How to Live in Greece as a Non-EU Citizen

As you have probably heard, working in a country that is part of the EU as a non-EU citizen or third-country national can be more complicated as it sounds.

There are a few complexities to keep in mind if you're wanting to apply for a residency permit as a non-EU citizen in Greece.

Benefits of Obtaining a Residency Permit in Greece

This may be a no-brainer to some, but having a permit as a non-EU citizen grants you full access to the Greek labor market and allows you to become a tax-paying resident. Only with a Greek residency permit you will be able to pay taxes in Greece or start your own business.

Some banks in Greece may ask to see proof of a temporary residency permit if you're looking to open an account at any bank branch.

How to Obtain a Permit as a non-EU citizen

To obtain a permit, you must either file an application with the Greek Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence or hire a qualified immigration lawyer to file an application on your behalf.

If you're determined on moving to Greece, there are other ways to live and work in Greece legally, which are:

• Applying for a job in Greece where your employer sponsors your work visa.
• Demonstrating a minimum of 5 years of work experience as an employee in a relevant field.
• Make a substantial investment for legal residency i.e. investing in property for the Golden Visa Program (read more in our guide to the Greek Golden Visa).
• If you have a fully-remote job, you can apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in your current country of residence. Our Digital Nomad Visa guide covers the income requirement and the application.
• If your spouse is a Greek citizen, or if you have Greek ancestry, then you can apply for a permit.
• If you have passive income and can demonstrate your earnings to the Greek government, then you can apply for a Financially Independent Person's visa, or FIP. To qualify for this type of visa, you need to be earning at least €3,500 a month in passive income, or through a pension. Our FIP visa guide walks through the application in full.

In conclusion, Greece is among one of the most beautiful places in the world. However, doing the necessary research is crucial before making the big step. This includes researching the best type of permit for you and considering which type suits your needs.

Get a Straight Answer on Your Own Case

Every relocation turns on the details, and the wrong permit or tax status can cost you months. Before you file anything, book a free 15-minute discovery call and we will go through your situation and tell you plainly what you need, what it costs and how long it takes.

Written by Chloe Mason, founder of My Greek Expat Journey. Chloe has lived in seven countries and has personally guided 300+ people through Greek residency, tax, property and bureaucracy. More articles by Chloe.