Greece · long-stay visa routes and official sources
5 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 — 3 of the 5 tracked routes do not require a local employer: Digital nomad visa; Financially independent residence; Student residence. Each has its own income, funds, or admission requirements.
For non-EU/EEA remote workers serving employers or clients outside Greece; new applicants should obtain the national D visa before arrival.
Typical timeline / duration: National D visa up to 12 months; eligible holders may apply before expiry for the two-year digital-nomad residence permit.
Remote employment, service contracts or your own business must be based outside Greece; fixed-term contracts must cover the intended visa period.
Monthly resources at least €3,500, plus 20% for a spouse/partner and 15% for each child; employment/service income is measured after required taxes.
Submit the work declaration, contracts/business evidence, passport and the insurance and other documents on the handling Greek mission's national-visa checklist.
For financially independent applicants who can support themselves without employment or independent economic activity in Greece; separate from the digital-nomad category.
Typical timeline / duration: Ordinary FIP residence: three years, renewable for an equal period if conditions remain met.
Obtain the appropriate national D visa and submit the residence application before the visa expires.
Article 1(1)(i) of Decision 225679/2024 sets €3,500 per month, plus 20% for a spouse and 15% for each child.
Show lawful resources through foreign pension, bank accounts or other personal means; periodic income is assessed monthly and other sources, including deposits, annually.
Provide passport, required insurance, civil documents and the residence authority's current application and payment evidence.
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.
Submit passport and Type-D visa, €150 annual e-fee, health insurance, enrolment/acceptance and fee-payment evidence, certificate of programme duration, and four 40×60 mm photos.
Show at least €400 per month and sign a declaration that the funds will continue; bank statements, bank transfer or scholarship may prove this.
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.