating third-country nationals’ entry and stay), and Law 4332/2015 (Golden Visa framework). The Ministry of Migration and Asylum, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Finance, oversees program implementation. Anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) regulations—aligned with EU standards—mandate rigorous source-of-funds verification for all investor categories, enforced by the Hellenic Financial Intelligence Unit (HFIU). Recent legislative revisions have expanded eligible investments for Golden Visa holders to include energy efficiency upgrades and vessel acquisitions, while refining passive income thresholds for D7 applicants. The National Registry Portal (ARIS) and e-justice system facilitate electronic submission of criminal records and application tracking, improving transparency and reducing processing delays. Tax incentives for new residents under the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime—such as a flat 7% tax on foreign income for ten years—are administered by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE), enhancing Greece’s attractiveness for international retirees and skilled professionals.

Lifestyle, mobility, and long-term benefits

Residency in Greece unlocks a Mediterranean lifestyle celebrated for its healthy diet, tranquil pace, and access to world-class cultural and natural landmarks. Residents settle in diverse locales—urban centres like Athens or Thessaloniki; island paradises such as Rhodes, Corfu, and Paros; or historic mainland regions like the Peloponnese and Central Macedonia—each offering unique community experiences. Healthcare is delivered through a hybrid public-private system, with EOPYY covering essential services and private clinics providing expedited care. International schools in Athens and Thessaloniki follow British, American, and IB curricula, ensuring educational continuity for expatriate families. Outdoor activities abound: sailing in the Cyclades, skiing in Parnassos, hiking the Samaria Gorge in Crete, or bird-watching in the Axios Delta National Park.

Mobility benefits are substantial: Greek residence permit holders travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, facilitating business and leisure across Europe. Permanent residents and citizens gain full freedom of movement, work, and study in all 27 EU member states, along with voting rights in EU-wide elections and consular assistance from any EU embassy abroad. Real estate across Greece—particularly in emerging markets like Thessaloniki’s waterfront or Peloponnese’s coastal towns—has demonstrated steady capital appreciation, bolstered by tourism growth and investment-driven demand. Long-term residents benefit from property ownership rights, inheritance protections under Greek law, and social security entitlements—including pensions and unemployment benefits—upon requisite contributions, providing a robust safety net and an attractive environment for families, retirees, entrepreneurs, and investors pursuing residence and citizenship in Greece.

How VelesClub Int. helps

VelesClub International offers end-to-end, personalized services for clients seeking residence and citizenship in Greece. Our comprehensive suite of solutions begins with an in-depth eligibility assessment—mapping each client’s profile (investment capacity, income streams, family composition, career objectives) to the optimal visa category, whether Golden Visa, D7, D4, or work permit routes. We coordinate all document preparation: certified translations, apostilles, bank statements, criminal record clearances, health insurance arrangements, and proof of accommodation, ensuring full compliance with Greek and EU regulations.

For Golden Visa applicants, we provide specialized real estate advisory—identifying high-potential properties in prime locations such as Athens’ northern suburbs, Thessaloniki’s waterfront, or the islands—liaising with developers and notaries, managing purchase negotiations, and facilitating capital transfer to Greek banks under AML protocols. We submit complete applications on the National Registry Portal (ARIS), schedule biometric appointments at regional immigration offices, and track every stage through to residence card issuance. D7 and D4 applicants benefit from tailored financial documentation support, coordination with universities, and crafting declarations of intent to integrate into local communities.

As clients approach renewal milestone or transition to permanent residence, VelesClub Int. compiles updated dossiers—evidence of ongoing investment or income, tax filings under the NHR regime, and proof of continuous stay—and arranges SEF interviews and follow-up submissions. For citizenship by naturalization, we guide candidates through language proficiency training, civic orientation workshops, dossier assembly for the Conservatória dos Registos Centrais, and logistics for oath ceremonies. Post-citizenship, we assist with passport applications, social security registrations, and strategic tax planning under Greece’s favorable regimes.

Leveraging our deep local expertise, professional networks, and a proven track record of successful approvals, VelesClub International ensures a seamless, efficient, and fully tailored journey to secure residence and citizenship in Greece—empowering clients to embrace the country’s rich heritage, idyllic lifestyle, and extensive European opportunities.