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

 

 

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:

Holders of the Greek residence permit can freely travel without a visa to countries within the Schengen Agreement.

The status of a Greek residence permit holder provides access to banking services throughout the European Union.

Children of Greek residence permit holders have the right to attend public schools and universities, offering them access to high-quality education.

The residence permit card grants the right to family reunification, including issuing residence permits to relatives and minor children.

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:

✓ Residence permit for financially independent foreigners
✓ Residence permit in Greece for investment and purchase of real estate (Golden Visa)
✓ Business immigration to Greece
✓ Digital nomads in Greece

📌 Also in the article you can read:
⇒ Taxes in Greece and tax resident status

 

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

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.

 

➡️ Read more about the Golden Visa in Greece in 2024 »

➡️ Golden Visa. Immigration to Europe through Investments

Business immigration to Greece

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.

Read Also:

In which European country should you open a business in 2024 and pay low taxes?

Digital nomads in Greece

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:

Taxation for Digital Nomads in Greece

What taxes do digital nomads pay in Greece?

Read also:

Immigration to Europe. Programs for obtaining a residence permit in the EU 2024

Taxes in Greece and tax residence status

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:

  1. They stay in Greece for more than 183 days in a year, and/or
  2. 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.

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.

To optimize taxation, we also recommend considering Cyprus and the Non-domicile tax status in Cyprus:

0% tax on income from dividends, interest, and royalties

0% inheritance tax, wealth tax, gift tax

To become a tax resident, you only need 60 days of presence in Cyprus

Income tax benefits

Learn how to apply double tax avoidance agreements and receive tax consultation from our experts.

TAX CONSULTATION IN GREECE

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:

Legal and Business Services:

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.

    Article author

    Tetyana Lementarova Managing Partner
    Ukraine
    In 2004 Tetyana Lementarova graduated from the University of Nottingham Trent, London (UK) qualification of Bachelor of International Business (BA Hons) and in 2006 received an MBA from the European School of Economics Rome (Italy), Marketing Management specialisation. Has work experience in UK, Ita...
    In 2004 Tetyana Lementarova graduated from the University of Nottingham Trent, London (UK) qualification of Bachelor of International Business (BA Hons) and in 2006 received an MBA from the European School of Economics Rome (Italy), Marketing Management specialisation. Has work experience in UK, Italian and Cypriot companies. 2005-2009 co-founder of an Italian company tour operator New Lands (Rome, Italy). Since 2001, Mrs. Lementarova works as representative of Feod Group abroad. Participates on behalf of the company in international seminars, trainings and conferences on education, immigration and property acquisition abroad. Tetyana Lementarova is an expert in the field of:
    • planning an academic career abroad;
    • organisation of new business abroad and purchase of ready business;
    • obtaining immigration status;
    • selection of investment projects.
    Speaks Russian, Ukrainian, English, Italian, French.
    read more
    mail

    Why clients choose Feod Group

    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.

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    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.

    READ ALSO:

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    Immigration to Europe 2024

    Golden Visa. Immigration to Europe through Investments

    Permanent residence in the EU. How and where to get permanent residence in 2024

    Greece plans to increase Golden Visa requirements to €800,000

    The Best Countries for Emigration: Where to Move to Live?

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