Greece · long-stay visa routes and official sources
7 routes tracked · last reviewed · every route links to its official government source
Long-term visa difficulty for Greece: Medium (44/100, lower is easier). Most practical route: Digital nomad / financially independent residence.
Common questions
What is the most practical long-term visa route to Greece?
Based on our July 2026 review, the most practical route is usually: Digital nomad / financially independent residence. Overall difficulty is rated "Medium" (44/100, lower is easier).
Can I move to Greece without a local job offer?
Yes — 5 of the 7 tracked routes do not require a local employer: Digital nomad visa; Financially independent residence; Student residence; National D visa for digital nomads; National visa / residence permit for study. Each has its own income, funds, or admission requirements.
For stable foreign-income remote workers wanting a Southern Europe trial.
Typical timeline / duration: 1-3 months
Non-EU/EEA remote employee/self-employed/freelancer based outside Greece; declaration of intent not to work for Greek employer; proof of employment/business/clients; health insurance and standard national visa documents.
Steady monthly income of at least €3,500; family additions apply under Greek rules.
For people with funds who do not need local employment.
Typical timeline / duration: 2-5 months
Obtain the required Greek Type D entry visa before applying for the residence permit, unless a current rule provides a different filing route for your nationality.
Prove stable independent means of at least EUR 2,000 per month for the main applicant, increased by 20% for a spouse and 15% for each child.
Provide a private health-insurance policy covering the stay and evidence of the funds, such as a foreign pension or domestic bank-account statement.
Submit a valid passport, the residence application, the EUR 1,000 electronic fee, photographs, and the residence-card fee and supporting civil documents requested by the competent authority.
A remote-income route for applicants working for overseas employers, clients, or businesses.
Typical timeline / duration: National D visa up to 12 months; residence permit route may follow if extending.
Non-EU/EEA remote employee/self-employed/freelancer based outside Greece; declaration of intent not to work for Greek employer; proof of employment/business/clients; health insurance and standard national visa documents.
Steady monthly income of at least €3,500; family additions apply under Greek rules.
Non-EU student needs acceptance/certification by Greek education institution; national visa/residence process with application, passport and supporting documents.
Certification of income to cover living expenses; receipt for enrolment fees where applicable; residence-permit fee shown as €150 per year in EU portal.
A study-based route requiring admission to an eligible education provider.
Typical timeline / duration: Student residence permit duration based on studies; specific validity depends on programme.
Non-EU student needs acceptance/certification by Greek education institution; national visa/residence process with application, passport and supporting documents.
Certification of income to cover living expenses; receipt for enrolment fees where applicable; residence-permit fee shown as €150 per year in EU portal.
A longer-stay route based on its specific eligibility requirements.
Typical timeline / duration: Permanent residence permit for investors; renewable if investment/property/lease remains in force.
Official ministry page lists application form, photos, passport/travel document with valid national visa, fees, private health insurance, notary certificate and property/lease/timeshare evidence depending on route, proof of registration/transfer, and renewal evidence that property/lease remains in force.
Official page references property/lease documentation and historical €250,000 examples; current geographic/property thresholds vary and need exact threshold validation before public database use.
Visa rules change frequently. Figures and requirements above were reviewed on the dates shown; always confirm against the linked official source before applying.