Obtaining a residence permit in Greece differs considerably depending on a third country national’s purpose of stay, such as employment, study, family reunification or investment. Each category is governed by its own conditions, supporting documents and deadlines. This guide sets out the general framework, so that anyone considering an application has an initial overview before seeking tailored legal advice.
Main residence permit categories
The most common residence permit categories for third country nationals include the dependent employment permit, which is tied to a specific position and employer, the study permit for enrolment at a recognised educational institution, the family reunification permit for family members of a third country national or Greek citizen already lawfully residing in Greece, and permits linked to investment, such as the Golden Visa programme. In recent years, a dedicated permit for digital nomads has also been introduced, aimed at professionals who work remotely for an employer or clients based outside Greece.
Each category has its own legal basis, its own application form and, often, a different competent authority for review, depending on the applicant’s place of residence.
General application procedure
Although the details vary by category, the general course of a residence permit application follows these stages:
- Entry into the country with the appropriate visa (national visa), where required, before the residence permit application is submitted in Greece.
- Gathering and preparing supporting documents, tailored to the specific permit category.
- Submitting the application to the competent authority, whether at the level of the Decentralised Administration or another relevant authority, depending on the category.
- Issuance of an application receipt confirmation, which allows lawful stay while the file is under review.
- Review of the file by the competent authority and, where required, an appointment for biometric data.
- Issuance of the residence permit, in the form of a standalone document or card.
Processing times vary considerably depending on the workload of the competent authority and the completeness of the initial file.
Documents typically required
Regardless of category, most applications require a valid passport, proof of sufficient financial resources, health insurance covering Greece and proof of accommodation. Depending on the category, further documents are added, such as an employment contract and work permit for the employment category, proof of enrolment at an educational institution for the study category, or proof of the family relationship and the sponsor’s income for family reunification.
Residence permits for dependent family members
In several residence permit categories, dependent family members of the main applicant (spouse, minor children and, under certain conditions, parents) can obtain their own residence permit linked to that of the main applicant. The procedure and required conditions differ depending on whether the family members are entering the country for the first time or already reside in Greece.
Duration, renewal and long term residence
Most residence permits are granted for a specific period and are renewed, provided the original conditions continue to be met. After a number of years of continuous and lawful residence, a third country national may acquire long term resident status, which provides greater stability and easier access to the Greek labour market.
Digital nomads and other special categories
Beyond the traditional categories, the digital nomad residence permit is aimed at professionals who maintain an employment relationship or collaboration with an employer or clients based outside Greece, working remotely. This category requires proof of sufficient income and health cover, without requiring an employment relationship with a Greek business. There are also specific categories for non property investors, for executives transferred to a Greek subsidiary of a multinational company, and for retirees of foreign origin who wish to settle permanently in Greece.
Common points requiring attention
Preparing the file in good time, before the expiry of the existing permit or lawful stay, prevents gaps in lawful residence that could complicate future applications. Particular care is also required with the translation and certification of foreign documents, as well as with the consistency of information across the different documents in the file. Legal guidance from the outset of the process helps avoid rejections due to formal shortcomings.
For an assessment of your specific circumstances and guidance on the appropriate permit category, please get in touch with the office.