Greece immigration

To legally reside in Greece, immigrants must comply with the country’s legal requirements, including regulations outlined in Greek law. These regulations cover access to the territory, residence, establishment, and the deportation of individuals found residing illegally in the country. Depending on the purpose of the visit, immigrants have various options.

The Greek government has implemented new regulations enabling three generations of family members to benefit from the ‘visa by investment’ program. For instance, an investment as low as EUR 250,000 in real estate grants a five-year renewable residence visa under the Greek Permanent Residence Programme. There is no minimum stay requirement for permanent residence applicants. Moreover, Greece is part of the EU Schengen visa zone, allowing holders of the Greek permanent residence permit, known as the ‘Greek Golden Visa’, to travel freely within the European Union.

Typically, acquiring a Greek permanent residence permit takes approximately two months, and the permit can be renewed every five years.

Visa applications and approvals are managed by the Greek State Legal Council, Nomiko Symvoulio tou Kratos. To apply successfully, applicants may need to approach the specific consular authority in their country of residence.