Greece offers several immigration routes; knowing each helps you pick the right one.
- Greece has a population of about 10.4 million, most following Greek Orthodox Christianity.
- The official language is Greek, while English is widely spoken in tourism and larger cities.
- Greece counts more than 6,000 islands and islets, of which roughly 200 are inhabited.
Greece runs a Golden Visa programme granting residence to real-estate investors.
Since August 2024 the minimum investment rose to around EUR 800,000 in prime areas such as Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos and Santorini.
Investment route
In many other areas the threshold is roughly EUR 400,000, with lower tiers for certain heritage-restoration projects.
The Golden Visa residence card is valid for five years and renews while the investment is held.
The programme sets no minimum-stay requirement, which suits busy investors.
Skilled work route
After the 2010s debt crisis, the economy has recovered and returned to growth.
Property, especially in Athens, has rebounded strongly on Golden Visa demand and tourism.
Farm exports include olive oil, fruit, wine and seafood.
Family reunion
An immigration file needs a police clearance and personal documents, notarised and legalised.
Family reunion allows sponsoring a spouse and children under EU rules.
Long-term EU permanent residence can be sought after five years of lawful residence.
Study-to-stay
Scholarships come from the Greek state, the EU's Erasmus+ and individual universities.
- Strong fields include maritime studies, archaeology, tourism-hospitality and medicine.
- Greece's education system spans schooling, low-fee public universities and many international programmes.
- Leading universities include the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
- Many postgraduate programmes are taught in English, drawing international students.
- Public-university tuition for non-EU students is far lower than in Western Europe or the US.
Quick comparison
After seven years of lawful, continuous residence, foreigners may apply for Greek citizenship.
Naturalisation requires proof of integration plus knowledge of Greek language, history and culture.
Greece permits dual citizenship, so applicants can usually keep their original nationality.
Need a tailored roadmap?
Viking Global Group walks with you from paperwork to settlement. Call +849.219.219.88 or email [email protected] for a free consultation.
Related articles
- Greece culture: the identity of a nation
- The Greece economy: overview and leading sectors
- Immigration & Citizenship
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common routes to live in Greece?
Common routes include the Golden Visa investment programme, employment with a work permit, study, family reunification, the financially independent person permit, the digital nomad visa for remote workers, and long-term residence after years of lawful stay.
Who is the financially independent person permit for?
It suits people with stable income from abroad, such as pensions, rental income or dividends, who want to live in Greece without working locally. Applicants must show income at the required level, health insurance and accommodation. It is popular with retirees.
What does the digital nomad visa require?
It is aimed at people working remotely for employers or clients outside Greece. Applicants typically show an employment or service contract, income above the required threshold, health insurance and accommodation. Tax incentives may apply under certain conditions.
How do workers from outside the EU come to Greece?
Usually through employer-sponsored work permits, often for sectors with labour shortages such as agriculture, tourism and construction, sometimes under bilateral arrangements or quotas. Workers need a contract, a national visa and a residence permit.
How should applicants choose the right route?
Match the route to your goals: investment and flexibility suggest the Golden Visa, retirement income suggests the financially independent permit, remote work suggests the digital nomad visa, and study or employment suggest the corresponding permits. A qualified lawyer helps avoid costly changes later.
Information is for reference and may change under the latest official policy. Please contact us for current regulations.
