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If you are considering living in Greece, understanding your residence permit options is essential. If you are a citizen of an EU or EEA country, or Switzerland, you do not need a residence permit to live in Greece, although you may need to register your stay if you plan to remain long-term. For non-EU citizens, Greece offers several residence pathways, each designed for different profiles, including investors, financially independent individuals, and remote workers. This article gives an overview of the main options, including the Golden Visa, along with the alternative routes.
The Greek Golden Visa
The Golden Visa is one of the best-known residence permit programmes in Greece. It is granted to non-EU citizens who make a qualifying investment, most commonly in real estate. Holders can live in Greece, travel freely within the Schengen Area, and include family members in the application. One of its main advantages is that there is no minimum stay requirement, provided the investment is maintained.
Recent updates
Legislative changes introduced in late 2025 made the programme more structured and transparent. The updated framework clarifies which property categories qualify, including properties under renovation, listed buildings, commercial-to-residential conversions, and land purchases combined with construction.
Investment thresholds
The required investment depends on where you buy. The highest threshold applies to high-demand areas, such as Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and the most popular larger islands. A lower threshold applies to other regions of Greece. A further reduced level is available in specific cases, such as restoring a listed building or converting a commercial property to residential use, and this applies only once the works are completed.
Buying Property Without a Residence Permit
Non-EU citizens can buy property in Greece without applying for a residence permit. Without one, though, stays are limited to 90 days within any 180-day period under Schengen rules. If you want to live in Greece long-term, a residence permit becomes necessary.
Startup Golden Visa
The Startup Golden Visa is a newer route aimed at attracting investment into Greece's startup ecosystem. Under this framework, applicants invest in a company registered with Elevate Greece, the national startup registry, and meet conditions on shareholding limits and job creation. The structure is expected to include an initial residence permit with renewal options, provided the investment conditions continue to be met. The detailed rules are still being finalised, so confirm the current requirements before applying.
Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa
The Financially Independent Person Visa is for people who can support themselves without working in Greece. Applicants must show a stable monthly income of around €3,500, with higher amounts required if family members are included. The income must come from sources outside Greece, and proof of accommodation is required. The permit is granted for three years and can be renewed. Unlike the Golden Visa, it requires the holder to spend a minimum amount of time in Greece each year.
Digital Nomad Visa
The Digital Nomad Visa is for remote workers employed by companies outside Greece, or running businesses abroad. Applicants must show a minimum monthly income of around €3,500, hold valid health insurance, and provide proof of accommodation. The visa is typically issued for one year and can be extended or converted into a longer-term residence permit. It allows you to live in Greece while continuing to work abroad, without entering the local labour market. Note that, since early 2026, you can no longer apply for the two-year Digital Nomad residence permit from within Greece as a visitor. You now need to obtain the national (D) visa from a Greek consulate abroad first.
Choosing the Right Residence Permit
Each option serves a different purpose:
The Golden Visa is best suited to those seeking residency through investment.
The Startup Golden Visa is aimed at entrepreneurial investors.
The FIP Visa suits individuals with stable passive income.
The Digital Nomad Visa is designed for remote workers.
The right choice depends on your financial situation, your lifestyle, and your long-term plans in Greece.
Conclusion
Greece offers a range of residence permit options for non-EU citizens, making it accessible to investors, professionals, and people seeking a different lifestyle. Buying property does not require a residence permit, but living in Greece long-term does. Understanding the available options is the first step toward choosing the right path. We have been guiding international buyers to find their ideal home in Greece since 1991, and we are happy to help you weigh up which route fits your plans.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Residence permit rules and financial thresholds change over time and individual circumstances vary. Confirm the current requirements with a qualified immigration lawyer or with us before making any decisions.
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