Greece
Greece · Europe (EU) · updated 03.09.2026
An EU country with a Mediterranean climate and a comparatively short route to citizenship (7 years), but with IT salaries noticeably lower than in Western Europe. The main limits are high seismic activity, summer wildfires and intensifying heat. The EU Blue Card, a digital nomad visa and the Golden Visa investment route are available.
Some descriptions for this country are still Russian only: 88% translated. Numbers, prices and timelines are complete.
Entry
Entry rules depend on citizenship. Choose a passport to see the requirement for that one.
Work and visas
- Salary in IT
- $ 26 174 – $ 79 660
- Median
- $ 45 520
- Visa speed
- The national D visa is issued at the consulate and residence is granted after arrival; timeframes depend on the category and the regional office.
- Degree required
- no
- Language at work
- English (B2) is enough in international and tech companies; local vacancies usually require Greek.
- Changing employer
- The work permit is initially tied to the employer; a change requires a new permit. Under EU rules the EU Blue Card gives more mobility after the first period.
Visa types: Work permit (employed work) · EU Blue Card (highly qualified) · A digital nomad visa · Golden Visa (the investment route)
Employers: Workable, Beat, Viva Wallet, Skroutz, Blueground, Persado
Long-term visas and residence permits
EU Blue Card ('E.1') after entry with a uniform visa or visa-free
Workrenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 189processing 90 days
Fee: €166 — the sum of the two payments printed on the procedure page: a €150 electronic παράβολο for the residence permit (code 2107) and €16 for printing the electronic card (code 2119)
official source · read 2026-09-03
EU Blue Card ('E.1') after approval of the employer's request
Workrenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 189processing 90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03
EU Blue Card ('E.1') — mobility from another EU member state
Workrenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 189processing 30 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03
EU Blue Card ('E.1') through a change of purpose under Article 12
Workrenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 189processing 90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence permit for family members of an EU Blue Card holder ('E.1')
Familyrenewablefamily allowedfee $ 189processing 90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03
Intra-corporate transfer residence permit ('E.2')
Workrenewablefamily allowedfee $ 189processing 90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03
Special-purpose employment permit ('E.3') — teacher at foreign and private schools
Workrenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 189processing 50–60 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03
Special-purpose employment permit ('E.3') — professional athletes and coaches
Workrenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 189processing 50–60 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03
Special-purpose employment permit ('E.3') — amateur athletes
Workrenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 189processing 50–60 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03
Special-purpose employment permit ('E.3') — members of foreign archaeological schools
Workrenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 189processing 50–60 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03
Special-purpose employment permit ('E.3') — clergy of a known religion
Workrenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 189processing 50–60 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03
Special-purpose employment permit ('E.3') — technicians in mines and industry
Workrenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 189processing 50–60 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03
Special-purpose employment permit ('E.3') — staff of commercial and shipping companies
Workrenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 189processing 50–60 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03
Special-purpose employment permit ('E.3') — executives of strategic investment schemes
Workrenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 189processing 50–60 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03
Special-purpose employment permit ('E.3') — offshore hydrocarbon executives
Workrenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 189processing 50–60 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03
Special-purpose employment permit ('E.3') — workers under bilateral agreements
Workrenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 189processing 50–60 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence permit after approval of an invitation for dependent employment ('E.4')
Workrenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 189processing 50–80 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03
Seasonal work residence permit ('E.6') — tourism
Workrenewabledoes not count toward permanent residenceapplicant onlyfee $ 104processing 50–80 days
Fee: €91 — the sum of the two payments printed on the procedure page: a €75 electronic seasonal-worker παράβολο covering the whole validity of the permit and €16 for printing the electronic card
official source · read 2026-09-03
Seasonal work residence permit ('E.6') — agriculture
Workrenewabledoes not count toward permanent residenceapplicant onlyfee $ 104processing 50–80 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03
Seasonal work residence permit ('E.6') — fisheries
Workrenewabledoes not count toward permanent residenceapplicant onlyfee $ 104processing 50–80 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03
Humanitarian residence permit ('A.1') — victims and key witnesses of crimes
Otherterm 12 morenewablefee $ 18,2processing 50–60 days
Fee: €16 — the charge for printing the electronic card (e-παράβολο code 2119); the procedure page names no other payment
official source · read 2026-09-03
Humanitarian residence permit ('A.1') — victims of domestic violence
Otherterm 12 morenewablefee $ 18,2processing 50–60 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03
Humanitarian residence permit ('A.1') — victims of racist crimes
Otherterm 12 morenewablefee $ 18,2processing 50–60 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03
Humanitarian residence permit ('A.1') — victims of accidents at work
Otherterm 12 morenewablefee $ 18,2processing 50–60 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence permit ('A.3') — victims of exploitative working conditions
Otherterm 12 morenewablefee $ 18,2processing 50–60 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03
Humanitarian residence permit ('A.1') — participants in an addiction treatment programme
Otherterm 12 morenewablefee $ 18,2processing 50–60 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03
Humanitarian residence permit ('A.1') — acts of social virtue
Otherterm 12 morenewablefee $ 18,2processing 50–60 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03
Humanitarian residence permit ('A.1') — spouses of omogeneis after cohabitation ends
Familyterm 12 morenewablefee $ 18,2processing 50–60 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence permit ('A.2') — trafficking victims under the Palermo Protocol
Otherterm 12 morenewablefee $ 18,2processing 50–60 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence permit ('A.7') — trafficking victims under Directive 2004/81/EC
Otherterm 12 morenewablefee $ 18,2processing 50–60 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03
Permanent investor residence permit ('B.5') — change of use
Investmentterm 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 2 294processing 50 days
Fee: €2016 — the sum of the two payments printed on the procedure page: a €2000 electronic investor παράβολο and €16 for printing the electronic card
official source · read 2026-09-03
Permanent investor residence permit ('B.5') — listed building
Investmentterm 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 2 294processing 50–60 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03
Permanent investor residence permit ('B.5') — timeshare and composite tourist accommodation
Investmentterm 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 2 294processing 50–60 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03
Equal-duration residence permit for family members of a beneficiary of international protection
Familyrenewablefee $ 0,00processing 50 days
Fee: €0 — the procedure page states a zero cost and lists neither a παράβολο nor a card-printing charge
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence permit ('I.2') for adult children and ascendants of diplomatic mission staff
Familyrenewablefamily allowedfee $ 189processing 50–60 days
Fee: €166 — the sum of the two payments printed on the procedure page: a €150 electronic παράβολο for the residence permit (code 2107) and €16 for printing the electronic card (code 2119)
official source · read 2026-09-03
National visa for digital nomads ('Z.1')
Remote workterm 12 morenewabledoes not count toward permanent residencefamily allowedincome from $ 3 983 a monthfee $ 85,4
Fee: €75 — the consular fee for the national visa: for a residence title of category 'Z' the visa itself plays the part of the permit, and Article 10 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024 names no other payment
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence permit for digital nomads ('I.8')
Remote workterm 36 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedincome from $ 3 983 a monthfee $ 1 138
Fee: €1000 — the e-παράβολο that must accompany the application for this residence permit under Article 10 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024
official source · read 2026-09-03
National visa for members of artistic groups ('Z.2')
Workrenewabledoes not count toward permanent residencefee $ 85,4
Fee: €75 — the consular fee for the national visa: for a residence title of category 'Z' the visa itself plays the part of the permit, and Article 11 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024 names no other payment
official source · read 2026-09-03
National visa for intellectual creators ('Z.3')
Talentrenewabledoes not count toward permanent residencefee $ 205
Fee: €180 — the consular fee for the national visa: for a residence title of category 'Z' the visa itself plays the part of the permit, and Article 12 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024 names no other payment
official source · read 2026-09-03
National visa for service providers posted from an EU/EEA company ('Z.4')
Workrenewabledoes not count toward permanent residencefee $ 85,4
Fee: €75 — the consular fee for the national visa: for a residence title of category 'Z' the visa itself plays the part of the permit, and Article 13 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024 names no other payment
official source · read 2026-09-03
National visa for service providers posted from a third-country company ('Z.5')
Workrenewabledoes not count toward permanent residencefee $ 85,4
Fee: €75 — the consular fee for the national visa: for a residence title of category 'Z' the visa itself plays the part of the permit, and Article 14 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024 names no other payment
official source · read 2026-09-03
National visa for tour group leaders ('Z.6')
Workrenewabledoes not count toward permanent residencefee $ 85,4
Fee: €75 — the consular fee for the national visa: for a residence title of category 'Z' the visa itself plays the part of the permit, and Article 15 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024 names no other payment
official source · read 2026-09-03
National visa for athletes and coaches in training ('Z.7')
Otherrenewabledoes not count toward permanent residenceincome from $ 569 a monthfee $ 85,4
Fee: €75 — the consular fee for the national visa: for a residence title of category 'Z' the visa itself plays the part of the permit, and Article 16 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024 names no other payment
official source · read 2026-09-03
National visa for students in paid traineeship programmes ('Z.8')
Studyrenewabledoes not count toward permanent residencefee $ 85,4
Fee: €75 — the consular fee for the national visa: for a residence title of category 'Z' the visa itself plays the part of the permit, and Article 17 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024 names no other payment
official source · read 2026-09-03
National visa for Australian citizens under the Work and Holiday programme ('Z.9')
Working holidayrenewabledoes not count toward permanent residencefee $ 85,4
Fee: €75 — the consular fee for the national visa: for a residence title of category 'Z' the visa itself plays the part of the permit, and Article 18 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024 names no other payment
For citizens of certain countries only.
official source · read 2026-09-03
National visa for forest firefighting personnel ('Z.10')
Workrenewabledoes not count toward permanent residencefee $ 85,4
Fee: €75 — the consular fee for the national visa: for a residence title of category 'Z' the visa itself plays the part of the permit, and Article 19 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024 names no other payment
official source · read 2026-09-03
National visa and residence permit ('I.1') for Fulbright Foundation scholars
Studyrenewablefamily allowedfee $ 171
Fee: €150 — the e-παράβολο that must accompany the application for this residence permit under Article 20 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence permit ('I.7') for study of Athonite monastic life
Otherterm 12 morenewabledoes not count toward permanent residencefee $ 171
Fee: €150 for each year of the permit — the παράβολο under Article 21 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024 is charged on a year of stay, not on the permit as a whole
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence permit ('I.7') for monastic life outside Mount Athos
Otherterm 12 morenewabledoes not count toward permanent residencefee $ 171
Fee: €150 for each year of the permit — the παράβολο under Article 22 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024 is charged on a year of stay, not on the permit as a whole
official source · read 2026-09-03
Family reunification residence permit ('O.1')
Familyrenewablefamily allowedfee $ 171
Fee: €150 — the e-παράβολο that must accompany the application for this residence permit under Article 23 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024
official source · read 2026-09-03
Family residence permit ('O.1') where the family is formed in Greece
Familyrenewablefamily allowedfee $ 171
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03
Autonomous family residence permit ('O.2') for spouses and partners
Familyrenewableapplicant onlyfee $ 171
Fee: €150 — the e-παράβολο that must accompany the application for this residence permit under Article 24 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024
official source · read 2026-09-03
Autonomous family residence permit ('O.2') for children aged 18 to 21
Familyrenewableapplicant onlyfee $ 171
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03
Three-year autonomous family residence permit ('O.2') for children aged 21 to 24
Familyterm 36 morenewableapplicant onlyfee $ 512
Fee: €450 — the παράβολο under Article 24 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024, charged on the three-year permit at a rate for each year of its validity
official source · read 2026-09-03
Autonomous residence permit for family members of a Greek citizen
Familyrenewableapplicant only
Fee: no fee is charged: Article 171(2)(ε) of the Migration Code exempts family members of a Greek citizen under Article 93(11) from the παράβολο
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence card for family members of a Greek citizen ('O.3')
Familyrenewableapplicant only
Fee: no fee is charged: Article 171(2)(ε) of the Migration Code expressly exempts residence permits of type 'O.3' from the παράβολο
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence permit for strategic investors ('B.1')
Investmentterm 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 2 276
Fee: €2000 — the e-παράβολο that must accompany the application for this residence permit under Article 27 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence permit for investment through founding a business ('B.2')
Investmentterm 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 2 276
Fee: €2000 — the e-παράβολο that must accompany the application for this residence permit under Article 28 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence permit for executives of companies established in Greece ('B.3')
Investmentterm 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 2 276
Fee: €2000 — the e-παράβολο that must accompany the application for this residence permit under Article 29 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence permit for financial investments ('B.4')
Investmentterm 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 2 276
Fee: €2000 — the e-παράβολο that must accompany the application for this residence permit under Article 30 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024
official source · read 2026-09-03
Permanent investor residence permit ('B.5') — purchase of real estate
Investmentterm 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 2 276
Fee: €2000 — the e-παράβολο that must accompany the application for this residence permit under Article 31 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence permit for studies ('H.1')
Studyrenewabledoes not count toward permanent residenceincome from $ 740 a monthfee $ 171
Fee: €150 — the e-παράβολο that must accompany the application for this residence permit under Article 32 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence permit for volunteering ('H.2')
Otherrenewabledoes not count toward permanent residenceincome from $ 740 a month
Fee: no fee is charged: Article 171(2)(ζ) of the Migration Code exempts residence permits of type 'H.2' from the παράβολο
official source · read 2026-09-03
Researcher residence permit ('H.3')
Workrenewablefamily allowedincome from $ 1 024 a monthfee $ 171
Fee: €150 — the e-παράβολο that must accompany the application for this residence permit under Article 34 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024
official source · read 2026-09-03
Traineeship residence title ('H.4')
Studyrenewabledoes not count toward permanent residenceincome from $ 740 a monthfee $ 171
Fee: €150 — the παράβολο set for permit type 'H.4' by Article 171(1)(δ) of the Migration Code
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence permit for vocational training ('H.5')
Studyrenewabledoes not count toward permanent residenceincome from $ 740 a monthfee $ 171
Fee: €150 — the e-παράβολο that must accompany the application for this residence permit under Article 37 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence title for college students employed by a foreign company ('H.6')
Studyrenewabledoes not count toward permanent residencefamily allowedincome from $ 740 a monthfee $ 171
Fee: €150 — the e-παράβολο that must accompany the application for this residence permit under Article 38 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence permit for participants in special programmes ('H.7')
Otherrenewabledoes not count toward permanent residenceincome from $ 740 a monthfee $ 171
Fee: €150 for each year of the permit — the παράβολο under Article 39 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024 is charged on a year of stay, not on the permit as a whole
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence permit for scholarship holders ('H.7')
Studyrenewabledoes not count toward permanent residenceincome from $ 740 a month
Fee: no fee is charged: Article 171(2)(ζ) of the Migration Code exempts scholarship holders under Article 130(1) from the παράβολο
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence title for students in summer study programmes ('H.8')
Studyrenewabledoes not count toward permanent residenceincome from $ 740 a monthfee $ 171
Fee: €150 — the e-παράβολο that must accompany the application for this residence permit under Article 40 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence permit for studies at armed forces and merchant marine academies ('H.9')
Studyrenewabledoes not count toward permanent residencefee $ 171
Fee: €150 — the e-παράβολο that must accompany the application for this residence permit under Article 41 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence permit for studies at the Athonias Ecclesiastical Academy ('H.9')
Studyrenewabledoes not count toward permanent residencefee $ 171
Fee: €150 for each year of the permit — the παράβολο under Article 42 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024 is charged on a year of stay, not on the permit as a whole
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence permit for studies at music education institutions ('H.9')
Studyrenewabledoes not count toward permanent residencefee $ 171
Fee: €150 — the e-παράβολο that must accompany the application for this residence permit under Article 43 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence permit for studies at aviation training schools ('H.9')
Studyrenewabledoes not count toward permanent residencefee $ 171
Fee: €150 for each year of the permit — the παράβολο under Article 44 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024 is charged on a year of stay, not on the permit as a whole
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence permit for learning the Greek language ('H.9')
Studyrenewabledoes not count toward permanent residenceincome from $ 740 a monthfee $ 171
Fee: €150 — the e-παράβολο that must accompany the application for this residence permit under Article 45 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence permit for medical specialisation ('H.10')
Studyrenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 171
Fee: €150 for each year of the permit — the παράβολο under Article 46 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024 is charged on a year of stay, not on the permit as a whole
official source · read 2026-09-03
One-year permit for graduates to look for work or start a business
Job seekingterm 12 monot renewableincome from $ 740 a monthfee $ 171
Fee: €150 — the e-παράβολο that must accompany the application for this residence permit under Article 36 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024
official source · read 2026-09-03
One-year permit for researchers to look for work or start a business
Job seekingterm 12 monot renewableincome from $ 1 024 a monthfee $ 171
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03
Long-term resident status ('M.1')
Otherrenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 171
Fee: €150 — the e-παράβολο that must accompany the application for this residence permit under Article 57 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024
official source · read 2026-09-03
Ten-year residence permit ('M.2') after ten years of legal residence
Otherterm 120 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefee $ 1 024
Fee: €900 — the e-παράβολο that must accompany the application for this residence permit under Article 58 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024
official source · read 2026-09-03
Ten-year residence permit ('M.2') for those born or schooled in Greece
Otherterm 120 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefee $ 341
Fee: €300 — the e-παράβολο that must accompany the application for this residence permit under Article 58 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024
official source · read 2026-09-03
Ten-year residence permit ('M.2') — unaccompanied minors and family of Greeks
Otherterm 120 morenewablecounts toward permanent residence
Fee: no fee is charged: Article 171(2)(ε) of the Migration Code exempts cases (γ) and (δ) of Article 161(1) from the παράβολο
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence card for family members of an EU citizen ('N')
Familyrenewableapplicant only
Fee: no fee is charged: the list of παράβολα in Article 171(1) of the Migration Code does not name titles of category 'N'
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence permit in the public interest ('I.1')
Otherterm 36 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 171
Fee: €150 — the e-παράβολο that must accompany the application for this residence permit under Article 60 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence permit for private servants of diplomatic mission members ('I.3')
Workrenewabledoes not count toward permanent residencefee $ 171
Fee: €150 for each year of the permit — the παράβολο under Article 62 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024 is charged on a year of stay, not on the permit as a whole
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence permit for medical, nursing and palliative care ('I.4')
Otherrenewablecounts toward permanent residenceincome from $ 740 a monthfee $ 171
Fee: €150 — the e-παράβολο that must accompany the application for this residence permit under Article 63 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence permit for companions of a patient receiving care ('I.4')
Familyrenewablecounts toward permanent residenceincome from $ 740 a monthfee $ 171
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence permit for Canadian citizens under the Youth Mobility programme ('I.5')
Working holidayterm 12 morenewabledoes not count toward permanent residencefee $ 114
Fee: €100 — the παράβολο set for permit type 'I.5' by Article 171(1)(η) of the Migration Code
For citizens of certain countries only.
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence permit for foreign press correspondents ('I.6')
Workrenewablecounts toward permanent residencefee $ 171
Fee: €150 — the e-παράβολο that must accompany the application for this residence permit under Article 65 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence permit for financially independent persons ('I.8')
Retirementterm 36 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedincome from $ 3 983 a monthfee $ 1 138
Fee: €1000 — the e-παράβολο that must accompany the application for this residence permit under Article 66 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence permit for pensioners of a Greek public insurance fund ('I.8')
Retirementterm 36 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 171
Fee: €150 — the e-παράβολο that must accompany the application for this residence permit under Article 67 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence permit for omogeneis holding earlier permits ('Y.1')
Repatriationrenewablecounts toward permanent residencefee $ 171
Fee: €150 — the e-παράβολο that must accompany the application for this residence permit under Article 70 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence permit for adult family members of omogeneis with earlier permits ('Y.1')
Repatriationrenewablecounts toward permanent residencefee $ 171
Fee: €150 — the e-παράβολο that must accompany the application for this residence permit under Article 71 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence permit for omogeneis without an earlier permit ('Y.1')
Repatriationrenewablecounts toward permanent residencefee $ 171
Fee: €150 — the e-παράβολο that must accompany the application for this residence permit under Article 72 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence permit for family members of omogeneis without an earlier permit ('Y.1')
Repatriationrenewablecounts toward permanent residencefee $ 171
Fee: €150 — the e-παράβολο that must accompany the application for this residence permit under Article 73 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence and work permit for omogeneis from Albania, Turkey and the former USSR ('Y.2')
Repatriationrenewablecounts toward permanent residence
Fee: no fee is named: of category 'Y', the list of παράβολα in Article 171(1) of the Migration Code names only type 'Y.1', while type 'Y.3' is expressly exempted by paragraph 2
For citizens of certain countries only.
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence permit for family members of omogeneis from the former USSR ('Y.3')
Repatriationrenewablecounts toward permanent residence
Fee: no fee is charged: Article 171(2)(η) of the Migration Code exempts residence permits of type 'Y.3' from the παράβολο
For citizens of certain countries only.
official source · read 2026-09-03
Special certificate of legal residence ('X')
Otherrenewabledoes not count toward permanent residencefee $ 171
Fee: €150 — the e-παράβολο that must accompany the application for this residence permit under Article 76 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024
official source · read 2026-09-03
Autonomous residence permit for a child holding a special certificate on coming of age
Familyrenewabledoes not count toward permanent residencefee $ 171
Fee: €150 — the e-παράβολο that must accompany the application for this residence permit under Article 77 of joint ministerial decision 95391/2024
official source · read 2026-09-03
Humanitarian residence permit ('A.4') for persons hosted by charitable institutions
Otherterm 12 morenewable
Fee: no fee is charged: Article 171(2)(στ) of the Migration Code exempts the whole of category 'A' from the παράβολο
official source · read 2026-09-03
Humanitarian residence permit ('A.4') for minors under custody or pending adoption
Familyterm 12 morenewable
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03
Humanitarian residence permit ('A.4') for minors placed in a foster family
Familyterm 12 morenewable
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03
Humanitarian residence permit ('A.5') for minors hosted in boarding houses
Otherterm 12 morenewable
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03
Residence permit on exceptional grounds ('A.6')
Otherterm 36 morenewablefee $ 341
Fee: €300 — the παράβολο set for permit type 'A.6' by Article 171(1)(ε) of the Migration Code; paragraph 2(στ) of the same article exempts the rest of category 'A' from the παράβολο
official source · read 2026-09-03
Refugee residence permit ('P.1')
Otherterm 36 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefee $ 0,00processing 50 days
Fee: €0 — the procedure page states a zero cost and lists neither a παράβολο nor a card-printing charge
official source · read 2026-09-03
Subsidiary protection residence permit ('P.2')
Otherterm 12 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefee $ 0,00processing 50 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03
Temporary protection residence permit ('P.3')
Otherrenewabledoes not count toward permanent residence
Fee: no fee is charged: Article 166 of the Migration Code expressly requires residence permits of type 'P.3' to be issued free of charge
official source · read 2026-09-03
Programme terms change, and the final decision rests with the consulate or the country migration service. The data is collected from official sources on the date shown and is not legal advice.
Residence and citizenship
- Permanent residence after
- 5 years
- Citizenship after
- 7 years
- Language
- Greek (the naturalisation exam)
- Dual citizenship
- allowed
Absence limits: EU long-term resident status carries limits on long absences (under the EU directive, no more than 6 months in a row and a capped total over 5 years).
Naturalisation for people not of Greek descent comes after 7 years of lawful residence. An exam in Greek and on knowledge of the country (history, geography, institutions) and an interview are required.
Documents
- Document certification
- apostille
The country is party to the 1961 Hague Convention: a degree or certificate is authenticated with a single apostille in the country that issued it.
Family
Partner
- Timeline
- family reunification once the sponsor has residence
- Right to work
- yes
A partner over 18. Access to the labour market is granted under family reunification.
Children
- Can be brought
- yes
- Age limit
- up to 18 years
Unmarried minor children of the sponsor or the partner.
Parents
- Route
- Family reunification (Law 4251/2014): ascendant relatives where dependency is proven
- Timeline
- several months
- Income threshold
- The sponsor must show stable income and housing
- Difficulty
- difficult
Parents are admitted if they are dependent on the sponsor and lack proper family support in the country of origin — dependency is hard to prove.
Partner's parents
- Difficulty
- difficult
Matters: In a number of countries only a biological child can sponsor a parent, in which case the spouse files the application.
Pets
- Limit
- 5
- Quarantine
- no
- Antibody titre test
- needed
- Preparation
- ~4 months
- Cost per animal
- $ 341 – $ 910
EU rules: chip, rabies vaccination, for import from countries outside the EU list — an antibody titre test 30 days after vaccination and a 3-month wait before entry. No quarantine. No breed bans on import.
Safety
- Situation
- calm
Crime: Low violence and homicide. The main everyday risks are pickpocketing and burglary, plus tourist overcharging.
Natural hazards
Earthquakeshigh
Greece is the most seismically active country in Europe. Regular noticeable earthquakes across the country, especially in the west and on the islands. In 2020 an M7.0 earthquake off Samos caused deaths; in 2021 there was a series of tremors on Crete and in Thessaly.
Wildfiresvery high
Wildfires are one of the main threats. In 2023 the fire in the Evros region became the largest in EU history; the Mati fire near Athens in 2018 took 104 lives. Large fires recur every year and intensify during heatwaves.
Floodshigh
Flash floods during heavy downpours. Storm Daniel in September 2023 caused catastrophic flooding of the Thessalian plain (the Larissa area), with deaths and destroyed infrastructure.
Hurricaneslow
No hurricanes; occasionally Mediterranean cyclones (medicanes) bring strong wind and rain.
Droughtshigh
The east of the country and the islands are semi-arid, and water restrictions are imposed in summer, especially on Crete and the Cyclades.
Extreme heathigh
Heatwaves are intensifying. The summer of 2024 saw the longest heat on record (16 days in July); the national record is +48.0°C. In summer the Acropolis closes during peak hours.
Volcanoesmedium
The active volcanoes of Santorini and Nisyros. In early 2025 Santorini saw seismic activity and evacuations, but no eruption.
Tsunamismedium
The historic tsunami of 1956 after the earthquake off Amorgos. The risk to the coast is not zero because of the seismicity.
Higher overall than in most EU countries: a combination of high seismicity, destructive summer fires, intensifying heat and local flooding.
Climate
3J
5F
6M
10A
15M
19J
23J
22A
18S
13O
9N
5D
- Type
- Mediterranean (Csa); continental and semi-arid in the mountains and the east
On the coast and the islands, hot dry summers and a mild winter; inland and in the mountains (where the country's centroid lies) winters are colder. Summer heatwaves are intensifying.
Quality of life
- Life expectancy
- 81.8 years
- Migration
- inflow
Healthcare: The public ESY system provides universal coverage but is underfunded: queues and staff shortages, with private treatment common.
Air: Athens gets smog (nefos) in the basin, and in summer Saharan dust and smoke from fires.
Flows: After the outflow during the 2010–2013 crisis, migration is positive again: in 2023 arrivals (118,816) outnumbered departures (76,158).
Cities
Athens
tech hub643 452 residents
$ 715
1 bedroom, per month
The capital and the main economic and technology centre. The most vacancies and international companies. The metropolitan area is about 3.6 million.
2 bedrooms $ 9543 bedrooms $ 1 287utilities $ 201ticket $ 1,39monthly pass $ 31,7
To buy, per m²: centre $ 4 032 · suburbs $ 3 350
Seismic risk, summer heat and smog in the basin, fires on the fringes of Attica (Mati 2018), pickpocketing in the centre and on the metro.
+The most tech vacancies
+An international environment
+International airport
+Developed infrastructure
−The most expensive rent in the country
−Summer heat and air pollution
−Traffic jams and dense building
−Tourist pressure
Thessaloniki
tech hub309 617 residents
$ 586
1 bedroom, per month
The country's second city, a large university and growing technology centre in the north. The metro area is about 990,000.
2 bedrooms $ 7693 bedrooms $ 1 052utilities $ 198ticket $ 0,69monthly pass $ 21,4
To buy, per m²: centre $ 3 859 · suburbs $ 2 850
Seismic risk (the 1978 earthquake, which caused deaths), summer heat, local flooding.
+Cheaper than Athens
+A university environment
+A growing tech sector
+Rich culture and cuisine
−Fewer vacancies than in Athens
−Air quality in winter
−Summer heat
Patras
170 755 residents
$ 496
1 bedroom, per month
The third largest city, a port and university centre in the west of the Peloponnese, with ferries to Italy.
2 bedrooms $ 707 · estimate3 bedrooms $ 916utilities $ 135ticket $ 1,40monthly pass $ 63,3
To buy, per m²: centre $ 2 159 · suburbs $ 1 804
The high seismic activity of western Greece. A port and industrial character.
+Affordable rent
+University
+A port and links to Italy
−Few IT jobs
−Seismic activity
−Less of an international environment
Heraklion
149 501 residents
$ 637
1 bedroom, per month
The largest city on Crete, a port and airport; home to the FORTH research centre and a university.
2 bedrooms $ 9903 bedrooms $ 1 166utilities $ 189ticket $ 1,52monthly pass $ 69,7
To buy, per m²: centre $ 3 993 · suburbs $ 2 882
Seismic risk (the series of earthquakes on Crete in 2021), water shortages and droughts, summer heat, seasonal tourism.
+A warm climate and the sea
+The FORTH research hub
+International airport
−Island logistics
−A seasonal economy
−Few IT jobs
−Water restrictions in summer
Larissa
146 595 residents
$ 393
1 bedroom, per month
The centre of the Thessalian plain, an agro-industrial and transport hub in the middle of the country.
2 bedrooms $ 5533 bedrooms $ 710utilities $ 229ticket $ 1,38monthly pass $ 57,8
To buy, per m²: centre $ 2 098 · suburbs $ 1 766
Catastrophic flooding during Storm Daniel in 2023, earthquakes in Thessaly (2021), severe summer heat away from the sea.
+The cheapest rent of the five cities
+A central location
+An agricultural and economic centre
−Few IT jobs
−Flood risk
−Hot continental summers
−Far from the sea
Grocery basket
- Bread, 500 g
- $ 1,45
- Milk, 1 l
- $ 1,75
- Eggs, 12
- $ 4,65
- Chicken breast, 1 kg
- $ 10,3
- Cheese, 1 kg
- $ 14,2
- Rice, 1 kg
- $ 2,59
- Potatoes, 1 kg
- $ 1,21
- Apples, 1 kg
- $ 2,30
- Coca-Cola / Pepsi, 2 l
- $ 2,50
- Total
- $ 41,0
The same set for every country, so the comparison is fair.
Cost of living across the country
- Rent, 1 bedroom
- $ 543 a month
- Rent, 3 bedrooms
- $ 1 039 a month
- Utility bills
- $ 193 a month
- Home internet
- $ 31,9 a month
- Monthly transport pass
- $ 44,7 a month
- Single transport ticket
- $ 1,46
- Petrol, litre
- $ 2,13
- Cold medicine
- $ 6,63 for a week
Country averages. City prices, where collected, are shown above and are more precise.
Indicators
- Life expectancy
- 81,8 years2024
- Homicides
- 0,9 per 100k2024
- Theft
- 606,6 per 100k2024
- Burglary
- 120,7 per 100k2024
- Robbery
- 27,9 per 100k2024
- Vehicle and vehicle-part theft
- 174,1 per 100k2024
- Road deaths
- 7,3 per 100k2021
- Unemployment
- 8,5 %2025
- Unemployment, ages 15–24
- 21,4 %2025
- Inequality (Gini)
- 33,42023
- Health spending per person
- $ 1 963 a year
- Air pollution, PM2.5
- 14,1 µg/m³2023
- Access to clean water
- 100 %2024
- Internet, fixed line
- 93,6 Mbit/s2026
- Internet, mobile
- 145,1 Mbit/s2026
Governance
- Political stability
- above average · 0,1
- Control of corruption
- above average · 0,3
- Rule of law
- above average · 0,3
- Government effectiveness
- above average · 0,2
World Bank estimates on a −2.5 to +2.5 scale, higher is better.
Natural hazards
- Earthquakes
- 8 out of 10
- River floods
- 3,8 out of 10
- Coastal floods
- 5 out of 10
- Tropical cyclones
- 0 out of 10
- Droughts
- 1,7 out of 10
- Tsunamis
- 7,2 out of 10
Policy towards newcomers
- Migrant integration, overall score
- 46 out of 100 · 2019
- Family reunification
- 52 out of 100 · 2019
- Permanent residence
- 46 out of 100 · 2019
- Access to citizenship
- 43 out of 100 · 2019
- Access to the labour market
- 61 out of 100 · 2019
Measures how favourable the law is towards newcomers, not one person's chances of getting a visa.
Each value carries the year it refers to. “Data lags behind” means this country's figure was collected noticeably earlier than the rest. Natural hazards use one 0–10 scale and are meant to be compared against each other.
Pros and cons
+An EU member: the EU Blue Card and a digital nomad visa are available
+Citizenship in 7 years (faster than Portugal's 10)
+Dual citizenship is allowed
+A Mediterranean climate and a warm sea
+Pets get through within the EU limit with no quarantine
+A low homicide rate, safe on the whole
+Cheaper than Western Europe; investors have the Golden Visa route
−The highest seismic activity in Europe
−Destructive wildfires in summer (the largest in the EU)
−Intensifying heat, a record +48°C
−IT salaries noticeably below Western and Northern Europe
−Floods (storm Daniel 2023, Thessaly)
−Greek is needed for naturalisation and for many local jobs
−Underfunded public healthcare, queues and bureaucracy
Compare with other countries in the region
Other countries in the region: Europe (EU)
Official sources
Ministry of Migration and Asylum
The Ministry of Migration and Asylum: visas, residence, permit categories
Migration Policy — Residence Permits
Employed work, the EU Blue Card, family reunification, long-term resident status
MITOS — the national registry of administrative procedures
Naturalisation of a foreign national: the procedure card in the state registry. The site of the interior ministry, which handles citizenship, and the gov.gr portal both refused access on every path, including a made-up one, as of 3 September 2026
Spitogatos
Greece's largest property portal (renting and buying)
XE.gr
The second large property portal
Spitogatos - buying
Car.gr
The main car sales platform
gov.gr
A single government portal: driving licences are exchanged and issued through the regional authorities
Ministry of Rural Development and Food
Veterinary service, rules on bringing in pets (EU rules)
AADE
The independent public revenue authority: the AFM tax number, taxes
EOPYY
The National Organisation for Healthcare Services (the ESY system)