Residence Permit in Greece in 2024: Methods and Features of Programs
Since 1992, Feod Group has been providing a wide range of immigration, corporate and legal services in Greece and other EU countries.
✓ Selection of immigration programs in the EU
✓ Legal support for obtaining Greek residence permits
✓ Tax advice and tax optimization
✓ Legal services for company registration
What Does the Greek Residence Permit Offer?
How to Obtain a Greek Residence Permit in 2024
Greek Residence Permit for financially independent foreigners
Digital Nomads
Greek Residence Permit for real estate purchase and investments
Business Immigration to Greece
Taxes in Greece and Tax Resident Status
Services of Feod Group Company
Obtaining a Greek Residence Permit and Immigration
📍Greece — a popular EU destination for acquiring a Residence Permit and immigration, offers attractive economic opportunities and advantages for living. The country provides a favorable business climate, especially for those interested in tourism, real estate, and services.
Advantages of Greek Residence Permit
Holders of a residence permit in Greece have the opportunity to enjoy all the benefits that the status of a European Union resident provides. The Greek residence permit opens up a range of privileges and opportunities for foreigners:
Visa-Free Travel to Schengen Countries
Holders of the Greek residence permit can freely travel without a visa to countries within the Schengen Agreement.
Access to Banking Services
The status of a Greek residence permit holder provides access to banking services throughout the European Union.
Education Opportunities for Children in Accredited Public Institutions
Children of Greek residence permit holders have the right to attend public schools and universities, offering them access to high-quality education.
Right to Family Reunification
The residence permit card grants the right to family reunification, including issuing residence permits to relatives and minor children.
EU Citizenship
Upon obtaining resident status, you can apply for Greek citizenship after 7 years.
How to Obtain a Greek Residence Permit in 2024
Typically, to obtain a residence permit and immigrate to Greece in 2024, you first need to acquire a long-term D visa. Subsequently, you must apply to the Foreigners’ Department with a request for a residence permit in Greece.
A residence permit (RP) is a document that grants you the right to stay and live in Greece, and it can be renewed or eventually replaced by Permanent Residence (PR) in Greece.
Usually, a Greek residence permit is issued for 1-2 years with the option of renewal. Alternatively, through the “Golden Visa Greece” program, you can obtain a residence permit for an immediate 5-year period.
After five years of legal residence in the Hellenic Republic, you can apply for permanent residency (PR). To qualify for citizenship, continuous residence in the country for seven years is required.
Obtaining a residence permit in Greece can be a complex process that requires knowledge of legislation and procedures. Therefore, many foreigners seek assistance from lawyers specializing in immigration matters. Lawyers at Feod Group can help you prepare documents, provide guidance, and ensure compliance with all necessary requirements.
Bases for Obtaining a Greek Residence Permit
The most popular programs to obtain a residence permit in Greece include:
Greek Residence Permit for Financially Independent Foreigners
The Greek Residence Permit for financially independent foreigners is suitable for third-country citizens who wish to reside in Greece and have sufficient means to cover their living expenses without the need to work in Greece. The residence permit is also granted to the family members of the main applicant.
The resident card is initially issued for 2 years and is then renewable every 3 years if the conditions for obtaining it continue to be met.
There are two ways to obtain the Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa:
Apply based on passive income sources (i.e., not salary-based). The minimum monthly passive income must be at least €2,000 for the main applicant + 20% for the second spouse + 15% for each child.
Apply based on personal savings. Applicants must have available savings amounting to at least €48,000 for the main applicant + 20% for the second spouse + 15% for each child.
Additionally, renting or purchasing real estate is mandatory. There is no specified minimum amount for property purchase.
More details:
Golden Visa for Real Estate Purchase and Investments
Greek Golden Visa The Golden Visa in Greece is one of the most popular investment visa programs in the EU. This residency for investment can be obtained by citizens of third countries and their family members who have invested in Greek companies, bank deposits, government bonds, or purchased real estate in Greece.
Residency for investment can be obtained for the entire family: the second spouse, children, as well as parents.
Why do many choose the Greek Golden Visa among other residency programs?
The distinctive feature of the “Golden Visa Greece” residence permit is that after making the investment and obtaining residency, you do not need to be constantly present (183+ days) in Greece to maintain resident status. In other words, you and your family get Greek residency without the need for continuous residence and have the freedom to move to all Schengen Agreement countries.
No requirements for permanent residence
Residency is granted for 5 years immediately and is indefinitely renewable
Special tax regime available for investors
Possibility to apply for Greek citizenship after 7 years of residence
You can obtain the Golden Visa Greece by purchasing Greek real estate for a minimum of 250,000 euros or investing from 400,000 € in Greek companies, bank deposits, or government bonds.
Business immigration to Greece presents an attractive opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to register or acquire an existing business in the country.
Foreign citizens can immigrate to Greece if they have sufficient funds for living and working, their business contributes to the country’s economy, they have relevant work experience or qualifications in their chosen field, and they provide a reliable business plan. Residency can be obtained for 2 years with the right to extension, contingent on active business activities and tax payments.
To register a company in Greece, several stages must be completed, starting from choosing the legal form to fulfilling various registration procedures and meeting tax obligations.
Choosing the legal form
Document preparation
Company registration with the Greek tax authorities and obtaining a tax number
Opening a bank account
Registration in the trade registry
Obtaining licenses and permits. Depending on the type of business, additional licenses and permits may be required.
Filing declarations and reports. This includes regular reporting on the financial performance and tax obligations of the company.
If you are a self-employed individual or freelancer engaged in remote work or professional activities, the special program for digital nomads – Greek Digital Nomad Visa – can offer you the opportunity to live and work in Greece.
To meet the requirements of the digital nomad program, you must work remotely for a company or clients located outside of Greece. The Digital Nomad Visa is initially valid for one year with the option for renewal.
Key requirements of the digital nomad program in Greece include:
Having a sufficient income of at least €3,500 + 20% for the second spouse + 15% for each child.
Not seeking employment within the country.
Opening a bank account in Greece.
Having a place of residence in Greece (either purchasing or renting real estate).
Taxation for Digital Nomads in Greece
What taxes do digital nomads pay in Greece?
Tax obligations for digital nomads in Greece stipulate that if you spend more than six out of twelve months in the country, you become a tax resident, and you are required to pay income tax at rates ranging from 9% to 44%.
However, the good news is that the Greek government provides a 50% tax discount for remote workers. To qualify, you need to apply for the digital nomad visa, agree to reside in the country for at least 2 years, and not be a tax resident of Greece for 5 out of the previous 6 years.
Greece is not considered a high-tax country and aligns with the average tax levels among European Union nations.
How to Become a Tax Resident in Greece?
Becoming a tax resident in Greece involves filing a declaration and paying taxes in Greece on your worldwide income.
An individual becomes a tax resident in Greece if:
They stay in Greece for more than 183 days in a year, and/or
They have a permanent or main residence or other ties, including personal, social, or financial connections, in Greece (ownership of assets in Greece, business and real estate presence, family residence, employment, etc.).
Income Tax Rates for Individuals
Income tax in Greece depends on the source of income (e.g., employment, rental) and is calculated accordingly. The progressive income tax rates range from 9% to 44%.
Greece has also introduced alternative tax regimes for new tax residents in the country.
Investors: An annual flat tax of €100,000 on total income from foreign sources (maximum duration: 15 years).
Employees/Freelancers: Taxation at a rate of 50% on income earned in Greece (maximum duration: 7 years).
How to Avoid Double Taxation in Greece?
Greece has signed double taxation avoidance agreements with various countries, including Ukraine, Portugal, Spain, Cyprus, playing a crucial role in resolving tax issues for citizens and companies engaged in business between these countries. These agreements facilitate tax payments and prevent double taxation for individuals and companies involved in international activities.
Feod Group Services and Assistance in Obtaining Greek Residency
Since 1992, Feod Group has been offering a broad range of legal services for obtaining immigration statuses, including:
Assistance in selecting immigration programs to the European Union.
Consultations on the requirements and conditions of immigration programs.
Legal support during the residency permit application process, including representing the client’s interests before relevant authorities.
Assistance in preparing the required documents for the immigration process and obtaining the necessary permits.
Legal and Business Services:
Tax planning
Company registration support
Legal services for purchasing existing businesses with legal analysis
Opening bank accounts
Assistance in the real estate purchase process
Reach out to us, and we will be happy to provide you with all the necessary assistance in these processes!
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Contact the experts of Feod Group! We offer individual consultations focused on optimizing tax obligations, comparing taxation in various EU countries, addressing double taxation issues, and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation.
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Residence Permit in Greece – FAQ
How to Obtain a Residence Permit in Greece: Process and Requirements?
To obtain a Residence Permit (RP) in Greece, specific procedures must be followed.
Document Collection
Applicants must prepare documentary evidence of their eligibility to obtain the RP.
Visa Application
To enter Greece and subsequently obtain the RP, a long-stay type D visa is required. Category D visas are issued by consulates in the applicant’s main country of residence, allowing a stay in Greece for up to 90 days for further residence permit processing. The application, along with the required documents, must be submitted to the consulate or diplomatic representation.
Document Submission
Upon arrival in Greece, the foreigner should submit documents for one of the types of residence permits. The candidate must submit an electronic application for the RP. A sample application form is available on the official migration service website. After submitting the application, the individual receives a certificate of submission, valid until a decision is made on the issuance or denial of the RP. In some cases, the applicant may be required to attend an interview at the immigration service. The document processing time is typically 2 to 6 months from the date of submission.
Residence Registration
Foreign citizens are required to register their place of residence. The registration certificate contains information about the applicant’s postal address and other relevant details.
Residence Card Issuance
After receiving approval for temporary residence, the competent authority informs the applicant about the readiness of the RP. The RP is issued at the same location where the application was submitted, upon presentation of the notification.
Can you get a Greek Residence Permit by purchasing real estate?
Yes, a residence permit in Greece when buying a property can be obtained under the Golden Visa program. The cost of real estate for obtaining a residence permit is from 250 thousand €.
According to other programs for obtaining a residence permit in Greece, the purchase is not mandatory, but is considered solely as an additional advantage when applying for a residence permit (for example, under the program for financially independent foreigners).
How to obtain Greek citizenship?
Foreigners can acquire Greek citizenship through the naturalization procedure.
To be eligible, one must have lived in Greece legally for a minimum of 7 years, integrate into society, and consistently pay taxes.
Individuals who have officially married a Greek citizen can apply for citizenship after three years of cohabitation.
How to renew a Greek Residence Permit?
Renewing a temporary residence permit is possible for a period ranging from one to five years, maintaining the grounds on which the initial status was granted. The renewal application should be submitted no earlier than two months before the expiration of the current permit. The renewal process can be done through the online system or in person at the local police department.
After residing in the country on the basis of a Residence Permit for 5 years, one can apply for permanent residency in Greece (Permanent Residence Permit or PRP). After an additional two years with PRP, individuals may apply for naturalization and Greek citizenship.
Tetyana Lementaryova is the Managing Director of Feod Group, with over 20 years of experience in international business, education, and immigration. In 2004, she graduated from Nottingham Trent University (London, UK) with a Bachelor’s degree in International Business (BA Hons). In 2006, she ea...
Tetyana Lementaryova is the Managing Director of Feod Group, with over 20 years of experience in international business, education, and immigration. In 2004, she graduated from Nottingham Trent University (London, UK) with a Bachelor’s degree in International Business (BA Hons). In 2006, she earned an MBA in Marketing Management from the European School of Economics (Rome, Italy). Between 2005 and 2009, she co-founded the Italian tour operator New Lands (Rome, Italy).
Areas of Expertise:
✔ Academic Career Planning Abroad: Comprehensive support at every stage of education in the EU, UK, and USA, from choosing institutions to enrollment and document preparation. ✔ Immigration Programs: Consulting and assistance in obtaining student visas and other residency permits. ✔ Investment Projects: Selection and analysis of investment opportunities, including real estate. Tetyana actively participates in industry conferences and seminars, staying up to date with the latest trends and regulatory changes. She also shares her expertise through Feod Group publications, covering a wide range of topics, including education strategies and immigration program insights. Fluent in Ukrainian, English, Russian, Italian, and French.
Since 1992, Feod Group has been providing a wide range of legal, business and immigration services in Europe, the USA and other countries of the world.
The company has accredited western lawyers, experts in various fields of law and jurisdictions of the world.
Having offices in Europe and the USA, Feod Group provides rapid paperwork and maximum customer comfort.
We provide our clients with related services, such as relocation and adaptation abroad, organizing family relocation abroad, enrollment of children in schools and many other services.
