Greece Residency Programs Explained: The Essential Guide for Non-EU Residents

Greece offers two main residency pathways for non-EU citizens: the Golden Visa, aimed at investors, and the FIP (Financially Independent Person) Visa, ideal for digital nomads, retirees, and anyone with stable income earned abroad. Both provide access to Greece and the Schengen Area, but they differ significantly in requirements, costs, and lifestyle expectations.

Greece Golden Visa: Residency Through Investment

Created in 2013, the Golden Visa grants a 5-year renewable residency permit in exchange for an eligible investment.

Minimum Investment Options

• Real estate:
  • €800,000 in prime areas (Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Crete)
  • €400,000 in most other regions
• Government bonds: €500,000
• Bank deposits: €400,000
• Startup investments: €250,000 (new option)

Key Advantages

• No minimum stay: You do not need to live in Greece.
• Schengen access: Visa-free travel within the zone.
• Family coverage: Spouse, children under 21 (up to 24 for students), and dependent parents.
• Path to citizenship: After 7 years, with language & integration requirements.
• Potential income: Long-term rental yields and property appreciation.

Things to Consider

• Higher investment thresholds in top destinations.
• No employment rights (business ownership allowed).
• Short-term rental restrictions in some municipalities.

Greece FIP Visa: Residency for Digital Nomads & Passive-Income Earners

The FIP Visa, also known as the Digital Nomad Visa, allows non-EU citizens to live in Greece without investing.

Income Requirements

• Minimum €3,500/month after taxes
• +20% for a spouse
• +15% per child
  Income must come from outside Greece—remote work, passive income, pensions, or foreign employment.

Main Benefits

• Low entry requirements: No investment needed.
• Fast processing: Usually 3–6 months.
• Schengen mobility identical to the Golden Visa.
• 1-year renewable permit as long as income criteria are met.

Limitations

• Must spend at least 6 months/year in Greece.
• Parents cannot be included.
• No local employment allowed.

Golden Visa vs. FIP Visa: Quick Comparison

Feature	Golden Visa	FIP Visa
Eligibility	Investment (€250k–€800k+)	€3,500+/month income
Residency Duration	5 years	1 year+
Minimum Stay	None	6+ months/year
Family	Spouse, children, parents	Spouse, children
Work Rights	No employment	Remote work only
Citizenship Path	7 years	7 years

Tax Considerations

Golden Visa

• Optional €100,000 flat tax for high-net-worth individuals.
• Real estate transfer tax: ~3%.
• Property tax: 0.1%–1.6% annually.
• Rental income taxed progressively (15%–45%).

FIP Visa

• Can be treated as non-tax resident if staying <183 days/year.
• Foreign income often exempts through tax treaties.
• Additional incentives:
  • 7% flat tax for foreign retirees for 15 years
  • 50% income tax reduction for relocating professionals

Which Residency Program Is Right for You?

Choose the Golden Visa if you:
✓ Want residency through investment
✓ Prefer no minimum stay requirement
✓ Want to include parents
✓ Are interested in long-term property income or startup investments

Choose the FIP Visa if you:
✓ Have stable foreign income
✓ Want a low-cost path to residency
✓ Work remotely or earn passive income
✓ Plan to live in Greece for part or all of the year