Greek Visa After Brexit

 

A Comprehensive Guide to Applying for a Visa to Live in Greece

 

The allure of Greece—with its sun-drenched islands, ancient history, and vibrant culture—has long captivated individuals from around the globe. Since Brexit, British citizens, much like their American and other non-EU counterparts, are considered “third-country nationals” when it comes to long-term residency. This change necessitates a clear understanding of the various visa and residency options available for those who wish to make Greece their long-term home.

Obtaining a long-stay visa (Type D) is the first step toward securing a residency permit that will not only grant you the legal right to live in Greece but also provide the freedom of movement within the entire Schengen Zone. This guide explores the most common visa pathways, detailing their requirements, benefits, and the application process.

 

1. The Independent Financial Means (FIP) Visa

 

The Independent Financial Means Visa, often referred to as the Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa, is a highly popular choice for non-EU citizens who wish to reside in Greece without engaging in local employment. This visa is particularly well-suited for retirees, individuals with a stable passive income, or remote workers who do not fall under the specific digital nomad visa criteria. The core principle of this visa is to prove that you can financially support yourself and any dependents without relying on the Greek economy.

Key Requirements and Financial Thresholds (as of 2025):

• Sufficient Income: The primary applicant must demonstrate a consistent monthly income of at least €3,500 from non-Greek sources. This passive income can come from a variety of sources, such as pensions, dividends, rental income from properties outside Greece, or a salary from a foreign-based company. It is crucial that this income is passive and does not require you to be actively working in Greece.
• Family Inclusion: The financial threshold increases when you include family members in your application. For a spouse, the required monthly income increases by 20%, and for each dependent child, it increases by 15%. This means a couple would need to demonstrate a combined monthly income of at least €4,200, and a family of four would need approximately €5,250.
• Proof of Funds: In addition to proving a stable passive income, applicants must often show proof of a certain amount of savings in a Greek or foreign bank account. This serves as a buffer to cover living expenses. The recommended amount is typically a lump sum equivalent to 12 months’ worth of the required monthly income.
• Health Insurance: You must have valid private medical insurance that provides comprehensive coverage for your entire stay in Greece.
• Residency Requirement: To maintain your FIP visa status, you are required to physically reside in Greece for at least six months of the year (183 days). It’s important to note that spending more than 183 days in the country will classify you as a Greek tax resident, making you liable for Greek taxes on your worldwide income.
• Validity and Renewal: The initial FIP visa is valid for one year. You can then apply for a two-year residence permit, which is renewable as long as you continue to meet the financial and residency requirements.

Application Process:

The application for the initial Type D visa is typically submitted at the Greek consulate or embassy in your home country. This involves gathering all necessary documents, including proof of income, bank statements, passport, and a clean criminal record. Once the visa is approved and you enter Greece, you must apply for a residence permit at the local Ministry of Immigration within the first 30 days of your arrival.

 

2. The Greek Golden Visa Program

 

The Golden Visa is a highly flexible residency-by-investment program designed for non-EU citizens seeking a pathway to European residency. It is a particularly attractive option for those who are not able to meet the passive income requirements of the FIP visa or for those who do not wish to be a tax resident of Greece.

Key Requirements and Investment Options (as of 2025):

The most common route to obtaining the Golden Visa is through a real estate investment. However, due to high demand in popular areas, the investment thresholds have been adjusted in 2025 to encourage investment in other regions.

• Real Estate Investment:
  • Tier 1 (€800,000): For properties located in high-demand areas such as Central Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Thessaloniki, and other islands with populations over 3,100.
  • Tier 2 (€400,000): For properties in less densely populated regions, encouraging development in emerging areas.
  • Renovation Exception (€250,000): The previous €250,000 threshold still applies to properties that are undergoing conversion from commercial to residential use or require significant renovation.
• Other Investment Options: The Golden Visa can also be obtained through various financial investments, including:
  • A capital investment of at least €400,000 in a company registered in Greece.
  • An investment of at least €400,000 in Greek government bonds.
  • A deposit of at least €400,000 in a Greek bank.
  • An investment of €400,000 in bonds or shares of real estate investment companies.

Benefits of the Golden Visa:

• No Minimum Stay: Unlike the FIP visa, there is no requirement to spend any specific amount of time in Greece to maintain your residency. This makes it an ideal “back-up” residency option for international business people and families.
• Family Inclusion: The visa extends to your immediate and extended family members, including your spouse, dependent children up to the age of 21, and the parents of both you and your spouse.
• Schengen Access: All family members included in the visa are granted free movement throughout the Schengen Zone.
• Pathway to Citizenship: After seven years of continuous residency, Golden Visa holders can apply for Greek citizenship, subject to meeting language and other integration requirements.

Application Process:

The process typically begins with the investment, such as the purchase of a property. Once the investment is complete, you can submit your application for the initial five-year residence permit. This can be done either in Greece or, in some cases, through a Greek legal representative in your home country via a Power of Attorney. You will need to provide proof of the investment, a clean criminal record, and private medical insurance.

 

3. The Digital Nomad Visa

 

The Greek Digital Nomad Visa is a relatively new and increasingly popular option for remote workers and freelancers. It is specifically designed for non-EU citizens who work remotely for a company or clients based outside of Greece.

Key Requirements and Financial Thresholds (as of 2025):

• Remote Work Status: Applicants must prove they are employed or self-employed by a company not registered in Greece. This can be demonstrated through employment contracts, freelance client invoices, or other documentation.
• Sufficient Income: The minimum monthly income requirement is set at €3,500 after taxes. This can be proven with recent bank statements, payslips, or tax returns.
• Family Inclusion: Like the Golden Visa, the Digital Nomad Visa allows for family inclusion, with the financial threshold increasing by 20% for a spouse and 15% for each dependent child.
• Health Insurance: You must have valid private medical insurance that covers your stay in Greece.
• Proof of Accommodation: You must provide a rental agreement or a contract for purchasing a property as proof of a legal address in Greece.
• Validity and Renewal: The initial visa is valid for one year. It can then be renewed for an additional two years as long as you continue to meet the remote work and financial requirements.

Application Process:

You must apply for the initial Type D visa at the Greek consulate or embassy in your home country. You will need to present your passport, proof of remote employment and income, health insurance, and proof of address in Greece. A declaration letter stating your intention not to work for a Greek company is also required. After receiving the visa and entering Greece, you must apply for a residence permit at the local Ministry of Immigration.

 

4. The Work Visa Pathway

 

For those who wish to work for a Greek company, the process is slightly different. Greece does not have a standalone “work visa.” Instead, the right to work is granted through a specific type of long-stay residence permit.

• Job Offer Prerequisite: A job offer from a Greek-based employer is a fundamental requirement. The employer must be a locally licensed and incorporated company.
• Employer Sponsorship: The Greek employer is responsible for applying for the work permit on your behalf. This is a crucial step, as it demonstrates that they have a genuine need to hire a non-EU national for the position.
• Application Process: Once the work permit is approved, you can apply for a Type D visa at the Greek embassy in your home country. After your visa is granted and you arrive in Greece, you must then apply for your residence permit at the Aliens and Immigration Department. This permit, once issued, will officially grant you the right to live and work in the country.

 

General Application Considerations

 

Regardless of which visa you apply for, there are several general points to keep in mind:

• Legal Representation: It is highly recommended to engage a Greek lawyer specializing in immigration. They can provide essential guidance, assist with document preparation, and ensure your application is submitted correctly, saving you time and preventing potential setbacks.
• Documentation: All documents submitted must be officially translated into Greek and apostilled or legalized as per the specific requirements of the Greek consulate.
• Biometrics: A visit to a Greek consulate or embassy is required for biometric data collection (fingerprints and photograph) as part of the application process.
• Processing Times: While some visas may be processed relatively quickly, it is wise to plan well in advance. Processing times can vary depending on the specific visa type, the volume of applications, and the efficiency of the local consulate.

In conclusion, Greece offers a variety of well-defined pathways for non-EU citizens, including British nationals, to achieve their dream of long-term residency. By carefully selecting the visa that best suits your personal and financial situation, and by meticulously following the application steps with the help of professional guidance, you can navigate the process with confidence and prepare for a new life in this beautiful Mediterranean country.