Greece’s Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa, also referred to as the Greece Retirement Visa, allows non-EU nationals to live in Greece without taking up local employment.
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a stable passive income, such as pensions, rental income, or dividends, of at least €3,500 per month (€42,000 per year). The minimum income requirement increases by 20% for a spouse and 15% for each dependent child included in the application.
To help you make an informed decision, here is our full guide on the Greece Retirement Visa, including income requirements, benefits, the application and renewal process, and some of the best places to retire in Greece.
Greece FIP Visa: Key takeaways
FIP Visa Greece 2026
The Greece Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa is a long-term residency program for non-EU/EEA nationals, including retirees and financially independent individuals, who want to live in Greece without working for a Greek employer.
Under Law 5038/2023, applicants must have a stable passive income from sources outside Greece, such as pensions, rental income, dividends, or investments.
The minimum requirement is €3,500 per month for a single applicant, increasing by 20% for a spouse and 15% for each dependent child. If you choose to prove your financial means with a lump sum bank deposit instead of a monthly income, you must show at least €126,000 in personal savings to cover the full 3-year residence permit.
Successful applicants receive a three-year renewable residence permit, which also allows visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area. To renew the permit, applicants need to continue meeting the financial requirements and spend at least 183 days per calendar year in Greece.
Benefits of the Greece FIP Visa
- Potential tax benefits: If you transfer your tax residency to Greece and meet the eligibility requirements, you may qualify for a 50% reduction in income tax for up to seven years under a special flat tax regime, subject to registration and approval by the Greek tax authorities.
- Schengen travel: The visa allows you to travel freely throughout the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, making it easy to explore multiple European destinations.
- Long-term residency option: The initial Digital Nomad Visa is valid for 12 months. Eligible applicants can then apply for a renewable two-year residence permit, provided they continue to meet the program’s requirements, including the minimum income threshold.
- Family inclusion: You can include your spouse or partner and dependent children in your application. The required minimum monthly income increases by 20% for a spouse and 15% for each dependent child.
- Reliable digital infrastructure: Whether you choose a big city or one of Greece’s many islands, you’ll benefit from expanding digital infrastructure, including high-speed internet and 5G connectivity in many regions, which makes it easier to work remotely.
Greek FIP Visa Requirements in 2026
The eligibility criteria for the Greek retirement visa are set out in Greece’s Immigration Code (Law 5038/2023).
- Non-EU/EEA citizen: The visa is only available to non-EU/EEA citizens.
- Sufficient income requirements: Applicants must demonstrate a stable annual income of at least €3,500 per month net, plus an additional 20% for a spouse and 15% per dependent child. Alternatively, enough savings to last for the duration of the three-year visa (€126,000 in savings for main applicant, €151,200 for a married couple or €189,000 for a family of four).
- Proof of income sources: Income sources cannot be from salary or business income. The most popular options include pension, dividends, long-term rental income, fixed-rate savings, or other non-employment sources. It must be enough to cover living expenses for the duration of the stay in Greece.
- Health insurance: Applicants must have comprehensive private health insurance covering their stay in Greece.
- Clean criminal record: A police clearance certificate is required to demonstrate good character.
- Greek residency requirements: Applicants must spend at least 183 days within the country to maintain their residence status.
Greek FIP Visa Step by Step Application Process
Applying for the Greece FIP Visa requires applicants to show that they meet the financial independence requirements set out in Greece’s Immigration Code (Law 5038/2023). The process begins with a National Type D Visa through the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, followed by a residence permit application with the Ministry of Migration and Asylum after arrival in Greece.
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility
Before beginning the application, confirm that you meet the FIP Visa’s financial requirements. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient passive income or qualifying savings from sources outside Greece, together with comprehensive health insurance and the remaining eligibility requirements established under Law 5038/2023.
Step 2: Prepare your documentation
Gather all required supporting documents, including proof of passive income or savings, health insurance, accommodation, and a clean criminal record. Depending on where the documents were issued, certified translations or legalization may also be required.
Step 3: Submit your type D Visa application
Submit your National Type D Visa application and supporting documents to the appropriate Greek Consulate or Embassy in your country of residence. The Greek authorities will review your financial circumstances and supporting documentation before making a decision.
Step 4: Relocate to Greece and apply for your residence permit
Once your entry visa has been approved, travel to Greece and submit your residence permit application to the Ministry of Migration and Asylum before your visa expires. Applicants are also required to complete biometric registration as part of the residence permit process.
Step 5: Receive your residence permit
Following approval, you will receive your three-year residence permit, allowing you to legally reside in Greece. The permit can be renewed every three years, provided you continue meeting the program’s financial and residency requirements.
FIP Greek Visa Validity and Renewal
Under Greece’s Immigration Code (Law 5038/2023), the Greece FIP residence permit is issued for three years and can be renewed for additional three-year periods, provided applicants continue to meet the program’s financial and residency requirements.
To renew your residence permit, you’ll need to show that you still meet the minimum passive income or savings requirements and provide updated supporting documentation.
The FIP Visa does not allow employment or self-employment in Greece. To remain eligible for renewal, applicants must also reside in Greece for at least 183 days per calendar year.
Cost of the FIP Visa Greece
The cost of applying for the Greece FIP Visa includes government fees for the entry visa and residence permit, as well as any additional administrative costs. Additional costs may include certified translations, document legalization or apostilles, private health insurance, and professional advisory fees.
| Government Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| National Type D Visa | €150–€300 |
| Residence permit | €1,000 |
| Residence card (biometrics) | €16 |
Taxes for the Greece FIP Visa
If you spend 183 days or more in Greece during a calendar year, you will be considered a Greek tax resident. Greece also has double taxation agreements with many countries, which will help prevent the same income from being taxed twice.
Eligible retirees who transfer their tax residency to Greece may qualify for the country’s 7% flat tax regime on foreign pension income for up to 15 years, provided they meet the applicable legal requirements and receive approval from the Greek tax authorities.
FIP Greece Visa Processing Time
Processing times are different depending on the Greek Consulate and the completeness of your application. In most cases, applicants can expect the following timeline:
Greece FIP Visa Route to Permanent Residency
The Greece FIP Visa can provide a pathway to permanent residency for eligible applicants who continue to meet the program’s legal residence requirements.
To become eligible for permanent residency, applicants must:
- Demonstrate that they continue to meet the financial requirements.
- Maintain a registered address in Greece through homeownership or a long-term rental agreement.
- Reside legally in Greece for at least five continuous years without exceeding the permitted absence limits.
- Demonstrate A2-level Greek language proficiency. Applicants who do not meet the language requirement may be subject to a longer qualifying residence period before becoming eligible.
Path to citizenship
Eligible FIP Visa holders can apply for Greek citizenship after seven years of continuous legal residence, provided they meet Greece’s naturalization requirements.
Applicants must also:
- Demonstrate proficiency in the Greek language.
- Pass the required naturalization examination, including knowledge of Greek history, culture, and society.
- Show successful integration into Greek society.
- Meet the applicable residency and tax requirements.
Obtaining Greek citizenship is optional. If your home country does not allow dual citizenship, or you choose not to naturalize, you can continue residing in Greece as a long-term resident, provided you continue to meet the relevant residency requirements.
Best Places to Retire in Greece
Chania, Crete
Chania, Crete is a popular choice for retirees looking for an island lifestyle without the seasonal closures which are common on many smaller Greek islands. As part of Crete, Greece’s largest island, it has a picture-perfect Venetian harbor, a welcoming expat community, an international airport, and reliable year-round amenities.
Retirees also benefit from access to well-developed healthcare facilities, including regional hospitals and English-speaking private medical specialists. Financially, a single retiree can expect a monthly budget of €1,250 to €1,600, with central one-bedrooms averaging €560.
Kalamata, Peloponnese
Kalamata, Peloponnese is best for retirees looking for an affordable coastal lifestyle with modern conveniences. It is located on the mainland and features a walkable seafront, amazing Mediterranean cuisine, and a lower cost of living than Athens. Its international airport, well-maintained roads, and year-round services make it an attractive option that doesn’t require relying on island ferry connections.
The city is highly affordable and only requires a single budget of €1,100 to €1,400 per month. For retirees, this is a flat, highly cycle-friendly city with accessibility, and its major public hospital is regarded as one of the best-equipped regional facilities in the area.
Corfu, Ionian Islands
Corfu, Ionian Islands, is well-suited to retirees who enjoy lush landscapes, a mild climate, and a strong European cultural influence. Its Venetian architecture, well-established English-speaking expat community, along with a wide use of English in healthcare, legal, and retail services, make settling in easier.
The island’s relaxed environment and extensive olive groves add to its appeal. Living expenses range from €1,200 to €1,650 monthly for a single person, with one-bedroom apartments running between €450 and €600.
Nafplio, Peloponnese
Nafplio, Peloponnese, is a charming coastal town popular with retirees who want a relaxed lifestyle without being far from Athens. Its pedestrian-friendly historic center, beautiful architecture, and seaside setting make it great for everyday living.
It is located less than two hours from the capital, and residents also enjoy convenient access to Greece’s leading private hospitals and specialist medical facilities. The comfortable monthly cost of living is between €1,200 and €1,500 for a single resident, with a one-bedroom apartment averaging roughly €450 to €500.
Greece Residency Alternatives
If you don’t meet the FIP Residency Visa criteria, the Greek Golden Visa program is a popular alternative. It offers residency in exchange for significant financial contributions, such as investing a minimum of €250,000 in real estate. This visa provides flexibility, visa-free travel, and the benefit of free movement within the Schengen Area, with a possible pathway to Greek citizenship after seven years.
Additionally, the Greece Digital Nomad Visa is designed for non-EU/EEA remote workers who wish to live in Greece and who have a temporary residency permit valid for 12 months. It allows digital nomads to legally reside in Greece while working for companies outside the country, providing a unique opportunity to work remotely in a Mediterranean setting.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
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