Greece’s immigration policy regulates how people from other countries can enter, stay, and live in Greece. Citizens from the European Union and the European Economic Area can move freely without needing a visa. However, non-EU nationals generally need a visa to enter and a residence permit for more extended stays.
Greece offers various visa types based on reasons like tourism, work, study, or family reunification. Special programs such as the Golden Visa for investors and the Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers make it easier to live in Greece. These visas can also be a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship.
This guide will help you understand Greece’s immigration system, including visa options, residency permits, citizenship routes, and recent policy updates.
- Greece Immigration State
- Greece Immigration System
- Who needs to apply for a Greek Visa?
- What is a Greek Type D Visa?
- What is a Greek Residence Permit?
- Benefits of Immigrating to Greece
- Greece Immigration Visa Types
- Residency Options in Greece
- Citizenship Routes in Greece
Greece Immigration State
At the same time, Greece has simplified its legal migration process by reducing residence permit types and expanding options like the EU Blue Card and new talent visas for skilled workers. The Golden Visa program now requires higher investment amounts but also allows startup investments that create jobs.
While Greece has recently focused on stricter border control, it has several residency options for different migrants. Greece remains an attractive destination. Its passport ranks 42nd on Global Passport Index by Global Citizen Solutions and offers visa-free access to 124 countries. It also ranks 16th on the Enhanced Mobility Index which makes it one of the most desirable passports with a high mobility score.
Greece Immigration System
Greece’s immigration system is managed mainly by the Ministry of Migration Policy, which was set up in 2016. This ministry creates and runs national policies on legal and illegal migration, asylum, and international protection. It works closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to represent Greece on migration issues globally
Below is an overview of Greece’s immigration policies and the main roles of each Greek government authority.
| Authority | Main Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Ministry of Migration Policy | – Plans and implements national migration and asylum policy – Manages legal and illegal migration – Provides international protection to eligible individuals – Coordinates relevant national and regional services – Represents Greece in international migration matters (with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) |
| Asylum Service | – Examines and decides on asylum and international protection requests – Plans national asylum policy – Assesses protection applications (first instance) – Supports asylum seekers during the process – Organizes refugee resettlement from third countries |
| First Reception Service | – Identifies and registers foreign nationals entering Greece – Conducts medical checks – Informs migrants of protection options and return procedures – Provides housing and basic needs – Prepares annual operational plans |
| Greek Police | – Arrests individuals entering illegally – Deports those without legal status – Identifies undocumented migrants – Arrests human traffickers – Performs passport and border control |
| Decentralised Administration Authorities | – Issue residence permits for third-country nationals – Grant temporary work permits to asylum seekers – Issue work permits for recognized refugees – Design and run integration programs – Monitor local implementation of integration measures |
Who needs to apply for a Greek Visa?
You need a visa if you are:
- A citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA and not listed among the Schengen visa-exempt countries
- Planning to stay in Greece for more than 90 days
- Planning to work, study, reunite with family, or invest in Greece long-term
You do NOT need a visa if you are:
- A citizen of an EU or EEA country
- A citizen of a Schengen visa-exempt country (like the U.S., Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, etc.) and staying up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism or business
For long stays over 90 days, even citizens of visa-free countries must apply for a national visa also known as a Type D based on their reasons to stay, such as work, study, family reunification and more.
What is a Greek Type D Visa?
A Greek Type D visa is a national long-stay visa that allows you to live in Greece for more than 90 days, for reasons such as work, study, investment, or family reunification. It is purpose-specific, meaning you must apply under the correct category depending on your reason for staying.
This visa is the first step toward obtaining a residence permit once you arrive in Greece. A Type D visa also allows multiple entries, meaning you can travel in and out of Greece and visit other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It is issued for stays of up to one year.
Common types of Type D visas:
- Work visa – for those with a Greek job offer or seasonal work
- Student visa – for university, school, or language studies
- Family reunification – to join a spouse, parent, or child living in Greece
- Investment visa – including Greece’s Golden Visa for property or business investment
- Digital nomad visa – for remote workers with income from abroad
What is a Greek Residence Permit?
The residence permit is usually granted for one to five years, depending on the purpose of your stay, such as work, study, investment, family reunification, or international protection. It can be renewed as long as you still meet the conditions. Holding a valid residence permit also gives you access to public services like healthcare, education, and in some cases, the right to work in Greece.
Benefits of Immigrating to Greece
- Beautiful Lifestyle and Climate: Greece offers a warm Mediterranean climate, stunning coastlines, and a relaxed lifestyle that many find appealing.
- Affordable Cost of Living: Compared to many Western European countries, Greece has a lower cost of living, including housing, food, and transportation.
- Rich History and Culture: Living in Greece means easy access to ancient sites, vibrant traditions, festivals, and delicious cuisine.
- Access to the European Union: Immigrants with legal residence in Greece can benefit from living and working freely within the EU member states.
- Golden Visa Program: Greece offers one of Europe’s most affordable residency-by-investment programs through property investment, providing residency rights for investors and their families.
- Growing Economy and Job Opportunities: Especially in tourism, agriculture, and technology sectors, Greece is gradually expanding its job market for skilled foreign workers.
- Quality Healthcare System: Greece has a public healthcare system accessible to residents, along with private healthcare options.
- Education Opportunities: Greece offers access to quality education, including international schools and respected universities. The country is home to some of the best universities in Southeastern Europe and ranks 41st on the Global Citizen Solutions Education Report, making it an attractive option for students and families seeking strong academic foundations.
Greece Immigration Visa Types
Greece offers different types of visas and residence permits to manage the legal entry and stay of non-EU nationals. These fall under Greek immigration law and align with broader EU standards. As highlighted, the visa or permit you need depends on the length and purpose of your stay, such as tourism, work, study, or family reunification. Visa applications must be submitted through the Greek Embassy or Consulate in your country before arrival.
These are the different visa types:
1. Schengen Visas (Short-Stay Visas – Type C): These are for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period and allow travel within the Schengen Area, including Greece. The categories include:
- Tourist Visa: For short vacations or sightseeing.
- Business Visa: For meetings, conferences, or short-term commercial activities.
- Family Visit Visa: To visit relatives or friends.
- Cultural/Event Visa: For attending events, exhibitions, or sports competitions.
2. National Visas (Long-Stay Visas – Type D): Required for stays over 90 days. These visas allow multiple entries and are usually the first step toward a residence permit. Examples include:
- Work Visa: For skilled workers with a job offer from a Greek employer.
- Student Visa: For attending a university or educational institution in Greece.
- Family Reunification Visa: For joining family members legally residing in Greece.
- Digital Nomad Visa: For remote workers with stable income from outside Greece.
- Golden Visa: For investors who make qualifying investments (e.g. real estate) in Greece.
- Start-up Visa: For entrepreneurs aiming to launch innovative businesses in Greece.
3. Limited Territorial Visa: Granted for exceptional or humanitarian reasons, this visa allows stay only in Greece and not in the wider Schengen Area.
4. Residence Permits: After entering with a valid Type D visa, you must apply for a residence permit within its validity period. There are two types:
- Temporary Residence Permit: Issued initially for one to two years, depending on the visa type, and renewable.
- Permanent Residence Permit: This is granted after five years of continuous legal residence. It allows unrestricted living and working in Greece and can lead to Greek citizenship.
Residency Options in Greece
Greece has different ways for people outside the EU to live there legally. Whether you want to invest, work from home, or retire, Greece offers special visa programs to fit your lifestyle and needs.
Greece Golden Visa (for Investors)
The Greek Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program for non-EU nationals investing in Greek real estate. It offers permanent residency and to qualify, you must purchase property worth at least €250,000, though in popular areas like Athens, Mykonos, and Thessaloniki, the minimum investment is now €500,000. This visa grants a renewable 5-year residence permit and includes your spouse and dependent children. The processing time was reduced in 2025, after Greece decreased its backlog. And improved approval time from about 18 months to one to three months. Importantly, living in Greece is not required to maintain the visa, and after seven years of full-time residence, you may apply for Greek citizenship.
Greece Digital Nomad Visa (for Remote Workers)
The Greece Digital Nomad Visa is ideal for remote workers, freelancers, and business owners who are employed or run businesses outside Greece. To qualify, applicants must prove a monthly income of at least €3,500, which increases if family members accompany them. This visa allows you to stay in Greece for up to one year, with the option to apply for a two-year residence permit after arrival. Greece is the top 12 country on the Digital Nomad Index by Global Citizen Solutions, showing that many expats are interested in immigrating to the country. In fact, Greece scores the most on the procedure index, which looks at aspects such as application process, processing time, fees, and more.
Greece FIP Visa (Financially Independent Person Visa)
The Greece FIP Visa is aimed at individuals who want to live in Greece but do not plan to work. It suits retirees or those with passive income, such as pensions, rental income, or savings. To qualify, you must show a monthly income of at least €2,000, with additional funds required for dependents. You must first apply for a Type D national visa from a Greek consulate, and then apply for a renewable two year residence permit upon arrival in Greece. While you can’t work in Greece, the FIP visa allows you to live comfortably, enjoy Greek healthcare and lifestyle, and travel across the Schengen Zone.
Citizenship Routes in Greece
Greece has different ways of becoming a citizen. You can apply by living there for several years, having a Greek family, marrying a Greek citizen, or making extraordinary contributions to the country. Here are the main ways to get Greek citizenship.
| Route to Citizenship | Description | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Citizenship by Naturalization | For non-Greek residents who have lived in Greece legally for several years. | At least 7 years of legal residence, Greek language skills, and integration into Greek society. |
| Citizenship by Marriage | For spouses of Greek citizens. | Must live in Greece for at least 3 years after marriage and show a connection to Greek life. |
| Greece Citizenship by Descent | For people with Greek ancestry (usually parents or grandparents). | Proof of Greek heritage through official documents like birth or marriage certificates. |
| Exceptional Naturalization | For individuals who contribute significantly to Greece (economically, culturally, etc.). | Requires presidential approval and proof of national contribution. Rarely granted. |
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
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